Looking Back with Travel Market Report, Part Four: Technology

In the last five years, travel agents have had to grapple with a host of new technological developments and innovations in order to compete. There were tremendous challenges ranging from IATA’s proposed New Distribution Capability (NDC) to increasingly sophisticated social media.

Travel Market Report kept up, covering the news, offering in depth analyses of the issues, and providing how-to’s on a spiraling number of must-know developments.

Following are just a few of the stories Travel Market Report published during this period—along with what our advisory board members have to say about technology.
 
“There  are a number of issues and concerns affecting the travel agent in the last five years but the one that first comes to mind is the airlines’ introduction of ancillary products at a cost such as seat assignments, upgrades and baggage fees. This adds more time to do a transaction and has benefited the airlines while penalizing the travel agent.”—Tony Fragapane, general manager, Voyages Concierge Deluxe Travel

“[The challenge:] Keeping up with emerging technology, especially if you are a small agency.”—Colleen Gillette, owner, New Paltz Travel

“[Tech issues include] the impact of technology from lack of time—clients want instant responses to the impact of technology—it’s a 24/7 world that changes service levels and expectations; increased ancillary fees and increased traveler frustration; GDS bypass—no place for vetted information; social media—ROI or a trend; new apps—a help or a hindrance?”—Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, co-president, Valerie Wilson Travel

2010
Agents Using GDS Account for Nearly Half of All U.S. Travel Bookings
Back in 2010, travel agents using GDS’s helped drive close to half of all U.S. travel bookings.

2011
Agent Hooked by Phishing Scam Shares Lessons Learn
While technology has greatly expanded the scope of what travel agents’ offerings, it’s also opened them up to new scams. One agent shares her experience having her email data base hacked.

2012
IATA Plans New Alternatives to Current Distribution Technology
IATA unveiled its New Distribution Capability (NDC), saying it combines the best of both” GDS and direct booking channels. Industry groups and travel agents have been debating NDC ever since then.

In 2012, Mobile Tech Put Biz Travelers in the Driver’s Seat
Mobile technology hit its stride in 2012 for business travelers. “The travel industry is finally joining the rest of the business world,” said one observer.

Where to Turn for Quality Social Media Content
Social media has become ubiquitous. Columnist and social media guru Sophie Bujold offers travel agents tips on finding content to optimize their online networking efforts.

2013
Ruden: IATA Should ‘Start Over’ on Distribution Plan
ASTA joined a chorus of travel agents urging the Department of Transportation (DOT) to reject IATA’s proposed NDC.

2013: A Year of Discord Over Distribution
2013 was a year fraught with conflict over IATA’s proposed NDC. It was called everything from a renaissance in airline-travel agency relations to a sinister plot to do away with the existing GDS business model.

2014
GDS on New Distribution Plan: We’re Willing to Play
Here was the $64,000 questions: once the Department of Transportation (DOT) gave the nod, with conditions, to IATA’s NDC, would the GDS companies sign on?

Tips for Using Images Effectively in Social Media
As bandwidth has increased across desktop and mobile channels, images and videos have become vital to social networking. Another TMR columnist has tips for travel agents on how to use images in their social media campaigns.