[Previous entry: "Foreign Office Advice on Travel to Ireland"] [Next entry: "Travel Slump Hits Tsunami Areas"]
25/05/2005: "Tour Operators and Hoteliers Get Together to Plan Ahead"
The market environment for hoteliers and tour operators is changing very rapidly. With the advance of the internet as the place consumers go to research and book their travel, it is becoming easier for them to compare prices and availability. The new comparison web sites and the technology that powers them are tipping the balance of power towards consumers.
In response, the market has witnessed a great deal of innovation, which has helped companies of all sizes to save costs and operate much more efficiently. There has also been a period of consolidation with some very large companies emerging.
Looking ahead, what are the opportunities and the threats? Which new technologies should rise and dominate? What are the best ideas to both reduce costs and increase brand differentiation? Above all, what initiatives must hoteliers and operators take together in order to optimise the profitably and efficiency of the industry?
Under the title: ‘Automation, Consolidation and Commoditisation: Are You Ready?’, senior executives from many of the leading travel web sites, hotels, GDS and technology providers, and other key players in the travel distribution industry will meet to exchange views on the future of travel distribution.
The seminar will take place at 9.30 am – 1.00 pm at the Business Design Centre, London N1 on Tuesday 7th June 2005 and speakers will include:
· Expedia – Bruce Redor, Director of Key Accounts
· Marriott Hotels – Mike Burns, Director of Ecommerce
· OctopusTravel.com - Daniela Wagner, Managing Director
· Opodo - John Ryan, Director of Hotel Product Strategy
· Pegasus Solutions - John Seaton, Regional Director, Sales and Account Mgmt,
· Pelican Systems - Hartono Liman
· Traveljungle – Hans-Josef Vogel, Co-Founder
· Jacob Online - Mario Bodini, Managing Director
This event is part of the Eye for Travel Distribution Summit, taking place at the same venue.
Journalists will be free to meet delegates and speakers and to interview them about the various subjects under discussion.
(this article was taken from eyefortravel.com)
