From the advent of mobile keys and the changing face of the accommodation sector, there are huge changes afoot in the hotel industry and with that change comes new opportunities. With just three weeks to go until Travel Technology Europe 2018 some of the event’s Advisory Board share their thoughts on what technologies they believe will offer the greatest opportunities for change in the year ahead.
One of the areas causing a stir with the Advisory Board is data. Jane Pendlebury, Chief Executive, HOSPA believes that Òthe ability to really drill down into the data is a great opportunityÓ and Mike Aubrey, Director, OWOL comments Òthere is an amazing opportunity to understand travellers in greater detail, even before they become a clientÉ to profile, segment and deliver targeted communications that enhance customer relationships, building greater brand loyalty and driving revenue.Ó Using data to drive sales and customer loyalty are topics that will feature prominently on the Travel Technology Europe conference session, with sessions on personalisation, the customer journey and using data to boost conversion rates.
However, with the growth in data comes challenges and Jane cautions that ÒGDPR will affect our ability to really get to know our guests.Ó To help visitors manage their GDPR obligations there will be opportunities to speak to hear from leading travel lawyers specialising in GDPR, to understand how personalisation and GDPR can work hand in hand as well as the opportunity to sign up for one-to-one advice clinics with GDPR experts.
Mike also believes that the travel industry is beginning to attract more and more start-ups delivering innovative solutions: ÒInterest in the travel sector from technology companies, including a number of innovative new start-ups, is growing and for those companies willing to embrace technology to enhance traditional USPs there is opportunity to not only meet, but exceed the traveller experience.Ó
Visitors at Travel Technology Europe will have the opportunity to see 15 disruptive start-ups at the show’s Launchpad and discover how their technologies are set to shape the industry.
Others are getting excited about the big developments in hotel technology and the changing face of the accommodation sector. Brian Shedd, _chief sales and marketing officer, Openkey believes that 2018 will Òsee more and more control of the guest experience moving to the smartphone so guests are more in control of their stay and experience and hotels can deliver an increasingly personalized stay to every guest.Ó While Daryl Walker, head of e-commerce and distribution, SACO believes that the hospitality mindset will continue to expand beyond traditional hotel rooms into different types of accommodation to Òprovide more fulfilling hospitality experiences and more exciting ways to travel and consume, which technology can help to enable and accelerate.Ó
With an expanded Hotel Technology Zone at this year’s Travel Technology Europe and an Interactive Playground where visitors can get hands-on with the latest in-room technology, there will be plenty of inspiration and advice for hotel and accommodation owners looking for the latest innovations.
There will also be plenty of sessions and information for hoteliers about the opportunities presented by the different routes to market now available to hoteliers. Andy Tam, Head of Marketing, OTA believes this is an area that often presents a challenge but is Òalso one of the most exciting opportunities.Ó He comments that Òtravel has undoubtedly become more accessible as the number of channels has grown significantly in recent years and it has brought new opportunities for suppliers and operators alike, and this innovation is no doubt what will continue to drive the industry forward in the coming years.Ó
To find out more about the conference programme at Travel Technology Europe and to register for free visit: http://www.traveltechnologyeurope.com/visiting/register-for-free
