The future of travel distribution and more stories
Hunting for Direct Bookings
A concrete look at three hotel companies and how they are using bots and mobile to increase direct revenue. Sure it isn't enough and there's a lot more that should be done. But the best thing to do is test, and fail fast. Rather than failing slowly which too many are still doing now.
GDS ideas for the future
Before OTAs existed there was the GDS. And when the internet became a thing the GDS' could easily have become the main online distribution channel, they had rates, inventory and booking delivery. But they didn't. Skift did an in-depth look at the history of GDS and travel distribution and the possible future. How and if blockchain will be a solution plus many other thoughts discussed. Worth a read.
Jeff Bezos on artificial intelligence etc.
This reaches a little a little outside our industry but I recommend it to anyone who wants an idea of where technology is going, why it needs to go there and how artificial intelligence will play an increasingly bigger role. Amazon hasn't tried too hard in the travel space, but it might only be a question of time.
A hotel CIO on what hotel tech needs
This interview with the Chief Information Officer from a hotel company says a lot about what the industry needs to be doing in terms of tech evolution. For examples systems with flexible cost structures that change according to the hotel companies needs. Systems that can adapt and integrate to changes in the technology landscape and more. Great to see it from a hotelier's viewpoint.
What if? ideas for the future of travel
Security, threats, attacks, politics and much of the other sensational news we get to read does affect travel. Unfortunately. Some think it may grow in the future, some think not. I'm personally rather optimistic and I think travel will grow no matter what. Because travel is so closely associated to freedom and the human race seeks more freedom, always. But this long read PDF from amadeus takes some more pragmatic looks a various scenarios for the future of travel.