Distribution

Getting all the relevant, bookable inventory in front of business travelers is a never-ending challenge. Airlines, hotels and other suppliers constantly tinker with their products and pricing, and usually favor direct distribution over more costly third-party channels. That creates complexity in business travel technology.

Some examples of our coverage
• Commissions and other remuneration
• Industry rules of thumb and trade secrets from the US Airways v. Sabre and U.S. v. Sabre trials
• Such newer concepts as New Distribution Capability and personalization

Teleconference 2: Hotel Buying

Hotel Buying Oct. 13, 2016 On Teleconference 2, The Company Dime and expert guests examined the dynamics of the ongoing 2017 hotel rate negotiating season. ABC Global Services CEO Eric Altschul, Hilton executive director for business travel sales Maria Chevalier, Festive Road associate Lora Ellis, Anthem travel and events director Cindy Heston and HRS . ….

Teleconference 3: Online Booking Tools

Online Booking Tools Nov. 10, 2016 Thanks to all our attendees and speakers! Listen to a recording of the live teleconference. Highlights of Teleconference 3 included Jay Campbell’s observations of the US Airways v. Sabre trial and Upside chairman Jay Walker taking questions about his business travel proposition for small and medium enterprises. Microsoft global travel and venue…

Lufthansa Enables Direct Booking Connections With Siemens, Volkswagen

Lufthansa Group last week announced it is processing business travel bookings directly with Germany-based conglomerate Siemens. This week it named carmaker Volkswagen for the same. Lufthansa and Siemens on Aug. 1 began using a Lufthansa-provided connection for bookings on the group’s airlines by Germany-based travelers. Officials said other markets will follow, though specifics are not…

Teleconference 1 (Beta): Airline Direct Distribution

Airline Direct Distribution Sept. 8, 2016 The Company Dime welcomes expert guests including American Airlines managing director for distribution and data commercialization Cory Garner, ARC president and CEO Mike Premo, WestRock corporate travel manager Karen Hatch and World Travel Inc. president Dee Runyan to decode the status quo on airline direct booking in business travel. See the slides…

After Reservations System Switch, Southwest Can Be More Creative On Corporate Deals

[UPDATE, Feb. 8, 2017: Southwest plans to complete by May 9 the second “foundational release” of the new Amadeus Altéa reservation system. That would cover passenger check-in and boarding, baggage check-in and other operational functions. The initial release in December 2016 allowed for domestic U.S. ticket sales. The airline described that as a “virtually flawless”…

Still Fringe For Many Clients, Airbnb Presents Travel Management Companies Revenue Opportunity

It’s a classic tale of challenges and opportunities. And disclaimers. For when the three biggest travel management companies help clients use Airbnb, they say, they’re not endorsing it. Whether to use it is up to clients. TMCs are simply capturing data. Well, they might be marketing it, too. And they could soon be booking it….

Experts See Artificial Intelligence Boosting Travel Management Innovation

Denver — Artificial intelligence could propel travel management past other disciplines on service innovation. According to experts, this is because of its data and people. American Express Global Business Travel’s Evan Konwiser said business travel firms have the info to make AI useful. Others don’t. Among these data are user profiles, history, preferences and loyalty. Content, rates…

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