Lola Sánchez: "We are in a moment of transcendental changes in travel distribution".
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR OF THE MÓDULO IV DEL OFFICIAL COURSE IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TRAVEL AND EVENT TRAINING: "New technologies applied to business travel".
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Technology applied to travel is perhaps one of the most interesting aspects at the moment. What does the official course provide in this regard?
This module analyzes the different waves of technological innovation that have had an impact over time on the evolution of travel distribution models, including the most recent advances in cloud computing, mobility and web 3.0. The most advanced tools will also be presented: self-booking solutions, mobile applications, telepresence, dashboards, etc. All of them can make a difference when it comes to being a successful travel manager.
The distribution channels of tourism suppliers are evolving at a dizzying pace. Why is it so necessary to know them in depth?
We are at a moment of transcendental changes in the configuration of the distribution channels of tourism suppliers. Their knowledge is essential for the travel manager, since only on the basis of this knowledge is it possible to make the right decisions when it comes to designing strategies, choosing allies and achieving excellent operations. Efficiency and cost reduction, which used to be important, are now an imperative, so travel managers are forced to find their place in this new redefining scenario.
What are the keys to make the best decision?
Although they have been in the market for years, it is now when many companies are betting on the implementation of a self-booking tool, and its correct selection is a critical factor in the success of the corporate travel management strategy. Based on the knowledge and experience of the suppliers of this type of tools, the module presents the two main existing models, the global and the best-in-market.In addition, it provides fundamental aspects, such as the geographic presence or strengths of the supplier, without forgetting, logically, its booking capabilities, its alignment with the major GDSs, its integration capacity or its mobility power.
?Qué incidence is having telepresence in business travel and what is the future of this technology?
Videoconferencing and telepresence are increasingly integrated into the operations of companies and, although it is unlikely that they will eliminate business travel as some predict, it is true that they have become another tool to meet communication, negotiation or marketing needs. Cultural changes resulting from the economic crisis along with increased environmental awareness are also behind the rise of telepresence. Advances in standardization, usability and collaboration will continue to expand this technology. But travel industry professionals should not view it as a threat, but rather as an added value in meeting each and every one of their customers' needs.
The incessant innovations that are occurring in the market of gadgets and apps require establishing basic selection criteria so that the user does not go crazy. What would your recommendations be?
We are living in mobility fever and in this field, as in many others, you have to keep your wits about you. Each user is different, so the watchword in this case would be to know our real needs, keep an eye open to the constant birth of new applications and be innovative while remaining selective, but without ever losing sight of two fundamental factors: usability and security.
If we refer specifically to the travel industry, where the figure of the permanently connected traveler is beginning to prevail, identification, geopositioning, mobile payment (NFC), mobile networking and virtual reality are poles that we cannot lose sight of if we want to achieve an increasingly richer and more satisfactory experience.