Just a few thoughts on the Technology and Online Travel section of the World Travel Market 2010. Sofia tends to walk around with me at these sort of stands and introduce me as “the tech guy”. So, in time honoured “tech guy” tradition I wanted to just share a few of our observations.

Finally! A Technology & Online Travel section

It’s great to have a section dedicated to Technology and Online Travel. Sure, it was small but it’s still there.

It is also very interesting that new, upbeat and interesting companies are making a stand at World Travel Market. Interest was not exceptionally high but I’m hopeful. Some of the services on offer are still being analysed by hoteliers and tourism professionals. We’re going through some hard times so professionals tend to be extra careful.

Tech products and services

If I am totally honest I wasn’t really blown away by the services on offer. This is probably because I am exposed to systems and technology every day, so most things were already known to me. Of course this does not reduce the value of talking to companies and understanding where they are coming from and what they believe about the travel industry.

I thought there was a lot of optimism from the new companies. Young people, enthusiastic and with real belief in the potential of technology. Having said that, some pitches and some ways of presenting services were a bit on the over-optimistic side. I’m not sure that – especially hoteliers – are convinced that a cure-for-all can really exist. I’m sure though that with time things will settle down and the services and solutions out there that bring in the results will really flourish.

Online travel

It’s still the main show in town but you wouldn’t know it from the stands there. It’s a bit weird but I think Sofia put it nicely when she said that the big names were just so obviously secure in their presence.

The chats we had were illuminating in many ways and the statistics are quite clear. Online is going from strength to strength and will continue to grow. This was obvious also from our discussions with the old school tour operators who are turning to online sales channels and online marketing more and more. Some of them work with existing brands and some develop their own platforms. We’ll soon see a lot of developments in this sector.

Highlight of the section: Rob with the amazing accent and David who was smiling all the time.

Suggested improvement: Let’s see a little bit more creativity in stand design please. Just cause we’re tech doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be creative.

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Tags: events, exhibitions, systems, technology, tourism, travel, wtm, wtm10, wtm2010
Posted in Travel & Tourism