Advito’s 2018 Industry Forecast predicts a modest rise in global hotel rates and increased air travel that will have minimal impact on airfare prices, except in markets where demand is greatest. The annual review also highlights a growing problem related to lack of hotel availability at preferred rates, ongoing issues with traveler security and risk, as well as emerging challenges related to new NDC standards. In addition, it examines novel third-party services with the potential to offer travelers advantages via machine learning.
Hotel rate availability challenges continue
One of the most vexing dilemmas for corporate procurement and travel departments is hotel rate availability. As hotels become more sophisticated in yield management techniques, business travelers are increasingly unable to find and book rooms at preferred rates. Advito research reveals that such rates were unavailable 24 percent of the time on a global basis, with the figure as high as 33 percent among European hotels. Companies that tackle this issue most effectively manage their activity with standard hotel rate audits, rate availability audits and hotel price assurance services.
Promotion of NDC standards accelerates
Beginning in 2015, airlines began encouraging Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and their mutual corporate clients to move to new direct booking channels using IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) standards, which enable airlines to present bundled packages, rather than choices based only on price. Imposing surcharges for bookings made through non-direct channels is becoming standard practice, a trend that is expected to accelerate. By locking into NDC agreements, one of the greatest dangers is that companies may reduce their long-term negotiating power. Currently, one of the great strengths of a GDS is its aggregation of content, enabling comparison shopping between suppliers”, says Bob Brindley, vice president and principal of Advito, the global travel consultancy that produces the annual study.
Travel risk and security concerns persist
Geopolitics and terrorism have added new dimensions to travel, exposing more travelers to risk. Areas to monitor in the coming year include deteriorating diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Russia and escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula. Travel also may become more difficult if visa and immigration regulations change and as security authorities safeguard travelers from perceived threats with measures like in-flight bans on electronic devices. Because it’s impossible to predict when and where terror threats or natural disasters will occur, corporate travel departments should continue to monitor global news, explore technology solutions that enhance communications with travelers, ensure duty of care responsibilities and train road warriors how to respond if an incident happens.
Machine learning produces savings advantages
Third-party suppliers are now using machine learning to deliver benefits to travelers, adding value beyond their initial self-serving purpose to learn more about customers. This technology is now being applied to help corporations save money and reduce traveler stress through applications such as predictive pricing, forecasting the potential for flight delays and rebooking flights after tickets have been purchased. Such advancements give control back to travelers, helping them make smarter travel decisions.
