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In 2001, I
published a series known as the Travel Distribution Library. Here is a
chapter from the first book in the series, eCommerce Pioneers.
Remarkably, not much has changed and while I got a few things wrong, the bulk
of my predictions panned out.
Chicke Fitzgerald, author and strategist
——————————————————————————
Outlook for the 21st Century
“The marketplace leaves
companies with little choice. In an era where change arrives without warning
and threatens to eradicate the foundations of entire companies and entire
industries overnight, organizations can survive only by becoming more human.
Businesses that fail to engage the eyes, ears, minds, and emotions of every
individual in the organization will find themselves overrun by obsolescence or
crushed by competition.”
companies with little choice. In an era where change arrives without warning
and threatens to eradicate the foundations of entire companies and entire
industries overnight, organizations can survive only by becoming more human.
Businesses that fail to engage the eyes, ears, minds, and emotions of every
individual in the organization will find themselves overrun by obsolescence or
crushed by competition.”
Tom Petzinger, The New Pioneers
The GDS industry was born in the mid-1970s. Today, over 30
years later, it appears that the GDS as we have known it will not survive much
longer. It will have been a phenomenon of the latter years of the 20th century
and the start of the 21st century.
years later, it appears that the GDS as we have known it will not survive much
longer. It will have been a phenomenon of the latter years of the 20th century
and the start of the 21st century.
Given that brief history, it’s tough to predict where the
industry is headed over the next 30 years, not to mention the balance of the
21st century. Undoubtedly distribution
technologies not yet dreamed of will take the place of today’s GDS marketplace,
and whether the GDS companies embrace those technologies, or evolve into some
different function or purpose, is anyone’s guess.
industry is headed over the next 30 years, not to mention the balance of the
21st century. Undoubtedly distribution
technologies not yet dreamed of will take the place of today’s GDS marketplace,
and whether the GDS companies embrace those technologies, or evolve into some
different function or purpose, is anyone’s guess.
Thus we will narrow our outlook to the next decade. Even
with that narrow slice of time, the technology is changing so fast that today’s
predictions could be hopelessly out of date by 2010.
with that narrow slice of time, the technology is changing so fast that today’s
predictions could be hopelessly out of date by 2010.
The travel industry and our society as a whole are in a
period of unprecedented change. The changes do indeed come without warning and
can alter the fundamentals of business and the competitive landscape literally
overnight.
period of unprecedented change. The changes do indeed come without warning and
can alter the fundamentals of business and the competitive landscape literally
overnight.
From unlikely new market entrants to commission caps and
consumer direct distribution by suppliers, or even a troubled stock market and
continued threats of terrorism, the travel distribution industry finds itself
threatened in ways that we could not have imagined when my first book was
written in 1999.
consumer direct distribution by suppliers, or even a troubled stock market and
continued threats of terrorism, the travel distribution industry finds itself
threatened in ways that we could not have imagined when my first book was
written in 1999.
If the GDS companies are going to survive, it goes
without saying that they have to focus their efforts on increasing efficiency
in all areas of operations to improve profitability, speed decision making and
generally become more agile. They need to look to new types of partners and to
different economic models to sustain their businesses.
without saying that they have to focus their efforts on increasing efficiency
in all areas of operations to improve profitability, speed decision making and
generally become more agile. They need to look to new types of partners and to
different economic models to sustain their businesses.
There are two vital areas where all four GDS companies
must focus in order to ward off obsolescence and keep competition at bay. The
first is the area of innovation. The second focuses on people, both from the
customer perspective and the employee community.
must focus in order to ward off obsolescence and keep competition at bay. The
first is the area of innovation. The second focuses on people, both from the
customer perspective and the employee community.
Innovation
“The new new thing is a notion that is poised to be taken
seriously in the marketplace. It’s the idea that is a tiny push away from
general acceptance and, when it gets that push, will change the world.”
seriously in the marketplace. It’s the idea that is a tiny push away from
general acceptance and, when it gets that push, will change the world.”
Michael Lewis, The New New Thing, a Silicon Valley Story
On a daily basis we are bombarded as technology invades
every corner of our lives. We can use computers to communicate, produce,
calculate, entertain, research and discover in ways that were not available to
or even contemplated by our parents and their generation.
every corner of our lives. We can use computers to communicate, produce,
calculate, entertain, research and discover in ways that were not available to
or even contemplated by our parents and their generation.
My 4 year old daughter now shows my 80-year old
mother-in-law how to insert the CD-ROM into the computer to play her toddler
computer games and switches from a mouse on the home system to the touchpad on
my Powerbook laptop with ease. She is the master of the satellite remote
control, the DVD with wireless speakers in the car and she can often be
observed walking around the house with my discarded analog cell phone up to her
ear. As I have had to travel for my consulting practice, nightly I can see
updated pictures of her over the Internet.
mother-in-law how to insert the CD-ROM into the computer to play her toddler
computer games and switches from a mouse on the home system to the touchpad on
my Powerbook laptop with ease. She is the master of the satellite remote
control, the DVD with wireless speakers in the car and she can often be
observed walking around the house with my discarded analog cell phone up to her
ear. As I have had to travel for my consulting practice, nightly I can see
updated pictures of her over the Internet.
We are raising a generation that has never known life
without computers, satellite TV and digital cellular phones and cameras. They
cannot imagine life without the Internet and email. As this group comes of age, constant product
innovation and ease of use will not just be expected, it will be demanded.
without computers, satellite TV and digital cellular phones and cameras. They
cannot imagine life without the Internet and email. As this group comes of age, constant product
innovation and ease of use will not just be expected, it will be demanded.
Since my entry into the travel industry in 1978,
technology has shaped travel distribution in a profound way. Paul Blackney of
Worldspan said it this way: “Travel technology has played a pivotal role in the
development of an entire industry and in fact has dramatically shaped two
others.” He contends that without the GDS systems, airline deregulation would
never have worked and the travel agency industry wouldn’t be where it is today.
technology has shaped travel distribution in a profound way. Paul Blackney of
Worldspan said it this way: “Travel technology has played a pivotal role in the
development of an entire industry and in fact has dramatically shaped two
others.” He contends that without the GDS systems, airline deregulation would
never have worked and the travel agency industry wouldn’t be where it is today.
Since the mid ’70s the computer dramatically changed
internal operations and communications for travel suppliers and intermediaries
alike. Now, the Internet is transforming marketing and sales and the entire
life cycle of the relationship with the customer.
internal operations and communications for travel suppliers and intermediaries
alike. Now, the Internet is transforming marketing and sales and the entire
life cycle of the relationship with the customer.
Yet by and large, the travel purchasing process is still
largely constrained by the way that the original computerized reservations
systems were built over 25 years ago.
largely constrained by the way that the original computerized reservations
systems were built over 25 years ago.
The travel industry is constantly looking for the next
innovation, that “new, new thing” described by Michael Lewis.
innovation, that “new, new thing” described by Michael Lewis.
The GDSs have brought forth innovative solutions during
the past quarter century to be sure. But at the same time, multi-million-dollar
cottage industries have sprung up around them to fill the gaps caused by their
legacy system environments and their propensity to develop both products and
services internally.
the past quarter century to be sure. But at the same time, multi-million-dollar
cottage industries have sprung up around them to fill the gaps caused by their
legacy system environments and their propensity to develop both products and
services internally.
The fact remains that the core travel distribution and
transaction engine services provided by the GDS have become by and large a
commodity with minimal distinction beyond price. Even the airline hosting and
out-sourcing service component could be considered a commodity item. And so,
finding a unique value proposition, better business models, richer products and
more robust, consultative services may be the best chance for the GDS not only
to survive, but to truly differentiate itself from the competition.
transaction engine services provided by the GDS have become by and large a
commodity with minimal distinction beyond price. Even the airline hosting and
out-sourcing service component could be considered a commodity item. And so,
finding a unique value proposition, better business models, richer products and
more robust, consultative services may be the best chance for the GDS not only
to survive, but to truly differentiate itself from the competition.
Although each of the GDS companies has had third-party
marketing programs with product suppliers to extend their product and service
offerings, this approach has not created sufficient differentiation for the
core reservations business, since few of the partnerships are exclusive.
marketing programs with product suppliers to extend their product and service
offerings, this approach has not created sufficient differentiation for the
core reservations business, since few of the partnerships are exclusive.
The GDS firms are now waking up to this lost opportunity
by partnering with other firms to deliver the solutions and the innovation
their customers are demanding.
by partnering with other firms to deliver the solutions and the innovation
their customers are demanding.
We would expect to see major alliances or acquisitions in
some key areas to allow the GDS companies to increase their value to their
customer bases and to truly differentiate themselves from the competition.
Examples may include:
some key areas to allow the GDS companies to increase their value to their
customer bases and to truly differentiate themselves from the competition.
Examples may include:
·
Software firms selling productivity tools;
Software firms selling productivity tools;
·
Fulfillment centers to handle customer support
and document preparation for Internet travel companies;
Fulfillment centers to handle customer support
and document preparation for Internet travel companies;
· IBE middleware companies that have emerged
selling million-plus dollar solutions to connect Web sites to the GDS
transaction engines; and
selling million-plus dollar solutions to connect Web sites to the GDS
transaction engines; and
· Consulting and design firms providing end-to-end
e-commerce solutions to both suppliers and intermediaries.
e-commerce solutions to both suppliers and intermediaries.
Innovation is not just about products, it is an attitude,
a driving force behind all major successes. An organization infected by this
particular bug is one that will have high energy and a contagious spirit about
them. It is amazing what excitement can do for productivity and profitability
and a company’s position with the investment community.
a driving force behind all major successes. An organization infected by this
particular bug is one that will have high energy and a contagious spirit about
them. It is amazing what excitement can do for productivity and profitability
and a company’s position with the investment community.
People
“We are not seats or eyeballs or end users or consumers. We are
human beings — and our reach exceeds your grasp. Deal with it.”
human beings — and our reach exceeds your grasp. Deal with it.”
The Cluetrain Manifesto — The End of Business as Usual
One of the most frustrating things about this new
millennium is that for the most part, the various travel systems on the market
still sell travel the way suppliers want to sell it, not the way human beings
wish to buy it. Even colorful Web sites often reflect the old vestiges of the
legacy system calls vs. resembling the dialog that takes place between a busy
executive and an administrative assistant or a trusted travel agent.
millennium is that for the most part, the various travel systems on the market
still sell travel the way suppliers want to sell it, not the way human beings
wish to buy it. Even colorful Web sites often reflect the old vestiges of the
legacy system calls vs. resembling the dialog that takes place between a busy
executive and an administrative assistant or a trusted travel agent.
One-to-one marketing seems to be the watchword of the
age. Whereas productivity was the product focus for the ’90s, point-of-sale
personalization is the mantra of the ’00s. Giving suppliers and travel
intermediaries the ability to reach a market of one with the right product, at
the right time, at the right price will be key to being a market leader as we
begin this new century.
age. Whereas productivity was the product focus for the ’90s, point-of-sale
personalization is the mantra of the ’00s. Giving suppliers and travel
intermediaries the ability to reach a market of one with the right product, at
the right time, at the right price will be key to being a market leader as we
begin this new century.
Having said that, we are compelled to evaluate the GDS
industry’s future and the factors that are vital to the success or failure of
the individual companies that this author was charged to review.
industry’s future and the factors that are vital to the success or failure of
the individual companies that this author was charged to review.
The GDSs are facing competition on many fronts. The
competition for talent has been a major issue. During the dot com boom,
companies had the promise of options and future wealth to dangle in front of
candidates, yet until they went public themselves, the GDS companies had to
continue to operate within the old, airline-ownership mentality. They are
working hard to change their cultures, but shedding themselves of the old
bureaucracies is not an overnight job.
competition for talent has been a major issue. During the dot com boom,
companies had the promise of options and future wealth to dangle in front of
candidates, yet until they went public themselves, the GDS companies had to
continue to operate within the old, airline-ownership mentality. They are
working hard to change their cultures, but shedding themselves of the old
bureaucracies is not an overnight job.
People—not companies—come up with breakthrough thinking
and thought leadership. The organizations that truly understand this and come
up with ways to attract and hold on to the right people will have a tremendous
competitive edge in the future.
and thought leadership. The organizations that truly understand this and come
up with ways to attract and hold on to the right people will have a tremendous
competitive edge in the future.
For the GDS companies, people and the human factor
continue to emerge as critical components of ongoing success and survival. In
an industry where product differentiation is minute and the window of
opportunity for being the sole provider of a new feature is narrowing each
quarter, intellectual capital is where competitive differentiation will occur.
CIO Magazine’s “100 Leaders for the Next Millennium” has summed this up:
continue to emerge as critical components of ongoing success and survival. In
an industry where product differentiation is minute and the window of
opportunity for being the sole provider of a new feature is narrowing each
quarter, intellectual capital is where competitive differentiation will occur.
CIO Magazine’s “100 Leaders for the Next Millennium” has summed this up:
“Companies will fail unless they understand that people are
the key to their success.”
the key to their success.”
The GDS companies are at a crossroads. To continue to
build on the traditional cash-cow business, ratcheting up booking fees in the
face of the clear promise by suppliers to go direct is a risky proposition at
best. This is particularly true when the very customers they wish to approach
in e-commerce business, applications hosting services and outsourcing are the
ones they are alienating by raising their fees.
build on the traditional cash-cow business, ratcheting up booking fees in the
face of the clear promise by suppliers to go direct is a risky proposition at
best. This is particularly true when the very customers they wish to approach
in e-commerce business, applications hosting services and outsourcing are the
ones they are alienating by raising their fees.
Diversification into the corporate, consumer and
information technology services arena is prudent, but there is still another
dimension of the business that deserves exploration.
information technology services arena is prudent, but there is still another
dimension of the business that deserves exploration.
Travelers and agencies alike have relied on the quality
of information that has been the core value of the GDS for over 25 years.
Travel content on the Internet is expanding daily, but becoming more and more
fragmented by the moment.
of information that has been the core value of the GDS for over 25 years.
Travel content on the Internet is expanding daily, but becoming more and more
fragmented by the moment.
Content aggregation and facilitation of e-commerce to a
whole new class of supplier is the new game. The GDS companies have the
opportunity to reshape the industry and redefine their value in the
distribution food chain.
whole new class of supplier is the new game. The GDS companies have the
opportunity to reshape the industry and redefine their value in the
distribution food chain.
If in fact the GDS companies are going to continue to
marry buyers and sellers as a key part of their business, through their
metamorphosis they must seek a balance between finding the right economic model
to keep the core business profitable, but still compelling suppliers to
continue their participation.
marry buyers and sellers as a key part of their business, through their
metamorphosis they must seek a balance between finding the right economic model
to keep the core business profitable, but still compelling suppliers to
continue their participation.
In conclusion, here’s what we see for the GDS industry
over the next 10 years or so:
over the next 10 years or so:
Conflict
Conflict between the various channel players will
continue. There is no end in sight for the growth of supplier sites and the
desire of the consumer for more places to shop for better value. There are few,
if any, travel suppliers now that are refusing to provide direct booking, no
matter how supportive they are of their travel agency channel. This continues to foster the conflict that
exists between the suppliers and the agencies.
continue. There is no end in sight for the growth of supplier sites and the
desire of the consumer for more places to shop for better value. There are few,
if any, travel suppliers now that are refusing to provide direct booking, no
matter how supportive they are of their travel agency channel. This continues to foster the conflict that
exists between the suppliers and the agencies.
Suppliers will continue to look for alternatives to GDS
distribution and we will begin to see wholesale withdrawal from one or more GDS
systems by major suppliers over the next few years. They will also continue to cut deals directly
with major corporate accounts, bypassing both the agency and the GDS for those
travel transactions.
distribution and we will begin to see wholesale withdrawal from one or more GDS
systems by major suppliers over the next few years. They will also continue to cut deals directly
with major corporate accounts, bypassing both the agency and the GDS for those
travel transactions.
Agencies, Suppliers and GDS companies will be at odds as
well, unless the GDS can introduce new business models that will create a
better balance as it relates to the fees that are charged for their
services. In the past the suppliers have
borne the bulk of the financial burden for the GDS and the agencies have been
the beneficiaries, often not paying for the use of the GDS and actually
receiving cash as a reward for productivity.
well, unless the GDS can introduce new business models that will create a
better balance as it relates to the fees that are charged for their
services. In the past the suppliers have
borne the bulk of the financial burden for the GDS and the agencies have been
the beneficiaries, often not paying for the use of the GDS and actually
receiving cash as a reward for productivity.
Internet
Industry experts agree that the advent of the Internet
and its impact on the travel industry represent one of the greatest events in
the history of travel distribution. The Internet could even be said to have
single-handedly broken the GDS monopoly on travel inventory and pricing.
and its impact on the travel industry represent one of the greatest events in
the history of travel distribution. The Internet could even be said to have
single-handedly broken the GDS monopoly on travel inventory and pricing.
The Web handed off the power previously held by travel
intermediaries directly to the traveler. The Internet gave travelers
information and choice, along with the ensuing chaos which is inherent in
rapidly opening up what was previously a totally closed industry and set of
systems.
intermediaries directly to the traveler. The Internet gave travelers
information and choice, along with the ensuing chaos which is inherent in
rapidly opening up what was previously a totally closed industry and set of
systems.
The number of households using the Internet will continue
to increase. Europe will catch up with
the U.S. in the usage of the Internet as the telecommunications environment is
liberalized and the price for access becomes more competitive and reasonable.
to increase. Europe will catch up with
the U.S. in the usage of the Internet as the telecommunications environment is
liberalized and the price for access becomes more competitive and reasonable.
We see the Internet continuing to play a growing role in
sales of travel, with the number of individuals purchasing (versus those that
just browse or “shop”) increasing exponentially during this time horizon.
sales of travel, with the number of individuals purchasing (versus those that
just browse or “shop”) increasing exponentially during this time horizon.
The top brick and mortar travel agencies will finally
either invest in a consumer brand online or will purchase existing brands.
either invest in a consumer brand online or will purchase existing brands.
Direct distribution by suppliers will proliferate and
will mature in that suppliers will have tools that will allow them to
intelligently navigate the multiple channels that are facing them, knowing how
much inventory to allocate to each channel, at what price, at what time.
will mature in that suppliers will have tools that will allow them to
intelligently navigate the multiple channels that are facing them, knowing how
much inventory to allocate to each channel, at what price, at what time.
Consolidation
The number of companies operating on a worldwide scope
will likely dwindle to three, or perhaps even two. The GDS companies will also
continue to invest in or acquire some of the online agencies, which will also
see significant consolidation in the coming years.
will likely dwindle to three, or perhaps even two. The GDS companies will also
continue to invest in or acquire some of the online agencies, which will also
see significant consolidation in the coming years.
There also will be consolidation on the IT services
front, with acquisitions and mergers taking place specifically among those
companies providing services to the airline and tour operator communities. The
major airline alliances and a need for a newer technology base will be a major
driver in these areas.
front, with acquisitions and mergers taking place specifically among those
companies providing services to the airline and tour operator communities. The
major airline alliances and a need for a newer technology base will be a major
driver in these areas.
Ownership
Although the remaining GDS companies will be publicly
traded (albeit as a division of a public parent), there will be strategic
investment by companies previously unknown to the travel technology community,
such as media giants, IT outsourcing and telecommunications companies, Web
portals and/or major online retail concerns. Airlines will continue to divest
themselves of their GDS assets in favor of direct distribution through channels
such as the mega-airline Internet sites or new distribution mechanisms such as
Priceline or its successors. Hotel
companies will consolidate and will solve some of their legacy system challenges
with newer technology that helps them intelligently distribute their products
to more cost effective channels.
traded (albeit as a division of a public parent), there will be strategic
investment by companies previously unknown to the travel technology community,
such as media giants, IT outsourcing and telecommunications companies, Web
portals and/or major online retail concerns. Airlines will continue to divest
themselves of their GDS assets in favor of direct distribution through channels
such as the mega-airline Internet sites or new distribution mechanisms such as
Priceline or its successors. Hotel
companies will consolidate and will solve some of their legacy system challenges
with newer technology that helps them intelligently distribute their products
to more cost effective channels.
New markets
Until a couple of years ago, GDSs had a single category
of customers: travel agents. Now that’s rapidly expanding to corporate travel
offices, Web sites, even individuals. Likewise, the suppliers are also
burgeoning. Where once the suppliers were primarily airlines, now they run the
range of theaters, exchange services, insurers, destinations — virtually any
leisure time attraction.
of customers: travel agents. Now that’s rapidly expanding to corporate travel
offices, Web sites, even individuals. Likewise, the suppliers are also
burgeoning. Where once the suppliers were primarily airlines, now they run the
range of theaters, exchange services, insurers, destinations — virtually any
leisure time attraction.
As the public tires of the fragmentation and lack of
quality control in the online travel information realm, the GDS companies will
regain strength as content aggregators for this new marketplace, in addition to
increasing their role as the transactions engines behind the majority of the
consumer Web sites. One of the companies may even take the lead in this area
and become the “utility” provider to the balance of the industry, including its
own competitor(s) using new technologies such as Web Services to connect to a
new host of players.
quality control in the online travel information realm, the GDS companies will
regain strength as content aggregators for this new marketplace, in addition to
increasing their role as the transactions engines behind the majority of the
consumer Web sites. One of the companies may even take the lead in this area
and become the “utility” provider to the balance of the industry, including its
own competitor(s) using new technologies such as Web Services to connect to a
new host of players.
New distribution paradigms
Three things will happen here. First, the GDSs may well
move into retailing in a bigger way. They’re already operating electronic
agencies, so the natural next step would be to operate “bricks and mortar”
agencies, thereby locking up distribution outlets. This will also give them the
24/7 service capability needed to become the outsourcer of call center services
for other online travel retailers and to give the traveler the ability to
seamlessly “book and obtain service anywhere.” Second, the GDSs will supply
their services to a growing array of electronic appliances, ensuring their
reach into the consumer (retail) marketplace.
Lastly, they will begin to take inventory risk, as well as shifting to a
merchant model to increase their ability to aggregate content for their various
distribution channels.
move into retailing in a bigger way. They’re already operating electronic
agencies, so the natural next step would be to operate “bricks and mortar”
agencies, thereby locking up distribution outlets. This will also give them the
24/7 service capability needed to become the outsourcer of call center services
for other online travel retailers and to give the traveler the ability to
seamlessly “book and obtain service anywhere.” Second, the GDSs will supply
their services to a growing array of electronic appliances, ensuring their
reach into the consumer (retail) marketplace.
Lastly, they will begin to take inventory risk, as well as shifting to a
merchant model to increase their ability to aggregate content for their various
distribution channels.
New content
If the GDSs are to be successful in marketing themselves
to the retail sector—the traveler himself—they must offer much richer content
than they do today. Look for these companies to move quickly to add “consumer”
content in the fashion of today’s travel Web sites. Along with this, the GDSs may bifurcate their
services into two channels—one for the travel agency, with little content; and
the other for consumers, with abundant content.
The smart ones will become electronic libraries, actually storing the
content on behalf of the supplier as a service.
to the retail sector—the traveler himself—they must offer much richer content
than they do today. Look for these companies to move quickly to add “consumer”
content in the fashion of today’s travel Web sites. Along with this, the GDSs may bifurcate their
services into two channels—one for the travel agency, with little content; and
the other for consumers, with abundant content.
The smart ones will become electronic libraries, actually storing the
content on behalf of the supplier as a service.
Increased Service Standard
Moving into the retail/consumer sector will mandate
changes in the way the GDSs market their products and differentiate themselves
from competitors. They will have to become service oriented to a greater extent
than ever. And internally, they’ll have to hire the best and the brightest.
Their products will have to be customized to the market and personalized to the
traveler level and they will have to harness the incredible power of the data
marts they have amassed. This will likely be done by acquisition of or
partnership with the top e-commerce booking engine firms. This will return
valuable lost revenues to the GDSs.
changes in the way the GDSs market their products and differentiate themselves
from competitors. They will have to become service oriented to a greater extent
than ever. And internally, they’ll have to hire the best and the brightest.
Their products will have to be customized to the market and personalized to the
traveler level and they will have to harness the incredible power of the data
marts they have amassed. This will likely be done by acquisition of or
partnership with the top e-commerce booking engine firms. This will return
valuable lost revenues to the GDSs.
New products and services
You can expect GDSs to diversify into services previously
unimagined. Some will be services for the trade (IT consulting, software
development) and some for the retail customer (rating services, travel news and
critiques, possibly even city entertainment guides) leveraging their network of
agencies with local knowledge. And in
the wake of the terrorist attacks, travel suppliers and the government itself
may also be a new customer for the processing of security checks on “bad guys”.
unimagined. Some will be services for the trade (IT consulting, software
development) and some for the retail customer (rating services, travel news and
critiques, possibly even city entertainment guides) leveraging their network of
agencies with local knowledge. And in
the wake of the terrorist attacks, travel suppliers and the government itself
may also be a new customer for the processing of security checks on “bad guys”.
New Business Model
At least one of the GDS companies will take the lead in
2002 to completely overhaul the old GDS business model, for both agencies and
for suppliers. This will be in response to continued reductions/elimination of
commissions and a transition to net fares, first in the airline sector and
later throughout the industry.
2002 to completely overhaul the old GDS business model, for both agencies and
for suppliers. This will be in response to continued reductions/elimination of
commissions and a transition to net fares, first in the airline sector and
later throughout the industry.
All of this—and more—will probably come to pass within
the next 10 years, and the GDS of today will look like a meager product
compared to the GDS of 2010. Beyond
2010, who knows? Maybe by then we’ll have virtual travel, and nobody will
travel any more, obviating the need for the GDS as we know it.
the next 10 years, and the GDS of today will look like a meager product
compared to the GDS of 2010. Beyond
2010, who knows? Maybe by then we’ll have virtual travel, and nobody will
travel any more, obviating the need for the GDS as we know it.
At the end of the day, the only thing that is truly
constant in the industry is change. We are a connected industry and the global
distribution system companies played a valuable role as the pioneers of
electronic commerce. The public has relied on the deep integration of the GDSs’
services into the travel agency community and now the Internet world to provide
an incredible amount of choice and content.
constant in the industry is change. We are a connected industry and the global
distribution system companies played a valuable role as the pioneers of
electronic commerce. The public has relied on the deep integration of the GDSs’
services into the travel agency community and now the Internet world to provide
an incredible amount of choice and content.
The business will continue to be intensely competitive in
all of the sectors where the GDS companies are conducting business.
Globalization and diversification will help spread their risk.
all of the sectors where the GDS companies are conducting business.
Globalization and diversification will help spread their risk.
In the post-PC era, mobile telephony and the Internet
will dominate the transition away from legacy systems. New quantum computers
will become commonplace, using ultra wideband telecommunications technology.
XML and its successors will facilitate a new type of communication between
systems and within applications programs. XML has been key to the success of
the Open Travel Alliance standards body and it is also critical to WAP
technology as we know it today. Web
Services will provide new ways to link legacy system environments to newer
technology platforms.
will dominate the transition away from legacy systems. New quantum computers
will become commonplace, using ultra wideband telecommunications technology.
XML and its successors will facilitate a new type of communication between
systems and within applications programs. XML has been key to the success of
the Open Travel Alliance standards body and it is also critical to WAP
technology as we know it today. Web
Services will provide new ways to link legacy system environments to newer
technology platforms.
As these technologies emerge and eventually mature, it
will become critical for leaders to provide inspiration, vision and belief in a
common purpose. Executive teams will need to embrace the risks, empower their
people and dare to be different.
will become critical for leaders to provide inspiration, vision and belief in a
common purpose. Executive teams will need to embrace the risks, empower their
people and dare to be different.
The economics will most certainly change. The strong will
survive.
survive.
Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must
run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa,
a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it
will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle.
When the sun comes up, you’d better be running.
run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa,
a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it
will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle.
When the sun comes up, you’d better be running.