GDS – Travel Technology Consulting Inc.

July 24, 2020

Who Pays for the Needed Upgrade to Travel Distribution?

Tweet As we are in the midst of one of the most devastating events in the history of the travel industry, the Covid-19 pandemic, you might find it odd time for me to write a blog article about the need to upgrade technology infrastructure for travel distribution. No one has any money, not the airlines, the GDS, the OTAs or […]

February 19, 2013

The Future of Travel Distribution – Presentation at Farelogix Media Day

Tweet I was in Miami last week attending the Farelogix Media Day. My presentation entitled The Future of Travel Distribution can viewed via SlideShare. Part of my presentation discussed how competing consumer ecosystems (Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook) provide unique content and purchasing paths via mobile devices. Over the next five years mobile devices (including tablets) will become the foundation for most travel e-commerce. As a […]

April 30, 2012

How Can Regional TMCs Adapt to New Financial Models?

Tweet The corporate travel market has always been a bit of a paradox. Non-travel industry observers might assume that the big four Travel Management Firms (TMCs) – American Express, Carlson Wagonlit, BCD Travel and HRG – own 80% of the corporate market (the Pareto principle). Though these four TMCs do dominate the Fortune 500, overall they represent less than 50% of […]

December 1, 2011

Where in the World is Norm Rose?

Tweet With all due respect to the classic children’s TV show and game Carmen Sandiego, I have borrowed the show’s tag line having just completed a grueling travel schedule that took me to London, Washington DC, Miami, Rome and Amsterdam all within a five week period. These trips involved client technology engagements and speeches to various audiences. My Miami stop was to participate as Co-Chair of the […]

September 13, 2011

Google Flights

Tweet The arrival of Google Flights in 2011 revolutionized the travel technology industry. Their advanced algorithm-based system provides users with the ability to swiftly compare prices across airlines and offers suggestions to save costs, such as adjusting travel dates or switching airports. Due to its easy user interface and real-time accuracy, Google Flights is among the top travel tools […]

April 22, 2011

Airlines and GDS Battle in Court

Tweet The news this week that USAir has filled a suit against Sabre based on violations of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act comes on the heals of a similar lawsuit filled by AA against Travelport last week. These lawsuits may foretell serious disruption to the traditional travel distribution ecosystem. Most observers would agree that the GDS have been an oligopoly for some time and certainly a monopoly […]