Travel trends include third party planners
Consortium business is slowing as internet companies forge their way into the business travel market and groups are being handled increasingly by third party planners, says Steven Eidelberg, regional director of travel industry sales for Sonesta Hotels.
“In the US, for individual travel, there will be less reliance on third parties for leisure and individual business travelers, and more reliance on third party individuals for groups/meetings/incentives, although the opposite is true for international,” he said discussing recent travel trends.
In technology trends, he said:
“Automation in travel is helping airlines tremendously, but with hotels, vacation travelers are still seeking the human touch.”
He said Sonesta’s own internet business is growing but that over 20% of that business is still completed by telephone.
“Group attendees no longer need to speak with a reservationist to make their reservation, but can book on Sonesta’s hotel websites simply by entering their group number,” he said.
He predicted seamless reservations will be the “norm” in the next ten years.
Future travel trends include much more consolidation.
“This helps buying power, but eventually we need to be a checks and balances system organized by the government to somewhat regulate business practices,” he said.
He said Sonesta works closely with travel agents and tour operators and has various promotions throughout the year that include higher commissions. Sonesta also has a Sonesta travel Agent Rewards Club which rewards its most frequent booking agents regardless of whether they book directly or through their preferred tour operator.
He noted that “Travel agents and tour operators that are successful now have a great presence on the Web.”
“Packaging or bundling air/hotel/car is proving a better value for the consumer and high profitability for retail agents and tour operators, so partnerships are a key,” he added.
Sonesta is a collection of 26 upscale hotels, resorts and three cruise ships on the Nile that reflect the culture and history of the locations. The company has hotels and resorts in Miami, New Orleans, Boston, Brazil, Italy, Peru, Egypt and St. Maarten.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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