GTMC seals technology partnership

The Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) has secured a partnership with Amadeus to promote how technology will change the travel industry landscape.

The pair will work together on joint research into hotel distribution, having already worked together for Amadeus’ Hotel Insights Report.

Details of the new research will be unveiled at GTMC’s conference next week.

Paul Wait, CEO of the GTMC said: “We are pleased to be working with Amadeus on this partnership because it will allow us to develop the kind of insight and thought leadership that is greatly valued by our members and the wider industry.

“Earlier this year Amadeus, in a GDS agnostic approach, cut through the hype and speculation surrounding IATA’s NDC to increase our members’ understanding of the potential business impact on the TMC community. We are now extending this collaborative approach to focus on other important areas of interest to our members.”

…as business travellers look for more flexibility

The GTMC and Amadeus announcement comes after hotel solutions provider HRS revealed survey results which found business travellers are looking for more flexible hotel booking options.

Many like the idea of adjusting their check-out time by three hours, while some want to book a hotel based on three daily time blocks. Others would also like to book a room by the hour, as a poll of 650 people found 60% rarely use their hotel for the entire stay.

“Demand for flexibility is reflected in the growing number of luxurious airline lounges, book-by-the-hour conference centres, and coffee shops packed with laptop users. This shows that the traditional hotel standard 3pm check-in and noon check-out is not meeting the needs of business travellers who often arrive in the afternoon or evening, and then leave early in the morning,” said HRS managing director UK & Ireland Jon West.