David Brett, President of Amadeus Asia Pacific (pictured right), said that customers are saying they want “technology with personality”.

The top three technology demands include enabling delivery of more niche content for today’s better informed traveller, offering innovative solutions, which will sit at the forefront of consumers increasingly advanced day-to-day technology use, and having a technology partner with personality.

“As the APAC region’s travel sector continues to surge, travel professionals are still recognising the importance of investing in technology to boost business performance and drive this growth forward, but they want more than just the technology alone; they want a technology partner who can offer them bespoke solutions and personalised service tailored to ensure the success of their business,” Brett added.

The top three technology wishes:

•  Niche content:  From cruise products to motels and boutique five star hotels off-the-beaten track, travel agents want technology that will allow them to offer more niche content to build unique customised packages for their customers. Today’s traveller is more informed thanks to the internet and social media, so travel agents need to generate a complete travel experience.

•  Investment in innovation: With technology becoming more ingrained in consumer’s day-to-day life, travel agents are recognising that they need to move with this trend to stay one step ahead. Cutting edge technology through innovation is a key differentiator with mobile in particular identified as a key growth area which travel agents need to take advantage of, utilise, especially in Asia Pacific.

•  Technology with personality: Travel agents are increasingly looking for a technology partner who can offer intelligent solutions tailored to their specific customer needs. Ultimately, a technology partner who is more of an adviser capable of thinking outside the box. For example, integrating more advanced online tools and social media capabilities to solutions.