Chetan Kapoor, co-founder and COO, of Videc, does a recap on the key events of 2019.
Distribution Re-wired
From IATA’s 202020 – 20 of IATA’s Leaderboard airlines to achieve 20% of their sales via the NDC framework in 202020; to Marriott and Expedia’s wholesale distribution agreement; to Amazon and Super Apps – Grab and Go-Jek – emerging as prominent platforms for travel companies to take notice of, the “old guard” is constantly being challenged by new approach and designs of distribution.
Real Efforts towards Sustainability
The travel industry is actively pursuing sustainable efforts, not only from a corporate responsibility perspective but also because travelers are demanding so. From over-tourism to wildlife-related experiences, carbon offset credits to the threat of flygasm, food and toiletries wastage at hotels, brands around the world are taking measures to address a more environmentally-conscious breed of travelers and local communities.
Hospitality
From Airbnb to OYO, brands redefined what hospitality is and should be. They continue to recategorize assets and classifications, reset quality expectations and perceptions across the various lodging options.
Transportation of the Future
From aircraft to cars, manufacturers and intermediaries are racing to make autonomous tech mainstream. Besides, the infrastructure and technology supporting electric and flying cars, hyperloop, supersonic aircraft, etc. continue to surprise us.
New Decade, New Identities and Leadership
Finally, 2019 dramatically altered the travel landscape. From corporate development (e.g., Trip.com gaining majority control of MakeMyTrip & entering a strategic partnership with TripAdvisor, Cendyn acquiring The Rainmaker Group, Ebix scooping Yatra.com & several others, Sabre-Radixx acquisition, etc.), to sizzling capital raises (TripActions’ $250M, Vacasa’s $319M, Softbank Vision Fund backing GetYourGuide, Klook, OYO, etc.), and finally several high-profile exits and changes at Expedia, Boeing, Alphabet, etc.
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Lead image: Getty Images
