Travelport integrates Deem to create corporate travel solution within Travelport+ ecosystem
Following its acquisition of Deem, Travelport has integrated the corporate travel management platform into its Travelport+ ecosystem, including access to multi-source content like NDC. By merging Deem’s interface with Travelport+’s Content Curation Layer (CCL), which utilizes AI and machine learning, users can access a range of content in one place, enhancing search speed, relevance, and accuracy. This integration allows corporate travellers to adhere to policies while ensuring serviceable bookings.
Within the 150 days since the acquisition, Deem has achieved significant milestones, including recognition as a Champion in the Software Reviews 2023 Travel Management Emotional Footprint Awards, expansion to over 60 countries, high customer satisfaction scores, and rebranding its platform to Deem. Travelport has more plans in store for Deem, including international expansion, UI enhancements, and the incorporation of enhanced emissions data in 2024.
91% of business travellers plan to invest in artificial intelligence in the next five years
Global business travel is experiencing a transformative phase as it emerges from the pandemic, according to a recent Mastercard report. The study, based on input from 541 travel decision-makers across the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Australia and India, underscores the need for novel strategies and streamlined processes. The report highlights the anticipation of increased business travel due to the expansion of hybrid and remote workforces.
An overwhelming majority of respondents foresee the rise of a “chief travel officer” role to oversee formerly fragmented functions such as human resources, finance, security, and technology. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is also projected to enhance the travel experience. 91% of respondents reported they are planning to invest in AI and machine learning in the next five years to provide employees with a more personalised travel experience, while environmental concerns and emissions tracking are assuming greater importance in travel management.
The report also underscores that 86% of respondents expressed increased difficulty in managing travel and expenses. As the corporate travel landscape undergoes significant shifts, new payment solutions are expected to offer real-time spend visibility, optimized controls, and automated expense tracking, reshaping the approach to business travel expenditure management.
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Travelport integrates British Airways’ NDC content onto Travelport+ platform
Travelport has announced the successful integration of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from British Airways onto its Travelport+ platform. This collaboration enables access to NDC content for travel agents, facilitating booking and servicing of NDC offers. The NDC content is currently available in the UK and Ireland, with plans for a global rollout to Travelport+ users worldwide.
The incorporation of British Airways’ NDC content into Travelport+ leverages the platform’s Content Curation Layer (CCL), driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning capabilities. This ensures a faster, more efficient booking process for travel retailers, allowing agents to search, compare, book, and manage British Airways’ content in a unified interface. Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport, emphasizes that Travelport+ aims connect suppliers directly with travel agents through a cohesive platform. The integration is expected to expand further, with British Airways offering customer-tailored offers in the future.
Amadeus and Travel International – Terminals Group collaborate to elevate travel experiences
Amadeus has partnered with Travel International – Terminals Group, an Abu Dhabi-based travel specialist that focuses on unique experiences and immersive cultural journeys. This collaboration is designed to enhance customer service, bolster online presence, and streamline operational efficiencies.
Central to this alliance is the implementation of Amadeus Online Suite, an omni-channel e-commerce solution that will expand Travel International’s online reach and offer tailored content to its customers. The partnership also encompasses the integration of automation tools like Amadeus Robotics solutions Auto-Ticketing and Quality Control, which will automate ticket issuance and improve process efficiency. The adoption of Amadeus All Fares, including NDC-sourced content, will empower Travel International’s agents to source the best airfare deals by comparing multiple content sources. Additionally, the agreement includes the deployment of Amadeus B2B Wallet, a secure payment solution.
Airport selfies are a cybersecurity risk, warn experts
A recent survey has revealed that nearly 85% of travelers express concerns about the potential of being hacked during their journeys. Cybersecurity experts from NordVPN have emphasised that the risks of hacking escalate significantly for individuals who share excessive personal information about their trips on social media platforms.
One common practice is sharing pictures of boarding passes or “airport selfies,” which can divulge sensitive data to hackers. Even displaying the barcode of a flight ticket can expose details such as the traveller’s full name, reservation number, passenger name record, and contact information. Once this data is in the hands of hackers, they can breach airline accounts, steal mileage points, manipulate flight details, or even attempt fraudulent actions by posing as the traveler. Cybercriminals can exploit the information gathered online to deceive airlines or travel agencies, potentially leading to identity theft or data sale on the dark web.
To mitigate these risks, cybersecurity experts recommend refraining from posting vacation-related content until after returning home. Users should ensure their social media accounts are set to private, avoiding sharing personal details and never posting images of crucial documents like passports or boarding passes. Utilising secure connections, particularly when accessing public Wi-Fi, is essential, with experts suggesting the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to enhance online safety and prevent data theft.
