Hospitality Management
Article | June 20, 2023
It would be an understatement to say that the coronavirus pandemic has throttled the travel industry, but the luxury sector is resilient and coming back strong! As you plan safety-minded meanderings into and throughout the New Year, here are a few great options for perennial favorite modes of jet set travel.
Travel to the Bottom of the Earth
Premium private jet company Magellan Jets is working to keep its guests as safe as they are satisfied. The company has compiled a toolkit to help travelers stay healthy while navigating flu season and the continuing coronavirus crisis. Magellan Jets' curated collection of guides and expert tips outlines best practices and safety measures people should remember before taking their next flight. The healthy travel toolkit covers topics such as what travelers can do to prevent contracting the coronavirus, steps professional pilots take to ensure they don’t get sick while flying, as well as other helpful resources. Additionally, readers can learn how booking private jet travel for leisure or business can significantly decrease the risk of exposure to the coronavirus and other illnesses.
Should this inspire you to get out of Dodge, consider a trip to the bottom of the Earth! Magellan Jets is now working in partnership with the industry-leading International Yacht Company (IYC) and White Desert to offer guests the trip of a lifetime to the South Pole, by way of Antarctica, to see the Emperor Penguins. This luxury 8-night adventure takes 12 guests at a time into the heart of Antarctica before venturing off to the South Pole.
IYC and Magellan Jets are working diligently to ensure the safest, most purely private way to travel. Magellan Jets will fly guests to Cape Town, where they will spend the night at One & Only prior to departing for Antarctica with White Desert on a plane equipped with the latest avionics and ski-equipped for landing on snow.
In Antarctica, guests will stay in state-of-the-art sleeping pods at Whichaway Camp where their experienced team of chefs, hosts and guides will take care of every detail, allowing you to relax and enjoy your surroundings. At the beginning of the adventure, guests fly 2 hours along the coast to an emperor penguin colony of over 14,000 breeding pairs and their newly hatched chicks. Tourists only rarely visit this colony and, as a consequence, witnessing these birds in their natural habitat is one of the most surreal experiences on earth.
As you fly from Antarctica to the South Pole, you will experience a true sense of remoteness, for as far as the eye can see, the white horizon meets the pure blue sky. The South Pole, the bottom of the earth and the holy grail of early explorers. At the designated marker there is no more east, south or west on the planet, only north, and you will be able to walk around the world in just a few paces!
Then you will fly back to their wilderness camp at 83ºS to overnight and join the select few who have ever spent a night in the beauty of the high polar plateau. You will be well looked after as you experience camping in one of the wildest places on earth.
After a night spent as a true explorer, you will fly back to the main camp and celebrate your momentous journey. With up to only 12 clients on each adventure and professional polar explorers as your guides, the day’s itineraries are tailored to each individual. Make your choice from gentle treks and picnics overlooking the ice waves, to more adrenaline-fueled activities.
After the trials and confinement of Covid-19, there is perhaps be no better place than Antarctica to escape, reflect and reignite your passion to explore. With limited group size, strict bio-security measures and the naturally inert landscape, Antarctica is one of the safest places to visit in 2020 and beyond.
Travel Back in Time
Oenophiles rejoice! Despite the pandemic and recent wildfires, Napa Valley is open and welcome visitors. While in this revered region, do yourself a favor and book a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. This isn’t so much a mode of transportation but rather a time machine transporting passengers back to an era when the journey was as scintillating as the destination, itself. Particularly well-suited for couples seeking quality together time, this excursion offers an elegant sojourn through the heart of Napa Valley in a refined, history-rich atmosphere befitting the lush countryside through which it passes.
Duly complementing the drop-dead gorgeous vistas are gourmet victuals and varietals-a-plenty. The train itself is a wonder to behold. The expertly restored and maintained antique Pullman cars gleam with brass and Honduran mahogany while etched original glass and swanky armchairs evoke the early 20th century spirit of luxury travel.
One of the few active historic passenger railroads remaining in the United States, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a tempting variety of tours, events and packages, including gourmet dining experiences for both lunch and dinner. As goes without saying, the wine offerings on the Napa Valley Wine Train are ample, and impressive given the space restraints. Or, passengers can bring their own bottle on board.
The Napa Valley Wine Train isn’t just a train ride—it’s an institution that echoes the glory days of train travel, with fine dining service, multiple course meals cooked to order, Napa Valley scenery and ultimate relaxation aboard an exquisitely restored vintage rail car.
Of course, as a result of the newly released travel restrictions, the closure of its winery partners and in the interest of the health of its passengers and staff, Napa Valley Wine Train journeys were temporarily canceled but will be back on track as pandemic conditions improve—and poised to show you a spectacular time.
Luxe Chauffeur Service Everywhere You Jet Set
Luxury, convenience and safety-minded travelers are loving Blacklane’s global chauffeur service, which brings travelers peace of mind across 50 countries. The crew’s health, safety, reliability, and technology gives guests door-to-door stress-free travel.
Blacklane chauffeurs clean vehicles and disinfect all points of contact before and after rides. They offer guests hand sanitizer, wear masks, and provide masks to guests who need them. Their chauffeurs also check their temperature daily and air out vehicles between rides. Blacklane travelers receive fair, fixed and all-inclusive rates and all rides are carbon-neutral.
Plus, all Blacklane chauffeurs are commercially licensed and insured. Airport pickups include flight tracking, meet-and-greet service, and up to one hour of free chauffeur waiting time.
Intercity rides give guests a private door-to-door alternative to short-haul flights and trains. Upgrade your travels at Blacklane.com or on the free Blacklane app.
Gift an Extraordinary Custom Car
For those road warriors who revere the open highway with the wind in their hair, there’s a much better way to bestow a vehicle on your beloved this season. Don’t just buy a car and put a bow on it, let your loved one build their dream car from start to finish and drive away with a truly customized vehicle down to the smallest detail!
E.C.D. Automotive Design (E.C.D.), the country’s leading specialist for custom restored Defenders and classic Land Rovers, has released a limited number of exclusive Ultimate Platinum Cards for the upcoming holiday season. These black stainless-steel cards are valued at $200,000, so you can gift the opportunity to build a vehicle that is one-of-one, meaning no one else in the world will have a car like the one your lucky recipient designs.
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Hospitality Management
Article | August 28, 2023
As the impact of COVID-19 subsides, the devasted travel industry appears to be resuming normalcy with increased travel volumes. In addition, emerging tourism trends and technology in the travel industry have offered new possibilities for business travel to redefine itself. The present opportunities available in the travel sector may benefit your firm. However, customer experience in the travel industry has a significant impact on growing long-term loyalty. Providing a positive client experience is a significant problem for many in the travel and tourism industry.
Customer Experience Is a Challenge to Recover
Customer experience is a critical component of the travel and tourism industry. As travel volumes have increased in the post-covid era, so have negative travel experiences. Business travelers who commute frequently have higher expectations. For a very long time, they have voiced their dissatisfaction, even before the leisure travelers complained. This imbalance has been exacerbated by COVID-19.
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, 38% of business passengers complained about the airline, double the percentage compared to leisure travelers. The actual question, though, is how to overcome this obstacle.
Some companies may go above and beyond to reassure travelers with honesty, openness, and unmatched customer service. You may improve the customer experience by implementing the following ideas.
Concentrate on the corporate culture
Give specific examples of consumer advocacy
Equip employees with the necessary tools
According to a survey conducted by Think with Google, superior customer service is the most compelling aspect for high-value travelers. Additionally, 60% of them agree that customer service is the most crucial factor when it comes to picking a brand to travel with.
CX Plays a Vital Role in Revenue Generation
Managing customer experience in travel can enhance the brand-customer relationship, ultimately leading to revenue growth. The adoption of technology for travel booking, ticketing, and expenditure management has improved the customer experience. Satisfied customers increase income and assist firms in calculating the return on their travel and cost expenditures.
Customer experience is a key differentiator that boosts customer happiness and loyalty, and both sells and establishes a competitive edge.
“CX is the difference between success or slump.”
— Chris Pescott, CEO of Perceptive.
Annual business travel expenditures will reach $1.7 trillion globally by 2022. According to Statista, nearly 500 million business travels will take place withing the United States each year by 2022.
Ways to Improve Customer Experience (CX)
Use Tech to Create Breakthrough Customer Experiences
Technology in the travel industry is regularly evolving. By putting technology at the center of each touchpoint, the industry is laying the groundwork for a successful customer experience in travel. Chatbots powered by AI and machine learning deliver client care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Chatbots have been intelligently developed using cutting-edge technology and may be used in place of humans. AI is constantly evolving, making it more trustworthy and effective as a commercial solution.
Embrace an Omnichannel Mindset
With mobile devices accounting for more than 50% of online traffic, multi-device digital experiences have become the norm. In addition, today's customers interact with companies across various offline and online channels, frequently switching several times, and each stage of the journey must be seamlessly connected and consistent. As a result, adopting omnichannel is one of the most significant changes you will undertake.
Use Customer Journey Mapping
To create a customer journey, you must first understand your consumer. By comparing journey maps to core KPIs, you may gain a deeper insight into your customer experience and identify areas of concern and opportunity. You may use trip maps to enhance the customer experience and visualize the customer experience in the future. Alternatively, you may influence organizational transformation from the stage of inspiration to the planning and execution phases. Utilize all touchpoints and seek new possibilities for interaction.
Case studies:
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM's social care staff are well-known for their responsiveness and efficiency – the airline even shows a live countdown on its Twitter header picture to inform consumers when they may anticipate a response. However, what sets the organization apart is its ability to generate unique customer experiences.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is elevating the business class travel experience. At a recent travel industry conference in Berlin, the airline unveiled its Business Class QSuite. This is the first time a business class cabin has been offered and sold with a real double bed. However, the organization goes a step further by providing value to consumers traveling for business. Additionally, the QSuite may be an open work and meeting room. Multiple configuration choices appeal to clients seeking privacy or personalization.
A score of 9.2 for audience insights indicates that the brand is in tune with its social audience well enough to cultivate an impressive number of committed followers.
Conclusion
The travel and tourism industry significantly benefits from nurturing an outstanding customer experience. Supremacy in customer experience can be offered with the help of sophisticated digital technology that can quantify effects and forecast behavior. In addition, as 'bleisure' travel continues to grow in popularity to blend business and leisure time, the customer experience in travel is increasing in relevance.
FAQ:
What are the benefits of a good customer experience?
A good customer experience increases sales and creates customer loyalty. Moreover, it reduces complaints.
How would you define excellent customer service?
Great customer service means responding promptly to a client's wants, being responsive to their concerns, and offering an enthusiastic level of care.
Do you value customer service or customer experience more?
Consumer service results in a positive customer experience. Both are critical to the business's success.
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Travel Technology
Article | May 5, 2023
Discover the future of travel at the Hospitality Management events. Upcoming hospitality conferences 2023 & 2024 will have experts share insights about the rapidly evolving hospitality industry.
Warehousing and distribution play crucial roles in the logistics industry. To enhance the expertise and gain a competitive edge, professionals must attend logistics conferences in 2023, including the Supply Chain Management and warehousing conferences and events. These gatherings offer a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and explore the latest advancements.
The following warehousing conferences and events will provide tailored discussions on warehouse optimization, inventory management, and process improvement.
1. PRSA Travel and Tourism 2023 Section Conference
June 20-23, 2023 | Madison (Wisconsin)
The PRSA Travel and Tourism Conference, presented by the PRSA's Travel Media, the global media network, will be held in June this year at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, WI. This annual conference will bring together industry professionals to address evolving media and public relations changes. With notable speakers like Amy Alipio and Kelly Barbrey, attendees can gather timely strategies, resources, and diverse perspectives to excel in hospitality, tourism, and event management. Media and professional development experts, including esteemed speakers such as Amy Alipio, Kelly Barbrey, Casey Barks, Andrea Braustein, and Tykesha S. Burton, will impart their insights and expertise, providing attendees with timely strategies, resources, and diverse perspectives.
2. HITEC: The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference
June 26-29, 2023 | Toronto (Canada)
HITEC is one of the leading hospitality conferences for tourism and hospitality industry leaders. HITEC showcases cutting-edge technology tools that support the breadth of hospitality operations. With an unparalleled education program curated by top industry experts, attendees gain invaluable insights about the latest travel technology and solutions. Notable speakers such as Shawn Kanungo, Amandeep Sarna, Bharat Patel, Frank Wolfe, and Michael Levie will share their expertise, enhancing attendees' knowledge in hospitality management and tourism hospitality. HITEC 2023 promises to be a transformative experience for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of the hospitality industry.
3. The Hospitality Show
June 27-29, 2023 | Las Vegas (US)
The Hospitality Show is an exciting new addition to hospitality conferences that aims to bring together the entire tourism and hospitality industry with a shared goal of optimizing hotel operations for efficiency and profitability. With a focus on networking opportunities, industry leaders, senior executives, hotel brands, owners, operators, management companies, developers, investors, and technology partners will convene at this one-stop shop for collaboration. The show boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including Kat Cole, Adm. William H. McRaven, Anthony Capuano, and Larry Cuculic, who will provide valuable insights and expertise about hospitality management.
4. Hospitality Upgrade’s CIO Summit
September 6-8 2023 | Austin (Texas)
A hospitality management events’, CIO Summit is designed for tourism and hospitality industry leaders. Over two days, this exclusive event will offer a unique blend of networking opportunities, insightful programs, and immersive social events. Participation is limited to top technology leaders from major hotels, casinos, cruise lines, management companies, and timeshare companies, ensuring a small peer networking experience. With its successful track record since its launch in 2002, the CIO Summit has become a prominent gathering for over 400 hospitality CIOs. Notable speakers such as Greg Duff, Vaughn Davis, Kelly McGuire and others will share their expertise, providing industry leaders with valuable insights and innovative strategies. For professionals in the hospitality industry, the CIO Summit in 2023 promises will be an invaluable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of technology and tourism hospitality.
5. Gartner IT Symposium|Xpo
September 11-13, 2023 | Gold Coast (Australia)
The Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2023 conference addresses the needs of CIOs and IT executives in the tourism and hospitality industry. In a time of intense economic and social volatility, organizations in the industry must find innovative ways to drive efficiency, scale productivity, and pioneer new business models. By participating in this global gathering of experts and peers, attendees will gain valuable insights, expert guidance, and real-world examples to shape the future direction of technology in the hospitality industry. Key topics to be covered include business transformation, cybersecurity, AI, customer experience, data analytics, and executive leadership. With esteemed speakers like Holly Ransom and Mathew Luhn, this event will equip industry leaders with the knowledge and tools to navigate the ever-changing technology landscape and drive success in the hospitality industry.
6. Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia
September 10-12, 2023 | Saudi Arabia
The Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia is a highly influential hospitality management events and trade conference that serves as a gateway to explore the future of Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry. With a comprehensive market report, this event will delve into the key trends, industry dynamics, and the development of giga-projects, offering invaluable insights for industry leaders in the tourism and hospitality sector. By attending this expo, professionals can network with leading experts, conduct businesses, and stay updated on the latest industry developments. The event will feature conferences where hospitality leaders can share their expertise and host the prestigious Saudi Hospitality Awards. With participation from numerous local and international brands, the expo will be a valuable platform for professionals to source relevant products and services to enhance their operations in the hospitality industry.
7. Digital Travel Summit
September 12-13, 2023 | South Carolina (US)
The hotel conference and trade event, Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia. Industry leaders in the tourism and hospitality sector can expect valuable insights from the event's comprehensive market report, which will explore key trends, industry dynamics, and the development of giga-projects. Attending this expo will allow professionals to network with top experts, engage in business opportunities, and stay up-to-date with industry advancements. Additionally, the conference will feature renowned speakers such as Kate Powell, Priya Rajagopal, Steven Paganelli, Derek Schoen, and Andrea Cole, who will share their expertise and contribute to the knowledge exchange. By participating in this event, industry leaders can get access to source relevant products and services to elevate their operations within the hospitality industry.
8. Skift Global Forum
September 26-28, 2023 | New York City (New York)
Skift Global Forum 2023, the flagship global conference on the business of travel, is set to make its return to New York City. This tourism and hospitality conference will offer invaluable insights into the future of the tourism hospitality industry. With a focus on the theme 'Connection in the Age of AI,' the conference will delve into the evolving relationship between generative AI and the travel industry. Notable speakers such as Ariel Cohen, Glenn Fogel, Christopher Nassetta, Jason Calacanis, and Gary Morrison will provide unique perspectives and inspire industry leaders to navigate the dynamic landscape of the hospitality and tourism industry.
9. The Phocuswright Conference
November 13-16, 2024 | Florida (US)
One of the renowned hospitality conferences, Phocuswright Conference, has catalyzed innovation and business growth for over 25 years. It will offer industry leaders an unparalleled platform to immerse themselves in professional development, advocate for innovation, and cultivate talent. The event will further foster valuable connections with an influential and elite group, providing inspiration and insights to drive success in the dynamic landscape of the hospitality and tourism industry. Notably, the conference prioritizes sustainability by fully offsetting the carbon footprint of the entire event, including every attendee. With esteemed speakers such as Timothy Hughes, Tania Platt, Nadim El Manawy, and Mary Li, industry leaders will be able to gain valuable knowledge, expand their networks, and stay ahead of the rapidly evolving hospitality industry.
10. 4th International Conference on Tourism Management and Hospitality
March 01-03, 2024 | Vienna (Austria)
The Hospitality Conference 2024 is known as the International Hospitality and Tourism Management Conference (ICTMH). It is the fourth edition of the conference this year and promises that it will be a gathering of industry leaders, academics, and professionals. Attendees can expect to engage with world-renowned experts who will present their groundbreaking research on critical topics such as customer experience, medical tourism, economic sustainability, ICT and tourism, social media marketing, and tourism law. Notable keynote speakers, including Dr. Hsuan Hsuan Chang, Dr. Kelly La Venture, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, and Prof. Koustab Ghosh, will provide valuable insights and expertise, ensuring that industry leaders will return the conference equipped with fresh perspectives and ideas to elevate their organizations and shape the future of the hospitality industry.
The hospitality management events and conferences mentioned in the article provide a promising outlook for the future of the tourism and hospitality industry. These gatherings serve as crucial platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the industry. By attending hospitality conferences and hotel conferences, businesses can gain insights into tourism and hospitality management, explore new trends, and learn about innovative strategies for success. These events also focus on tourism and event management, providing valuable opportunities to stay updated on industry developments and form partnerships.
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Travel Technology
Article | April 28, 2022
Technological advancements and the paradigm shift in the travel industry post COVID have altered the way we travel. Businesses have elevated their operations to a whole new level due to technological advances. The digital age has facilitated the travel industry's rapid recovery from the COVID crisis. Additionally, travel firms are embracing automation to save time and reallocate resources.
Business travel is resuming as restrictions ease. Companies spend a huge amount of money on travel. According to the York Journal, business travel has increased year after year and is expected to grow to be worth $1.7 trillion in 2022. It further states that businesses allocate around 10% of their revenue on business travel expenditure. So, now is the time for businesses to deploy travel software applications to automate some tasks.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) corporate travel costs is expected to climb by 26% in 2021 and 34% in 2022, despite the slow recovery.
The Nelson Research suggests that travel industry experts anticipate that the global digital travel market will grow at a 3.8% annual rate to reach $11.4 trillion. With these rising numbers in mind, travel agencies must step up their efforts to make the most of the situation.
Travel agencies often require different types of travel agency software, each serving a unique purpose supporting efficient and seamless operation. However, businesses must strategically incorporate automation into your travel system.
B2B Travel System - Automate Intelligently
A holistic travel agency software solution includes a travel system that automates real-time operations and streamlines the travel process in less than an hour.
Consider the nature of your firm while deciding on a software package and determining which business procedures should or should not be automated. Automated travel industry software, for example, accelerates sales, increases staff productivity, centralizes information, improves accuracy, streamlines booking systems, and coordinates and explores customer data.
An automated travel software is mobile and tablet friendly, allowing travel agencies to book hotels, tours, transfers, and other related activities through mobile devices and websites. It improves efficiency and enables the agency to save money and time.
Businesses Now Prefer Adoption of Technology Drivers for Smoother Customer Experience (CX)
The travel industry is highly dependent on customer experience. Therefore, enhanced customer experience is the new loyalty currency for the travel and hospitality industry.
Travel agents and tour operators utilize travel agency software to automate their regular processes. Many predict that emerging technologies, ranging from AI-driven personal assistants to connected devices, will increase opportunities to serve travelers better.
33% of tourists use a virtual travel assistant to plan their trips, says hotelMize.
In a survey conducted by DMA, about 59% of participants stated that they choose a travel company based on its value for money, and 58% prefer a travel company based on customer service.
Software for travel agencies simplifies the process of online booking, inventory management, package customization, back-office administration, itinerary design, facilitating business leads, and accounting to assist travel agencies in increasing bookings and lowering costs.
Consumers demand a seamless experience that is personalized to their specific travel requirements. With cutting-edge technology in place, travel and hotel businesses can significantly enhances customer experience (CX) and foster loyalty that inspires future visits and recommendations. In addition, the travel experience will be driven forward by technology, as customers will rely on AI and other customer experience technologies to assist them in managing the obstacles associated with modern travel.
List of Travel Agency Software That Can Transform Your Travel Business
Travel agent software enables travel agencies and associated organizations to boost revenue and simplify reporting. Choose travel agency software that can be customized to meet your specific requirements. Here are some travel agency software options that can be considered.
Travefy
“When I promote my services to my clients, Travefy itineraries are one of my selling points.”
Lene Minyard, Owner - Perfectly Planned Journeys
Travefy lets travel consultants, tour operators, and other travel professionals save time, provide good deals to consumers, and increase sales by utilizing simple tools. This software generates visually appealing client itineraries or proposals.
Over 100 supplier integrations over 625 city guides
Live flight database
CRM integrations
ClientBase
ClientBase is a travel agent-specific customer relationship management (CRM) program. Its advanced and enriching features make it a standout in tour and travel operator software, providing solutions for enterprises and travel agencies. A marketing database, a travel planner, and a contact manager are all rolled into one. ClientBase also integrates with remote information systems and booking engines.
The core ClientBase features are listed below:
Itinerary creation
Reservation management
Payment processing
Travenza
Travenza is a cloud-based travel booking software for travel companies, tour operators, agents, and consultants. The suite includes reservation administration, quota management, payment processing, and marketing functionality.
Rezdy
Rezdy is a cloud-based business-to-business technology that enables tour operators to sell their products online and through different distribution channels. The open platform enables customers to connect their internal systems and online apps to a supplied booking engine. In addition, it assists distribution channels such as online travel agencies, marketplaces, and hotel chains locate and acquiring additional clients' items.
Conclusion
According to Zippia, the business travel sector is expected to experience a CAGR of 13.2% between 2021 and 2028.Therefore, travel companies must integrate new and immersive technology to expedite the process and provide a seamless travel experience for tech-savvy travelers. Technology has the ability to act as a generational catalyst for customer loyalty.
FAQ
What are the benefits of automation in the travel industry?
Boosts sales
Reduces costs
Data and documents can be centralized in an organization
Increases customer satisfaction and loyalty
What is B2B travel software?
B2B travel software streamlines various travel operations. It helps travel agents and agencies access real-time data.
What system do travel agents use?
Travel agencies use airline inventory from multiple GDS (Global Distribution Systems) to find seat fares and book tickets.
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