Tourism Breaking News
The travel industry is undergoing a seismic shift, according to leading authority on travel research and events, Phocuswright. A new age of technologies, empowered consumers, and emerging players are redefining how we travel, book trips, and interact with the industry. Phocuswright will tackle these disruptive forces head-on at The Phocuswright Conference, themed “The New Age(nts),” taking place November 19-21 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Arizona.
‘The New Age(nts)’ has been designed to be more than a theme – a call to action for the travel industry to adapt and evolve. Through a programme of keynotes, panels and thought leadership sessions, the conference will examine four key areas of transformation:
1. A New Age: The dominance of Google at the top of the funnel is challenged by social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, while AI-powered conversational search offers personalized travel recommendations. Airlines are leveraging NDC to regain control over distribution, potentially setting a precedent for hotels to follow suit. Non-traditional players like big-box retailers and financial institutions are also entering the fray, redefining the online travel agency landscape.
2. Customers in Control: Self-sovereign identity, personal data vaults, and secure digital wallets empower consumers to own their data and decide who to share it with. Travel businesses must adapt to this new reality and build trust with consumers to access their profiles and wallets.
3. Emerging Agents: Intelligent agents are already augmenting trip planning and personalization, streamlining tasks for travelers and offering efficiencies to businesses. These tools are not a distant future; they are reshaping the travel industry now.
4. Enduring Agents?: As travelers become more empowered and new tools automate tasks, traditional travel agents must evolve. By embracing technology and offering expertise that AI cannot replicate, savvy travel advisors can find new ways to thrive in this changing landscape.
“We typically address topics that impact and reshape the travel industry,” said Eugene Ko, Director of Marketing and Communications at Phocuswright. “But this time around, it’s more than that. New agents of change are emerging, as a new age of travel beckons. Travel distribution is being totally upended, as new players and paradigms exert their influence, and the tussle for control over content, the customer and their allegiance reaches a new level of intensity. The ‘New Age(nts)’ of change – a diverse group of tech disruptors, non-traditional players, empowered consumers, and influencers – are more than a trend; they’re a tidal wave reshaping the travel landscape. This year’s Phocuswright Conference promises a deep dive into this evolving ecosystem where players must either evolve or be swept away.”
