Today’s Technology Update is brought to you by Tramada Systems Pty. Ltd.

Insights from btTB-GBTA Sydney

The two-day conference was held at Royal Randwick Racecourse – an iconic venue for the fast-paced travel industry forum. Highlights for me were: 1. The future of travel (Traveltopia) by Johnny Thorsen of Mezi – Here we learned about current and future uses of chat bots and blockchain that can lead to even greater streamlining of the traveller’s experience, management of contracts, and data quality guarantees. Winding Tree was mentioned as the first travel industry-focused blockchain platform. 2. NDC Panel – Multiple perspectives of benefits and challenges on the NDC were presented, notably that it will bring increased content for larger agencies allowing greater traveller choice; a new commercial model around commoditisation of ancillary charges; and that GDSs are prepared for the NDC. While IATA has defined a certification process for NDC, there was also reference to blockchain for better access to dynamic inventory. 3. Uber for Business – As part of a ground transportation panel and their own keynote address, Uber shared key facts on its significant growth over the past 5 years, being accepted into more and more corporate travel policies. They launched uberPOOL here now, following great success in the USA where it has proven to reduce congestion, fuel consumption and the trip cost to the traveller. Overall, a very informative event on travel technology which Tramada was pleased to sponsor and participate in.