UAE agents lead the way in travel tech trends

RITIKA SHARMA / Emirates Business

The UAE is not only doing exceptionally well in terms of tech-aided travel solution, but also emerging as a trendsetter for innovative technology-based services in the regional travel industry, experts believe. The country has proved that the right technology mix can make a huge difference and strengthen the travel industries across countries, they opine.
Industry leaders claim that the use of latest technology has helped many travel agencies in UAE to increase revenues and expand businesses over past few years.
Travelport, a leading Travel Commerce Platform, recently hosted a congregation of Abu Dhabi’s leading travel agencies at a series of innovation workshops for the local travel agents to learn about leveraging the most innovative technology that is redefining travel commerce around the globe.
During the workshops, experts discussed how technology can be utilised to meet traveller demands and grow the UAE’s travel industry.
Matthew Powell, Regional Director, Middle East and South Asia, Travelport told Emirates Business, “The travel industry and landscape is more complex than ever before. Technology is evolving too, redefining travel commerce to support travel trends and the industry’s growth.”
“In order for traditional travel agents to remain competitive they need to be ‘consultants’ rather than merely trip bookers and our Travel Commerce Platform creates network effects that facilitate revenue growth across the travel value chain,” he said.
Technology mainly plays role in improving efficiency and accuracy in the travel process. Travel experts also suggest that the investment in the area of technology should be taken seriously by travel agents as it can have huge effect on their business and revenues.
Talking on the same lines, Mohamed Ashraf from Asian Gulf Travel said, ‘‘The UAE’s travel industry is constantly embracing new trends and the technologies that support its progress and growth. As a travel industry leader in the UAE, we see it as best business practices to embrace the most cutting edge tools and technology available to improve efficiency and business function.”
“Investing in technology is an instrumental component of a thriving agency. As long-term partners of Travelport, we were delighted to participate in this event,” he added.