NDC IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INDUSTRY

In Conversation With… Michael Gloor, Senior Director Sales France and Benelux, Lufthansa Group

NDC - a good or bad thing? What’s the most important thing buyers should be aware of? 
We at the Lufthansa Group believe that NDC is a fantastic opportunity for the industry. This is a great chance for buyers to become actively involved now, in shaping the usage of this standard in this crucial phase. With that in mind, we are really looking forward to the dialogue at this conference. 

What’s the biggest challenge facing buyers now and why? 
The more booking options become available to the corporate traveller, the more relevant it becomes for the travel buyer to manage all interfaces, to enforce compliance within the travel policy. Therefore, a standard like NDC, which is rapidly gaining ground at various distribution technology providers and suppliers, is really good news; it facilitates the integration of content from various sources and airlines into e.g. an online booking tool or the expense reporting environment.

What’s the biggest opportunity they should be taking advantage of and why? 
Corporate buyers will be able to proactively negotiate beyond the price point and tailor our wide range of offerings to their travellers’ needs. The idea would be to eventually offer various employee groups relevant corporate bundles in an interactive way. For some target groups this could be a powerful method for employee branding and talent acquisition.

Why are you looking forward to BT Summit Amsterdam? 
We clearly see momentum in the deployment and level of attention that NDC is currently receiving. By being here on behalf of the Lufthansa Group, I would like to hear your ideas, identify your priorities and needs and use your input as we are moving along with our developments. We believe this is the right time to engage in collaboration and move forward together. 

Michael is presenting a session called 'how buyers can benefit from NDC and airline direct connects' at Business Travel Summit Amsterdam, which takes place 25-26 September. Book your free place now at amsterdam.businesstravel-summit.com 

WITH DISRUPTION COMES SIMPLICITY

In Conversation With… Michael Reigel, Comtravo

Michael is taking part in 'The great BT Summit Pitch Off: Which start-ups are disrupting business travel?' at Business Travel Summit Amsterdam, which takes place at the RAI from 25-26 September. Book your free place now at amsterdam.businesstravel-summit.com

What is the single most important piece of advice/information buyers will take away from your presentation? 
The business model of classical travel agencies will shift in the next two to three years.

What’s the biggest challenge facing buyers now and why?
For SME buyers, there is no real one-stop shop to simply buying again.

What’s the biggest opportunity they should be taking advantage of and why?
Make use of the data they have! They receive so much data form their customers which can be used more wisely to get more business but its potential is often totally underestimated.

Why is it important to have a summit dedicated to buyers in the Nordics and Benelux?
It is important to have summits like this in any country/region. Dedicating it to a certain region may help to solve typical ‘problems’ within that area. Also it is good to make contacts and get an idea how others approach their challenges. 

Why are you looking forward to BT Summit Amsterdam?
We believe we can truly contribute and share knowledge on the BT Summit.

Should buyers embrace disruptive start-ups or be wary of them?
For sure! If they don’t - they will lose out! They should at least test and be aware of the capabilities and opportunities.

What good can they bring to a travel programme?
More simplicity!

Should buyers encourage travellers to use disruptive suppliers?
Again - I think it is important not to miss the trend and therefore test and try out. 

THE HOTEL GUEST EXPERIENCE IS OUTDATED

In conversation with Barbara Mauthner, Corporate Sales Manager, conichi, ahead of her session at the Business Travel Summit Amsterdam next month. 

Tell us about your session in one sentence?

During my session I will showcase our revolutionary technology that enables guests, hotels and corporates to benefit from a personalised and seamless hotel experience.

What is the single most important piece of advice/information buyers will take away from your talk?

The hotel guest experience is outdated and does not fulfil the needs of today's customer. From pre to post stay we optimise the guest experience allowing for a personalised and mobile experience which will reduce process times for hotels and costs for corporates.

What’s the biggest challenge facing buyers now and why?

Meeting users needs while reducing processes and costs.

What’s the biggest opportunity they should be taking advantage of and why?

The ways new technology can impact the guest experience to reduce operational complexity, waiting times and costs.

Why is it important to have a summit dedicated to buyers in the Nordics and Benelux?

These locations show large amounts of corporate travelers who value time and efficiency and are among the most advanced in mobile services in Europe - thus these markets need to stay ahead of the trends in order to best cater to their customers.

What does being traveller-centric mean to you? How does it benefit buyers?

Being traveller-centric means creating an experience that is tailored around the traveller's needs: mobile, simple, effective and personalised. This benefits the buyer as it improves efficiency on the hotel side by reducing processes allowing them to focus on personal interactions with guests.  

Why are you looking forward to BT Summit Amsterdam?

I am looking forward to meeting industry leaders in order to share and discuss future trends and how we can impact the industry together.