3 May 2002 - For the first time, leading figures in the travel industry are to debate the vexed issue of electronic distribution and customer connectivity across the booking chain.
 

The no-holds-barred panel debate will form the centrepiece of TOWARD 2002 conference in Las Vegas (7-8 May) organised by TOWARD, the leading exponent of global distribution standards for the travel industry. Key speakers at the event, which is themed 'Connecting with the Customer', include senior representatives from Atinera, the top travel software provider; Datalex, the leading provider of IT solutions to the airline and travel industry, and Pegasus Solutions, the leading global provider of hotel industry technology.  Other panel members include speakers from top electronic distribution companies Newtrade Technologies, Softvoyage, Logibro and Intracom.

In November 2000, a group of industry leaders met to discuss the impact ever-changing technology is having in the tour industry today. They recognized the need for a forum to address the key issues, establish standards, and share ideas. As a group they could make their collective wishes known, taking a non-partisan approach that would ultimately result in economy and efficiency for all involved.

Moderating the discussion will be TOWARD board member and president of Europe Express Christopher Ford. Said Ford: "We are expecting a very brisk exchange of hard-hitting questions and responses, catalysed by lots of audience participation. The business philosophies are diverse and feelings are strong when it comes to electronic distribution."

The debate is one of many feature events in the conference, which also includes a series of informative overviews on developments in leading industry sectors such as Global Distribution Systems (GDSs), together with committee meetings and networking opportunities.

According to TOWARD, the conference offers a unique chance for delegates to discover how to reduce costs and boost productivity through improved connectivity with all players in the global distribution chain.

Commented TOWARD's executive director Vic Macchio: "While the consumer is generally perceived as the ultimate customer, the travel agent is customer to the tour operator, the operators are customers to the airlines, hotels and car rental companies, and so on down the line. 

"Electronic linkages at every juncture not only increase speed, efficiency and reduce operating expenses, but can actually improve customer service at the same time. TOWARD 2002 will shed light on the whole issue with real, bottom-line benefits for conference delegates."

Formed in November 2000 by leading figures in the US travel industry, TOWARD's (Tour Operators and Wholesalers Achieving Real-Time Distribution) mission is to create global distribution standards for the international leisure travel industry by bringing together key players in the world of travel and technology. The association's membership includes some of the industry's major forces such as leading US operators Apple Vacations, Far & Wide Travel and GOGO Worldwide vacations, together with Galileo, Hertz, Carlson Hospitality, Avis Rent A Car and Amadeus.
In addition to attending conferences, the association's members are encouraged to join its four committees, whose roles include promoting greater understanding of technology for example by producing standardised specification sheets for commercial products; improving technology education, and analysing the transaction chains throughout the industry.

Recently, the organisation announced its expansion into Europe with the opening of a new London-based office. Heading the venture is TOWARD's European membership director Andy Cook, formerly managing director (Americas) of MIC, pioneer of the leisure accommodation industry's first global distribution system.