eTourism – Technology and hotel distribution online: outstanding competitive practices and exciting trends for the future

World Travel Market, ExCel, London   
Monday 3rd November 2014
12.00 – 14.00
WTM Global Stage

Seminar Details

Chaired by Professor Dimitrios Buhalis and Richard Lewis
BUeTourismLab WTM and IFITT event: eTourism Dynamics

Technology developments and the fragmented nature of the travel and hospitality industry have enabled Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to dominate the global hotel distribution marketplace but they have also leveled the playing field for many enlightened hotel operators. So why is the relationship between hotels and third party intermediaries so strained. It is often cited as an ‘unhappy marriage’. Is it because the hotels own the inventory not the OTAs? Is it because the OTAs strip out margin without adding value to the guest experience? Over the past three years, throughout Europe, government bodies have been investigating this relationship. Why? For the hospitality industry? Or for the consumer? It would appear that the OTAs are content with the status quo and usually question the findings of such ‘official’ reports. Have the OTA s acted as bullies to hotels often insisting upon ‘unfair’ clauses in contracts. Or have they provided an outstanding service to travelers. There is no doubt that they are exceptional retailers. Will the hotel industry and the OTAs find a way to work in true partnership in the future for the benefit of the hotel guest? Will the new battleground be fought over mobile, big data, personalisation and loyalty. The panel will investigate all these questions and much more including:

• Price setting
• Preferential distribution rates
•  Exclusivity contracts and restrictive clauses
•  Restrictions on ability to discount
•  Mirror branding on online search engines

Invited Panelists © indicates confirmed

© Dimitrios Buhalis, Professor and Director of eTourismLab Bournemouth University
© Richard Lewis, ‎CEO at Interchange & Consort Hotels, Best Western Hotels CO-CHAIR
© Dorian Harris, Founder of Skoosh
© Richard Hatter GM Hotel Icon Hong Kong
© Tom Valentine Secret Escapes
© Cho Wong, Managing Director, Supranational Hotels

Carl Oldsberg Choice Hotels
Simon Calder senior travel editor for The Independent newspaper
Gaucho Rasmussen Enforcement Director at Competition and Markets Authority
Heather Leisman Managing Director, HotelTonight
Helena Egan Tripadvisor
Representative Booking.com
Tom Valentine Secret Escapes
Kevin May Tnooz