Travel Management Companies Finally See Upgrades to Payment Technology
Skift Take
Despite some of the progress that New Distribution Capability has made in recent years, travel management companies have missed out on many of the benefits. This new development from the International Air Travel Association should help modernize the old-school IT systems that many are using.
Much of the talk around so-called New Distribution Capability focuses on business travelers. Airlines, looking to implement a system that often gives them more control, are providing travelers access to lower rates and package deals through the new technology. Meanwhile, critics are examining how airlines stand to gain by upending the system, questioning whether New Distribution Capability is truly better for the industry.
One piece that has often been overlooked is how travel management companies fit into the picture, however. Sure, plenty of travel management companies are implementing new distribution technology, but how does that actually change their day-to-day operations?
In many cases, not very much, according to Robin Smith, chief product manager at UK-based travel manage
