Channel fragmentation, content, integration, and cost were among the subjects of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives` (ACTE) forum in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Global distribution systems are under the…
Channel fragmentation, content, integration, and cost were among the subjects of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives` (ACTE) forum in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Global distribution systems are under the ACTE microscope in the U.S., EMEA and in Latin America, as travel managers, TMCs and airlines are taking high-ground positions in an effort not to bear the hidden costs.
Despite the fact that Brazil has extreme market fragmentation, the participants at the Sao Paulo forum were confident that a common-ground solution to this challenge could be reached. Julian Benavento, Global Travel Manager from Exiros/Techint Group said, as a global company we are analyzing different online tools with our TMC`s in Brazil to find a 100% online solution. We monitor developments in the market place and believe that conversations between players bring clarification and is the means to find a satisfactory way out for our corporation.
According to Patricia Rasore, ACTE`s representative in Latin America, forum presenters, panelists, and moderators met prior to the event to guarantee a smooth interaction with participants, and ensure the key issues would remain the primary focus. Preparation for this event went far beyond conference calls, said Rasore. A concerted effort was to insure the topics were timely, and represented the latest developments.
ACTE announced it was creating an electronic forum to obtain new data regarding the Brazilian distribution issue, prior to sharing it with the industry and media.
Jose Ernesto Marino Neto, President of BSH International, presented an analytical approach to developing a business plan emphasizing team work, data collection, and industry research as vital components.
The Sao Paulo Forum revealed a number of statistical milestones. Regarding the growing influence of business travel managers. Eric Zymna, a presenter for AirPlus, stated that 60 percent of big corporations in Brazil have Travel Managers. This indicates that the majority of companies in the country have travel policies — but that there is substantial room for industry growth
One area open for growth is in the Brazilian travel technology sector. Arnaldo Blasques, Superintendente da area de Produtos Empresariais Itau Cartoe said only 30 percent of payments are done with credit cards in the Brazilian business travel arena, with 70 percent of companies still receiving invoices from their TMC`s.
Daniel Bento, Country Managerdecolar.com said technology in Brazil supported the need for greater technological advancement, stating that 91 percent of booking requests are still being done by email or over the phone. By contrast, Lincoln Amando, GOL Commercial Director, said 81 percent of their bookings were being done via web.
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