ECTAA and GEBTA have commissioned a feasibility study into the design, build and implementation of a new accreditation and settlement system…
ECTAA and GEBTA have commissioned a feasibility study into the design, build and implementation of a new accreditation and settlement system for European agents and service suppliers.
The overall industry environment is changing. The European Union counts today 25 Member States and probably 28 in 2010. 12 countries today share the same currency, 450 million customers have access to the single European internal market and the online distribution has reinforced the abolishment of the old territorial borders.
It is in this context that ECTAA and GEBTA, the associations representing over 80.000 leisure and business travel agents as well as tour operators in 27 European countries, have commissioned a study with a view of assessing if it is feasible to put in place a new modern pan-European settlement system which benefits both agents and their service suppliers. The objective is to design a system encompassing accreditation and settlements within the EU, the EEA area and Switzerland, that would enable agents to interface with their suppliers on which behalf they sell services. In particular, it aims at assessing the possibility of implementing a system, which is more accessible to agents and open to all service suppliers, not only air transport providers. The study will particularly focus on designing an efficient system, which is as inexpensive as possible and which is based on a balanced business model that meets the needs of both agents and service suppliers today and in the future.
Over the last six months ECTAA and GEBTA have been canvassing opinions from the industry. A major outcome of this survey was that the industry is lacking a modern system covering accreditation and settlements, which would allow a smooth interface between suppliers and distribution in the current industry’s environment in Europe. As the responses were favourable, the associations have commissioned a feasibility study, which should deliver a more complete picture of the potential for such a venture. The content of this study will include an over-arching strategy for how a pan-European settlement system might be designed, built, implemented and operated. It should identify service deliverables required by all users and list potential technology partners. It should size the market, provide a high level project plan for the implementation of a pilot project and contain costing elements of such a venture.
A cross-section of potential users, namely agents, tour operators, consolidators, full service airlines, low cost carriers, mixed carriers, non-air suppliers, as well as potential technology suppliers will be consulted to gain their opinions on the above concept. Face to face interviews will be carried out with major players among these potential users. In parallel, ECTAA and GEBTA Members in 27 European countries will also be invited to provide their input. By taking this broad cross-section of opinions a complete understanding of market demand and requirements will be attained.
The feasibility study corresponds to the objectives of ECTAA and GEBTA, which is to carry out studies and market research to the benefit of its Members and the industry at large. ECTAA and GEBTA have made similar studies in the past, such as the study on the cost of distribution of air travel products. Given the rapid changing market environment, technological developments and changing working practices, ECTAA and GEBTA want to be proactive and develop a tool that will be beneficial to all the industry, by creating a cost-based and efficient system, which can easily adapt to market changes.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
