GDS Deregulation: Opportunities and Challenges

Online Seminar
Presented by Travel Industry Expert
David J. Wardell

Viewable Online Anytime—At Your Convenience!

In addition to accessing the presentation immediately online (or whenever is convenient), you'll receive a CD containing the complete discussion, which you can play on any PC or share with co-workers.

$49.95 Tuition
Special Discounted Price for
Technical Reality and PositiveSpace Subscribers

Technical Reality and PositiveSpace are pleased to announce a continuation of the unprecedented and timely online seminar on the effects of recent GDS deregulation on the travel industry. By employing current online technologies, you'll benefit from the best in leading-edge operational and strategic insights while never leaving your office.

Key components of the U.S. Department of Transportation December, 2003 changes in CRS/GDS Rules, including changes effective in January 2004 and July 2004.

What changes should be anticipated in travel distribution practice--affecting agents, suppliers, corporate travel managers, and customers, plus changes predicted by this seminar that have already taken effect!

Role of new technology and especially The Internet in the post-CRS regulation environment.

The essential ways in which industry economics and finances are already changing post-regulation (of special importance to agents, corporate travel managers, and those who deal with them).

The travel distribution business outlook for the coming 24 months (and why some of the post-regulation benefits predicted by industry experts won't happen).

After a lengthy comment period, which included extensive lobbying by major travel industry suppliers and several trade groups, the U.S. Department of Transportation removed most CRS rules effective January 31, 2004 and will phase two of the most important rules out in July, 2004.

In so doing, the DOT abandoned numerous rule changes that it had discussed, many of which disadvantaged both the trade and consumers.

Although GDS deregulation has been widely praised by some advocacy groups and GDS companies, most travel distribution participants, especially agents and corporate travel managers, have a minimal understanding of how their businesses have been fundamentally changed and what competitive and structural steps they must take now.

DID YOU KNOW, FOR INSTANCE:

Agency and travel manager GDS costs are already being "reviewed" in the post-regulation world, and that, according to published reports: "GDSs will be forced to evaluate their costs, particularly agents’ incentives, under pressure from changing nature of the distribution chain and the impact of GDS deregulation."

The restrictions on GDS bias will be removed later this year and that the DOT assumes advances in technology will play a key role in maintaining booking objectivity, but does not describe how such changes will come about?

An objective assessment of GDS deregulation on consumers has yet to appear anywhere but that you'll finally hear one during this event?

GDS deregulation sounds simple and it sounds as though it's a uniformly positive development. You need to discover whether this is true and take the steps necessary to prosper post-regulation regardless.

Travel agency managers and principals who are concerned about the post-regulation GDS business environment and how they'll remain operationally and financially competitive.

Independent agents who want to understand the changes GDS deregulation imposes on them and the opportunities it creates.

Corporate travel managers who need to understand the fundamental operational, financial, and customer service changes GDS deregulation will cause.

Industry suppliers, consultants, and analysts who want to appreciate the inevitable business and especially technological changes caused by GDS deregulation.

Anyone interested in a short and long-term strategic outlook on travel distribution, with an emphasis upon emerging opportunities.

Please sign-up to view this unique online event today, as it will only be available for a brief time. Remember, subscribers to Technical Reality and PositiveSpace publications receive a special discount.

Thank you for your support!