ASTA forming technology task force, likely to affect travel agents

Monday, March 5, 2018

ASTA is establishing a task force to check existent and upcoming technologies that are likely to impact travel agents.

Jay Ellenby who is the chair and president of Safe Harbors Business Travel in Bel Air, MD had discussed the task force on Sunday during the Premium Business Summit at the Westin New York at Times Square.

Technology is a critical topic particularly considering the number of technology brands already in the travel sphere like Google as mentioned by Google.

New features and alterations these companies are introducing seem thrilling but it is important for the industry to think about how to address it, from now onwards. He said that they would be in a better position to comprehend these technologies, for instance how travel agents can utilize systems and products to leverage them.

Ellenby said that task force members would have phone discussions once or twice every quarter.

They would report to the Society’s board of directors.

The goal of the task force is to educate ASTA members including at the annual ASTA Global Convention and via webinars. The task force would still be formed and ASTA is seeking volunteers.

Zane Kerby who is the president and CEO of ASTA also addressed technology during the meeting, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

Kerby mentioned that he is hopeful about the fact that the agency community can embrace and harness AI as the technology matures.

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