Thursday, March 28, 2024
Travel And Tour World had an interview with Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of The Travel Technology Association, is based in Washington, DC. She plays a crucial role in the success and achievement of goals as a self-directed and motivated professional in government and industry relations. Her extensive accomplishments include leading public policy advocacy, member engagement, legislative strategy, program development, and cross-functional teams.
Travel And Tour World: Can you tell us about your company?
Laura Chadwick: We represent travel innovators. We speak on behalf of the travel tech sector before decision-makers in the US Senate, US House, and Capital Hills US Senate. We also ensure that the industry’s views are heard by regulatory bodies like the US Department of Transportation. Since public policies play a huge part in travel, we are here to make sure that our industry has a voice and that they are taking our opinions into account when they formulate policies.
Travel And Tour World: Could you share with us your thoughts on ITB Berlin 2024?
Laura Chadwick: So, I am here for the launch of the global travel tech association. This is an organisation that many of my member companies are involved in, including Booking.com, Expedia, Amadeus, Skyscanner, and Travelport. These companies have come together to form a global organisation to make sure that the industry is represented in front of global policymakers like the UN and OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), so today we have taken the opportunity to launch this organization with our principles about innovation, transparency, and competition, and we are excited to be here in ITB Berlin 2024 in front of this huge audience.
Travel And Tour World: What are your plans for making this technology a benchmark?
Laura Chadwick: There are so many opportunities. We are aware of how fragmented the travel industry is, with numerous moving components and stakeholders. This location is excellent for bringing together various company types, finding common ground, and advancing the industry globally. That is precisely what my organization, The Travel Technology Association, does. We then advocate for those common ground areas in public policies.
Travel And Tour World: In what ways does sustainability contribute to a greener environment?
Laura Chadwick: Yes, so our major member companies, such as Skyscanner, Amadeus, Booking and expedia, are essential in getting information about sustainability in front of consumers. They also bring together hotels and airlines that are doing excellent work in this area, so it would be nearly impossible for them to do so.
Therefore, it is up to us to ensure that the information we provide is standardized. Thus, what is considered sustainable in one region of the world is also considered sustainable in another. To align what it means to be sustainable and how we get this information to consumers in a standardized way is the main goal of global travel technology.
Travel And Tour World: Which markets do you prioritize?
Laura Chadwick: Thus, it is a worldwide organization, and I am the European travel expert. Thus, we are essentially operating in every corner of the globe and bringing together the same businesses operating in every one of these markets to reach a consensus on crucial issues like competition, sustainability, and transparency.
Tags: Advocacy, innovation, Laura Chadwick, leadership, policy, sustainability, technology, Travel
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
