HBAA gets inline with onlineAssociation researches the impact of technology
A recent survey conducted by the HBAA with its member agencies highlights a growing appetite by agencies for technology and online solutions to help better manage booking processes and mandate meetings management and accommodation policies.
The HBAA, whose annual buying buyer power in meetings, conference and accommodation spend is £4.7BN, is the leading body for booking agents in the UK; a benchmark of professionalism for corporate organisations and a driver of best practice for the sector.
The survey, carried out in April 2010 amongst the 73 member agents, researched agencies usage and attitudes towards emerging online technology within hotels, venues and apartments. The underlying message from the survey was the growing trend by HBA's for electronic booking channels both in the transient accommodation sector and most importantly in the meetings sector, with strategies formulating at a fast pace to bring innovation and technology to this latter area.
•Factors affecting adoption of technologies indicate the need for cost savings was most prevalent as agencies sought reduce overheads.
•Speed of response to ascertain availability and rates featured second driven by the desire to offer a quick and responsive customer service, whilst customer empowerment through desk top accessed search and book agency managed systems.
•Of the agencies whose core business stream was accommodation, all had live available connectivity either with GDS, Pegasus or Direct Connects with hotel brands directly.
•Only one organisation attained rates from multiple web sites including third party aggregators.
•One of the key uses of online technology was the management of specially negotiated allocations (for bedrooms and rates on behalf of a specific client) at individual hotels on behalf of corporate clients.
All agencies concurred that online availability, rates and booking capabilities would become standard for small meetings and events within the next three years. Hotel groups, chain venues and independent properties are already opening their inventories for small meetings and it was felt that this would become the norm.
Trevor Elswood, Chairman of the HBAA's Technology, Innovation & Environment (TIE) Committee said: "Traditionally HBA's were reliant on dealing directly with properties to negotiate rates and secure inventory. Agencies are now well versed in managing accommodation policies on behalf of their corporates online through the wide range of live availability distribution connections. The corporates' growing reliance on HBA's as part of the business outsourcing process means that meetings management policies too are being integrated into online inventories. The survey clearly shows demand from our members who want to capitalise on the IT available, and in turn reduce their own overheads. The HBAA will play a pivotal part in shaping this future technology landscape".
For further information/event pictures please contact:Triggerfish Communications on 020 7233 9700
Notes to editors:
•The Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) was formed in 1997 and now consists of more than 70 agent members and 200 Hotel Charter Partners. The association has an annual buying power in excess of £4.7bn.
•Member agents are specialists in making hotel accommodation, conference and event reservations as their core business.
•Charter Partners are comprised of the leading hotel chains, training centres and independent hotels and venues.
•The HBAA comprises a committee of 12 industry figureheads who oversee separate committees including: technology, partnerships, memberships, marketing & PR, events and education.
•www.hbaa.org.uk Back to News Stories |