The strategy of adding value: the build vs buy dilemma.
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, companies face a critical choice when developing new systems: should they build everything in-house (or outsourced) or buy components from existing 3rd party vendors? This decision, while seemingly straightforward, has far-reaching implications for a company’s competitive advantage and its ability to deliver value to customers. Leveraging Michael Porter’s principles, […]
Why “Sustainability” is Often Misinterpreted: A Perspective
The term “sustainability” has become ubiquitous in business, government, and society discussions, but its broad usage often leads to misinterpretation. Companies and individuals alike grapple with understanding what sustainability truly encompasses. From my experience working at Weeva and observing the industry, I’ve seen that sustainability is frequently viewed through a limited lens, which undermines its […]
The Biggest Blockers to Sustainability in the Travel Industry
Sustainability has become a pressing issue across all industries, and the travel sector is no exception. The tourism and travel industry, which includes airlines, cruise lines, hotels, and tour operators, has a significant impact on the environment, contributing to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. As the world becomes increasingly aware of these impacts, […]
Overcoming Barriers to Net-Zero in the Hospitality Industry.
The hospitality industry faces several perceived and actual barriers to achieving net-zero and embracing sustainability. Despite growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options and heightened awareness of climate change, many businesses in this sector are hesitant to implement sustainability strategies due to perceived high costs, lack of standardised regulations, limited access to sustainable technology, and challenges […]
Has NDC Fully Transformed Airline Distribution or Simply Partially Modernised the Landscape?
The New Distribution Capability (NDC), introduced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2012, was conceived as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the airline distribution ecosystem. It promised to modernise the way airlines distribute their products, offering a richer, more dynamic, and more personalised experience for consumers. NDC was also intended to enable […]
Protecting Your Digital IP with Mid-Layers: Adding Value While Maintaining Flexibility with Third-Party Systems
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses often rely on third-party systems to enhance their operations, streamline processes, and offer innovative services. However, this reliance can expose companies to risks, particularly when it comes to protecting their intellectual property (IP). One effective strategy to mitigate these risks is to develop mid-layers—software layers that add value to […]
Balancing Technology and the Human Side of Change
Digital transformation is more than a buzzword; it’s a critical pathway for organisations looking to stay competitive and relevant in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. While much of the focus on digital transformation revolves around technology—such as the adoption of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics—the true challenge often lies in managing the human side […]
Will Expedia Group’s Single Identity (One Key) Strategy Provide a Significant Competitive Advantage?
Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest online travel agencies (OTAs), has recently embarked on a bold new strategy to create a “single identity” platform across its diverse portfolio of travel brands, including Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Central to this initiative is the introduction of One Key, a unified loyalty program designed to […]
Are Traditional Travel Agents Under Threat from AI Agents?
The travel industry has been undergoing a digital transformation for several years, driven by advancements in technology, changes in consumer behaviour, and the growing demand for personalised, seamless travel experiences. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, the emergence of AI-driven travel agents—digital tools that leverage machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics to […]
Travel technology: an opportunity for growth
The travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid advancements in technology that are reshaping how travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. In this evolving landscape, a strategic approach to travel technology is essential for companies looking to remain competitive, enhance customer experiences, and optimise operational efficiencies. The importance of travel technology […]
Why we need sustainability for hospitality
Sustainability has become a critical priority for businesses worldwide, driven by increasing regulatory pressures, stakeholder expectations, and a growing recognition of the environmental and social impacts of business operations. Every business needs to include sustainability in their business. The importance of a robust sustainability strategy lies in its ability to safeguard long-term business viability while […]
Digital Strategy: the blue-print for growth
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, a robust digital strategy has become a critical component for business success. This importance is underscored by both commercial and operational imperatives. From a commercial perspective, a well-defined software and IT strategy enables organisations to harness digital transformation initiatives, drive innovation, and create competitive differentiation. By leveraging advanced technologies […]