Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up because we’ve got some exciting news in the world of technology and travel. Sabre, a major player in the airline and travel agency communities, is making a big move. They’re teaming up with the powerhouse that is Google Cloud to take their game to a whole new level. And let me tell you, folks, this partnership is going to change the travel game as we know it.
Now, I had the privilege of hearing from Brett Thorstad, the vice president of Sabre Travel Solutions, agency sales, APAC, at the Sabre Space Asian roadshow in the Philippines. And boy, did he drop some knowledge bombs on us. According to Thorstad, the collaboration between Sabre and Google will allow them to tap into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning like never before. They’re going to leverage their own data, their own assets, and combine it with the mind-blowing capabilities of AI and machine learning. That’s a recipe for success, my friends.
But wait, there’s more! Sabre didn’t just stop there. They’ve been hard at work launching airline pricing products that allow carriers to dynamically price their fares and ancillaries using the power of AI. Genius, right? And it’s not just the airlines that can benefit from this revolutionary technology. Traditional travel agencies and online travel agencies (OTAs) that love automation can also get in on the action.
In fact, Sabre recently unveiled Lodging AI, a game-changer in the world of hotel bookings. When a hotel is sold out or your search criteria doesn’t quite match up, Lodging AI comes to the rescue by offering up to 20 alternative options. Talk about turning a disappointing situation into a world of possibilities. And let’s not forget about the Schedule Change Predictor, a tool that predicts flight cancellations and disruptions. With this, Sabre can create travel itineraries with ease and grace.
Now, traditionally, when we think of the Global Distribution System (GDS), we think of air content. But Sabre is shaking things up, my friends. They’ve got big plans to bring more content into the GDS. We’re talking hotels, car rentals, cruises, and tours. They want a one-stop-shop, a single portal where you can book everything your heart desires. And let me tell you, that’s going to be a game-changer for the entire agency community. The possibilities are endless, folks.
But wait, there’s one more twist in this tale. While airline seat capacity is on the road to recovery, travel agency GDS bookings are lagging behind. It seems that most bookings are coming from the corporate travel side of things. Now, with the rise of remote work, the corporate travel market has become a bit trickier. Companies are booking less frequently as they reduce day trips and become more intentional about travel. But here’s the silver lining – business travelers are taking longer trips. So, it’s not all doom and gloom, my friends.
In fact, business class and premium economy seats are selling like hotcakes. People are splurging on comfort and luxury, and who can blame them? It’s all part of the evolving corporate travel landscape, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of it.
So, ladies and gentlemen, keep your eyes on Sabre. With their collaboration with Google Cloud and their innovative use of AI and machine learning, they’re on the path to revolutionizing the travel industry. And who knows, in the future, anything could be sold through their platform. It’s an exciting time to be a traveler, my friends.
