BUSINESS

NDC high on travel trade agenda in 2019

December 09, 2018

RIYADH — Looking ahead to 2019, ITL World, one of the region’s fastest growing travel management companies, is positive on the year ahead with a clear roadmap for various technology implementations aimed at increasing efficiency.

Since its official launch in 1998, ITL World has been assisting companies in Saudi Arabia and across the globe to make the most of what they spend on travel. For travel and procurement managers, it means advising them on how to grow the value of their travel program.

“We’ve helped our clients travel smart and achieve more with our committed and experienced team. A testament to this is the fact that we have maintained the regional industry’s most consistent client retention rate (95 percent over the past 10 years being in operation in the GCC). Whilst 2018 revenues are modest compared to last year, these strong partnerships buoy us and are indicative of an exciting 2019 and beyond,” said Rafeeq Mohammed, CEO, ITL World

By 2020, the company, which operates in the Middle East, Asia & Europe, is aiming to extend its offering to North Africa and South East Asia.

“We have had another great year and are hopeful about the future as we build our global network with a consistent value proposition that includes continued focus on innovation, collaboration and unrivalled customer satisfaction. When it comes to corporate travel, the way professionals travel for business is constantly changing, and 2019 will be no exception. It is important for us to keep up with our discerning clientele,” added Mohammed.

Keeping technology at the forefront, ITL World has created a roadmap for inclusion of NDC (New Distribution Capability), a travel industry-supported program launched by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard. With this, the company is aiming to transform the way air products are retailed to corporations, business travelers, by addressing the industry’s current distribution limitations.

The new Sabre Red Workspace (SRW) will help simplify travel complexity and assist airlines with upselling customized airline content. It increases the consultant’s ability to shop and book branded fares and ancillaries, which in return increases airlines revenue. Customers have increasingly demanded personalization, choice and the ability to unbundle every component of a ticket and dynamically re-bundle it to match their needs.

“SRW enables leading Travel Management Companies like ITL World to efficiently meet the expectations of the connected and well informed traveler. Having greater information and insights within consultants workflow allows them to design traveler experiences versus just offering itineraries,” added Ramzi AlQassab , Commercial Director, ME at Sabre Travel Network Middle East.

“With a shared commitment to our clients, we are committed to working with partners to leverage our integrated technology stack and deliver a smarter working environment for business travelers through cloud-based online solutions. We have deployed these products already and will continue to drive this with enhancements in 2019,” added Mohammed.

“While the average consumer might find it hard to differentiate between TMC’s in the region, the astute corporate client values our strong network, impressive credentials and wealth of experience. Not to mention strategic partnerships that enable us to provide the most innovative and cost-effective travel management solutions to the corporate market.”

“Incorporating new technology standards will benefit stakeholders across the travel ecosystem and we’re certain this will also contribute to our continued success in the region,” he noted. — SG


December 09, 2018
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