Isaac Carey

This is a good step for the industry, bringing tech improvements not just to the retail side but also to the companies managing the bookings through New Distribution Capability.

A widespread tech upgrade is just what the industry needs, and it might be right around the corner.

Cities are getting more crowded with vehicles, and people are becoming more reluctant to use cars during business and leisure trips. Smart technology can help.

One of the largest obstacles for travelers with disabilities is simply a lack of information. Hotels are missing out on a huge segment of the tourism market by neglecting to promote their accessibility features.

The future looks good for meetings and events. That was the vibe coming out of IMEX America in Las Vegas last week, even as some planners worry about trade tensions and a looming economic downturn.

The biggest travel management companies keep getting bigger, but the digital era has ushered in a wave of startups that are rapidly winning over business travelers. The legacy companies will have to modernize to compete in the years ahead.

The travel management space will probably continue to consolidate, with no real end in sight. That said, even the largest companies will start to lose ground if they can't keep up with rapidly changing traveler expectations.

Companies have realized that climate change dramatically affects their bottom line, and many are giving planners the go-ahead to address sustainability in a more meaningful way.

Planners are starting to embrace their role in addressing climate change — and are moving beyond just surface efforts to preserve the environment and local communities. This trend is an important one, and hopefully continues to pick up speed.

Basically, airlines, travel management companies, and global distribution systems need to do a better job at working together if so-called New Distribution Capability is going to live up to its potential.