GROWING CLIENT CONFUSION about distribution channel content has prompted Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) to call for an industry-wide standardisation of what's available where, and at what price.
The travel management giant last month staged a high-level seminar to launch a campaign for uniform travel content to be made available across all channels. HRG chief executive David Radcliffe (left) told around 100 supplier delegates: "On the one hand, technology is a great differentiator [between travel management companies], but on the other hand there is so much disparity within the industry. From the clients' point of view, it's absolutely stupid. We think we need a common platform. We have to show more professionalism as an industry."
Seminar moderator Bill Brindle, HRG's group director of technology and distribution, admitted the firm was "sticking its head above the parapet", but insisted TMCs needed to co-ordinate efforts to eliminate content anomalies.
"This is about how we work together as an industry in some very difficult times to ensure that we provide the best possible service - for which people are, let's face it, paying a lot of money," he said.
He even suggested that other major travel management companies should join the campaign, although HRG insiders privately admit that is unlikely.
Nevertheless, response from the initial gathering, at Microsoft's Thames Valley campus, has spurred plans for future forums, which will be held at least annually.