Travel 2.0 & Technology Workshop

Tom Jenkins - ETOA's Director:

«All people involved in travel are going to be interested in how clients will behave online», states the ETOA’s (European Tour Operators Association) Director Mr. Tom Jenkins commenting on the workshop Buy Tourism Online (BTO).

«ETOA was established nearly 20 years ago to represent the European incoming industry», says Director Mr. Tom Jenkins.

«This industry has been transformed by new distribution channels, to the extent that notions of “inbound” and even “operator” have now changed.

Even the distinction between “operator" and “agent” is now fraught.

At the heart of these conundra lies the client, the choice that has been granted to him and the enormous power that this ability brings.

ETOA has been discussing the role of online communities for four years: its members bring clients in from Japan and America, and members who sell online to anyone.»

The one thing these people have in common is that they are interested in content.

The most important content is Italy, and at the heart of Italy lies Florence.

These are the reasons why I feel convinced that anyone concerned with the future of online distribution should attend BTO».

«Everybody involved in the travel industry is going to be interested in how clients will behave online», concludes Mr. Jenkins. «BTO has right the purpose to bring in people who are interested in the future of ecommerce and travel, and those who are interested in selling Italy as a destination. A synergy with us is therefore much appropriate, since ETOA members are furthermore interested in sourcing new product in Italy, above all hotels who want to work online with operators. ETOA has been involved with Eye4travel and HEDNA (Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association) over a number of years, and has hosted a number of seminars on eCommerce.

I’m thus positive it will be a remarkable event».