Contents
- The connectivity challenge holding travel back
- Enter AI: The intelligent middleware we’ve been waiting for
- A call to action for travel innovators
- Looking ahead with optimism
The connectivity challenge holding travel back
Despite billions invested in travel technology, basic processes like changing booking details remain complicated. Felix points out a surprising fact: out of over 330 accommodation suppliers connected via Emerging Travel Group, very few support amendments — such as name or date changes — through automated APIs.
Instead, travelers and travel managers face costly, time-consuming phone calls and emails. At worst, non-refundable bookings mean losing money or risking a sold-out hotel.
This isn’t just bad luck — it’s rooted in decades-old inventory systems that weren’t designed to accommodate the flexibility modern travelers need. Large players have little incentive to overhaul these legacy platforms, leaving many stuck.
Enter AI: The intelligent middleware we’ve been waiting for
But all hope is not lost. Felix offers a fresh perspective: AI agents can act as smart middleware, connecting these fragmented systems without having to rebuild them from scratch. These AI solutions can handle the complexity of amendments — understanding intent, matching room types, and navigating across multiple platforms — all at scale and speed.
Think of it as giving legacy technology a much-needed upgrade to work better, while enabling travel businesses to deliver the seamless experiences customers expect.
A call to action for travel innovators
Looking ahead with optimism
At RateHawk, we echo this strong belief in technology’s power to simplify travel. We’re excited about the transformative potential of AI to tackle longstanding challenges and empower travel businesses worldwide. Together, with innovative AI agents, we can build a more connected, agile, and customer-friendly travel industry.
Ready to explore how AI can revolutionize your travel business? Stay tuned for more insights and innovations from RateHawk and Emerging Travel Group.