June 5, 2024, Washington, DC – Travel Tech recently hosted its inaugural Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill. Travel technology stalwarts like Sabre, Booking Holdings, Travelport, Chase Travel Group, and Amadeus were joined by Travel Tech’s Advocate-level members.
In her welcome remarks, Travel Tech President and CEO Laura Chadwick noted, “We’re especially excited to welcome several of our newest advocate members. These startups are addressing unique travel challenges in innovative ways.”
AirHelp, DreamGuest, and Group Travel Odyssey – three leading innovators in the travel technology space – demonstrated the cutting-edge technologies they’re using to revolutionize travel. Alongside other Travel Tech member companies, they had the opportunity to engage with Members of Congress, policymakers, and key stakeholders in the travel industry. Each of these organizations brings a unique perspective to the conversation around travel in Washington, DC and throughout the country.
AirHelp is the world’s largest tech company helping passengers navigate flight disruptions, taking the hassle out of applying for compensation. “By joining Travel Tech, we’re able to increase awareness of traveler rights and raise the voice of travelers with policymakers and regulators,” said CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn.
Group Travel Odyssey applies technology to streamline the group travel experience. By consolidating all aspects of group travel – from marketing and accounting to tour operations and on-the-road management – into one convenient, easy-to-use package, GTO puts trip information at travelers’ fingertips.
“It may sound corny, but I’ve seen enough of the world to know that the U.S. gets a lot of things right,” said GTO Director Kory Vrieze. “I’m excited to add GTO’s voice to Travel Tech’s efforts in Washington, DC. It’s critical that our industry educates lawmakers on the immense power technology holds to open up the world of travel to everyone.”
DreamGuest is a first-of-its-kind program that allows hosts to screen, incentivize, and reward considerate guests. By providing tools and opportunities for property owners to prevent disruptive individuals from staying at their homes and other facilities, they serve as a safeguard that empowers hosts to make informed decisions and reward good behavior.
“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the power of trade associations to bring together diverse interests to achieve common goals,” said DreamGuest co-founder Jason Scism. “I was eager to join the Travel Technology Association to start working with my peers to combine smart policies with new and innovative travel solutions.”
More than 200 attendees, including Rep. Sam Graves (R, MO-6), Rep. Dina Titus (D, NV-1), Rep. Darren Soto (D, FL-9), and Rep. Darrell Issa (R, CA-48) attended the Innovation & Policy Showcase.
Late last year Travel Tech expanded its membership eligibility for the first time in 25 years to include small and mid-sized companies. Participation at the Innovation & Policy Showcase is just one of the many benefits Advocate-level members can take advantage of.
Learn more about the Advocate-level membership: https://traveltech.org/join-us/
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
