Travel Tech Association’s Chadwick on issues, strategies for policy advocacy

For nearly 25 years, the Travel Technology Association has represented
the interests of companies such as global distribution systems, online travel
agencies and metasearch companies and short-term rental platforms in
Washington, D.C. The association advocates for public policy that promotes transparency
and competition in the marketplace to encourage innovation and preserve
consumer choice.

Association members include Booking Holdings, Expedia Group,
Airbnb, Amadeus, Travelport, Sabre, Skyscanner and more.

In a conversation in the PhocusWire studio at The
Phocuswright Conference, association president and CEO Laura Chadwick discussed
some of the policy issues that are at the top of its agenda, including travel
reviews, ancillary fee transparency and generative artificial intelligence.

“The last thing we want is for Congress to pass an
overreaction that limits the use of AI when they’ve missed the message of how
useful it can be in travel,” Chadwick said.

“That’s where we come in, and we need more voices at the
table so we welcome all points of view on it.”

Chadwick also explained how earlier this year the
association expanded its membership opportunities to attract more startups and
small- and medium-sized travel technology companies. 

Watch the full discussion below.