The way travel content is distributed continues to evolve. Airlines are expanding NDC offerings, new booking channels are emerging, and travel buyers are being asked to navigate an increasingly fragmented landscape. For managed travel programs, the challenge isn’t simply gaining access to more content. It’s making that content available to travelers without compromising policy compliance, servicing, reporting or duty of care.
That’s the thinking behind recent advancements to Tripsource and a growing network of content partnerships that help connect clients to the travel content they want through the channels they prefer.
“We believe the future of travel distribution is not about a single content source or booking channel,” said James Celani-Smith, vice president of Supplier Management & Delivery with BCD. “Instead, it requires a flexible ecosystem capable of bringing together content, technology and servicing in ways that work for managed travel programs. This includes a robust strategy around NDC.”
Giving travel programs greater flexibility
As distribution models continue to change, access to content alone is no longer enough. Travel managers need confidence that travelers can find relevant options while the program retains the visibility, control and support required to meet business objectives.
That’s why content from direct connections, global distribution systems (GDSs), aggregators and other sources is brought together through a single connected experience through Tripsource. The result is broader access to fares and travel options without forcing organizations to choose between content and program integrity.
A new direct connection with United Airlines
The latest example is a new agreement with United Airlines that provides access to the carrier’s content through a direct connection.
Available through both online and offline booking channels in Tripsource, the connection supports BCD’s Open by Design approach: providing access to the content clients need through the channels they choose while maintaining the servicing capabilities, traveler safety protections and policy controls expected in a managed travel program.
“BCD has been a valued partner in helping corporate customers navigate the evolving distribution landscape,” said Jeff Christensen, Managing Director of Global Distribution Strategy with United Airlines. “This agreement brings together United’s modern retailing capabilities and BCD’s Tripsource platform to provide travelers with broader access to our content and a more seamless shopping and servicing experience.”
Built for what’s next
The strategy extends beyond NDC. Today, BCD supports 22 airlines through its NDC ecosystem, with more than 65% of itineraries globally booked through NDC where enabled. The underlying architecture is also designed to support the industry’s move toward One Order and the future of airline retailing.
The takeaway for travel managers and procurement leaders is simple: travel distribution may be getting more complex, but accessing content shouldn’t. Tripsource is helping organizations give travelers greater choice while maintaining the visibility, compliance and support that keep managed travel programs running effectively.
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