Online Travel Update: Travelport and Amazon Web Services Announce Travel Startup Accelerator; Recent Studies Reveal Generation Z’s Online Travel Preferences | Foster Garvey PC


Where did the summer go? It’s been another quiet week in the online travel world, although I expect things to improve in the coming weeks as everyone returns from their summer vacation. Enjoy.

Travelport and Amazon Web Services announce travel startup accelerator
(“Travelport Teams With Amazon Web Services to Support Travel Startups,” September 2, 2021 via Skift Travel News) (subscription may be required)
Recently, Travelport and Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of a travel startup accelerator designed to provide travel entrepreneurs with access to data and channel expertise, potential supplier partners (including hotels ) and potential travelers. The inaugural session will feature 10 travel startups focused on digital marketing and personalization. Judges will include representatives from American Express GBT, Internova and Priceline.

Recent Studies Reveal Gen Z’s Online Travel Preferences
(“What do Gen Z travelers want from online travel brands?” Aug 31, 2021 via Phocus Wire)
Gen Z travelers, those born between 1997 and 2021, are the subject of several recently published traveler studies, including a recent study by Phocuswright Research. Gen Z travelers (who have never lived life without readily available internet access) are increasingly likely to rely on online travel resources (in particular, OTAs), studies show. for inspiration, travel planning and booking. Of particular note, although this generation has less brand loyalty and is less likely to belong to loyalty programs in general, enrollment in OTA loyalty programs is higher with this demographic than n any other generation. The Phocuswright study also noted that this generation is more open to booking travel through other unique middle-of-the-road options like Google or travel membership services. What do Gen Z travelers look for when planning their trip? Studies show that inclusiveness, diversity, sustainability and safety and security are the top priority.