One of the key messages that came out of the conference was social networking - as reported today by Travolution - Social networking brings travel its greatest challenge
Almost all of the presentations that I sat through spoke about Facebook, not just as a mention but several precious minutes about it. It was really not that long ago (only 12 months) that it was Google Google Google and now so much has changed.
It just shows how frequently the distribution channels are changing and I suspect that they could get even quicker. Some of these distribution channels will be in and out of fashion like clothing brands and colours. I am not suggesting Google or Facebook have had their day though, but more that a travel company will have to watch and learn to harness the opportunities then immediately look again for the next thing.
The way technology is going, it is becoming easier and easier to get something new online service going. There are API's everywhere, developing is becoming easier and more people wanting to give it a go. This combination is fuelling this explosion in ideas and distribution opportunities. Most won't make it big, but some will.
If you look at Facebook, there are 215 Travel applications which you can add to your profile. the types of applications have been obviously designed to suit the social nature of Facebook, such as mapping your travels and sharing with friends, weather reports and even bargain charter flight prices. The applications have been produced mainly by individuals having a go, but there is an increasing number of companies producing applications from the travel space.
I predict that in 6 months time that number will be 500+ and most will be dominated by companies having a go at harnessing the mammoth audience that Facebook has. I think though that we will quickly find that it may not be as powerful as everyone thinks
In 12 months time it will be interesting to see which company takes the next mantle, it may be Google again with their new OpenSocial or could be others such as Travelistic which focus on travel videos!
Who knows, however being technically flexible is always important and there is a quote from Charles Darwin - "In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment". (you had to be there!)
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