Featured Guest
Chief Digital Officer of redtag.ca Roberto Gennaro
Roberto Gennaro is the Chief Digital Officer of redtag.ca, part of TravelBrands Group, one of Canada’s leading retail travel agencies. With over 18 years of experience, he leads the overall digital strategy, analytics, mobile app and UX/UI website development.
Question #1
What are three qualities you look for in a new vendor-client partnership?
An ideal partner is viewed as an extension of redtag.ca - someone who provides top-tier support, reliability, and who is an expert in their field. We look for a good fit, and do not base any work solely on cost, because in the long run, shortcuts sometimes end up costing more. Time is money! A partner who is local (North America) is of utmost importance because it allows for accessibility and availability within a reasonable time zone.
Question #2
How do you see the Travel Industry transforming in a post pandemic world?
Pre-pandemic behaviour was completely different. Post-pandemic trends we have noticed include:
- An uptick in bookings such as busy days of the week
- Increase in bookings during spring/summer months (which usually sees a decline in bookings because the weather is nice) are greater than they have been, and higher than pre-pandemic levels
- Increase in call centre call-ins because of covid-19 rules, regulations, and restrictions, however, bookings continue to rise online vs call centre bookings
- Online business has rebounded faster than offline business. For example, online business is back to 80% over pre-pandemic levels
- Change in destinations. Places like Las Vegas and Jamaica were in the top 5 pre-pandemic but that’s no longer the case
- All-inclusive bookings are trending towards more high-end resorts such as luxury 5-star vacations.
Question #3
Are prices for Travel set to increase this year? Are there any good deal to be found?
The price of travel is going up and will continue to rise. We have seen the average order value go from $2600 to $4000. People are already booking well into 2023 which is further in advance than the usual trend.
Customers are booking properties earlier and their behaviour has changed as people are willing to pay more because of all the imposed limits on travel over the past two years throughout the pandemic. Customers are willing to increase their spending to get quality, more luxurious vacations vs quantity. Also, safety and covid concerns are a priority when it comes to resort-style vacation destinations.
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