AMSTERDAM -- Innovation in travel technology took center
stage at Phocuswright Europe, held May 15-17.
More than 600 attendees from 39 countries gathered to hear
keynotes, interviews and roundtables featuring executives from AccorHotels,
Lufthansa, Amadeus, Airbnb, Facebook, Booking.com, Google, Hotelbeds and
Skyscanner, among others. Challenges unique to the Europe travel market were
explored.
Phocuswright analysts also presented their latest findings
on consumer adoption of digital assistants and the state of European startups.
Singapore-based Web in Travel conducted its second "WIT
Europe" program, providing an insider perspective on navigating and
succeeding in the Asia-Pacific market.
Following a series of short product pitches from
Europe-facing tech companies touting their latest releases, the Innovator of
the Year award was given to Situm, which has developed an indoor GPS mapping
system. Stasher, which matches people who want to store luggage with hosts who
have extra storage room, won the People's Choice Award.
During a Young Leaders Summit, 23 delegates under 35,
representing a mix of startups and established global companies, were matched
with more experienced mentors.
Phocuswright and Web in Travel are owned by Northstar Travel
Group, which also owns Travel Weekly.