TravTalk India Online Magazine
Stuba has been at the forefront of introducing new travel agent-friendly features that have become trendsetters and its new curated approach is about match-making the right set of hotels to the right set of agents, says Yusuf Diwan, Head of Sales, MiddleEast and Asia, Stuba.
TT Bureau
How has Stuba innovated to bring in a new era in trade-only accommodation booking?
Recognising and responding to the changing needs and challenges of travel trade partners has always been our top priority and Stuba has always been at the forefront of introducing new travel agent-friendly features that have become trendsetters. It’s no longer about the numbers game for bed banks. We can all boast how many thousands or million plus hotels there are in the inventory, but the reality is that puts an extra burden on the travel consultant to research, sift through and recommend to the end customer. For too long, we’ve acted as a hotel warehouse with too many properties to work your way through, taking up precious time that could be used for the next booking.
Our new curated approach is about match-making the right set of hotels to the right set of agents. As with daily life, a ‘one size fits all’ route no longer works, particularly when selecting a hotel as customers’ demands have become more discerning. Our state-of-the-art technology uses clever predictive analytics and algorithms to curate a selection of hotels for travel agents.
What is the importance of integrating new and cutting-edge technology to stay relevant and offer seamless service?
Today’s travellers are very well-informed and challenge the travel consultant with information that they have already researched. It’s important that we empower travel agents so that they are confident in dealing with their customers.
What kind of potential do you see in the Indian market?
We were well known in the Indian market as roomsXML, and we were popular with agents for their accommodation requirements.
