Hot Topics Today at Center Stage: Risk-Based Security & Future of Travel

Day three of GBTA Convention featured TSA Administrator John Pistole in a one-on-one interview with GBTA Executive Director Mike McCormick and Google’s Director of Travel Partnerships, David Pavelko sharing his vision of the future of travel.

Administrator Pistole talked about TSA’s transition from a one-size-fits-all agency to a risk-based, intelligence agency allowing greater efficiency and said how proud he was of his workforce for adapting and embracing these changes. He talked about finding balance and reducing risk

Administrator Pistole said his toughest challenge comes when they implement new security measures and have to decide how to communicate the reason for doing these things, but not how they are doing things. He highlighted the efficiencies TSA has achieved through risk-based programs like TSA PreCheck.

David Pavelko, Google’s Director of Travel Partnerships, then took the stage to talk about the future of travel. He showcased IPITA (Intregrated Proacitve Intermodal Travel Assistant) – a virtual travel assistant that aims to optimize travel planning, booking and navigation, using real-time maps and geo-specific information revolutionizing the way we consume travel. This technology will be realistic within the next 10 years, he said.

Pavelko told attendees that today 82 percent of research is done online for travel products, one-third of digital travel sales will be mobile by 2017 and 81 percent of internet traffic will be video by 2018.

Customization is key and wearable technology available today and in development will help keep you connected to the web and connected to your experience at the same time he added.

“We are all really lucky to be in this industry,” Pavelko said. “Travel is a core human behavior.”

Convention closed out on an entertaining note with comedian Jason Alexander sending attendees off with a laugh.