We live in a fast-changing world where the Internet and new technologies are able to disrupt the traditional business models and fundamentally change an industry. You need not look far for examples –  look at what the Internet has done to traditional print media, what Apple’s iTunes did to music and more recently what Uber has done to the taxi industry.

You cannot fight progress. You will lose. You have to adapt.

Take Uber, for example. Technology enabled Uber to create a very simple, clever app that empowers both the user and driver – it changed the taxi industry and there is no going back. Traditional companies will use outdated regulations to try to stop them but the simple fact is that the taxi industry has changed. Competing companies must accept this change, embrace technology and, like Uber, use it to improve their service.

The travel industry is ideally suited to the Internet and was one of the first major industries to be disrupted by technology. Technology broke down the traditional business channels, allowed businesses to be more efficient, created exciting new opportunities and also empowered travellers by giving them more choice. The early adopters embraced the change and took advantage of it. However, much of the industry remained set in their ways, were ill-equipped to handle the changes and even now are battling to take full advantage of technology.

The end result is a far more competitive environment and an industry that once revolved around people and relationships being forced to accept the pivotal role technology now plays in the industry.

In an industry that is still battling with the changes, the bad news is that technology is going to continue to change our industry and make it more competitive and there is nothing we can do about it.

On the positive side, technology allows you to run your business more efficiently, compete globally, distribute your products effectively and, most importantly, provide your clients with better service. Travel technology is also converging as providers work together to deliver better solutions that are easier to integrate into a business and use.

To be successful as a travel company, I believe that management must acknowledge the importance of technology and take advantage of it. They also need to hire people that understand and can use it. You need to be aware of the changes and prepare yourself for them – there is a lot of literature out there to learn from.

Change is stressful, but you need to accept it and learn to live with it. You do not need to be an early adopter but you must not be left behind (if you have been doing things the same way for a year without trying new things, you are probably being left behind).

Embrace change and see it as an opportunity and not a threat – it makes a big difference how you view it. This mindset will serve you well in this fast and ever-changing world.