Rentalcars Connect Takes Pulse of Travel Industry
When asked about the role big data would play in their business over the next few years, 82% of partners said that it could help provide useful insight into customer behavior and improve the customer journey, alongside automation of processes (56%) and facilitating flexible pricing structures for products and services (58%).

When asked to specify their customers’ top priority, representatives from global airlines, airports, and comparison sites recognized value for money services (37%) and convenience (32%) as the most important elements in the booking process.
Screenshot via Rentalcars Connect.
Rentalcars Connect, the business to business ground transportation arm of Booking.com, carried out a live Travel Pulse at its 2018 partner event in Edinburgh this month and found that the industry is committed to providing its customers with value for money and convenient services.
When asked to specify their customers’ top priority, representatives from global airlines, airports, and comparison sites recognized value for money services (37%) and convenience (32%) as the most important elements in the booking process. Nineteen percent rated personalization and 11% loyalty benefits as the thing their customers would value most in the next few years.
Partners at the event were also asked about the different ways in which technology could affect their business in the near future. The results revealed that 70% are looking to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and use it to benefit their businesses, while 18% stated that they would be hesitant to embrace AI due to lack of understanding of how it might benefit a business or a shortage of in-house skills and resources to implement it.
Only 12% of partners said they have no plans to adopt AI.
When asked about the role big data would play in their business over the next few years, 82% of partners said that it could help provide useful insight into customer behavior and improve the customer journey, alongside automation of processes (56%) and facilitating flexible pricing structures for products and services (58%).
Related: Rentalcars Connect Announces 30% Client Growth
More Rental Operations

Avis Cuts Fleet as Summer Demand Trails Expectations
Avis Budget Group increased second-quarter earnings despite lower Americas revenue and softer-than-expected summer demand. The company also expanded Avis First and advanced its autonomous fleet operations with Waymo.
Read More →
Why Bookings Are Only the Start of the Rental Day
A reservation captures demand. The operating test is whether the business can keep the customer, vehicle, commercial terms, and next action aligned until the rental is closed.
Read More →
This Is the Oldest Car Rental Advertisement You’ll Ever See
This ad for Saunders Drive it Yourself, believed to be the first car rental company in the U.S., was found in an Omaha phone book from 1926.
Read More →
The Desk Upsell Is Costing Operators More Than it Earns
Counter upsells generate revenue, but they can also slow transactions, erode trust, and cost repeat business. Fully inclusive pricing may offer operators a better path to long-term value.
Read More →
U-Save Expands Indian Ocean Presence with New Master Franchise for Mauritius
The franchise has been acquired by Mauritian travel entrepreneur Umarfarooq Omarjee, an established figure in the island's tourism and mobility sector.
Read More →
Global Carsharing Fleet Projected to Reach 768,000 Vehicles By 2030
A new Berg Insight forecast outlines several business models driving the projected growth in public carsharing worldwide through 2029.
Read More →
Rental Car Fleet Sales Show Mid-Year Strength
June gains ensured rental fleets closed out the first half of 2026 in positive territory.
Read More →
Surprice Mobility Opens Corporate Rental Station at Milan Malpensa Airport
The Milan opening is part of Surprice Mobility's broader strategy to expand its corporate operations while increasing the use of technology across its network.
Read More →
Brazilian Executive MBA Targets Growing Domestic Rental Car Industry
Rental car companies face a unique combination of challenges that are rarely addressed in traditional programs.
Read More →
Green Motion Expands Into Japan With Master Franchise Agreement
Japan's tourism industry, business travel market, and demand for vehicle rental services are reasons the country represents an important market for the company.
Read More →
