LASTMINUTE.COM chairman Brent Hoberman has dismissed the impact of the Internet on the travel sector, claiming technology has yet to define the industry.
He said the emergence of the no-frills airlines in the 1990s threw established practices on their heads, while the launch of the online agencies wooed customers away from the high street.
However, Hoberman claims technology has yet to have a real impact as the industry has failed to take advantage of it.
“We have to look at what the opportunities are for the travel industry, what is happening in technology and how can we benefit,” he said.
“We have not yet had the iPod for the travel industry, which will revolutionise the trade.”
Despite admitting mobile technology is currently “a gimmick”, Hoberman suggested it could have the potential to overhaul the industry.