Coordination, the final challenge of complex journeys
Feb 10, 2026
In the tourism sector, it is often thought that new software will solve all problems. However, despite the multiplication of tools, friction remains constant. Why? Because travel is not a data storage problem, it is a multi-actor coordination problem.
The multi-actor reality of travel
A single itinerary is the result of collaboration between four worlds that rarely speak the same operational language:
The producers (tour operators), who design the offer and secure the inventories.
The distributors (travel agencies), who carry the customer promise and the marketing vision.
The local partners (DMCs), who guarantee the real execution on the ground.
The clients, whose expectations and needs evolve until the last minute.
Without a technological conductor, these actors each play a different score.
Where coordination breaks down
It is in the gaps between these actors that value is lost:
The silos: each actor has their own version of the itinerary.
The loss of information: a crucial detail captured by the distributor never reaches the ears of the local guide.
The delays: each modification requires an email validation loop, slowing down the entire process.
The misunderstandings: "Double room" does not mean the same thing everywhere. Without a standard, interpretation becomes a risk.
Why email and shared documents do not "scale"
Email is the enemy of growth. While it is easy to use, it is unable to handle the complexity of travel for two reasons.
On one hand, there is the lack of structure. An email is dead data. It cannot automatically update a schedule or an invoice. On the other hand, there is also the absence of clear responsibility. In a thread of discussion with 10 people, it is never clear who holds the final version of the truth.
Email allows for discussion about travel, it does not allow for operationalizing it.
How the "Operating Layer" enables true collaboration
The solution does not lie in an additional chat tool, but in adding an operating layer. This layer allows:
To share data, not documents: all actors work on the same "travel itinerary" object in real-time.
To make workflows explicit: the system knows who should do what and when, alerting partners only when necessary.
To maintain consistency: any modification made by an actor is instantly visible and echoed in the deliverables of all others.
To learn more
What is an "Operating Layer" compared to a traditional collaborative tool?
A traditional tool (like Slack or Notion) manages communication. An operating layer (like Cocohop) manages business logic. It understands what a flight, a hotel option, or a margin is, and ensures that these elements remain consistent across all actors.
How to get my partners or professional clients to accept this new way of working?
Your partners hate mistakes and email follow-ups as much as you do. By offering them a clear interface or structured service orders, you reduce their own administrative burden. It’s a time saver for them too.
Does this replace our coordination meetings?
It makes them efficient. Instead of spending an hour verifying if everyone has the correct version of the notebook, you spend 15 minutes deciding on creative or strategic adjustments.