m-Travel.com and Travel Distribution News

Archives for March 2006

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American Airlines chooses Worldspan as long-term distributor of fare and inventory content

Worldspan and American Airlines have signed a new five-year content distribution agreement.

Continue reading "American Airlines chooses Worldspan as long-term distributor of fare and inventory content"

China’s search engine industry tipped to face a sharp slowdown

Analysys International, a provider of business information about technology, media and telecom (TMT) industries in China, is expecting a sharp slowdown in the growth of China’s search engine market in the coming 18 months.

Continue reading "China’s search engine industry tipped to face a sharp slowdown "

Galileo and Air France sign full content airline agreement

Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS) has signed an agreement with Air France to secure access to all the carrier’s fares until December, 2008.

Continue reading "Galileo and Air France sign full content airline agreement"

ITP and EventBidder agree upon global co-operation

Scandinavian travel portal EventBidder.com and ITP, an independent alliance made up of selected travel agents, have entered into global co-operation for business group and meeting’s travel.

Continue reading "ITP and EventBidder agree upon global co-operation"

Ryanair expects a higher fuel bill this year

Low-cost airline Ryanair has shared that it expects a higher fuel bill this year but higher average fares and a 20 percent rise in passengers would provide some relief from soaring oil prices.

Continue reading "Ryanair expects a higher fuel bill this year"

Iceland Express goes for `low-fat’ alternative

Low-cost airline Iceland Express has licenced and launched a customised version of the dohop.com flight planner for its website.

Continue reading "Iceland Express goes for `low-fat’ alternative "

CITIC Pacific may cut back stakes in Cathay Pacific and Dragonair Airlines

Beijing-backed conglomerate CITIC Pacific will reduce its minority stake in Cathay Pacific Airways and Hong Kong Dragon Airlines if a merger between the territory’s two main carriers goes ahead.

Continue reading "CITIC Pacific may cut back stakes in Cathay Pacific and Dragonair Airlines"

SITA Board chooses Francesco Violante as CEO-designate

SITA has disclosed appointment of Francesco Violante as CEO-designate of SITA as part of an overall transformation.

Continue reading "SITA Board chooses Francesco Violante as CEO-designate"

Datalex expects to grow its market presence in 2006

Datalex plc, a provider of travel distribution software and solutions, has posted a profit before tax of $1.9m as it shared its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December, 2005.

Continue reading "Datalex expects to grow its market presence in 2006"

SMEs an important opportunity for agents in APAC region

There is no single model that applies to small to medium-sized companies (SMEs) across the Asia-Pacific region, with country-to-country differences in spending patterns, priority of travel agent services and attitudes to online travel all driving the need for a tailored approach, says findings of new study shared by Cendant TDS.

Continue reading "SMEs an important opportunity for agents in APAC region"

Internet travel sites yet again sued over hotel occupancy taxes

After the likes of Chicago and Los Angeles, it is the turn of the city of Atlanta to sue several major Internet travel sites.

Continue reading "Internet travel sites yet again sued over hotel occupancy taxes"

India garners top ranking for international tourist spending in the APAC region

India has emerged as the fastest-growing Asia Pacific market for international tourist spending, according to new figures released Monday by Visa Asia Pacific.

Continue reading "India garners top ranking for international tourist spending in the APAC region"

Asia Pacific travel industry witnesses steady take-off in 2006

Abacus International has found that the travel industry has had a steady take-off this year throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Continue reading "Asia Pacific travel industry witnesses steady take-off in 2006"

Virgin America signs multi-year agreement for Cendant TDS’ aiRES

Virgin America, a new US-based airline start-up company, is to utilise Cendant TDS’ Passenger Services System (PSS) aiRES.

Continue reading "Virgin America signs multi-year agreement for Cendant TDS’ aiRES"

Vegas.com opts for Percussion Software’s Rhythmyx

Vegas.com has selected Percussion Software’s Rhythmyx Enterprise Content Management System to leverage its content across multiple web sites and sales channels online and offline.

Continue reading "Vegas.com opts for Percussion Software’s Rhythmyx"

Sabre enhances Sabre Vacations Agent Tool with Spirit Vacations

Sabre Travel Network has announced that Spirit Vacations packaged vacation inventory is now available to US agents through Sabre Vacations, Sabre’s web-based vacation package booking engine.

Continue reading "Sabre enhances Sabre Vacations Agent Tool with Spirit Vacations"

Hostelworld.com’s offering to feature on Kayak.com

Comparison-shopping web site Kayak.com has tied up with Hostelworld.com, owned by Internet travel retailer and distributor Web Reservations International, strengthening its product range by including more than 10,000 hostels and B&B’s.

Continue reading "Hostelworld.com’s offering to feature on Kayak.com"

Bezurk.com appoints Martin Symes as chief executive officer

Travel meta-search company Bezurk.com has appointed Martin Symes, until recently executive director, commercial, Zuji, as chief executive officer.

Continue reading "Bezurk.com appoints Martin Symes as chief executive officer "

“We know that one size does not fit all”: Amadeus, Latin America

By EyeforTravel.com Correspondent

Angel Gallego, vice president Amadeus, Latin America, says this year the company plans to further integrate content into the points of sale, provide front-, mid- and back office solutions and reinforce support to customers by offering them the latest technology to adapt to their specific market situation.

Continue reading "“We know that one size does not fit all”: Amadeus, Latin America"

Another online resource in flycheapo.com for European budget travelers

flycheapo.com, termed as a comprehensive low-cost flight search engine for European travelers, has gone live.

Continue reading "Another online resource in flycheapo.com for European budget travelers "

Hotels.com opts for DoubleClick

DoubleClick, a provider of digital advertising technology and services, has shared that after a four month competitive pitch it has been chosen by Hotels.com to provide technical solutions for display, paid search and affiliate advertising for its European points of sale.

Continue reading "Hotels.com opts for DoubleClick "

Delta Air Lines receives approval for reduction in interest rates

Delta Air Lines has received approval from lenders to reduce interest rates on the bankrupt airline’s $1.9 billion in debtor-in-possession loans.

Continue reading "Delta Air Lines receives approval for reduction in interest rates"

WorldHotels ties up with American Express Travel Services for APAC region

WorldHotels, which has Preferred Partnership with American Express Travel Services in Europe and America, has extended the same to the Asia Pacific region.

Continue reading "WorldHotels ties up with American Express Travel Services for APAC region"

Worldspan ready with Trip Manager XE customised product in Italy

Worldspan has introduced a new Italian language version of its corporate self-booking solution Worldspan Trip Manager XE.

Continue reading "Worldspan ready with Trip Manager XE customised product in Italy"

BMI passenger numbers collapse in low-cost battle: media

Britain’s BMI is suffering a collapse in passenger numbers as it loses out in a dogfight with low-cost rivals, train operators and European flag carriers, reports The Guardian.

Continue reading "BMI passenger numbers collapse in low-cost battle: media "

Mesa Air Group shares plans for go! inter-island flights

Mesa Air Group, Inc. has recently announced that it will begin operating inter-island flights as go! beginning June 9, 2006 and will be offering one-way fares of $39.

Continue reading "Mesa Air Group shares plans for go! inter-island flights"

Permira mulls sale of Travelodge budget hotel chain?

Permira, the private-equity owner of Travelodge, is putting the budget hotel group Travelodge up for sale with a potential price tag of around £1bn.

Continue reading "Permira mulls sale of Travelodge budget hotel chain?"

Key Account Manager , Search Marketing - Based London , UK - £45-50k + bonus

Our client, a leading online travel  company , is looking for an experienced account manager with  an excellent  understanding of the online travel sector in order to develop  their  white  label  products with customers who prosper through their expertise in search engine marketing . A minimum of 3 years B2B experience is required along with strong relationship and  problem solving skills , a high intellect and an indepth knowledge of search engine marketing, preferably gained from a client management role. Must be eligable to work in Europe . Please apply to info@gailkenny.com www.gailkenny.com

Key Account Manager , Italian Markets - Based London , UK - £45-50k + bonus

Our client, a leading online travel  company , is looking for an experienced account manager with  a good  understanding of the online travel sector in order to develop  their  white  label  products in the Italian market . A minimum of 3 years B2B experience , strong relationship and  problem solving skills , a high intellect and fluency in the Italian language also needed. Must be eligable to work in Europe . Please apply to info@gailkenny.com www.gailkenny.com 

Business Analyst - Based London, UK - £35-40k

Our client, an entrepreneurial online retailer, is looking to recruit a business analyst.  this role involves providing analytical support and insight to the marketing and operations department. You will need to be degree educated and be able to demonstrate skills in working with spreadsheets and databases. To succeed in this role, you will need to be analytical, innovative, goal orientated, with strong attention to detail. Must have a passion for the internet and generally excited by technology! Must be eligable to work in Europe. Please apply to info@gailkenny.com www.gailkenny.com

“Consumers appear to be a bit grumpy with the online travel agencies and hotel sites”

As Keynote Systems came out with findings of its annual examination of the online travel and lodging industry, it shared that consumers appear to be a bit grumpy with the online travel agencies and hotel sites.

Continue reading "“Consumers appear to be a bit grumpy with the online travel agencies and hotel sites”"

EU bans 92 airlines from landing at European airports

The European Union (EU) has barred 92 airlines, most of them based in Africa, from landing at European airports, declaring them unsafe by international standards.

Continue reading "EU bans 92 airlines from landing at European airports"

Lufthansa achieves more than expected

Lufthansa has shared that it generated total revenue of 18.1 billion euros in 2005, which was 6.5 percent more than in 2004. The Lufthansa Group increased operating profit in 2005 by 50 percent to 577 million euros.

Continue reading "Lufthansa achieves more than expected "

IHG enhances wireless reservation capability

InterContinental Hotels Group has expanded its wireless reservation capability across its seven brands.

Continue reading "IHG enhances wireless reservation capability"

CheapCaribbean.com goes for makeover

CheapCaribbean.com has worked upon a site makeover. The company says the new site features CheapFinder, a patented airfare search tool not found on any other travel site.

Continue reading "CheapCaribbean.com goes for makeover"

Comtec introduces Ferry, Eurotunnel and Eurostar booking link via Pharos

Enhancing the range of travel products bookable via its travel selling systems, Comtec has introduced Ferry, Eurotunnel and Eurostar booking capability for its travel agent and tour operator customer base through system integration with Pharos’ Xchange reservation service.

Continue reading "Comtec introduces Ferry, Eurotunnel and Eurostar booking link via Pharos"

Virgin Blue forms venture with Zuji

Low cost carrier Virgin Blue has formed a strategic venture with online travel company Zuji to expand its Blue Holidays division.

Continue reading "Virgin Blue forms venture with Zuji"

Online travel companies projected to hike marketing budget

Online travel companies will rely more on marketing to boost growth in the near future, according to Merrill Lynch.

Continue reading "Online travel companies projected to hike marketing budget"

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts continues its “dynamic growth and profitability in 2005”.

The Swiss hotel chain posted overall sales of CHF 619.6 million or US$474.4 million (prior year: CHF 538.3 million), including consolidated sales of CHF 191.8 million (prior year CHF 178.7 million).

Continue reading "Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts continues its “dynamic growth and profitability in 2005”. "

OneLink introduces its new booking service CCRAonelink

OneLink Corporation and Vacation.com have announced the debut of a new booking and settlement service to Vacation.com members.

Continue reading "OneLink introduces its new booking service CCRAonelink "

Good news for US legacy carriers

Calyon Securities has reportedly upgraded shares of veteran carriers AMR Corp., UAL Corp., US Airways and Continental Airlines.

Continue reading "Good news for US legacy carriers"

Gordon Bethune named as chairman of Cendant TDS division

Cendant Corporation has named former chief executive officer and chairman of Continental Airlines, Gordon Bethune as chairman of the company’s Travel Distribution Services (TDS) division, effective immediately.

Continue reading "Gordon Bethune named as chairman of Cendant TDS division"

Amadeus and Thomas Cook extend their partnership for four years

Amadeus and Thomas Cook have extended their partnership by signing a global agreement. The deal adds Egypt to the list of markets where the companies work together, and extends their partnership for another four years.

Continue reading "Amadeus and Thomas Cook extend their partnership for four years"

Marriott to take care of uncertainty in planning and budgeting

Marriott International, Inc. has launched Total Trip Pricing, eliminating uncertainty about the total price of guest rooms at all of its more than 2,700 hotels worldwide.

Continue reading "Marriott to take care of uncertainty in planning and budgeting"

Sabre improves searching functionality for car bookings

Sabre Travel Network has launched what it calls to be the first GeoShopping feature offered through a GDS.

Continue reading "Sabre improves searching functionality for car bookings"

Starwood initiates Le Meridien integration process

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced integration of Le Meridien’s reservations, distribution, loyalty and sales functions.

Continue reading "Starwood initiates Le Meridien integration process "

Hotel executives meet in Las Vegas to discuss the latest marketing trends

Senior Sales and Marketing professionals gather in Las Vegas, on 3-4th May for two days of networking, executive briefings and case-studies.  And delegates have only week left to register at the early bird price and save $200.

Continue reading "Hotel executives meet in Las Vegas to discuss the latest marketing trends "

Hostelbookers.com signs deal with PlacesToStay.com

Hostelbookers.com has signed an inventory integration deal with PlacesToStay.com, the FEXCO AllTravel-owned online hotel reservation programme.

Continue reading "Hostelbookers.com signs deal with PlacesToStay.com"

Google targets top slot in China’s online advertising market

Google Inc has indicated that it will move ahead of rival Baidu.com to become the number one player in China’s online advertising market.

Continue reading "Google targets top slot in China’s online advertising market"

CWT witnesses strong growth in 2005

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has shared that it has witnessed strong growth in 2005, with total sales generated under the CWT brand increasing 12 percent to $22 billion.

Continue reading "CWT witnesses strong growth in 2005"

Authorities in Qatar restrict low cost carrier discounts

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has decided to put a ceiling on low cost carrier discounts, reports a daily in Qatar.

Continue reading "Authorities in Qatar restrict low cost carrier discounts"

Interview with Meraj K Huda, founder & principal consultant, forumline consulting

The growth of online travel in Asia has been steady but not as high as it could be, feels Huda

Continue reading "Interview with Meraj K Huda, founder & principal consultant, forumline consulting "

CEO of Centralwings low-cost carrier resigns due to losses: media

The low-cost carrier owned by LOT, the Polish flag carrier, will have a new chief executive officer. The former resigned because the losses were bigger than planned, reported www.pulsbiznesu.pl.

Continue reading "CEO of Centralwings low-cost carrier resigns due to losses: media "

Major US airlines raise fares on most domestic routes by $5 each way

Delta Air Lines has hiked its one-way fares by $5 for US travel, prompting rivals to match the higher prices.

Continue reading "Major US airlines raise fares on most domestic routes by $5 each way"

Aspire introduces aRevenue Manager

Hospitality revenue optimisation company Aspire has introduced aRevenue Manager, what it calls to be the first virtual revenue management system designed specifically for independent hotels and resorts.

Continue reading "Aspire introduces aRevenue Manager"

Sterling ties up with Sabre

Low-cost carrier Sterling Airlines A/S has recently implemented and cut over to operational and decision support technology from Sabre Airline Solutions, to streamline its business processes and realise cost savings.

Continue reading "Sterling ties up with Sabre "

hotel.de now available to 75,000 Amadeus travel agencies worldwide

hotel.de AG has shared that each of the 75,000 Amadeus travel agencies worldwide will soon be able to book more than 2,000 hotels in Germany through hotel.de’s portfolio - hotels which have not been available through the Amadeus system up to now.

Continue reading "hotel.de now available to 75,000 Amadeus travel agencies worldwide"

Star Alliance opts for Lufthansa Systems for ACAP project

Star Alliance has chosen Lufthansa Systems as a preferred supplier for the Alternative Content Access Platform (ACAP) project.

Continue reading "Star Alliance opts for Lufthansa Systems for ACAP project"

Wyndham Worldwide to become Cendant’s new hospitality company

Wyndham Worldwide will become the name of the new hospitality company expected to be created by Cendant Corporation later this year in the previously announced spin-off of its lodging, vacation exchange and rental, and timeshare resorts businesses.

Continue reading "Wyndham Worldwide to become Cendant’s new hospitality company"

SkyScanner introduces new flight search engine

SkyScanner has come up with the latest version of its flight search engine, a free to use independent site enabling users to search across multiple airlines and compare flight prices for all budget airlines that serve the UK and Europe.

Continue reading "SkyScanner introduces new flight search engine"

Ctrip.com launches business travel service

Online travel service provider Ctrip.com International Ltd has launched a business travel service. The company shared that one reason for setting up a business travel unit is that demand from firms is high; companies have an increasing desire to cut down on costs as much as possible.

Continue reading "Ctrip.com launches business travel service"

Kuoni ends up with net loss in 2005

Travel group Kuoni has posted a net loss of Sfr42 million ($32.37 million) for 2005. This performance was weighed down by write-offs and costs related to natural disasters, as per the information available.

Continue reading "Kuoni ends up with net loss in 2005"

Can eBay become the ultimate travel distribution channel?

Hotels and hotel chains have started selling their accommodation packages through eBay. The category “Travel” on eBay Germany has 23,000 listings and according to Cultuzz, eBay Germany has more than 10,000 items listed in the short-term lodging category at any time. A short break is sold every two minutes. 

Continue reading "Can eBay become the ultimate travel distribution channel? "

Interview with Ram Seethepalli, group vice president and managing director, Consumer International Markets, Asia, Cendant TDS

The entrance of a large number of LCC’s has, and will continue to have, a profound longer term change in Asia in terms of how travel is transacted, says Seethepalli.

Continue reading "Interview with Ram Seethepalli, group vice president and managing director, Consumer International Markets, Asia, Cendant TDS"

Groople.com forms relationship with TravelHero to increase its distribution

Online group travel booking Groople.com and TravelHero.com, an online travel technology company, have agreed upon a relationship.

Continue reading "Groople.com forms relationship with TravelHero to increase its distribution "

Select Hotels & Resorts opts for Synxis for reservation management system

Select Hotels & Resorts International, Asia Pacific’s collection of luxury properties, has chosen Synxis Inc. to provide all its reservation management system requirements.

Continue reading "Select Hotels & Resorts opts for Synxis for reservation management system"

MAS ties up with Octopustravel.com

Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) has reportedly teamed up with Octopustravel.com in an online travel agency partnership aimed at reinforcing its capabilities in online direct sales.

Continue reading "MAS ties up with Octopustravel.com"

Gatebridge Hospitality plans to build five aloft hotels

Gatebridge Hospitality, a joint venture formed between Gatehouse Capital, Aimbridge Hospitality and Champ Development, is to develop and invest in five Aloft Hotels currently planned for the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Continue reading "Gatebridge Hospitality plans to build five aloft hotels"

BA restructure parts of its UK direct sales operations

Few days after sharing its two-year programme to drive down costs and strengthen customer service, British Airways has decided to restructure parts of its UK direct sales operations in response to changing customer behaviour and increased sales on its ba.com website.

Continue reading "BA restructure parts of its UK direct sales operations"

Northwest Airlines to charge more for more legroom

Opening a new avenue for revenue, Northwest Airlines has set aside five percent of the coach seats on most of its domestic flights  to see if travelers will pay $15 more to secure a roomier seat on the aisle or by the emergency exit.

Continue reading "Northwest Airlines to charge more for more legroom"

RealTravel and Airtreks form partnership for multi-destination travelers

RealTravel and Airtreks have decided to partner to provide travelers with extended resources for creating, booking and capturing multi-city and round-the-world trips

Continue reading "RealTravel and Airtreks form partnership for multi-destination travelers"

United Airlines expands chief information officer’s role

Garry Kelly, who is currently serving as United’s chief information officer, will assume additional responsibilities.

Continue reading "United Airlines expands chief information officer’s role "

Amex to continue marketing InteliRES to corporate clients

InteliSys Aviation Systems has renewed its multi-year agreement with Amex Canada Inc.

Continue reading "Amex to continue marketing InteliRES to corporate clients"

Cendant Hotel Group adds Baymont franchisees into its family of brands

In a move to strengthen its limited-service, midscale lodging, Cendant Hotel Group is to acquire Baymont Inn & Suites brand and system of 115 franchised properties.

Continue reading "Cendant Hotel Group adds Baymont franchisees into its family of brands"

JetBlue Airways shares plans for profitability

JetBlue Airways Corp. is on track to add two new destination cities shortly as it seeks to focus on less competitive routes where it can charge more for tickets.

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Holiday Homes on Google Maps

Euro Relais, a market leader in holiday home rentals, is now introducing a new search function enabling precision searching by map location.

Continue reading "Holiday Homes on Google Maps"

Interview with Philip Ho, director marketing, ZUJI

Online travel in Asia-Pacific is truly unstoppable, Philip Ho, director marketing, Zuji had recently told EyeforTravel.com.

Continue reading "Interview with Philip Ho, director marketing, ZUJI "

Expedia hikes its chief executive salary to US$1 million

Expedia Inc. has reportedly shared that that its board increased chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi’s salary for 2006 to $1 million from $550,000.

Continue reading "Expedia hikes its chief executive salary to US$1 million"

Expedia and Marriott garner top CRI rating

Airlines and travel firms scored a CRI rating of 5.9 (7.0 is considered excellent and under 5.0 is considered poor), as per the Customer Respect Group’s recent findings from its first quarter 2006 Online Customer Respect Study of the Airline and Travel Industry.

Continue reading "Expedia and Marriott garner top CRI rating"

IHG sells 24 hotels to a subsidiary of Westbridge

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC has sold a portfolio of 24 hotels to a subsidiary of Westbridge Hospitality Fund LP.

Continue reading "IHG sells 24 hotels to a subsidiary of Westbridge"

American Express Business Travel adds more than 120 new clients

American Express Business Travel has signed more than $470 million worth business from North America headquartered clients for the months of January and February.

Continue reading "American Express Business Travel adds more than 120 new clients"

Sabre Holdings completes $400 million offering of 10-year senior unsecured notes

Sabre Holdings Corporation has completed its $400 million offering of 10-year senior unsecured notes.

Continue reading "Sabre Holdings completes $400 million offering of 10-year senior unsecured notes"

LCCs garner sizable share in a short span in India

Indicating rapid progress made by low-cost carriers in India, the latest figures according to local authorities, denote that low-cost airlines now command a market share of 27 percent in domestic market.

Continue reading "LCCs garner sizable share in a short span in India "

Interview with Deep Kalra, founder and chief executive officer, MakeMyTrip

Recently, you told me makemytrip.com is India’s Expedia. How do you assess progress made by makemytrip.com's operations in India?

Continue reading "Interview with Deep Kalra, founder and chief executive officer, MakeMyTrip"

Sabre Travel Network continues its agreement signing spree

Sabre Travel Network has signed a multi-year full-content agreement with Belgium’s flagship carrier, SN Brussels Airlines.

Continue reading "Sabre Travel Network continues its agreement signing spree"

C-Travel to form strategic alliance with ezTravel Company

C-Travel International, Ltd. has agreed to form a strategic alliance with ezTravel Company, Ltd. (www.eztravel.com.tw), an online travel service provider in Taiwan, by taking a minority stake in ezTravel.

Continue reading "C-Travel to form strategic alliance with ezTravel Company"

OzJet decides to suspend its scheduled services

Australia’s relatively new airline OzJet has decided to suspend its scheduled services and instead opted to shift its focus on charter flights.

Continue reading "OzJet decides to suspend its scheduled services"

FCm Travel Solutions strengthens its presence in Europe

Travel and expense management specialist, FCm Travel Solutions, has shared plans for the development of its network in Europe with the addition of Poland and the official induction of The Netherlands and Russia.

Continue reading "FCm Travel Solutions strengthens its presence in Europe "

Interview with Michael Randall, vice president - International business development, ITA Software

What do you think are major opportunities for companies like ITA in this region?

Continue reading "Interview with Michael Randall, vice president - International business development, ITA Software"

Whitbread to acquire seven Holiday Inn branded hotels

In a significant step towards meeting its new target of 45,000 rooms in the UK by 2010, Whitbread has entered into an agreement to acquire the business and assets of seven Holiday Inn branded hotels from wholly owned subsidiaries of LRG Acquisition for £34.5m.

Continue reading "Whitbread to acquire seven Holiday Inn branded hotels"

Pegasus simplifies management of commission payments online

Pegasus Solutions, Inc. has come up with a new tool for its commission-processing service, an online application called TravelCom that enables hotels to better and more easily manage their commission payments to travel agents.

Continue reading "Pegasus simplifies management of commission payments online"

BA targets cost efficiencies worth £450 million in its new business plan

British Airways has shared a two-year programme to drive down costs and strengthen customer service, the first new business plan for the airline since Willie Walsh became chief executive.

Continue reading "BA targets cost efficiencies worth £450 million in its new business plan "

Eurail group shares its 2005 results

The Eurail group has witnessed traveller’s traffic growth of 24 percent as it released its full-year results for 2005.

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Carbon emissions - What price a pollution solution?

By Ben Schiller in London

EU emissions trading has had a successful start. But bureaucracy and political wrangling threaten its future

Continue reading "Carbon emissions - What price a pollution solution?"

Interview with Jeff Trounce, business development manager – Asia Pacific, Lonely Planet

Advertising on the Lonely Planet (LP) website has been launched after much deliberation, and in consultation with our community, says Jeff Trounce, business development manager – Asia Pacific, Lonely Planet.

Continue reading "Interview with Jeff Trounce, business development manager – Asia Pacific, Lonely Planet "

China’s online travel market tipped to grow to US$9.6 billion by 2009

China’s online travel services market reached RMB 254 million or US$31.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, with airline ticket booking service accounting for 77 million (US$9.6 million), hotel reservation service for 165 million (US$20.4 million), and travel arrangement service for 12 million (US$1.49 million). 

Continue reading "China’s online travel market tipped to grow to US$9.6 billion by 2009"

“You will not see these kinds of fares or services anywhere else on the Internet”: cFares

cFares has come up with what it refers to be a “breakthrough Internet travel service”, offering members to “save hundreds to thousands of dollars on international airfares compared to ticket prices offered on Expedia, Travelocity or Priceline”.

Continue reading "“You will not see these kinds of fares or services anywhere else on the Internet”: cFares"

Nancy Jepson joins Cendant Hotel Group

Cendant Hotel Group has appointed Nancy Jepson as director, tour accounts, responsible for the development of the company’s retail and wholesale tour customers who book resorts in vacation destinations including Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Continue reading "Nancy Jepson joins Cendant Hotel Group"

Ramada Jarvis Hotels to use RateGain’s channel management solution

Ramada Jarvis Hotels has signed a deal with RateGain, opting for YieldGain channel management solution for all its 45 hotels.

Continue reading "Ramada Jarvis Hotels to use RateGain’s channel management solution"

SAS announces agreement with Worldspan

SAS has finalised a full content agreement with Worldspan for providing its GDS with all fares, schedules and availability, including published low-fare classes and Web fares, that are available through SAS’s own reservations and ticket agents, as well as SAS Group carriers’ web sites.

Continue reading "SAS announces agreement with Worldspan"

Leading Hotels of the World and TRUST consider new company concept

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and TRUST International are gearing up to jointly form The Private Label Company LLC (PLC).

Continue reading "Leading Hotels of the World and TRUST consider new company concept"

Comtec and Adprecision to offer automated travel feeds into Search Engines

Leisure travel technology supplier Comtec has announced a partnership with Adprecision Europe that will enable Comtec’s clients to automate travel inventory feeds into Search Engine sponsored listings, including Google Adwords, Yahoo! Search Marketing, Cheapflights and Kelkoo Travel.

Continue reading "Comtec and Adprecision to offer automated travel feeds into Search Engines"

BookingBuddy.com to deliver travel deals via RSS Feeds

BookingBuddy.com is utilizing RSS technology to create feeds that bring together deals from hundreds of travel partners, providing the most up-to-date travel deal information to the site’s users. 
“BookingBuddy’s RSS feeds are useful for the average Internet user who regularly visits multiple travel sites in search of great travel deals,” said Krista Pappas, senior vice president of Smarter Living, Inc., parent company of BookingBuddy. “Now, BookingBuddy visitors can simply click on the RSS link on the site and have travel deals directly sent to them. By viewing the feeds through an RSS reader, like My Yahoo!, Bloglines and Feedster, travelers eliminate the need to search multiple sites for the best deal..”

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Survey indicates “genuine optimism” about inbound tourism to Europe

A survey involving tour operators and hoteliers, recently conducted at the European Tour Operators Association’s (ETOA) Hoteliers Marketplace, has indicated “genuine optimism” about inbound tourism to Europe in 2006.

Continue reading "Survey indicates “genuine optimism” about inbound tourism to Europe "

CarTrawler.com to introduce German OTA XML

CarTrawler.com has launched a fully functional OTA based reservation system available in German for strategic partners including airline booking sites and IT providers to the travel and transportation industry in Germany.

Continue reading "CarTrawler.com to introduce German OTA XML"

Expedia and MSN add new dimension to their relationship

Adding a new dimension to their relationship, Expedia, Inc. and MSN have decided to not only offer customers Expedia.com content when they visit travel.msn.com, but also information from Expedia’s other sites.

Continue reading "Expedia and MSN add new dimension to their relationship "

Amadeus and Sabre to ensure access to airline inventory for travel agents

Sabre Holdings has signed a new agreement with Amadeus IT Group SA to provide their respective travel agents with uninterrupted access to airline inventory.

Continue reading "Amadeus and Sabre to ensure access to airline inventory for travel agents"

Hilton signs on new online partners in Europe for distribution

Hilton has shared two new European deals as part of its expansion of its international distribution network.

Continue reading "Hilton signs on new online partners in Europe for distribution"

Jet Airways opts for Sabre solutions, Kingfisher ties up with Galileo

Jet Airways has chosen Sabre AirFlite Schedule Manager and Sabre AirFlite Fleet Manager to enhance its flight planning and scheduling decision-making capabilities.

Continue reading "Jet Airways opts for Sabre solutions, Kingfisher ties up with Galileo"

2005 results in line with objectives: Accor

Sharing its 2005 financial results, Accor has stated that consolidated revenue rose by 7.9 percent to €7,622 million. At constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates, the increase was 4.7 percent.

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Interview with Paul Daff, head of commercial, Jetstar Asia Airways and Valuair

Europe has a significant advantage over Asia due to its common market, thus marking cross border holdings and mergers more easily facilitated, feels Paul Daff, head of commercial, Jetstar Asia Airways and Valuair.

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“German market is facing a low-cost revolution”

Latest information provided by OAG for March 2006 indicates that there is an overall increase in frequency and capacity of 15 and 16 per cent, respectively, for the German low-cost international market.

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Expedia and Louvre Hotels agree upon three-year agreement

Expedia, Inc. has worked out a new three-year agreement with The Louvre Hotel Group. The deal will add more than 600 properties across Europe to Expedia’s hotel offering on all Expedia and Hotels.com branded points of sale globally.

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Orient Express gets ready for adding dynamic packaging to its site

Orient Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises has chosen IXeo Interactive Travel SA for empowering its existing website with dynamic packaging capabilities.

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Pegasus’s new offering for improving online marketing and distribution

Pegasus Solutions, Inc. has announced several new web services for its hotel customers, with new capabilities improving the way hotels can market and distribute their properties on their web sites.

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Galileo signs deal with Cebu Pacific Air

Galileo International has signed a “unique marketing agreement” with Philippines’ low-fare carrier Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), which will provide Galileo-connected travel agents with access to Cebu Pacific’s full domestic content, while enlarging CEB’s distribution network and customer base.

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S8 Limited set to merge with Transonic Travel Limited

Queensland-based S8 Limited has announced a proposal to merge with Transonic Travel Limited.

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Accor may sell its stake in CWT

Accor may sell its stake in travel agency Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), according to media reports. No decision has been taken yet.

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Ex-lastminute finance director to float luxury travel firm: media

Former finance director of lastminute.com David Howell has reportedly shared plans to float a travel venture on the stock market with an estimated value of £11 million.

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Interview with Don Birch, president and chief executive officer, Abacus International

The `great annual GDS debate session’ during the Travel Distribution Summit Asia 2006, recently held in Singapore, proved to be an intriguing debate.

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Quenten Smith joins Bezurk.com as regional sales director for APAC region

Travel search site Bezurk.com has appointed Quenten Smith as sales director for Asia Pacific. Smith will be responsible for developing and deepening relationships with Bezurk’s travel industry partners.

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Aer Lingus terms 2005 as successful year

Aer Lingus has announced a series of appointments to its senior management team as the airline gears up for its next phase of its development. The airline also shared its 2005 financial and operations highlights.

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Hertz comes up with new programme for travel agents in Australia

As part of its plans to focus on growing small business market, Hertz is offering bonus commission and free rental days to Australia’s travel agents.

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Virgin Blue launches Dynamic Currency Conversion feature on its website

Virgin Blue has introduced Dynamic Currency Conversion option for its customers, who book their flights online.

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InterContinental Hotels to pay special dividend

InterContinental Hotels Plc is to pay its shareholders a special dividend of 500 million pounds ($878 million).

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Kayak.com combines user-generated content with fare availability

Kayak.com has introduced Trip Ideas, a community-based forum that encourages users to create and share travel destination “wish lists” with other users.

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Starwood appoints Chad Waetzig as SVP marketing for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has appointed Chad Waetzig as senior vice president -  marketing for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

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Business Development Director - White Labels - Based London, UK £excellent package

We are looking for a sales orientated ecommerce expert to drive and develop this leading private label product portfolio. Our client is a major online travel provider. Strong commercial and relationship building skills are required plus a good understanding of the UK B2B online travel market. Previous online travel experience essential.  Must be eligible to work in the UK.  Please apply to info@gailkenny.com    www.gailkenny.com

Senior Product Manager - Based Munich, Germany - Salary Negotiable

Our client, one of the most successful Internet media companies in the market, is about to launch in Germany. This role holds responsibility for securing the very best and exciting travel content, whilst interacting with product teams across Europe and the USA. You must have a strong media travel background, fluency in German, be degree educated and above all, be commercially astute. Must be eligible to work in Europe.  Please apply to info@gailkenny.com    www.gailkenny.com

UK Contractor - Based London, UK - £38K

Our client, a leading online travel business, is looking for a highly motivated individual.  You must be able to identifying new opportunities and pin point areas where our client can meet revenue growth and goals for this market by prospecting new hotels and negotiating effective contracts. This role requires at least 3 years experience in a similar role although not essential although strong negotiation, relationship and communications skills are required.   Must be eligible to work in the UK.  Please apply to info@gailkenny.com    www.gailkenny.com

Senior Planning Analyst - Airlines, Based London, UK £50k

Our client, an major online player, is looking for a high calibre business advisor to support the air buying team. The ideal candidate will be degree educated, with at least four years experience in an analytical role, possibly with a background in airline pricing and revenue management or in a planning or consultancy organisation. Excellent problem solving abilities to deal with complex business issues, and financial analysis are a must. You will need to perform under pressure with tight deadlines, and the skills to present issues and ideas with clarity. This is an exciting opportunity within a truly professional and forward thinking organisation.   Must be eligible to work in the UK.  Please apply to info@gailkenny.com    www.gailkenny.com

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Beijing to host unique meeting place for over 200 senior marketing and distribution executives from across the Chinese travel industry

CEO’s and senior executives from CTrip, eLong, TUI China Travel Co., Business Travel International, British Airways, Travelsky, BilltoBill China, InterContinental, Cendant & CYTS, Continental Airlines, Tiger Airways, China Southern Airlines, Club Med, Marriott, Starwood, Club Med, Et-China Ltd, Go10000, Qunar, Mangocity.com and many more will be meeting to discuss best practices for distributing your product to the Chinese market.

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Travelers find the Web to be most useful as an information source: survey

Three-quarters of U.S. adult respondents who have ever taken a vacation say they visit three or more Web sites when researching and/or booking their vacation plans, according to a recent survey commissioned by MSN and conducted by Harris Interactive.

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Nearly 19 million people visited TripAdvisor.com in the month of January

TripAdvisor.com has shared that it now features more than four million reviews and opinions from travelers around the globe.

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US Airways selects AT&T for voice and data services

AT&T Inc. has signed a three-year, $44 million contract with US Airways to provide voice and data services, connecting the company’s 276 locations worldwide.

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Accor signs agreement for six Ibis hotels in one province in China

Accor has signed a landmark agreement for six new Ibis hotels in Sichuan province, the largest single expansion of Accor’s economy brand in one province of China.

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Interview with Mark Pavlides, GM Distribution, Asia Pacific, British Airways

How do you assess the current tussle between traditional and low cost carriers in the Asia Pacific region? 

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ChinaDotMan introduces English language ticketing Web site

ChinaDotMan Co. Ltd. has launched its English language ticketing Web site, http://ticket.9588.com, to sell fully discounted domestic Chinese air tickets to foreigners.

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TravelCLICK signs an agreement for web services with Travelocity

TravelCLICK, Inc. has announced that an agreement for web services has been reached with Travelocity. The agreement will allow RateVIEW, TravelCLICK’s hotel rate shopping tool, to interface with the Travelocity system.

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USA Resort Rentals launches new travel website

USA Resort Rentals has launched a newly re-designed online directory, www.usaresortrentals.com, created specifically for Vacation Rentals & Resort destinations.

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Interview with Steve Pinchuk, corporate vice president - revenue management, Harrah’s Entertainment

Markets must accept variable and dynamic pricing for RM to truly flourish, says Steve Pinchuk, corporate vice president - revenue management, Harrah’s Entertainment

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HBSI opts for IBS for its IT expansion needs

Hotel Booking Solutions Incorporated (HBSI) has formed an alliance with IBS Group (IBS) for expansion of its IT and product development capabilities.

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Carlson Wagonlit strengthens ties with GetThere

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has signed a reseller agreement with GetThere to offer clients worldwide enhanced flexibility in their choice of online booking systems.

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easyJet to fly to three new markets

Low-fares airline easyJet is to expand its operations into three news markets, all outside the EU. The airline is gearing up to fly to Marrakech, Istanbul and Rijeka from this summer.

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