m-Travel.com and Travel Distribution News

Archives for June 2006

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Google introduces its anticipated online commerce feature

Google has unveiled an online payment system that will let consumers store credit-card information and use their Google account to purchase products on the web.

Continue reading "Google introduces its anticipated online commerce feature"

Travelport and TravelCLICK restructure and expand their agreement

TravelCLICK has restructured and expanded an agreement with Travelport to continue providing the hotel industry with solutions that drive revenue and deliver long term profitability.

Continue reading "Travelport and TravelCLICK restructure and expand their agreement "

Bringing in more efficiency for travel agents

America’s Vacation Center/American Express (AVC) has launched a private business development web portal for AVC agents.

Continue reading "Bringing in more efficiency for travel agents "

VCs continue to invest in India, Cleartrip.com is set for operations

US-based venture capital companies Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Sherpalo Ventures have invested in Cleartrip.com as the Indian online travel market starts showing signs of getting crowded.

Continue reading "VCs continue to invest in India, Cleartrip.com is set for operations "

Travel Hot Link focuses on customer loyalty via targeted electronic marketing platform

Invicta Group Inc. has signed a strategic alliance agreement with ZDirect, Inc, which specialises in electronic customer relationship management creating targeted profiles of email databases.

Continue reading "Travel Hot Link focuses on customer loyalty via targeted electronic marketing platform"

Tapping lucrative “Grey” travel segment

An ageing but increasingly-wealthy and mobile Asian population represents a boon for the travel sector, and one which is requiring a new focus from industry service providers.

Continue reading "Tapping lucrative “Grey” travel segment "

FCm Travel Solutions reaches Latin America

FCm Travel Solutions has expanded its global reach by selecting Flytour not only as its partner in Brazil, but also to manage its new Latin America region.

Continue reading "FCm Travel Solutions reaches Latin America"

Tiger Airways ties up with Hostelworld.com, strengthens its hotel booking services

Singapore’s low fare airline Tiger Airways has tied up with online hostel booking company Hostelworld.com.

Continue reading "Tiger Airways ties up with Hostelworld.com, strengthens its hotel booking services"

Devising natural search strategies in synergy with PPC to manage budgets effectively

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Flybe is actively developing and managing both PPC and SEO strategies to ensure it maximises opportunities through this channel.

Continue reading "Devising natural search strategies in synergy with PPC to manage budgets effectively"

Interview with Paul van Alfen, business development manager, GlobalCollect

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Bank transfers and direct debits are the most popular and upcoming alternative to credit cards methods.

Continue reading "Interview with Paul van Alfen, business development manager, GlobalCollect"

Hotelzon acquires stake in IT consultancy, developing online booking tool

Hotelzon is strengthening its development resources with the acquisition of a strategic stake in IT consultancy ARoBS Transylvania Software, based in Romania. ARoBs already provides Hotelzon with support and call centre services, and system development.

Continue reading "Hotelzon acquires stake in IT consultancy, developing online booking tool"

UK travel search market hots up as it gets another entrant in Mobissimo

Continuing its expansion spree, travel search engine Mobissimo, Inc. has launched its UK site, www.mobissimo.co.uk.

Continue reading "UK travel search market hots up as it gets another entrant in Mobissimo "

More than 10,000 agents for air-only booking engine in two months

VAX VacationAccess’ new air-only booking engine is witnessing quick adoption. More than 10,000 agents have already signed up, according to Trisept Solutions and G2 SwitchWorks.

Continue reading "More than 10,000 agents for air-only booking engine in two months "

Cendant TDS signs five year agreement with Eastern Multimedia Group

Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS) has a signed a deal with Taiwan’s Eastern Multimedia Group (EMG) to provide latter’s travel subsidiaries with access to Cendant’s major product lines – the Galileo GDS, Gullivers Travel Associates (gta) and OctopusTravel.com.

Continue reading "Cendant TDS signs five year agreement with Eastern Multimedia Group "

OTB ready with new tiered pricing structure, lead-in price of £2.50

UK’s online viewable travel brochure site, www.onlinetravelbrochures.com (OTB), has worked upon strategic alliances with three technology agencies that will allow the company to sell advanced page-turning technology from as little as £2.50 per page.

Continue reading "OTB ready with new tiered pricing structure, lead-in price of £2.50 "

Points International and Truition launch auction for InterContinental Hotels Group

Points International Ltd. and e-commerce technology provider Truition are collaborating to power  InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) guest loyalty programme Priority Club Rewards online auction site.

Continue reading "Points International and Truition launch auction for InterContinental Hotels Group"

Pegasus offers new ways for hotels to build brand loyalty

Paving way for hotels to build brand loyalty and capture more guest revenue during the booking process, Pegasus Solutions recently came up with its GolfSwitch service and enhancements to several other offerings.

Continue reading "Pegasus offers new ways for hotels to build brand loyalty"

TripAdvisor works on a multimedia traffic-building brand campaign

TripAdvisor has launched a multimedia traffic-building brand campaign using a free offer of downloadable guidebooks in pdf file format for 25 of the summer’s hottest destinations, as determined by tripadvisor.com. 

Continue reading "TripAdvisor works on a multimedia traffic-building brand campaign"

Pegasus to facilitate online booking process with precise hotel visuals and information

As part of its plans to enable hotels reduce their maintenance costs and facilitate increment in their online reservations, Pegasus Solutions has signed an agreement with ICE Portal, Inc. that will allow hotels to easily host, manage and distribute rich media content through the Pegasus Online Distribution Database (ODD) at savings of more than 40 percent.

Continue reading "Pegasus to facilitate online booking process with precise hotel visuals and information"

Marriott commences airline check-in service

Offering guests easy airline check-in service, Marriott International, Inc. is targeting September for the service to be offered at every US and Canadian hotel, more than 400 in total. The conveniently located lobby computer stations will serve one purpose -- for guests to check-in to their flights and print their boarding passes quickly.

Continue reading "Marriott commences airline check-in service"

“Travel agencies are rebounding”

“In wake of industry revitalisation”, Putman Travel has five new SC offices, an initiative the company terms as a direct response to the travel industry trend of customers returning to travel agencies after being burned on the Internet.

Continue reading "“Travel agencies are rebounding”"

Interview with Paul Evans, chief executive officer, Lowcostbeds.com

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Last few months have been quite hectic for Lowcostbeds.com.

Continue reading "Interview with Paul Evans, chief executive officer, Lowcostbeds.com"

CarTrawler.com signs a deal with Final Quadrant Solutions

Emphasising on its superior OTA XML travel distribution technology, CarTrawler.com has signed an exclusive deal with Final Quadrant Solutions, a provider of travel technology to European Car Hire Resellers.

Continue reading "CarTrawler.com signs a deal with Final Quadrant Solutions"

BA chief executive urges employees to carry on with business as usual

Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways, has moved to restore staff morale at the beleaguered airline following last week’s revelation that it is subject to an investigation into alleged price-fixing, reports media.

Continue reading "BA chief executive urges employees to carry on with business as usual"

Octopus Travel ties up with Harvey World Travel

Octopus Travel has become the preferred supplier of Internet booking solutions to Australian Harvey World Travel.

Continue reading "Octopus Travel ties up with Harvey World Travel"

Genesis adds new Mexican content to FareSpider global agency booking platform

The Genesis Travel Distribution System has added two Mexican low cost carriers to its flagship FareSpider low fare and hotel booking platform for Genesis and FareSpider subscribers in Canada, the USA, and Mexico.

Continue reading "Genesis adds new Mexican content to FareSpider global agency booking platform"

Amadeus and CTI to deliver additional profits to all airlines

Amadeus and Constraint Technologies (CTI), a provider of optimisation technology to the airline industry, have recently signed a partnership to bring airlines a fully integrated solution comprising CTI’s crew and flight operations optimisation solutions and Amadeus’ new generation customer management solutions offering.

Continue reading "Amadeus and CTI to deliver additional profits to all airlines"

Business travelers lift Virgin Atlantic’s financial performance

Virgin Atlantic has managed a pretax profit of 41.6 million pounds ($76.1 million) on record annual sales of 1.91 billion.

Continue reading "Business travelers lift Virgin Atlantic’s financial performance "

Around 560 million plane tickets now sold online

There has been a dramatic rise of 40 percent over the last year in the numbers of people booking their travel online, according to SITA, a provider of communications and IT solutions to the air transport industry.

Continue reading "Around 560 million plane tickets now sold online"

Interview with Esteban Walther, head – travel, EMEA, Google

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Price will become less relevant as the Internet makes the pricing strategies of different suppliers more transparent.

Continue reading "Interview with Esteban Walther, head – travel, EMEA, Google "

Sabre comes up with an “unusual, interesting and useful” offering for TMCs

Sabre Travel Network has developed a product that allows business travel agencies to produce reports for their corporate customers about the environmental impact of the flights they are booking.

Continue reading "Sabre comes up with an “unusual, interesting and useful” offering for TMCs"

Air Arabia introduces new multi-functional airline reservation system

Sharjah’s Information Systems Associates (ISA), a joint venture of low-fares airline Air Arabia LLC and John Keells Holdings (JKH), has developed a new reservation system AccelAero for low cost airlines that provides multi-selling channels through the Internet, travel agencies and call centres.

Continue reading "Air Arabia introduces new multi-functional airline reservation system"

Analysts project turbulent times for Air Sahara, airline exudes confidence

India’s Air Sahara is being tipped to face turbulent times ahead, as per the indications following the collapse of  Jet Airways-Air Sahara US$510 million deal.

Continue reading "Analysts project turbulent times for Air Sahara, airline exudes confidence "

Expedia introduces Fare Alert and Gas Station Locator

Expedia.com has introduced two new site features: Fare Alert and Gas Station Locator. The tools will enable travelers to combat rising fuel and airline ticket prices.

Continue reading "Expedia introduces Fare Alert and Gas Station Locator"

Exponent Private Equity acquires Trainline

Exponent Private Equity has acquired Trainline, a UK-based online and call centre rail retailer and information provider, from a consortium of shareholders that include Virgin, Stagecoach and National Express transport groups for £163m.

Continue reading "Exponent Private Equity acquires Trainline"

Nouvelles Frontières opts for CONTOUR travel management platform

France’s Nouvelles Frontières, a provider of tours and packaged travel and part of TUI AG, has chosen the CONTOUR travel management platform from Fourth Dimension Software (FDS). The company will deploy the platform to manage its inventory and distribution processes across all of its leisure travel brands.

Continue reading "Nouvelles Frontières opts for CONTOUR travel management platform"

Ramada Specialist website launched for UK and Irish travel professionals

Ramada Worldwide has launched www.ramadaspecialist.co.uk, a dedicated website aimed specifically at travel advisers and booking agents. The company says the website is the first of a kind for Cendant Hotel Group launched specifically to UK and Irish travel professionals.

Continue reading "Ramada Specialist website launched for UK and Irish travel professionals"

Google in process of testing a new online ad system

Google is testing a new online advertising network, in which advertisers pay only when an Internet user performs a specific action, such as buying a product or registering for a service.

Continue reading "Google in process of testing a new online ad system"

Chief Officers and SVPs from Marriott, Royal Caribbean, Priceline, Travelocity, Carlson Wagonlit & Orbitz for Business discuss how to profit from changes in travel distribution and reduce costs

EyeforTravel has just published the agenda for their 10th Travel Distribution Summit North America, being held on 4-5th October in Chicago.  The 2006 event sees a substantial growth from last year, and features a long list of senior-level speakers, four executive conferences and an array of free workshops and educational seminars.

For more information visit: www.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa2006

Continue reading "Chief Officers and SVPs from Marriott, Royal Caribbean, Priceline, Travelocity, Carlson Wagonlit & Orbitz for Business discuss how to profit from changes in travel distribution and reduce costs"

Interview with Sean Lowe, director of revenue management, RCI Europe

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Tour operators have got more involved in RM and have developed advanced scientific approaches to pricing and capacity management, whereas airlines are soul-searching as the low cost model has rendered a lot of complicated fence/fare-class systems obsolete, according to Sean Lowe, director of revenue management, RCI Europe.

Continue reading "Interview with Sean Lowe, director of revenue management, RCI Europe"

Interview with Marc Galbis, head of Business Intelligence and Yield Management, Sol Melia

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Customer goes to search engine to look for travel possibilities, it’s in your hands - applying SEO and SEM strategies- to get the customer to your own website and convert them into booker creating specific offers, says Marc Galbis.

Continue reading "Interview with Marc Galbis, head of Business Intelligence and Yield Management, Sol Melia"

Priceline signs multi-year partnership with G2 Switchworks

Online travel agency Priceline.com has reportedly signed a deal with a competitor that could make it a more attractive air fare distributor for cash-strapped airlines. According to Reuters, Priceline’s multi-year partnership with G2 Switchworks gives the company access to G2’s fares and bookings platform.

Continue reading "Priceline signs multi-year partnership with G2 Switchworks"

Newmarket International and Hotel Information Systems offer an integrated availability management solution

Newmarket International, Inc. , a provider of group sales and event management software for the hospitality industry, and Hotel Information Systems, a provider of Internet-native property management and central reservation solutions, have shared plans to further integrate the epitome Property Management System and Delphi Sales & Catering solution.

Continue reading "Newmarket International and Hotel Information Systems offer an integrated availability management solution "

Lockheed Martin signs five-year deal with Travelocity Business

Lockheed Martin Corporation has chosen Travelocity Business as its global corporate travel management provider. The two companies agreed upon a five-year deal.

Continue reading "Lockheed Martin signs five-year deal with Travelocity Business "

Eos Airlines reaches breakeven level performance

Eos Airlines has stated that, in just eight months of operation, the airline has reached breakeven on a flight level basis, with June month-to-date load factors of over 70 percent.

Continue reading "Eos Airlines reaches breakeven level performance "

Uncertainty hangs over Jet Airways and Air Sahara deal

The airline merger between Jet Airways and Air Sahara in India is in the danger of falling apart.

Continue reading "Uncertainty hangs over Jet Airways and Air Sahara deal"

Virgin Blue gears up for new booking engine with a shopping basket function

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Over the next year or so, Virgin Blue will focus on a number of key areas including deployment of a new booking engine and re-development of its website to better support its new loyalty programme.

Continue reading "Virgin Blue gears up for new booking engine with a shopping basket function"

Bezurk.com becomes reseller and listing agent for Yahoo! Travel in Southeast Asia

Asia Pacific travel search engine Bezurk.com has signed an agreement with Yahoo!, becoming the exclusive partner for Yahoo! Travel’s meta-search service in Southeast Asia.

Continue reading "Bezurk.com becomes reseller and listing agent for Yahoo! Travel in Southeast Asia "

Topaz offers fully integrated BookAbility III to convert lookers into bookers

Topaz Hotel Services (THS), a provider of voice and electronic hotel reservation systems and online services to the lodging industry, has come up with its new BookAbility III web booking system.

Continue reading "Topaz offers fully integrated BookAbility III to convert lookers into bookers"

TravelCLICK focuses on maximising campaign performance through advanced keyword optimisation

TravelCLICK, Inc. has shared that it is implementing a new paid search technology that continuously optimises key word selection in Internet marketing campaigns for the hotel industry.

Continue reading "TravelCLICK focuses on maximising campaign performance through advanced keyword optimisation"

Genesys 2006/07 Travel Agency Technology Review published

Technology consultancy Genesys has published its 2006/07 Travel Agency Technology Review, running over 140 pages, providing the low-down on over 50 technology suppliers and their products.

Continue reading "Genesys 2006/07 Travel Agency Technology Review published"

Choice Hotels offers online resource for customising and planning travel

Choice Hotels has announced Choice Destinations, an online travel-planning resource that will allow visitors to arrange trips based upon popular travel interests, upcoming events and other options.

Continue reading "Choice Hotels offers online resource for customising and planning travel"

Alamo Rent A Car enhances travel agent loyalty programme

Alamo Rent A Car has introduced several enhancements to CASH-IN Club, its loyalty programme for US travel agents.

Continue reading "Alamo Rent A Car enhances travel agent loyalty programme"

E-mails replacing hotel comment cards: media

Hotels comment cards — those personal remarks scribbled out by guests and dropped at the front desk — may become a thing of the past, reports Washington Post. And customer surveys — those questionnaires that show up within days after you check out — also may become a victim of modern technology.

Continue reading "E-mails replacing hotel comment cards: media "

Analyst applaud Cathay Pacific's recent acquisition, bullish over its future

Cathay Pacific’s recent acquisition of Dragonair and strategic alliance with Air China “could put it in a position to eclipse rivals such as Singapore Airlines and Qantas”, reports media.

Continue reading "Analyst applaud Cathay Pacific's recent acquisition, bullish over its future "

Reader feedback on the "Mobissimo comes to India, targets number one slot by 2006-end" story

I wanted to just bring to your Kind Attention that India's first meta search engine was launched in August by us at http://www.flightorder.com we have built over a 100k user base over 6 months with word of mouth advertising. We have very good hold in the domestic market and are looking forward to go to mass market in a few months from now.

Continue reading "Reader feedback on the "Mobissimo comes to India, targets number one slot by 2006-end" story"

FCm Travel Solutions to quicken its expansion in India

Corporate travel and expense management specialist FCm Travel Solutions is planning to boost its Indian network from 16 to 25 branch offices within the next six months.

Continue reading "FCm Travel Solutions to quicken its expansion in India"

Ecommerce Marketing Manager, UK - Northern based (flexible), £50k

Our client, a major travel retailer, is looking to recruit a degree educated, forward thinking, results focused marketer.  You will, through management of a team, increase traffic to several websites through effective online marketing, analysis and planning.   You will manage effective email campaigns, liasing with brand managers across the group.  Also responsible for managing and developing a successful affiliate marketing programmes.   The successful candidate needs to have at least 2 years online marketing experience and be an expert in SEM, SEO and PPC.  You need to relish a challenge and a strong relationship builder.  Must be eligible to work in the EU.

Please apply to eft@gailkenny.com www.gailkenny.com

Travelocity Business expands its operations in Europe

Travelocity Business has recently launched its first wholly-owned service centre in Europe and shared its plans to pursue business local to the UK this summer.

Continue reading "Travelocity Business expands its operations in Europe "

Interview with Mark Thompson, channels director, First Choice

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

To ascertain what investments are being made by the key industry suppliers in order to improve current connectivity issues is on the agenda of First Choice.

Continue reading "Interview with Mark Thompson, channels director, First Choice"

Travelzoo’s UK business is growing quickly: Chris Loughlin

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Travelzoo Inc. has seen 31 consecutive quarters of profitable revenue growth. The company now reaches more than 450,000 UK Top 20 subscribers every week and over 115 travel companies have advertised in its publications in the last 12 months.

Continue reading "Travelzoo’s UK business is growing quickly: Chris Loughlin"

Assessing impact of dynamic pricing on revenue management

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Chris Silcock, vice president, Revenue & Service Delivery, Hilton International acknowledges the fact that the introduction of dynamic pricing along with customer focused products has reduced the gap between business and leisure pricing.

Continue reading "Assessing impact of dynamic pricing on revenue management "

Bank transfers and direct debits are the most popular and upcoming alternative to credit cards methods

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

The increase of direct sales through companies’ websites and the emergence of alternative to credit card payment options are being termed as “two heavy trends in the European travel industry”, according to Paul van Alfen, business development manager, GlobalCollect.

Continue reading "Bank transfers and direct debits are the most popular and upcoming alternative to credit cards methods"

Interview with Moshe Rafiah, chief executive officer, TRAVELfusion

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Travel search will emerge as a major force in both search and online travel, says Moshe Rafiah, chief executive officer, TRAVELfusion. He says web content aggregation will grow and will appear via web services in powerful mapping and calendaring much up services.

Continue reading "Interview with Moshe Rafiah, chief executive officer, TRAVELfusion"

Transversal research finds inability to answer basic questions online

Travel companies are delivering the worst online customer service in Britain, according to annual research from eService provider Transversal.

Continue reading "Transversal research finds inability to answer basic questions online"

US airlines can find capital for right deal: media

A Bush administration plan to ease restrictions on foreign investment in US airlines could help a struggling industry, but analysts and consultants say there is plenty of money at home for the right deal, recently reported Reuters.

Continue reading "US airlines can find capital for right deal: media "

Ryanair lodges complaint against Air France

Ryanair has filed a further complaint with the European Commission accusing rival Air France KLM of trying to block competition.

Continue reading "Ryanair lodges complaint against Air France "

IT departments should be more involved in travel technology procurement: survey

IT Departments are not sufficiently getting involved in companies’ corporate travel technology needs, as per the findings of a new survey from Amadeus and The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE). The research surveyed 123 corporate travel executives in the North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific.

Continue reading "IT departments should be more involved in travel technology procurement: survey"

Interview with Richard Carrick, chief executive, Hoseasons Holidays

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Travel agents will continue to play a large part in holiday sales but will need to be more proactive in reaching customers, feels Richard Carrick, chief executive, Hoseasons Holidays.

Continue reading "Interview with Richard Carrick, chief executive, Hoseasons Holidays"

reader feedback on the "XML-structured data is changing the online travel landscape"

Thank you for emphasizing the importance of XML.

Max Starkov and Jason Price (http://www.hospitalityebusiness.com)  almost two years ago identified that we were at the end of the merchant model.

Continue reading "reader feedback on the "XML-structured data is changing the online travel landscape""

Interview with Karim Lankarany, senior category manager Reise, eBay GmbH

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

eBay’s Karim Lankarany says the company is targeting to be an effective travel channel and is looking at expanding its current product range by adding further services, always focusing on key segments.

Continue reading "Interview with Karim Lankarany, senior category manager Reise, eBay GmbH"

Director of Account Management - £80k + bonus - UK, London

Our client, a leading online travel  company , is looking for an exceptional account director to manage a team and customer accounts across Europe. The individual should have  a good understanding of the online travel sector in order to develop  their  white  label  products across a wide customers base. A minimum of 6 years B2B account management experience is required along with strong relationship and problem solving skills, a high intellect and genuine leadership skills. A results orientated approach and proven negotiating skills are a must, along with experience of operating in  international markets. Must be eligible to work in the EU.

Please apply to eft@gailkenny.com www.gailkenny.com.

Interview with Gillian Gibson, vice president Multinational Customer Group, Amadeus

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Gillian Gibson, vice president Multinational Customer Group, Amadeus, one of the speakers during the  recently held Travel Distribution Summit Europe 2006 in London, says the company is witnessing much more corporate travel being booked online.

Continue reading "Interview with Gillian Gibson, vice president Multinational Customer Group, Amadeus"

Agents must become true retailers in order to compete with supplier direct channels

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

As suppliers have reduced or eliminated travel agent commissions, agents have evolved their business models to survive and have had to seek alternative revenue sources including the sale of additional products and services, according to Chris Vukelich, chief operating officer, EMEA B2B Services, Cendant TDS.

Continue reading "Agents must become true retailers in order to compete with supplier direct channels"

Accor divests most of its stake in Club Méditerranée

As part of the strategic review of its financial investments, Accor has stated that it is to divest most of its stake in Club Méditerranée, 22.9 percent of the capital on a total stake of 28.9 percent.

Continue reading "Accor divests most of its stake in Club Méditerranée"

Expedia – Air Product Manager - £40K – UK, London

This on line player is looking for an individual to manage the day to day relationships with air suppliers in order to meet sales targets, maximise revenue and profitability. Must have proven experience in negotiating commercial agreements, sourcing and implementing tactical deals and offers for promotions as well as working closely with internal teams to ensure rates are utilised effectively and growth is achieved. Must have strong negotiation skills, commercial awareness and experience of managing supplier relations. Understanding of technology with particular focus on ecommerce desirable or the ability to learn quickly. Must be eligible to work in the EU.

Please apply to eft@gailkenny.com www.gailkenny.com.

Doug Geoga resigns as president of Global Hyatt Corporation

Global Hyatt Corporation has recently stated that Doug Geoga has resigned as president of the company, effective June 30, 2006.

Continue reading "Doug Geoga resigns as president of Global Hyatt Corporation"

Merry time for top-end segment of hotels in London

Indicating polarisation of London hotel market this year, HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte has disclosed that hotel rooms in the city with average room rates over £160 are showing double-digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) for year-to-April 2006, while hotels with average room rates under £80 are struggling to see any growth.

Continue reading "Merry time for top-end segment of hotels in London "

XML-structured data is changing the online travel landscape

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent 

Offering their expert opinion on the impact of technological developments in the online travel industry, Moshe Rafiah, chief executive officer, TRAVELfusion and Roberto Da Re, president, Dolphin Dynamics commented on the new trends and opportunities related to driving down costs and increasing efficiency in an interview with EyeforTravel.com’s Ritesh Gupta.

Continue reading "XML-structured data is changing the online travel landscape"

SideStep’s Toolbar and Activities offerings to be soon available in the UK

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Following its foray into the UK and Ireland earlier this year, travel search engine SideStep is working on plans to customise its offerings for the UK market. SideStep’s Toolbar and Activities offerings will soon be available in the UK.

Continue reading "SideStep’s Toolbar and Activities offerings to be soon available in the UK"

easyJet plans to increase its earnings per passenger to 6 eur by 2008: media

As more and more airlines focus on ancillary revenues, easyJet PLC chief executive Andrew Harrison has indicated about airline’s plans to increase its earnings per passenger to 6 eur from 3 eur by 2008 by offering more services.

Continue reading "easyJet plans to increase its earnings per passenger to 6 eur by 2008: media "

Barbara Cassani tipped to stage a comeback in the travel industry

Barbara Cassani is being tipped to stage a comeback in the travel industry. The Sunday Times indicated that former chief executive of budget airline Go may comeback with “a possible bid for Kirker Holidays, an upmarket tour operator”.

Continue reading "Barbara Cassani tipped to stage a comeback in the travel industry"

First Choice – Online Marketing Manager - £40K + car allowance – UK, South East

Our client is looking for a senior manager with a proven track record of on line marketing and delivering e-commerce results. Experience in managing successful search marketing campaigns with a demonstrated ROI for a major e-commerce brand is a must. The role demands both marketing expertise with an innovative approach to providing solid technical solutions to driving SEO. Whilst search marketing is the core competence the role also demands an individual with a broad understanding of the entire online marketing mix. You must be able to align online marketing campaigns with offline campaigns and contribute to the build of an online brand. Must be eligible to work in the EU.

Please apply to eft@gailkenny.com www.gailkenny.com

Amadeus launches Leisure Platform in France, Selectour launch partner

Amadeus has introduced Leisure Platform in France, helping over 1,600 travel agents to boost tour package sales.

Continue reading "Amadeus launches Leisure Platform in France, Selectour launch partner "

Interview with David Soskin, chief executive officer, Cheapflights

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Even as it gears up for opportunities in Europe, Cheapflights is eventually targeting to be a global player in the space. And David Soskin, chief executive officer, Cheapflights feels it is possible and the company has a proven model.

Continue reading "Interview with David Soskin, chief executive officer, Cheapflights "

Cultuzz offers “free to download” hotel booking system

Cultuzz Digital Media GmbH has announced the launch of “free to download” hotel booking system as an Open Source product to hoteliers, owners of pensions, hotel chains and destination marketing organisations.

Continue reading "Cultuzz offers “free to download” hotel booking system"

MAXjet ties up with Worldspan for complete Airline Distribution and Meridian hosting solution

Worldspan has signed a five-year global distribution and airline hosting partnership with MAXjet, the first all-business class airline offering everyday low fares on transatlantic flights.

Continue reading "MAXjet ties up with Worldspan for complete Airline Distribution and Meridian hosting solution"

easyHotel gets ready for full-time chief executive officer

With 15 businesses in the easyGroup and with recent big expansion at easyHotel, the latter now needs its own full-time chief executive officer, the company has stated.

Continue reading "easyHotel gets ready for full-time chief executive officer"

Orbitz comes up with Euro Hotel Neighborhood Matrix

Orbitz has launched its hotel neighborhood matrix for top European cities and added hotel inventory for customers seeking lodging for the perfect European vacation.

Continue reading "Orbitz comes up with Euro Hotel Neighborhood Matrix"

OTA publishes Specification Version 2006A

The OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) has published its 2006A specifications, which include XML-based messages for airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines and travel integrators critical to both efficient operations and enhanced travelers’ experiences.

Continue reading "OTA publishes Specification Version 2006A"

Cathay buying Dragonair for foothold in China

Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific is buying local rival Dragonair for HK$8.2bn ($1bn; £573m).

Continue reading "Cathay buying Dragonair for foothold in China "

Revenue Management issues to be debated by Delta, Ritz Carlton, Dollar Thrifty, JetBlue, Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Hyatt International, Holland America Line and many more.

On October 4-5 at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, Chicago, EyeforTravel is holding its successful Revenue Management and Pricing in Travel 2006 conference. This event for RM executives in the North America region will tackle the most important issues facing Revenue Managers from across the travel industry.

Continue reading "Revenue Management issues to be debated by Delta, Ritz Carlton, Dollar Thrifty, JetBlue, Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Hyatt International, Holland America Line and many more."

Assessing impact of various channels and different pricing models on RM

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Revenue management professionals feel the greatest pressure is the ever increasing complexity and variety of competencies they need to master in order to optimise revenue.

Continue reading "Assessing impact of various channels and different pricing models on RM"

Interview with Gerry Samuels, founder & executive director, Mobile Travel Technologies

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

Travellers have been poorly served during their trips and when they are away from their home or office, feels Gerry Samuels, founder & executive director, Mobile Travel Technologies.

Continue reading "Interview with Gerry Samuels, founder & executive director, Mobile Travel Technologies"

Hilton International introduces personalised, dynamic Ebrochures

As part of its plans to increase its online business to 25 percent over the next three years, Hilton International announced the launch of its new personalised, dynamic Ebrochures.

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Galileo International and Continental Airlines sign new distribution agreements

Galileo International has signed a five-year, full content agreement with Continental Airlines.

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Sabre Travel Network launches Efficient Access Solution to combat travel content fragmentation

Sabre Travel Network has come up with the launch of the Efficient Access Solution as a foundation for the company’s new portfolio of customisable end-to-end solutions for travel agents serving the corporate and leisure travel segments.

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Lufthansa tipped to introduce a new cost-cutting programme

Deutsche Lufthansa AG plans to introduce a new cost-cutting programme in the second half of this year that could allow the company to save up to 200 mn eur, according to a report.

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Relating online distribution with the offline retail world

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent in London

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For corporations, our current obsession is adoption: Amadeus

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent in London

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Flexible distribution is key to our success: OctopusTravel.com

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent in London

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Amadeus signs global technology deal with Uniglobe Travel

Amadeus has signed an agreement to provide a global technology platform to Uniglobe Travel, the world’s largest single-brand travel franchise.

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Multimap announces the addition of its ‘In-line’ Service on www.travelrepublic.co.uk

Multimap, a provider of mapping and location-based services, has announced that www.travelrepublic.co.uk, the UK’s fastest growing online travel agency, has implemented Multimap’s ‘In-line’ service. This was announced during the Travel Distribution Summit Europe 2006 being here in London.

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India’s Sify acquires Globe Travels

Sify, an established Internet, network and e-Commerce services company in India, has acquired Globe Travels, an online issuer of e-tickets in the India-US travel space. This acquisition marks Sify’s entry into the fast growing online travel business.

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flythomascook.com chooses RightNow to support increasing customer enquiries

flythomascook.com, the website that offers ‘little fares from the big travel company’, has selected RightNow to help support its business growth.

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Prospering in an enviornment of zero commissions

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent in London

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Consumers getting more comfortable with e-travel

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent in London

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Online branding has proven to enhance brand awareness and search performance

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent in London

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EUR30.7b of leisure travel tipped to be purchased online across Europe in 2006

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent in London

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Interview with Roberto Da Re, president, Dolphin Dynamics

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent in London

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Alitalia in middle of a turnaround of its direct sales

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

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Virgin America indicates delay in approval, may not flight till next year

Virgin America Inc. has recently indicated that it might not begin flying until 2007 because of delays in the federal approval process.

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FlightStats releases a set of new information services

FlightStats, a resource for real-time, historical and predictive flight information, has released a set of new information services on its free consumer website, www.flightstats.com to help consumers travel smarter. 

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UK’s Dawnay, Day plans $200 million investment for hotels in India

UK-based Dawnay, Day Group is to invest $200 million in India over the next few years to build hotels.
The group indicated that the work on the first hotel would begin within six months but said no land deal has been signed yet.

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Branded desktop marketing applications tipped to become new key marketing tool

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

As the concept of desktop comparative shopping continues to gain popularity, an emergence of branded desktop marketing applications being deployed by leading online merchants as customer loyalty and messaging tools in the travel and e-commerce market is being projected by Ziv Eliraz, vice president - strategic alliances, SmartShopper.com.

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A new paradigm is evolving through a focus on dynamic packaging online: Datalex

TDS Europe 2006 special: By EyeforTravel Correspondent

The Travel Distribution Platform, which is currently being launched by Datalex, represents a major development for the company and is a response to emerging dynamics of travel distribution.   

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Galileo provides e-ticketing for HK’s Dragonair, strengthens ties with airlines in Asia

Galileo International, Inc. has launched e-ticketing capability for Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited (KA).

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SideStep introduces Travel Guides, appoints John Robison as SVP - Engineering

Travel search engine SideStep has launched its newest travel tool SideStep Travel Guides, termed as “the perfect resource to help plan any itinerary”.

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Worldspan appoints Brannon Winn as director of airline distribution in EMEA

Brannon Winn has been appointed as director of airline distribution for Worldspan in EMEA.

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Direct Fly Airlines chooses Radixx International as its reservations hosting provider

Eastern European low-fare Direct Fly Airlines has opted for Radixx International to provide the airline, its travel agents and its customers with Internet-based reservations and passenger management system.

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Jet Airways partners Thai Airways and Austrian Airlines for FFP

Jet Airways has joined hands with Austrian Airlines and Thai Airways International for  reciprocal Frequent Flyer Programmes (FFP).

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Marriott works on new marketing plans for UK and Ireland

Marriott International has reportedly opted for Euro RSCG 4D Digital to promote its website and drive online sales through direct marketing campaigns.

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Worldhotels ties up with ICE Portal

Worldhotels has chosen ICE Portal (ICE) to provide production, hosting and distribution of rich media content for nearly 500 hotels in 70 countries.

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AirAsia remains confident despite fall in net profit

Owing to lower ticket prices and higher maintenance costs, budget airline AirAsia Bhd’s net profit for the third quarter fell by 44 percent.

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Interview with Rachelle Gable, vice-president – sales, inQ

Live chat is by far the most effective, cost-efficient way to interact with online customers to increase sales, satisfy customers and build loyalty, bar none, according to Rachelle Gable, vice-president – sales of interactive marketing company inQ.

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Finnair Group restructures its travel agency network, removes overlapping functions in distribution

The Finnair Group’s subsidiaries Matkatoimisto Oy Area and Suomen Matkatoimisto Oy/Finland Travel Bureau (FTB) have agreed upon an arrangement in which Area will sell most of its street-level agencies to FTB.

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EyeforTravel Announces Speakers for their Largest American Event

EyeforTravel has recently published the list of confirmed speakers for their upcoming US events.  The Travel Distribution Summit North America and the Revenue Management and Pricing in Travel will both be held in Chicago on 4-5th October, 2006.  These events will see senior-level speakers from the world’s most profitable travel companies come together to discuss the hottest issues in revenue management, distribution, pricing, sales, marketing, ecommerce and technology.  To see a full list of confirmed speakers see below….

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