m-Travel.com and Travel Distribution News

Archives for March 2007

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"Don't assume that all guests have reached the same level of RM understanding and acceptance"

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent
   
Are hotels in Asia in a position to skip some of the interim steps that
markets in the US and Europe have been through and learn from their
experience?

Continue reading ""Don't assume that all guests have reached the same level of RM understanding and acceptance""

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A new community site for groups from Group Travel Planet

Group Travel Planet, LLC, is set to launch GroupAbout.com, a new community site for groups on the go that combines the power of the company’s advanced group-booking engine with new collaboration and social networking tools that make it easier for groups to plan and share information.

Continue reading "A new community site for groups from Group Travel Planet"

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CarDelMar to allow consumers to name their price

Car rental broker specialist CarDelMar is launching a new initiative enabling consumers to name the price they would like to pay for their holiday car hire.

Continue reading "CarDelMar to allow consumers to name their price"

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Cosmos and Monarch choose Empirix for web application testing

UK tour operator Cosmos and low-cost airline Monarch have chosen Empirix’s e-TEST suite product to test new web applications, including those delivering up-to-the-minute news, the latest holiday and flight deals, and online booking.

Continue reading "Cosmos and Monarch choose Empirix for web application testing"

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Iberia reportedly hires investment banks for possible sale

Spanish airline Iberia has reportedly hired investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to advise it on a possible sale.

Continue reading "Iberia reportedly hires investment banks for possible sale"

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Amadeus, Despegar.com, Sol Melia Carlson Wagonlit, Grupo Posadas, Starwood, LAN and Expedia to meet in Brazil

On 14-15 June, EyeforTravel’s second annual Latin American Travel Distribution Summit will play host to CEOs and senior executives from travel companies that are at the forefront of changes in how travel is marketed and distributed in the region.
EyeforTravel’s Second Travel Distribution Latin America & the Caribbean Summit which 
Fact: Brazil currently generates more than US$11bn per year, making it the country’s fourth biggest revenue earner. In 2006 a record 5.4m tourists visited Brazil, 120% more than in 2000, while the Brazilian Tourism Ministry is targeting 7.5m in 2008. (Figure from e.tid.com)

Continue reading "Amadeus, Despegar.com, Sol Melia Carlson Wagonlit, Grupo Posadas, Starwood, LAN and Expedia to meet in Brazil"

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eNett sees great opportunity in assisting traditional airlines to enhance their processes

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent

eNett specialises in creating tailor made electronic payment systems that deliver reduced costs and process efficiencies such as real-time reconciliation between bookings and payments, which allow for the instant release of travel documents.

Continue reading "eNett sees great opportunity in assisting traditional airlines to enhance their processes"

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New low-cost carrier opts for Cardiff International Airport as base

A new budget airline Flyforbeans is planning to start flying to European destinations towards the end of 2007.

Continue reading "New low-cost carrier opts for Cardiff International Airport as base "

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American Express Membership Rewards programme introduces two online booking tools

American Express, through its Membership Rewards programme, has introduced Flight Finder and Room
Finder online booking tools that make booking an award flight or hotel room easier and faster than before.

Continue reading "American Express Membership Rewards programme introduces two online booking tools"

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Moresand chooses GoQuo for online and dynamic packaging enhancement

Online technology specialist GoQuo Ltd  is to develop online booking and dynamic packaging capabilities in a three-phase project for four operating companies of travel group Moresand Ltd.

Continue reading "Moresand chooses GoQuo for online and dynamic packaging enhancement"

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Air France to disclose new cost cutting plan in May: media

Air France-KLM ) is set to unveil a three-year cost-cutting plan of up to 1.5 billion euros ($2 billion) when the Franco-Dutch airline releases its full-year results in May, according to a French weekly magazine.

Continue reading "Air France to disclose new cost cutting plan in May: media "

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Indians will be moved to book online more than ever before by a convergence of conditions

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent

Even as India’s online travel business is expected to grow exponentially in the years to come, there are several dilemmas which the industry faces today.

Continue reading "Indians will be moved to book online more than ever before by a convergence of conditions"

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MobiMate introduces its next generation mobile travel service code

Mobile travel-related services company MobiMate has shared details of its next generation mobile travel service code named WorldMate i10.

Continue reading "MobiMate introduces its next generation mobile travel service code"

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Delta expects to emerge from bankruptcy protection by April 30

Delta Air Lines Inc. has indicated about its plans to emerge from bankruptcy in late April.

Continue reading "Delta expects to emerge from bankruptcy protection by April 30"

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In search of the mobile technology tipping point…

Its WHEN not IF for distributing travel through mobile technology. In sociology, the tipping point is the event of a previously rare phenomenon becoming rapidly and dramatically more common. In the travel industry, if a tipping point could be predicted then the potential ROI could be huge as the correct technology would be sourced in advance and a market penetrated at the earliest profitable point.

Continue reading "In search of the mobile technology tipping point… "

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GoMacau.com focuses on specialisation, positions itself as "Your Macau Insider"

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent
   
Macau recorded 21.63 million visitor arrivals in 2006, a rise of 21.4 percent
over 2005, according to official statistics.

Continue reading "GoMacau.com focuses on specialisation, positions itself as "Your Macau Insider""

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“Travel agents are motivated to avoid the risk of falling into a commodity trap”: Abacus

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore

Are travel agents ready to embrace high value, low volume customers approach and avoid the risk of getting into a commodity trap?

Continue reading "“Travel agents are motivated to avoid the risk of falling into a commodity trap”: Abacus"

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dohop.com upgrades flight search engine, now covers 33 million flights

Flight planning site dohop.com has worked on several enhancements including expansion of the flight schedule database by 3.5 million long-haul flights.

Continue reading "dohop.com upgrades flight search engine, now covers 33 million flights"

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Hawaiian Airlines offers new approach to planning and booking travel via new website

Hawaiian Airlines has unveiled a new website offering consumers “an unsurpassed level of personalised convenience to plan and book travel”.

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WAYN ties up with Kayak.com to combine social networking with travel services

Travel and lifestyle online community WAYN (Where Are You Now) has signed a strategic partnership with Kayak to offer a comprehensive flight search service for its eight million members.

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Air Berlin to acquire LTU

Air Berlin has agreed to acquire 100 percent of LTU for € 140 million in cash plus the assumption of between € 190 and 200 million of net financial debt.

Continue reading "Air Berlin to acquire LTU"

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Building your travel brand in a competitive online environment - an insight from lastminute.com

As competition and consolidation in the industry hots up, building your brand is one of the top priorities for travel companies in order to increase visitors, conversion rates and drive consumer loyalty. How can you ensure that you take advantage of the latest marketing innovations online to build your brand?

Continue reading "Building your travel brand in a competitive online environment - an insight from lastminute.com"

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"Marketers are developing ads that capitalise on empowerment of users":

EFT Special: Sales and Marketing in Travel USA 2007   
Internet continues to be an intriguing medium for travel marketers due to a
spate of developments.

Continue reading ""Marketers are developing ads that capitalise on empowerment of users":"

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"We believe in the scalability of a pure online model": Cleartrip

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent
   
Online travel agency Cleartrip.com is set to garner gross sales of over US$100
million in the first year of its operations in India.

Continue reading ""We believe in the scalability of a pure online model": Cleartrip"

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Southwest Airlines may charge for extra services: media

A media report has indicated that Southwest Airlines, appreciated by fliers
for not charging the kinds of fees common at other carriers, "may start
charging for extra services".

Continue reading "Southwest Airlines may charge for extra services: media "

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Alitalia posts before-tax loss of 405 million euros

Alitalia ended up with before-tax result of 405 million euros in 2006, showing a worsening of about 261 million compared to 2005.

Continue reading "Alitalia posts before-tax loss of 405 million euros"

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Cheapflights check outs display advertising for generating newsletter signups

Price comparison website Cheapflights is running a campaign on the new Virgin Media portal to promote its e-newsletter.

Continue reading "Cheapflights check outs display advertising for generating newsletter signups"

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Ryanair signs five-year deal with Expedia for hotel accommodation

Europe’s largest low fares airline Ryanair has named Expedia Private Label as the exclusive partner to provide hotel accommodation for its passengers on www.ryanair.com.

Continue reading "Ryanair signs five-year deal with Expedia for hotel accommodation "

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Spirit Airlines offers its FFP members a customised online shopping mall

Spirit Airlines has selected Mall Networks to power a customised online shopping mall for its Free Spirit frequent flyer programme members.

Continue reading "Spirit Airlines offers its FFP members a customised online shopping mall"

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Priceline.com focuses on online search analysis and reporting

Priceline.com has chosen MicroStrategy Incorporated , a provider of business intelligence software, to anchor key marketing reporting capabilities.

Continue reading "Priceline.com focuses on online search analysis and reporting "

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SideStep partners everyclick.com

Travel search engine SideStep has partnered everyclick.com to enhance the travel search offering of the philanthropic search engine.

Continue reading "SideStep partners everyclick.com"

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First Choice, TUI and Travelzest to debate consolidation in the leisure travel sector

This week saw a major shake up of the European travel industry.  Germany’s TUI AG unveiled the tie-up of its tourism unit with the British company First Choice and announced the creation of Europe’s biggest travel firm – TUI Travel plc.

Continue reading "First Choice, TUI and Travelzest to debate consolidation in the leisure travel sector "

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Do your CRM and loyalty strategies really work

Whilst we all recognise and understand the importance of customer loyalty and retention, developing an effective strategy to ensure such loyalty in your travel product and brand is easier said than done.

Continue reading "Do your CRM and loyalty strategies really work"

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Banyan Tree revamps its website, focuses on visuals and information

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent

Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd, a developer of premium resorts, hotels and spas, is revamping its own online offering as the group focuses on driving the traffic to its own branded website.

Continue reading "Banyan Tree revamps its website, focuses on visuals and information "

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MyTravel UK to launch seven new web television channels

MyTravel UK Online is to launch seven new web television channels in partnership with Webrom TV, the travel sector’s web TV consultancy.

Continue reading "MyTravel UK to launch seven new web television channels"

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News Digital Media integrates Bezurk’s travel engine on NEWS.com.au

News Digital Media, the digital division of News Limited, has signed a partnership with travel search engine Bezurk.com.

Continue reading "News Digital Media integrates Bezurk’s travel engine on NEWS.com.au"

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Revelex Corporation launches online booking for Cape Air

Cape Air, the largest independent regional airline in the US, has become the first airline client to use Revelex’s customisable solutions to enable the online booking of its inventory.

Continue reading "Revelex Corporation launches online booking for Cape Air"

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Taj to implement Amadeus RMS in 32 properties

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has selected Amadeus Revenue Management System (RMS) for 32 hotels and resorts around the world.

Continue reading "Taj to implement Amadeus RMS in 32 properties "

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Companies look for more sophisticated mapping solutions in Asia Pacific region

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent
   
Multimap, a provider of online mapping and location-based services, recently
showcased the latest version of its leading-edge API service (version 1.2) at
the Travel Distribution Summit Asia in Singapore.

Continue reading "Companies look for more sophisticated mapping solutions in Asia Pacific region"

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"Air Deccan taking people for ride"

Indian news channel CNN-IBN provided a synopsis of passengers indifferent
experience with low-cost airline Air Deccan via its website ibnlive.com. The
report:

Continue reading ""Air Deccan taking people for ride""

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Air Deccan accused of over-booking by a TV news channel

India’s news channel CNN-IBN has revealed how low cost airline Air Deccan “takes the passengers for a ride”.

Continue reading "Air Deccan accused of over-booking by a TV news channel "

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Priceline.com signs exclusive online content agreement with Zagat Survey

Priceline.com has signed an agreement with Zagat Survey, LLC, under which Zagat will create exclusive online hotel reviews for priceline.com customers to access for free.

Continue reading "Priceline.com signs exclusive online content agreement with Zagat Survey"

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Commission payments from Worldhotels to agents touch US$12 million in 2006

Worldhotels paid the highest amount of commission to the worldwide travel agency community in its history in 2006.

Continue reading "Commission payments from Worldhotels to agents touch US$12 million in 2006"

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“Our business model is absolutely built around online bookings and payment”: Zuji’s Roshan Mendis

EFT Exclusive: Travelocity in India


The competition among the online travel intermediaries in India has intensified with the launch of Travelocity website.

Continue reading "“Our business model is absolutely built around online bookings and payment”: Zuji’s Roshan Mendis"

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TUI and First Choice form "unique leisure travel group" in TUI Travel PLC

The Boards of TUI AG and the British First Choice Holidays PLC have agreed "to
create a unique leisure travel group which will also be one of the world's most
profitable travel companies."

Continue reading "TUI and First Choice form "unique leisure travel group" in TUI Travel PLC"

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Europcar Australia comes up with carbon-neutralisation campaign

Europcar Australia is conducting a carbon-neutralisation campaign, involving planting of more than 100,000 trees covering 100-hectares of degraded land by mid 2008.

Continue reading "Europcar Australia comes up with carbon-neutralisation campaign"

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Scandinavian Airlines’ passengers to check in using mobile phones

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is introducing new product and services to streamline the air travel experience for passengers.

Continue reading "Scandinavian Airlines’ passengers to check in using mobile phones"

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Travelocity.co.in goes 'live', starts accepting bookings

Travelocity has unveiled its Indian online travel agency website
www.travelocity.co.in.

Continue reading "Travelocity.co.in goes 'live', starts accepting bookings"

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Diamond Resorts acquires Sunterra, strengthens its position in vacation ownership

Sunterra Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement with an affiliate of privately held Diamond Resorts, LLC, based in Las Vegas.

Continue reading "Diamond Resorts acquires Sunterra, strengthens its position in vacation ownership "

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Cheapflights stands out for awareness among US online adult travellers

A newly released survey has named Cheapflights as the meta-search online travel search provider with the greatest level of awareness in the meta-search category of suppliers among US online adult travelers.

Continue reading "Cheapflights stands out for awareness among US online adult travellers"

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Assessing role of electronic payment systems to propel usage of online distribution channels in Asia

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent

The penetration of supplier direct websites and credit card usage in Asia has not reached the dizzying heights of western countries, according to Mark Bowmer, senior vice-president, airline development group, eNett.

Continue reading "Assessing role of electronic payment systems to propel usage of online distribution channels in Asia "

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TUI plans to merge its tourism operations with First Choice

Holiday group First Choice is reportedly in advanced talks to merge with Thomson Holidays, resulting in a travel company with £12bn of sales.

Continue reading "TUI plans to merge its tourism operations with First Choice "

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Japan Travel Centre opts for GoQuo’s dynamic packaging technology

Japan Travel Centre in London (JTC, www.japantravelcentre.co.uk) has chosen online technology specialist GoQuo Ltd’s dynamic packaging technology. 

Continue reading "Japan Travel Centre opts for GoQuo’s dynamic packaging technology"

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Hilton to re-launch two sites, completes translation of its booking portal into Spanish

Hilton Hotels is to re-launch its two online channels HiltonJourneys.com and HiltonToHome.com.

Continue reading "Hilton to re-launch two sites, completes translation of its booking portal into Spanish"

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Thomson extends its content deal with 360TravelGuide.com

Virtual tours specialist 360TravelGuide.com has signed a 12-month contract renewal with UK’s holiday company Thomson.

Continue reading "Thomson extends its content deal with 360TravelGuide.com "

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travelsupermarket.com builds travel platform for virginmedia.com

travelsupermarket.com has expanded its list of white-label partnerships by launching a new travel search platform for virginmedia.com.

Continue reading "travelsupermarket.com builds travel platform for virginmedia.com "

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Millenium & Copthorne plans destination-focused presentation on its site

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent

Millenium & Copthorne Hotels continues to localise millenniumhotels.com’s content. It has rolled out source market sites for Singapore and is preparing the same for Australia/New Zealand. 

Continue reading "Millenium & Copthorne plans destination-focused presentation on its site "

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Lonely Planet makes steady progress with its trade and online channels in Asia

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent
   
Lonely Planet has been working with foreign language partners to create LP
branded pages on partner websites in the Asia Pacific region.

Continue reading "Lonely Planet makes steady progress with its trade and online channels in Asia"

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Travelport manages $83 million of annualised run rate savings

Travelport Limited posted $593 million in net revenue and $67 million in
EBITDA in the fourth quarter (ended December 31, 2006).

Continue reading "Travelport manages $83 million of annualised run rate savings"

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Voyages TV officially on air in India

Premier lifestyle channel Voyages Television has been officially launched in India.

Continue reading "Voyages TV officially on air in India"

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Dolphin Dynamics adds accommodation GTA content to TravelScanner booking engine platform

Dolphin Dynamics has added Gullivers Travel Associates (GTA)/Octopus Travel accommodation content to its TravelScanner point of sale and booking engine product.

Continue reading "Dolphin Dynamics adds accommodation GTA content to TravelScanner booking engine platform"

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Are OTAs in India ready to take on traditional offline consolidators in online space?

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore

During EyeforTravel’s inaugural travel distribution conference in India in October last year, Urrshila Kerkar, chief executive officer, India, Cox&Kings had raised several questions over the model of the online travel agencies.

Continue reading "Are OTAs in India ready to take on traditional offline consolidators in online space?"

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Focus on profits and proper RM before addressing cultural and national differences

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore

Tailoring revenue management as per the differentiating factors of a particular market before developing a sound RM approach. Can it deliver the goods?

Continue reading "Focus on profits and proper RM before addressing cultural and national differences"

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Hilton Escapes offers new options for vacation planning

Hilton Escapes, the one-stop shop for travelers planning air-inclusive and excursion-filled vacations, has come up new options for vacation planning. 

Continue reading "Hilton Escapes offers new options for vacation planning"

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nuTravel partners G2 SwitchWorks

nuTravel Technology Solutions and G2 SwitchWorks have signed a multi-year contract providing mutual nuTravel and G2 customers with G2 shopping and booking services.

Continue reading "nuTravel partners G2 SwitchWorks"

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STA Travel focuses on increasing bookings through natural search rankings

Search-based digital marketing agency Spannerworks is teaming up with its parent company iCrossing to deliver their first campaign for independent travel specialist STA Travel.

Continue reading "STA Travel focuses on increasing bookings through natural search rankings"

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Interview with Henrik Kjellberg, president, Expedia Asia Pacific

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore

It was in December last year when Henrik Kjellberg was appointed as president of Expedia Asia Pacific, a move among the series of developments that marked Expedia’s focus on the rapidly growing Asia Pacific market.

Continue reading "Interview with Henrik Kjellberg, president, Expedia Asia Pacific"

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Room for online channels in Asia to improve planning and selling functionalities

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore

The online direct and agency channels should become more proficient with planning and selling functionalities in order to become a viable channel in the Asia Pacific region, according to Chris Amenechi, senior director – international distribution planning and e-commerce, Continental Airlines.

Continue reading "Room for online channels in Asia to improve planning and selling functionalities"

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"Asia is ready for mobile travel": Mobile Travel Technologies' Gerry Samuels

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore
   
As mobile phones emerge as a valuable channel for travel servicing and
reservations, Mobile Travel Technologies (MTT) is gearing up to power the
leading mobile travel services in Asia.

Continue reading ""Asia is ready for mobile travel": Mobile Travel Technologies' Gerry Samuels"

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Multimap showcases the latest version of its API service at TDS Asia

Multimap, a provider of online mapping and location-based services, showcased the latest version of its leading-edge API service (version 1.2) at the Travel Distribution Summit Asia in Singapore.

Continue reading "Multimap showcases the latest version of its API service at TDS Asia "

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Airfare deals based on science, not marketing

Airfare prediction website Farecast.com has launched Farecast Deals, a new service that leverages the science of airfare data and advanced analytics to provide consumers a usable and authentic approach to airfare deals.  

Continue reading "Airfare deals based on science, not marketing"

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Lufthansa Systems posts record revenue in 2006

Lufthansa Systems’ revenue rose by 2.7 percent to reach a new high of EUR 652 million in 2006.

Continue reading "Lufthansa Systems posts record revenue in 2006"

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Asia winning the battle for Chinese tourists

Asia Pacific, more than any other region in the world, will benefit from the booming Chinese outbound tourism market, which is set to grow by 18% in 2007 alone, according to global market analyst Euromonitor International.

Continue reading "Asia winning the battle for Chinese tourists"

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Asia risks losing out on new wave of Eastern European tourists

Asian Tourist Boards must do more to target the growing number of Eastern European travellers, according to market analyst Euromonitor International.  Failure to act now will see Asia Pacific lose out on the increasingly lucrative Eastern European outbound tourism market to competing regions, such as Latin America and the Middle East.

Continue reading "Asia risks losing out on new wave of Eastern European tourists"

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India leads growth in online travel sales in Asia

India will be Asia’s fastest growing market for online travel retail by 2010, according to global market analyst Euromonitor International. Other markets topping the table include Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia and China, as online travel retail takes off in Asia.

Continue reading "India leads growth in online travel sales in Asia"

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Short-haul travel will continue to dominate tourism in Asia for the next 10 years

Short-haul travel within Asia Pacific is more popular than ever, with 90% of all outbound departures from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Macau, going to destinations within the region, according to research from Euromonitor International. Not only does the short-haul market dominate departures in Asia, it is also growing rapidly, with departures up by 20% between 2000 and 2005, compared to long-haul’s growth rate of 12% over the same period.

Continue reading "Short-haul travel will continue to dominate tourism in Asia for the next 10 years"

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Balancing scale-to-scale differences in maturity across Asia while changing the distribution mix

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore

Considering Asia’s diversity and geographically huge structure, managing scale-to-scale differences in maturity across the region, while changing the distribution channel mix is among the major issues for the travel distribution business in the region.

Continue reading "Balancing scale-to-scale differences in maturity across Asia while changing the distribution mix "

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Changing lifestyle and higher disposable income contribute to lower booking lead time in India

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore
   
Over the years, several factors have contributed to the reduction of booking
lead time in the hotel sector in India.

Continue reading "Changing lifestyle and higher disposable income contribute to lower booking lead time in India "

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"GDS' will have to adopt a 'no incentive' approach": Jet Airways' Belson

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent in Singapore
   
   
  As airlines continue to adopt additional and innovative distribution methods,
GDS' will have to adopt a 'no incentive' approach.

Continue reading ""GDS' will have to adopt a 'no incentive' approach": Jet Airways' Belson"

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Galileo signs guaranteed full content agreement with British Airways

British Airways has signed a new long-term, global full content agreement with Galileo, the UK’s largest global distribution system (GDS) and subsidiary of Travelport. 

Continue reading "Galileo signs guaranteed full content agreement with British Airways"

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STA strengthens partnership with Exclusively Hotels

STA, an established travel company for students and young people, has signed a three-year extension to the current contract with Exclusively Hotels for the online agency to be its preferred global hotel supplier.

Continue reading "STA strengthens partnership with Exclusively Hotels"

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Hostelworld.com comes up with podcasts and pocket guides

Hostelworld.com is offering its users free podcasts to accompany the 25 free downloadable pocket guides to some of the greatest cities in the world.

Continue reading "Hostelworld.com comes up with podcasts and pocket guides"

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Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome features first-ever desktop FareWatcher Sidebar

Travelocity has launched what is being described as a first-of-its-kind desktop sidebar fare monitoring feature.

Continue reading "Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome features first-ever desktop FareWatcher Sidebar"

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Research@eyefortravel

Call for Papers – Deadline Friday 16th March!

Continue reading "Research@eyefortravel"

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TripAdvisor comes up with new content distribution initiative

Travel community TripAdvisor is to distribute content across the web and beyond beginning with a new automated RSS tool.

Continue reading "TripAdvisor comes up with new content distribution initiative"

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Plans for green tax hike on air travel on the anvil

In a new tax proposal likely for frequent fliers, the Conservatives are planning a series of new environmental taxes on flights aimed at combating climate change.

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Lufthansa Group posts 19.8 billion euros in revenues in 2006

Lufthansa’s revenue increased by almost 10 percent to 19.8 billion euros in 2006, setting a new record.

Continue reading "Lufthansa Group posts 19.8 billion euros in revenues in 2006"

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AMR has trimmed its cost structure by more than $5 billion since 2001

AMR Corp., parent of American Airlines, has reportedly trimmed its cost
structure by more than $5 billion since 2001 and is still looking for ways to
reduce expenses.

Continue reading "AMR has trimmed its cost structure by more than $5 billion since 2001"

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The China Post integrates Bezurk.com’s hotel search engine

Travel search engine Bezurk.com is to launch a new hotel search engine service on the ChinaPost.com.tw news site’s Travel section.

Continue reading "The China Post integrates Bezurk.com’s hotel search engine "

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SKW Flugreisen signs five-year agreement with Worldspan

Germany’s online travel and tourism services provider SKW Flugreisen GmbH has signed a five-year e-commerce technology services agreement with Worldspan.

Continue reading "SKW Flugreisen signs five-year agreement with Worldspan "

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eLong elects Henrik Kjellberg as chairman of the Board of Directors

Chinese online travel company eLong, Inc. has elected Henrik Kjellberg to replace Barney Harford as chairman.

Continue reading "eLong elects Henrik Kjellberg as chairman of the Board of Directors"

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eLong posts net loss of US$234,000 in 4Q

eLong recorded net loss of US$234,000 for the fourth quarter of 2006, as compared to net loss of US$1.1 million in the same period a year ago, and net income of US$337,000 in the third quarter of 2006.

Continue reading "eLong posts net loss of US$234,000 in 4Q"

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American Airlines shifts its Asia Pacific call centre operations to India

American Airlines has shifted its Asia Pacific call center operations to India, from Australia.

Continue reading "American Airlines shifts its Asia Pacific call centre operations to India"

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CEO’s, VP’s & MD’s of Lastminute, Continental, TUI, Starwood, Hilton to discuss how to future-proof your distribution strategy to withstand dramatic industry change

Don’t miss your chance to hear top travel execs from the world’s most successful travel companies discuss future profit-making solutions at The Travel Distribution Summit Europe 2007.  Our early bird prices run out next Friday 16h March!

Continue reading "CEO’s, VP’s & MD’s of Lastminute, Continental, TUI, Starwood, Hilton to discuss how to future-proof your distribution strategy to withstand dramatic industry change"

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Travelzoo subscribers represent £12.25 billion per year in leisure travel

Internet media company Travelzoo has surpassed 11 million subscribers to its
publications worldwide. 

Continue reading "Travelzoo subscribers represent £12.25 billion per year in leisure travel"

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TUI and Worldspan intend to enter into a partnership

Europe's largest integrated tourism group TUI Group and Worldspan intend to
enter into a partnership, by which TUI hotel content, featuring up to 26,500
properties, will become available through the Worldspan global distribution
system (GDS).

Continue reading "TUI and Worldspan intend to enter into a partnership"

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Amadeus had 31 percent of the market in travel agency air bookings in 2006

Amadeus’ share in travel agency air bookings was 31 percent in 2006, up 1.74 percentage points year-on-year. This was disclosed during the company’s business results for the 12 months ending 31 December 2006.

Continue reading "Amadeus had 31 percent of the market in travel agency air bookings in 2006"

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Over 20 hotel companies sign up Amadeus’ commission management solution

Amadeus has stated that it has received strong support for its pioneering hotel commission management solution.

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Ryanair blocks lastminute.com, states ryanair.com offers the lowest fares

Europe’s largest low-fares airline Ryanair has decided to block lastminute.com and other similar websites from ripping off its passengers by selling Ryanair flights at inflated prices.

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BMED operations to become fully integrated into bmi by October 2007

bmi has announced details of its integration programme for BMED following the acquisition of the airline by the bmi group last month.

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Lufthansa City Center agents gain access to Net Trans’ outsourced hotel commission service

Travel agency chain Lufthansa City Center (LCC), which comprises 560 travel agencies in 65 countries, has signed an exclusive agreement with Net Trans.

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TripAdvisor strengthens its video portfolio

Travel community TripAdvisor has signed an agreement with Internet video studio TurnHere, Inc. for nearly 400 short online films.

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Enterprise Rent-A-Car extends its agreement with Travelocity

Travelocity has renewed its alliance with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the largest car rental company in North America with a new multi-year agreement.

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Site59 to adopt more self-explanatory name

Sabre has decided to change the branding strategy for Site59 and decided to capitalise on lastminute.com brand for the same.

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Adam Burke, SVP and MD, Hilton HHonors to Keynote at EyeforTravel’s North American Marketing Conference

On the 9-10 May in Miami senior marketing executives from America’s leading travel companies will discuss the latest trends in CRM, Branding and Loyalty at Sales and Marketing in Travel 2007.  Adam Burke, SVP and Managing Director of Hilton HHonors Worldwide, will open the second day of this well-established event with a keynote presentation detailing the practical challenges of implementing a truly integrated CRM strategy.   He will explain how Hilton HHonors leverage customer information and personalization to maximum affect and strike the optimum balance between technology and personal interaction.

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Online video sharing in travel blogging

TravelBlogger.com has introduced an updated site design featuring a new
layout, video uploading capabilities, an advanced Google mapping system, and
automatic contact uploading from a personal email account in a single click.

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Experience, loyalty, personalisation, integration – are these the key components of a successful CRM strategy?

The European travel industry continues to go from strength to strength. But the market is maturing, making it more important than ever for businesses to differentiate themselves. Small wonder then, that customer retention, effective loyalty programs and improved personalisation have become key goals for all travel marketing and CRM executives. Increasingly, these are the factors that separate the leaders in travel from the rest of the pack.

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GoQuo’s Kuala Lumpur office signs three new travel industry customers

Online technology solutions specialist GoQuo Ltd’s recently-established Kuala Lumpur office has won three new travel industry customers.

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Assessing the impact of JetBlue’s delays on customers

As JetBlue tries to rise above continued delays and customer service woes, how are customers reacting?

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GOL offers over a dozen mechanisms for customers to purchase tickets online

Brazil’s GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes has expanded payment methods for tickets purchased online.

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Opodo finalises UK management team under decentralised model

Pan-European online travel company Opodo has shared plans for its new UK management team as it finalises the process to become a more decentralised entity with a stronger local presence.

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Superbreak introduces new holiday reviews facility, guarantees authenticity

Superbreak, the UK-based online holiday specialists in short breaks, has recently launched My Holiday Review, a new customer holiday review facility, for some destinations.

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Bezurk.com to launch new hotel search service for todayonline.com users

Singapore’s media company MediaCorp Press has partnered travel search engine Bezurk.com for the launch of a new hotel search service for users of todayonline.com website.

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AirAsia manages its best quarterly results, posts pre-tax income growth of 80 percent

Asia’s leading low-cost carrier AirAsia Berhad has come up with its best quarter ever.

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Freedom Independent Choice launched to lure existing ABTA members

Independent agents’ consortium Freedom is launching a new division for ABTA retail agents who feel frustrated and confused about the direction their existing Consortium is taking.

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Great Hotels Organisation introduces new luxury leisure consortium

Great Hotels Organisation has launched a new luxury leisure consortium with the increasing fragmentation of European leisure sales marketplace.

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GHRS set for expansion of its distribution network

Online hotel distribution company GHRS is expanding its distribution network in the US.

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Hoseasons double its PPC spend, signs Netizen Digital to manage paid search

Self-catering holiday operator Hoseasons has appointed Netizen Digital to handle its pay per click search engine marketing account.

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Improving conversion rates – how user friendly is your website?

Ensuring consumers reach your website before your competitors is one thing, converting lookers to bookers is another.  As well as increasing conversion rates, the content and design of your site play a vital role in consumer retention ensuring the consumer comes back to your site again and again.

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First Choice acquires three specialist niche businesses

First Choice Holidays PLC has acquired the specialist niche businesses of i-to-i (International Projects Limited), iExplore, Inc. and TKJ Pty Ltd trading as WesternXposure for a combined total initial consideration of £16.6m.

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Worldspan turns agent desktop into a graphical low-fare shopping portal

Travel agents have gained access to the new Worldspan Go! e-Pricing Shopping Tool to shop worldwide low fares in a dynamic new way.

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Kanoo Travel opts for Dolphin Dynamics’ offerings

Kanoo Travel Ltd (UK) is to roll out Dolphin TravelScanner and Dolphin Travel Manager as its new travel agency point of sale and mid/back office automation platform.

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Atos to manage InterContinental Hotel Group’s new payment card scheme

Atos Worldline has signed a five year contract with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to develop, operate and manage its new business-to-business payment card for use by IHG hotels in the UK.

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Air-India and Indian to merge, to enhance profitability by over US$133m

The Indian government has cleared the merger of two state-run carriers Air-India and Indian (Indian Airlines Ltd).

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China vs India – the heavyweight championship of Asia

It’s no rumble in the jungle, but rest assured this battle will be watched with more interest and by many more people than any Ali versus Foreman fight ever was.

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Abacus and Galileo CEO’s discuss distribution at Travel Distribution Summit Asia

Two of Asia-Pacific’s most senior distribution voices are scheduled to open day one of the upcoming Travel Distribution Summit Asia.

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Austrian Airlines updates travel booking applications

Austrian Airlines has adopted Amadeus Web Services which provide online access to the complete range of Amadeus applications.

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Dollar Thrifty posts record revenues of $1.7 billion in 2006

Car rental company Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. posted a record $1.7
billion in revenue last year, a 10.2 percent increase over the prior year.

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Momondo.com promises best available airfare within 60 seconds

Europe’s travel search-engine mash-up Momondo.com has created a real-time mash-up of low-cost airfares with Kapow Technologies.

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American Airlines simplifies booking AAdvantage award travel process on AA.com

American Airlines has come up with a new way for planning and booking AAdvantage award travel on AA.com.

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Whitbread bullish on future performance

Leisure group Whitbread issued an upbeat trading update as like-for-like sales growth picked up across all four of its main businesses, which include Premier Travel Inn budget hotels.

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