m-Travel.com and Travel Distribution News

Archives for April 2007

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India and China can be unforgiving environments to new entrants

Travel Distribution Summit Europe 2007 Special

As two of the fastest growing travel markets in the world, India and China are, by definition, highly attractive markets.

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"The Internet is the best interactive marketing channel ever invented"

EFT Sales and Marketing in Travel USA Special
   
The Internet is an ideal medium for reaching out to customers and establishing
interactive relationships with them.

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Netizen Digital’s interactive mapping solutions help Jetnav cross-sell hotel accommodation

Online travel marketing specialist Netizen Digital has developed a new Google Maps integration layer for flight information provider www.jetnav.co.uk, that integrates directly with online hotel reservation agency www.booking.com. 

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Southwest’s blog focuses on meaningful conversations and build personal relationships

Southwest Airlines’ blog has featured 265 posts and generated more than 6,300 comments following its launch in April last year.

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Bedsearcher buys technology firm

Accommodation provider Bedsearcher has bought its former IT sub-contractor and service provider.

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Comtec achieves Microsoft Certified Partner Status

Comtec has enhanced its status as a leading UK-based travel technology supplier by achieving "Certified Partner" status with Microsoft.

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China Southern Airlines selects SITA’s Integration Platform

China Southern Airlines has opted for SITA’s Integration Platform solution to develop its e-ticketing strategy and to establish links to Travelsky GDS and partner airlines.

Continue reading "China Southern Airlines selects SITA’s Integration Platform"

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CheapCaribbean.com develops another "Finder Filtering" tool

CheapCaribbean.com has launched a new search tool ResortFinder, which finds
right resort in seconds.

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AOL launches its portal in India

As part of its global expansion plans, AOL has launched AOL.in, a new portal in India offering free e-mail, instant messaging, and mobile services.

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American Airlines comes up with a new way to share its weekly specials

American Airlines has introduced txtSAAver fare messages for customers in the Dallas/Fort Worth market as part of its first-phase roll out.

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Expedia to launch full-service travel booking site for Spanish travelers

Online travel company Expedia, Inc. is ready with the launch of its Spain website, Expedia.es (http://expedia.es).

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Reader’s feedback: Evolving from Web 2.0 to Travel 3.0

I was really excited to read your article. I truly believe that this is the right direction, there is a lot of hype around web 2.0 and Travel 2.0 these days but the truth is that a nice mushup on a Google map and few blogs is just the first step.

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Offering airline tickets for less than the cost of a tank of gas

Skybus Airlines Inc., a new US budget carrier, is to start flying May 22 with $10 one-way tickets available on all flights.

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Is consumer empowerment the tipping point in the battle between direct supplier sales vs. OTA’s?

According to my web guide for dummies, web 2.0 means that consumers now rule the web and that user generated web content is the key to increasing traffic and so increasing sales. It’s been along time since a headline about Ryanair selling 98% of its seats direct made the news but top travel suppliers are still striving to sell direct and bring down their distribution costs. Google’s huge profits and expansion seems to indicate that suppliers have simply swapped travel agent commission costs for expensive CPC rates.

Continue reading "Is consumer empowerment the tipping point in the battle between direct supplier sales vs. OTA’s?"

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Surfing the Asia-Pacific Travel 2.0 Profit Wave

Three years ago Web 2.0 was no more than an industry buzzword, and the use of social networks was generally reserved for lonely forty-something’s “seeking companionship”.

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Worldwide electronic hotel revenue up by 19.3 percent in 4Q

Worldwide electronic hotel revenue from the GDS and key Internet sites increased 19.3 percent in the last quarter of 2006 vis-à-vis the same quarter in 2005, according to TravelCLICK’s quarterly eMonitor results.

Continue reading "Worldwide electronic hotel revenue up by 19.3 percent in 4Q "

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Amadeus completes migration to SITA automated rules product

Amadeus has completed the implementation of SITA’s automated rules system which allows fares information sent by SITA to be automatically uploaded into the Amadeus system.

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Amadeus e-Travel Management new version to help mobile corporate travellers

Amadeus has launched a new version of Amadeus e-Travel Management (v10.1), enabling travellers and travel managers to improve real-time communication - using handheld wireless devices while on the move.

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Virgin Blue ties up with Hostelworld.com

Low cost carrier Virgin Blue is partnering online hostel booking company Hostelworld.com to offer passengers a wider range of accommodation choices.

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What factors will define the future distribution landscape?

TDS Europe 2007 Special

The traditional travel marketplace supply chain model of product owner - wholesaler - retailer - consumer continues to blur, with increasing overlap and competition to access the consumer directly.

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Evaluating role of technology in evolvement from Web 2.0 to Travel 3.0

High-flying travel websites exploiting the Web 2.0 world could soon evolve into Travel 3.0 sites.
But if forward-thinking travel businesses choose the wrong technology partner, they could fall by the wayside, according to Tim Wright, managing director of dynamic packaging specialist HyperTech Solutions UK.

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Kevin Bradshaw chosen as Avis UK Managing Director

Car rental company Avis Europe plc has appointed Kevin Bradshaw as Managing Director of Avis UK, with effect from August 2007.

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Philips Electronics ties up with Conde Nast websites to deliver content to business travelers

Philips Electronics has launched The Philips Simplicity Concierge, an initiative termed as the first-of-its-kind service delivering exclusive content straight to business travelers.

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After Europe, Sprice.com comes to Asia

Sprice.com, a search engine for airfares and hotel rates, has forayed into Asia.

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Carrera Systems to distribute Galor’s travel software package in the UK

UK-based travel software specialist Carrera Systems Ltd has entered into a partnership agreement with Galor Systems, a supplier of travel management solutions.

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Jet Airways and Travelocity sign exclusive travel agreement

Jet Airways and Travelocity have signed an exclusive travel agreement, for expansion of Travelocity’s hotel offerings through the Jet Airways website.

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Singapore Airlines opts for OctopusTravel.com as its online partner

Accommodation website OctopusTravel.com has formed a global partnership with Singapore Airlines.

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Enabling users to search for time-relevant flight and hotel options within their planning calendar

Orbitz and BlueTie, Inc. have announced the availability of travel booking integration capabilities within BlueTie’s hosted e-mail, calendaring services and productivity tools for small businesses.

Continue reading "Enabling users to search for time-relevant flight and hotel options within their planning calendar"

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Galileo and Revelex to launch leisure product booking tool

Galileo and Revelex Corporation, a provider of travel technology solutions for agents and vendors, are to launch a new Internet, browser-based leisure product booking tool.

Continue reading "Galileo and Revelex to launch leisure product booking tool"

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Vacation.com enhances its hotel programme for member agencies

Vacation.com has expanded and enhanced its hotel programme for member agencies as a result of a preferred supplier alliance with Radius.

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STA offers its travel retail agents direct connectivity to railroad reservation systems via new site

Wandrian, Inc. has launched STAUSA.RailAgent.com, a new online sales system designed especially for use by STA Travel agents.

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"No two European countries online travellers have the same preference"

TDS Europe 2007 Special: 28 days to go   

How does the profile of travelers within Europe differ? How much of leisure
travel is expected to be purchased online this year across Europe? What factors
influence online booking in Europe?

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First Choice works on £2m ad campaign for long-haul flights

First Choice Holidays is to launch a £2 million integrated advertising campaign for its long-haul flights.

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Who’s that sitting on my couch?

Interested in knowing how your potential customers experience your travel website. Well maybe the rantings of a lone wananbe traveller as he makes his online plans to see the world, have an experience and book online will help... oh and  he totally falls in love with a website. Can you beat that!

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SAS provides information on the go with SAS.mobi

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) launched SAS.mobi, a mobile version of the airline’s website.

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Flight Centre focuses on setting up user-generated platform

Flight Centre Ltd. is to create a user-generated platform on its e-commerce site as the company plans to “communicate with its million-plus customer base in a more interactive way”.

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Galileo adds ANA, Langham and Sol Melia Hotels to its BAR programme

Galileo has added three international hotel chains to its Best Available Rate (BAR) programme.

Continue reading "Galileo adds ANA, Langham and Sol Melia Hotels to its BAR programme"

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Northwest Airlines expands FlyNow option

Northwest Airlines has expanded its popular FlyNow option, which permits confirmed flight changes within three hours of scheduled travel for a $25 fee, to now include flights throughout the entire day of departure.

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American Airlines’ parent manages profit of $81m in 1Q, a $173m improvement YoY

AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc., has posted a net profit of $81 million for the first quarter of 2007, or $0.30 per diluted share.

Continue reading "American Airlines’ parent manages profit of $81m in 1Q, a $173m improvement YoY"

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Continental and Southwest post 1Q profits

Continental Airlines achieved its first quarter profit for the first time in six years, attributing the effort to strong revenue growth, continued cost discipline and a slight decrease in fuel prices.

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Accor’s 1Q revenue increases by 8.9 percent

Accor’s consolidated revenue rose 8.9 percent to €1,887 million in the first three months of 2007.

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Avis Budget Group introduces first-ever, exclusive group car rental booking engine

Avis Budget Group has launched a new private-label car rental booking engine tailored for Groople, an online group travel booking resource.

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Experian to buy Hitwise for about $240 million

Global information solutions company Experian has acquired Hitwise, an Internet marketing intelligence company.

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Is 100% direct ever viable for a major supplier? Virgin Atlantic and Hilton speak out

For many hotels and airlines, online distribution is a top priority. The cost of distribution through intermediaries, unworkable commission structures, frustration with online discounters and improved technology has led to a continuous rise in direct-to-consumer sales by travel suppliers.  This rise has also been driven by the realization that direct online distribution can cut costs, preserve brand and price integrity, attract affluent customers and lessen the dependency on online discounters.

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Malaysia Airlines on track for e-Ticketing roll out in September

Malaysia Airlines is on track to roll out electronic ticketing by September this year with the completion of its customer airlines’ check-in system cutover to the new SITA Departure Control System.

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DFDS Seaways and Booking.com sign partnership agreement

DFDS Seaways (www.dfdsseaways.com) has signed a new partnership with Booking.com for booking hotel accommodation online after purchasing a ferry crossing.

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Gordon Wilson chosen as CEO and President of Galileo/Worldspan

Travelport Limited, the parent company of the Travelport group of businesses, has announced that, effective upon the consummation of the transaction, Gordon Wilson would be named CEO and President of the combined Galileo/Worldspan organisation.

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Deccan Aviation on verge of closing US$75-$100m fund-raising deal: media

Deccan Aviation Ltd., which runs budget carrier Air Deccan, is soon expected
to raise US$75-$100 million from private equity investors, according to media
reports in India.

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Dynamic Leisure Corp. signs wholesale agreement with Dollar Rent A Car

Dynamic Leisure Corporation has signed a tour operator agreement with Dollar
Rent A Car, a subsidiary of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. for vacation
travel-related rentals covering the USA and international markets.

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Henrik Kjellberg appointed as interim CEO of eLong

Tom SooHoo has resigned as CEO of online travel agency eLong, Inc.

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SAS launches new online distribution platform

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has deployed a new strategic distribution platform for online reservations implemented by Datalex.

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Measuring results from marketing spend in hospitality: Using metrics and analytics for quantifiable results

Free versus paid website analytics

By Max Starkov and Jason Price

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Robin Sutherland moves from Expedia to holiday.co.uk

British online travel group Travelzest plc has appointed Robin Sutherland as Managing Director of holiday.co.uk.

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US Airways gave CEO $5.9m compensation: media

US Airways Chairman and Chief Executive Doug Parker reportedly received $5.9 million in compensation last year, according to an analysis of a federal regulatory filing.

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Want to drive more Qualified PPC travel buyers to your site… and make them buy

Then sign up for a whole day of free to attend information packed seminars run by the leading suppliers of PPC, web analytic, SEO solutions. The day is part of the Travel Distribution Summit Europe and takes place on the 24th of May 2007.

Continue reading "Want to drive more Qualified PPC travel buyers to your site… and make them buy"

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Jet Airways rechristens Air Sahara as Jetlite

Jet Airways, which recently agreed to acquire all the shares of Sahara Airlines Ltd for a lumpsum price of US$322 million, has decided to rename Air Sahara as Jetlite.

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Jet Airways reveals new corporate identity

As India’s Jet Airways gears up for its expansion in the international arena, the airline has unveiled a new corporate identity and aircraft’s livery.

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Avis comes up with a worldwide sale offering

Car rental company Avis has launched a worldwide sale offering discounted car rentals from as little as £12 per day.

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Travelport names Barnhart CEO at Orbitz: media

Travelport Ltd has appointed Steve Barnhart as Chief Executive Officer of its Orbitz Worldwide online travel agency.

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Assessing the downside of a revolution in low-cost transatlantic air travel

As the concept of “cheap” fares emerges on the transatlantic air travel routes, the industry is witnessing “revolutionary” claims from a couple of airlines.

Continue reading "Assessing the downside of a revolution in low-cost transatlantic air travel"

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Google to acquire DoubleClick for advancement in display advertising

Google Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire DoubleClick Inc. for $3.1 billion in cash from private equity firm Hellman & Friedman along with JMI Equity and management.

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Lufthansa mulls Iberia bid move: media

Lufthansa has reportedly confirmed its interest in buying Spanish national carrier Iberia.

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Morgan Stanley buys 13 ANA Hotels for $2.4 billion in Japan

Japan’s All Nippon Airways is to sell 13 hotels and two property management units to Morgan Stanley for $2.4 billion, a deal termed as the biggest hotel transaction in Asia.

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Microsoft proposes review of Google buyout

Microsoft has reportedly said that Google’s proposed purchase of DoubleClick “raises antitrust and privacy concerns that deserve careful review by authorities.”

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Jet Airways to buy Air Sahara, completes largest private airline merger in India

Jet Airways India Ltd and Air Sahara have settled their disputes with regard to the Share Purchase Agreement.

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Jet sees Sahara as value carrier: media

Jet Airways may convert Air Sahara into a value carrier, reports local media.

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Is Ryanair gearing up for new no-frills trans-Atlantic airline?

Ryanair may launch a separate airline that would fly long-haul between Europe and the US. The no-frills trans-Atlantic airline may offer fares as low as $US12 .

Continue reading "Is Ryanair gearing up for new no-frills trans-Atlantic airline?"

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TripSync ends online travel booking fees for business travelers

TripSync, free, web 2.0 travel tool, has issued a challenge to Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity, as well as other online travel sites: Drop your booking fees.

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Kayak.com opts for Translations.com software

Travel search site Kayak.com has deployed Translations.com’s flagship globalisation management system (GMS) product, GlobalLink Content Director as the company expands into international markets.

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TravelOwl to introduce flight search functionality on its site

Travel and social networking site Travelowl.co.uk has chosen travel meta search company Global Travel Market to power flight search functionality on the site.

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Early bird offer to run out for the world’s biggest event for online travel supplier and distributors – save up to £1000!

EyeforTravel’s Travel Distribution Summit Europe 2007 will take place at the Business Design Centre in London 23–24 May.  Hundreds of key decision makers from Europe’s most successful travel companies have already been registered. The event, established 10 years ago is the world’s biggest event for online travel professionals. Spread over 2 days with a bonus 3rd day on 22nd May the summit is designed to get you up to speed on the latest trends and innovations to optimise your travel distribution strategy. A combination of keynote sessions, interactive tracks, organised networking as well as a large exhibition of technology and marketing solutions providers will all be there to give you the in depth knowledge, ideas and market intelligence you need to save money and ensure your company’s success in the turbulent year ahead.

Continue reading "Early bird offer to run out for the world’s biggest event for online travel supplier and distributors – save up to £1000!"

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Zoom Airlines to bring a revolution in low-cost transatlantic air travel

Zoom Airlines is set to introduce London - New York flights from £129, an
initiative described by the airline as "a revolution in low-cost transatlantic
air travel".

Continue reading "Zoom Airlines to bring a revolution in low-cost transatlantic air travel"

IHG appoints Alexi Hakim as COO for the UK and Ireland

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has shared that Alexi Hakim will become Chief Operating Officer for the UK and Ireland from 21 May 2007.

Continue reading "IHG appoints Alexi Hakim as COO for the UK and Ireland"

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CarTrawler launches world’s first real-time car rental booking engine

Global car rental distribution system CarTrawler has switched on its latest `Direct Connect’ technology for all its airline, consumer and business partner websites.

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Super Holiday Rentals offers guaranteed availability on UK holiday cottages booked online

Super Holiday Rentals is offering guaranteed availability when booking holiday
apartments online - and provides a money back guarantee.

Continue reading "Super Holiday Rentals offers guaranteed availability on UK holiday cottages booked online"

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Ibis launches "Happy 30" deal in 15 European countries

After revamping its website, economy hotel chain Ibis has launched its new
"Happy 30" deal in 15 European countries, offering "incredibly low rates for
reservations made online at ibishotel.com at least 30 days in advance".

Continue reading "Ibis launches "Happy 30" deal in 15 European countries"

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Travelzoo adopts analytics-based SEM technology to optimise keyword campaigns

Travelzoo and Efficient Frontier, a provider of search engine marketing (SEM) solutions, have partnered to change the way Travelzoo manages and measures paid search advertising effectiveness.

Continue reading "Travelzoo adopts analytics-based SEM technology to optimise keyword campaigns"

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Jet Airways reaches an agreement with Air Sahara to revive a merger deal

Nine months after lapsing its proposal to take over Air Sahara, Jet Airways has revived its bid. The deal fell through last year amid procedural delays and price differences.

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Amadeus finalises three appointments for its airline business

Amadeus has announced three key appointments in the Australasia and Pacific region to support the rapid expansion of their Airline Business Group (ABG).

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VivaAerobus and AerOasis opt for Amadeus’ customer management IT solution

VivaAerobus, based in Mexico, and AerOasis, based in Colombia, have signed agreements to adopt Amadeus’ customer management IT solution (CMS) for low cost carriers.

Continue reading "VivaAerobus and AerOasis opt for Amadeus’ customer management IT solution"

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US online consumer travel sales to reach $94 billion in 2007

eMarketer estimates that 41.3 million US households will book travel online, representing 52.5 percent of all US online households, in 2007.

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Lufthansa looks to revive axis: media

Lufthansa is ready to join the scramble for Iberia and Alitalia if the price
is right, describing the two carriers as "ideal partners", according to
telegraph.co.uk.

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Farecast.com hires Krista Pappas as VP - Business Development

Airfare prediction website Farecast.com has appointed Krista Pappas as VP - Business Development.

Continue reading "Farecast.com hires Krista Pappas as VP - Business Development"

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American Airlines launches online resource for women

American Airlines has become the first airline to introduce a convenient
online resource specifically designed for its female customers. The airline
launched http://www.AA.com/women.

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Gol gets approval for acquisition of VRG

Brazil’s Gol has reportedly indicated that its acquisition of Varig had no connection with Chilean airline Lan SA.

Continue reading "Gol gets approval for acquisition of VRG"

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Google trio takes $1 salaries

Google Inc. reportedly paid its top three executives a token 2006 salary of $1 each for the third year running, and bonuses of $1,723 apiece, according to the company’s annual proxy.

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DoubleClick to launch Advertising Exchange service

DoubleClick Inc., a provider of digital advertising technology and services, has come up with its proprietary DoubleClick Advertising Exchange service, a dynamic online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of online display advertising for maximum return and efficiency.

Continue reading "DoubleClick to launch Advertising Exchange service"

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SideStep taps former eBay and Yahoo! exec for Chief Marketing Officer role

Travel search engine SideStep has appointed Nancy Ramamurthi as Chief
Marketing Officer.

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"Organised tour operators and OTAs do not control more than 20 percent of the Indian travel market"

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent
   
Traditional travel intermediaries in India are gearing up to expand their
operations to the online travel space.

Continue reading " "Organised tour operators and OTAs do not control more than 20 percent of the Indian travel market""

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Free to attend information packed seminars covering all aspects of travel pricing, online marketing, and distribution technology are now available to book.

Last year over 1000 + travel IT, marketing and pricing execs attended our free seminars and this year it the demand is just as high. Its all taking place at the Travel Distribution Summit in London this May 23-24.

Continue reading "Free to attend information packed seminars covering all aspects of travel pricing, online marketing, and distribution technology are now available to book."

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Five top brass at Jet Airways take flight: media

Five senior executives of private carrier Jet Airways have reportedly quit the
airline.

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The Travel Channel ties up with Sidestep for travel search and booking

The Travel Channel has formed a partnership with travel search company SideStep as part of an overall redesign of its flagship website TravelChannel.com. 

Continue reading "The Travel Channel ties up with Sidestep for travel search and booking"

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T2-Global.com’s travel e-commerce platform set to go multinational

T2-Global.com has formed a long-term travel distribution and e-commerce alliance with Worldspan.

Continue reading "T2-Global.com’s travel e-commerce platform set to go multinational"

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SynXis provides dynamic pricing by integrating with IDeaS V5i RM Solution

IDeaS, a provider of hospitality revenue optimisation solutions, and SynXis, a Sabre Holdings company, have announced the completion and joint certification of integration between SynXis’ RedX Distribution Management System and the IDeaS V5i revenue optimisation solution.

Continue reading "SynXis provides dynamic pricing by integrating with IDeaS V5i RM Solution "

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IATA raises its forecast of net profit for airlines to US$3.8 billion in 2007

The airlines are expected to earn a combined profit of US$3.8 billion in 2007, up from a previously forecast $2.5-billion, due to improving traffic and efficiency, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Continue reading "IATA raises its forecast of net profit for airlines to US$3.8 billion in 2007"

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"LP.com is a key focus for us this year"

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent
   
  Lonely Planet acknowledges its major commitment to its development in Asia via
the trade and online channels.

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“As a medium sized brand, we are naturally quite reliant on intermediaries today”

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent

Recently, Millenium & Copthorne Hotels shared its plans of working on destination-focused presentation on its website to improve persuasion and conversion.

Continue reading "“As a medium sized brand, we are naturally quite reliant on intermediaries today”"

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Malaysia’s first community airline launched

Firefly, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, has been officially launched.

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Netizen Digital sets up website for active over-50s

Online travel marketing specialist Netizen Digital has designed and developed a new website, www.primeadventures.co.uk, for specialist tour operator The Adventure Company to sell its new programme of tours for active over-50s.

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AirTran sweetens Midwest bid by 13 percent

AirTran Holdings Inc. has raised its bid for rival Midwest Air Group Inc. by almost 13 percent, to $389 million in cash and stock.

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Wizz Air carries six millionth passenger, doubled its passenger numbers in one year

Wizz Air, the largest low fare - low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, has crossed six millionth passenger mark since its May 2004 launch.

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Chinese market’s buoyancy reflects in its changing idiosyncrasies

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent

The Asia Pacific market has experienced a huge transformation in its degree of distribution technology adoption.

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British Airways strengthens destination activity content

British Airways has selected Viator as its preferred destination activities provider.

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Steve Heyer resigns as chief executive officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts

The Board of Directors of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced that Steven J. Heyer has resigned as chief executive officer and a director.

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Videoagency launches online hotel video portal

Videoagency has launched the first online hotel video portal called Trivop.com.

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Reality Digital announces a first-of-its-kind deployment with Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet is using Reality Digital Opus, a digital media hosting platform, to launch the LonelyPlanet.tv website, an online community featuring a combination of user-generated travel videos and original programming from Lonely Planet TV.

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BA signs new agreement with Worldspan

British Airways has signed a three-year, global distribution agreement with Worldspan.

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How can you work with affiliate web sites to increase your online sales and reduce your costs

An estimated £2 billion of online sales was generated through affiliates in 2006. With travel companies such as the Dutch holiday cottage operation Euro-Relais using affiliates for 50% of its online sales, the travel sector is once again leading the way in developing a fast growing marketing channel. Will the opportunity to only pay for adverts that sell and fast rising PPC rates persuade you to develop this channel? Or is the sale of your product just too important to leave to partners? The Affiliate Marketing for the Travel Industry Conference is your opportunity to hear from travel companies that are already selling through affiliates, learn from their mistakes and be inspired by their successes.

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Assessing the potential of mobile travel services in Asia

Travel Distribution Asia Special: By EFT Correspondent
   
The technical platform powering mobile travel services has to handle a high
number of variables and diversity.

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Functionality of Sabre Cruises enhanced

Sabre Travel Network has made enhancements to its browser-based cruise booking
engine Sabre Cruises.

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Sabre strengthens its end-to-end leisure collection

Sabre Travel Network has launched VacationStudio powered by MySabre, a leisure travel site that will allow any travel professional in North America, including agents that do not currently utilise the Sabre GDS, to shop and book vacation packages and cruises.

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Expedia invests in cruise vacation specialist

Online travel company Expedia has announced an investment in and long-term strategic partnership with CruiseShipCenters International, Inc.

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Texas Pacific Group plans to put together a consortium to take over Iberia

Texas Pacific Group is reportedly seeking a Spanish partner to join its €3.4 billion bid for Iberia.

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