Cendant sees revenue soar by 48%

CENDANT Travel Distribution Services has recorded a 48% increase in revenue for the first half of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.

The US conglomerate said the revenue growth has been fuelled by its acquisitions of US online agencies Orbitz, Ebookers and Gullivers – contributing $202 million to $661 million turnover in the first six months of this year, compared to $488 million in the same period for 2004.

Revenue from global distribution systems and supplier services – which includes Galileo – increased by 3% to $13 million.

Cendant president and chief financial officer Ronald Nelson said: “During the second quarter we benefited from improving travel trends.

“Looking ahead to the second half of 2005 and full year 2006, we expect growth to accelerate as we begin to reap the benefits of the investments we have been making in our core businesses in 2005.”