Exhibition prepares for big on-line promotions

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Exhibition prepares for big on-line promotions

Agent Alert

&#42 Mini-break up for grabs:

Agents visiting the X-TANT stand can enter a draw which offers a chance to win a London mini-break and a ride on the London Eye.

Technology companies look set to show off Web wonders

TECHNOLOGY might not the most exciting subject in many people’s eyes, but with 40 technology companies signed up to World Travel Market, it is hard to deny the level of interest in the subject at the moment.

The Internet and e-commerce are the key words for exhibitors, as a quick glance at the list of companies shows.

Names such as eKorp.com from Australia, Travel Café 2000 from the UK, Bedhunter.com from Germany and TAEdge.com from the US all hint at what the companies will be promoting.

Traditional agent and operator systems suppliers such as Data Management Group, Travelink and FSS Travel and Leisure Systems will be showing how they plan to bring their technology into the 21st century by developing seamless links into the Web.

Comtec and its subsidiary, Leisure Network Solutions, will be unveiling their latest joint venture – a browser-based version of LNS agency management system TravelCat.

LNS sales director Richard Turner said the new version of TravelCat, due to be launched next year, will integrate with other products to streamline the front-end selling process.

Network provider X-TANT also has its eye on the Internet as it launches 10 features for Traveleye, its browser-based integrated selling system which launched in June.

The enhancements will increase agents’ on-line earning potential by offering commission from new services such as discount flights and hotels from Gold Medal, car parking with BCP, car rental from Holiday Autos and travel insurance through moneyextra.com.

Changes

Among this year’s changes is a move by Travel Technology Systems away from the technology section to be near the main entrance. Global distribution systems Sabre and Amadeus have bowed out of the show, leaving the field to rivals Galileo International and Worldspan.

Worldspan is taking more space and launching its SecuRate Air via ATPCO Net product which distributes net fares automatically, reducing airline administration time and lettinging agents set commission levels.

The GDS will also showcase its Internet products in a bid to encourage more travel agents into e-commerce.

Galileo is demonstrating its latest Web-based products including ViewTrip – a Web site that displays a traveller’s own itinerary. It will also have details of Galileo Wireless which enables travellers to access bookings from a mobile phone and make changes as required.

Tune in:Galileo will be demonstrating its new personal travel Web site at this year’s WTM

News Flash

&#42 LeisureHunt

On-line accommodation search and booking facility LeisureHunt will be showcasing its 100,000-strong database of hotels and bed and breakfasts worldwide. Of those, 95% can be booked on-line and 75% in real time. The company, which has partnership agreements with VirginNet, Freeserve, beeb.com and WAP portals, says demand for its service has doubled in the last year.

&#42 New developments

Leisurehuntbusiness development director Nigel Muir will be on the stand to discuss developments. These include a new service which provides independent hotels and bed and breakfasts with individual Web sites. The service will offer clients a choice of three Web site packages each linked to LeisureHunt’s centralised booking system.