| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/11/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 4 |
| Copyright: Other |
Quickheart database to help retailers
A DATABASE has been launched which promises to help agents match clients with their ideal holiday in just 10 minutes.
The Quickheart system asks clients for their dates of travel and preferred departure airport and then for special requests, such as hotels close to a beach, bars or restaurants and offering activities such as horse-riding and scuba diving. Clients also have to make accommodation requests, such as kid’s facilities.
The system then searches through 600 resorts worldwide to find the perfect match, but only shows those that have availability on the dates specified.
Quickheart chief development officer Mark Sinclair said the system offers 2.6 billion holiday products and the whole process takes just 10 minutes.
“Our research shows that 75% of customers just go into agencies to collect brochures. They end up totally confused and then spend an hour or more with an agent going through the various options,” he said.
Travelcare has signed up to use the new system following a six-month trial.
Research showed three out of 10 people were ready to book their holiday before using the system. After using it, the number had risen to eight out of 10.