Seasoned experts and keen newcomers can get something new from the Travel Technology Show.
With seminars, technology demonstrations and new announcements to watch out for, follow our guide on what not to miss.
SABS updates distribution and cross selling system
SABS will introduce an update of one of its main products at the Travel Technology Show. It will replace a system used on about 10,000 desktops around the UK and Ireland. Customers include Worldspan, NTL, Flight Centre, Bath Travel and a number of independent agencies.
The new system introduces one search form, which, when completed, will search for all product types and return results at the same time. The product advertises related products. For example, if you are on the flight tab it will offer information on accommodation, taxis and car hire; if on the accommodation tab, flights, car hire and taxis will be offered.
The product includes online brochures as well as resort videos. It is also working with a partner to include high-quality hotel videos and commentary to help close sales.
- Stand A12
KnowledgeWire demonstrates new software TalkSheet
KnowledgeWire is due to launch a new software system for tour operators and agents of all sizes to help companies focus on customer service.
The new travel system, called TalkSheet:Travel, includes dynamic packaging, ticketing, billing and payment requests and reconciliation. The same system also offers customer relationship management services including brochure management.
It can manage marketing campaigns by e-mail or post, allowing agents or operators to build their own online brochures and adverts.
TalkSheet can handles a number of offers that may be made available, and integration with other systems gives agents a more complete view of what the customer wants.
- Stand 44
New website and call centre software from GoQuo
Dynamic packaging specialist GoQuo will launch new systems at the show, including GQTours, the software designed to help tour operators offer more choice and an enhanced service to customers.
Queries from company websites or call centres can be processed through GQTours to get product options and prices in one package. The system can handle the entire transaction through to completion, and the inventory can be sourced from GoQuo’s growing stable of content providers including hotels, car rental, cruises, insurance and tours. Alternatively, it can be combined with a tour operator’s own inventory.
GoQuo has also recently launched AirlineDP software, which is already being used by a low-cost Asian airline to enhance website ‘stickiness’ by letting customers book dynamically-packaged hotel, car and tour products, all without having to leave the site.
- Stand B26
Traveltek launches the iBos
Traveltek’s iBos is a complete online system, from the automated creation of marketing to the handling of all travel agent, call-centre or online consumer bookings through to full administration. It can be totally integrated with cruise, dynamic packaging and tour operator booking systems.
- Stand A54
Amadeus introduces new selling platform for 2008
Amadeus will be demonstrating the 2008 version of its selling platform.
The upgrade is designed to increase automation and make managing workload easier within agencies. New features are aimed at helping agents increase the sales of add-ons such as hotels, parking, and entertainment. The global distribution system argues these are the key areas for revenue growth with travel agents.
The technology firm has also added to the graphical interface – the way the software looks on screen – to help agents perform complex or infrequent tasks with quickly and with little effort. It is also expanding its Eurostar and UK rail systems to include Eurostar in the airline display and the new UK rail booking system.
- Business Travel Show stand 521
The Business Travel show runs alongside the Travel Technology Show at Earl’s Court
Fizzback uses experience of National Express to show value of feedback
Fizzback makes technology that allows instant customer feedback on holiday and travel products through text message or mobile e-mail.
During the show, Fizzback will show how National Express raised customer satisfaction – by as much as 52% in some cases – by using the instant feedback system.
National Express put a sticker next to every coach seat, inviting customers to text their feedback to the company. It is easy and quick to use for customers, as well as being non-confrontational, which means the rate of feedback is quicker and more accurate than any other system the company has used.
Each text is analysed and fed through a computer system which routes the message to the relevant team, sorting messages by geography, depot or type of problem. The system prioritises feedback to make sure that any serious issue is identified and addressed immediately.
Where appropriate, a National Express customer relations representative will call the customer as soon as the message is received to solve more serious problems and show the customer that his or her concerns matter.
- Stand A25
RWA launches a new version of its Sell-It-Suite reservation system
The new Sell-It-Suite from software company RWA promises an integrated multi-currency and multi-channel system for the dynamic packaging of flights, rail, ferry, hotels and other ground products.
Current customers include South Africa’s largest low-cost carrier Kulula, which has launched Kulula Holidays business with RWA.
- Stand C45
HyperTech shows off latest system
HyperTech has recently linked up with the holiday arm of a major North American scheduled airline and will be showcasing its PleX leisure travel reservation system at the show.
This technology is designed to help tour operators, consolidators and large online and high street agencies with complex travel requirements, including dynamic packaging.
A centrally and locally-acquired inventory can be sold across different brands, using different packaging rules, margins, languages and currencies.
- Stand B37