The JTA Travel Group is to work with technology firm GoQuo to introduce new dynamic packaging and distribution technology.
The Birmingham-based travel agency group hopes the new technology – which also includes new hotel and flight booking engines – will allow faster and more flexible searching, providing a better service for customers.
The flight consolidator side of the business is expected to benefit from a new xml-based channel distributing JTA content.
JTA managing director Wayne Darrock said: “We knew we had to get more out of the technology that underpins our business and feel GoQuo technology can make it bigger, better and more profitable.”
Meanwhile, GoQuo revealed its new GQTours product which helps tour operators offer more choice and deal with complicated packages.
GoQuo managing director Ron Ramanan said: “GQTours overcomes a lot of the complexity that can be found in tour operator systems. GQTours manages the complex inventories most operators have today.”
The new system was unveiled at the Travel Technology Show at London’s Earls Court last week.
Comtec is targeting small to medium sized travel agencies with the launch of its latest agent selling system, Travelconnect.
Ivor Hughes, formerly of Micros Travel, has been appointed client relationship manager with the task of taking the product out to the trade.
Existing Comtec clients include Thomas Cook, First Choice and Harvey World Travel. However it is hoped the new system will develop Comtec’s reach among smaller companies.
Product manager Tim Loring said: “This technology can give a small agency the same capability as a big chain. For agents who have fallen behind with technology, this will make sure they’re selling the right product at the right price and make a huge difference to their profits.”
Available from April, Travelconnect allows agents to bypass the use of viewdata, which can be off-putting for customers, said Loring.
“Customers feel out of control when they see viewdata as they don’t understand it. This way, the customer has a far more pleasant booking experience.
“Reducing dependency on viewdata will make a big difference to the customer journey and may have a big impact on conversion rates.”
The new system allows agents to compare traditional packages with dynamic packages. They can also choose to build a holiday using individual components.
Other new functions include mapping and destination videos.
Existing EasySell customers are expected to upgrade to Travelconnect in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Comtec has also given its back office system Travelcat a modern new look and added a text and email function.