Comtec is reporting a massive rise in the number of online bookings processed by its travel agency customers year-on-year.
The leisure technology specialist claims online bookings rose 47% in February 2008 compared to the same month last year.
The company, which counts Thomas Cook, Expedia and TUI Travel among its customers, also claims its online travel systems have now processed bookings for more than one million passengers on behalf of its travel agency customers.
The growth in online activity is more obvious in the volume of consumer interactions via Comtec’s self-service administration module, which provides consumers with online access to their booking information, documentation and payment services. Online activity within this segment increased 89% year-on-year.
Comtec chief executive Simon Powell said the company was investing heavily in online services and plans to unveil new products over the course of this year.
The news came as Comtec unveiled details of its agreement to license easyJet’s Application Programming Interface. The API provides Comtec and its customers with a structured way to access easyJet flights and services; including flight availability, bookings and a range of flight-related services.
The agreement is in line with the airline’s strategy to control access to its inventory by working with selected technology partners to replace screen scraping solutions.
Comtec plans to provide its customers with access to easyJet services via its Travelink and Travelconnect selling platforms. In addition to real-time access to flight inventory, the API will also enable Comtec customers to book services including Speedy Boarding, hold-baggage and sports equipment.
EasyJet signed a similar agreement with rival technology player Multicom last week.