KUONI has introduced a revolutionary on-line link which will dramatically reduce the time it takes to make a tailor-made booking for the US and Canada.
Customers currently wait for seven days for a non-brochured itinerary to be put together as availability is checked manually.
But new technology will enable agents to confirm a booking within minutes.
Speaking at the launch of the operator’s 2000 brochure, senior product manager Peter Grace said: “We are calling it our own American Revolution.
“Bespoke itineraries are difficult to sell because they take so long to organise. The new technology allows us to access more than 2,000 hotels at the touch of a button so a tour can be put together in just a few minutes.
“People are becoming more confident and sophisticated and are tailoring itineraries to suit their requirements. This will improve the service no end.”
However, agents will have to contact the operator’s sales team to make the booking as extensive product knowledge is crucial.
“We did not want to put it out on viewdata as an itinerary may require a customer to drive 600 miles in a day which the agent may not be aware of,” said Grace.
Extra product training is being given to the operator’s sales team in light of the development.
“Geographic knowledge is more important than ever,” said Grace.
Kuoni has introduced Memphis, Nashville and Seattle to the programme while also doubling capacity in Las Vegas. It now features 11 hotels in the gambling city.
Grace predicted the number of UK visitors to Las Vegas will outstrip Orlando within five years.
Prices for a five-night break lead in at £429 per person.
Capacity in New York has also been increased with more two and three-star hotels; while Cape Cod has more accommodation on the back of increased demand for New England tours.
Alaskan cruises on The Norwegian Sky have been also been added.
Grace said growth of 25% was being targeted for 2000.
Meanwhile, Kuoni has added 10 reservation staff to its newly merged Australia and US departments. It takes the number in the sales team to 30.