TRAVEL industry technology supplier Anite is planning to launch an Internet-based reservations system for tour operators and cruise and ferry companies this summer.
The company has joined with Internet specialist Intelligent Environments, which is developing a Web site to be used by customers of Anite’s ATOP tour operating system, AFOS ferry system and its new 1st Class Cruise System, to sell their products on-line.
Anite sales director of travel business Kevin Thorogood said the system will also open up other sales channels to operators, such as Digital TV.
“With services such as Microsoft’s Expedia now being launched, operators need to be ready to take advantage of these new distribution channels and agents need to know how they can use the technologyto keep their clients,” said Thorogood.
Anite has already unveiled its new reservations system for cruise operators, the 1st Class Cruise System, which can take bookings over the Internet.
One of the advantages of the 1st Class Cruise System is that it can be used by agents to give clients virtual tours of ships using CD-ROMs.
Cruise operators using the system include P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Swan Hellenic, Star Clippers, Fred Olsen and Sun Cruises.