Long-haul specialist Kuoni has become the latest operator to launch a bookable Internet site.
Initially the site will sell late bookings and special offers but deputy managing director Sue Biggs said holidays featured in the company’s 10 brochures will also be added.
“The site took us two years to develop and it will probably take at least another year to bring these new elements on line but it will happen,” said Biggs.
Biggs claimed the site provided an extra service for both consumers and agents. “We believe it will save agents’ time and money by giving them access to information they would otherwise only get through training or phoning us directly,” said Biggs. Agents will receive commission on bookings made via the site.
In the long term, Kuoni envisages a link-up between its reservations systems Kudos and the Internet.
The operator has been testing and refining the site for the last four months before the official launch and has taken just 50 bookings, 20 of which were from travel agents.
Biggs claimed consumers were reluctant to part with thousands of pounds over the Internet. “If you are spending ú3,000 on a holiday you want to talk to someone. The site will primarily be a source of information. Consumers will still want to speak to an agent,” said Biggs.
Kuoni is planning to increase the information on hotels and resorts so it covers 30 resorts in 20 countries. The site will also provide a facility that allows people to view resorts.
Last week, Travel Weekly exclusively revealed Thomson’s plans to allow on-line bookings on its Web site.
Kuoni’s web address is: www.kuoni.co.uk