CRYSTAL Holidays has upgraded its viewdata system as it looks to hit its growth target of 30% for its Premier Britain 1999 programme.
The operator has changed from JFA booking system to a tailormade system developed by FSS.
It will enable agents to have faster access on viewdata and make it easier to book special add-ons including travel and insurance.
The move comes as Crystal looks to increase passengers by 30% to more than 100,000 in ’99.
“We have not been losing bookings but with demand growing it was important for us to upgrade the system to make it easier and quicker for agents,” said Crystal Britain’s product director Simon Box.
Thomson-owned Crystal has also expanded its on-line ticketing with a greater range of products now bookable through ticket agency Ticketmaster. Box said it enables agents to tell customers if there is availability and confirm a booking there and then.
Crystal has increased its number of hotels in the programme from 500 to almost 650 with emphasis on three-star accommodation. It will help ensure a greater level of racking, said Box.
“We needed an all-encompassing product which would appeal a greater number of people,” he added. London prices lead in at ú28 per person per night at the Regent Palace Hotel rising to ú176 at The Ritz, which is exclusively offered through Crystal.
Fox said increased promotion is leading to a resurgence in the UK market with more agents realising the commission opportunities. “They can earn the same as they can with a main summer sun holiday,” he said.