worldspan enhances SecuRate system

GLOBAL distribution system Worldspan has enhanced its SecuRate Air fares product to allow agents to store their negotiated fares in the database.

It means agents who use the new SecuRate Air Integrated Fare Display can see published and negotiated fares on one screen.

The original SecuRate Air product only held published fares. Agents had to search for negotiated rates separately and compare prices and conditions manually to find the best deal for their client.

“This change has been driven by the European market,” said Worldspan senior vice-president and general manager Mike Parks.

“The concept of negotiated fares developed in Europe but is now making its way to the US so we expect this product will be very popular,” he added.

Worldspan is also unveiling a new version of its corporate on-line booking tool Trip Manager.

Parks said there are 150 enhancements, all based on user comments and designed to make the system easier and quicker to use.

“We had success selling and installing this product,” said Parks. “The problem was acceptance. If they could not make a booking quickly and easily, travellers ignored it and went back to the travel agent.

Parks said a flight, hotel and car rental booking can be made in under four minutes on the new version, which is the fastest in the industry.