Search

Marriott International has launched a new travel management platform called Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, aimed at small-to-midsize businesses. The program aims to address the need for more flexible travel management solutions, particularly for companies that have not yet rebuilt their in-house travel management teams after the pandemic. The platform offers a range of features, including booking hotels, flights, rail travel, and rental cars, as well as customizable travel policies, real-time analytics, and traveler health and safety monitoring. While some industry experts express concerns about the human factor in corporate travel management, others believe Marriott has the necessary capabilities to succeed in this space. [Extracted from the article]

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is launching a pilot project to improve baggage handling by developing a digital messaging standard for baggage exchange communication. This standard will enable airlines to share information such as images of bags and baggage geolocations, which cannot be supported by legacy bag messaging technology. The aim is to address the issue of mishandled bags, which globally stood at 6.9 bags per 1,000 last year, and 12.1 per thousand on international routes. Implementing the digital messaging standard could save the industry an estimated $70 million per year. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the terms "works made for hire" and "work product" in master services agreements (MSAs) between travel agencies and corporate clients. The term "works made for hire" refers to specific work that is ordered or commissioned and automatically belongs to the person who pays for it. "Work product" is a broader term that encompasses all deliverables and materials created by the service provider for the client. The article advises travel agencies to be cautious about these terms, as they may result in the transfer of ownership of profiles, reports, and customized portals to the corporate client. It suggests negotiating exemptions or deleting these clauses from the MSAs if possible. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the success of Livraria Lello, a bookstore in Porto, Portugal, that charges a fee for entry. The bookstore is known for its beautiful architecture and has become a popular tourist attraction. The article suggests that travel advisors could learn from Livraria Lello's approach and consider charging fees for their services, as it adds value to the customer experience. Additionally, the article touches on the issue of overtourism in Porto and the city's efforts to manage and spread out tourist flows. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the types of long-term contracts that travel agencies typically have and which ones are advantageous for a private equity firm to assume when acquiring an agency. The larger the agency, the more long-term contracts it tends to have, with technology vendors, landlords, travel suppliers, consortia or franchises, corporate clients, and sometimes employees. GDS contracts are typically five to eight years long and cannot be terminated early without penalties. Contracts with travel suppliers are usually for one year or less and can be terminated on short notice. The article advises the buyer to focus on assuming contracts with favorable business terms, such as GDS contracts, corporate online booking system agreements, commission and override agreements, and profitable corporate and group client contracts. Contracts like office leases and technology system contracts may be less important to assume, as the buyer can likely negotiate better terms in the future. [Extracted from the article]

As pandemic protocols are lifted, hotel operators will likely adjust again, several Hawaii hospitality analysts said, balancing the technology's benefits with delivering the best guest experience. It was July 2020, and Hawaii was in the doldrums of pandemic shutdown. [Extracted from the article]

New Cruise & Rail Itineraries combining all the best of river cruising, land, and train travel: • Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & The Enchanting Danube • Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & The Jewels of Veneto • Cruise & Rail: Delightful Danube & The Castles of Transylvania • Cruise & Rail: Milan, Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans • Cruise & Rail: Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans FOCUS ON Uniworld's MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are chosen for the positive environmental or social impact they have on the guests and the people and places they visit. With their fleet of one-of-a-kind, destination-inspired ships, Uniworld brings boutique luxury to the rivers. Uniworld's Cruise & Rail itineraries represent the most innovative and exciting new way to see the world. [Extracted from the article]

Since 1976 CroisiEurope has pioneered river cruising on the most beautiful waterways in Europe. Operating a fleet of 50 canal barges, river cruise ships, and intimate-sized ocean liners, CroisiEurope continues to offer unique and exclusive destinations in Europe and beyond. CroisiEurope pioneered river cruising on the most beautiful waterways in Europe, and today remains Europe's largest and most experienced river cruise line. [Extracted from the article]

"Ama" means love, and everyone at AmaWaterways is passionate about being more than just your river cruise supplier of choice - we are also your dedicated partners, working with you every step of the way to ensure the best experience for you and your clients. Why Viking Is Your #1 Partner • True No NCFs: Viking pays commission on every aspect of a booking including port charges, taxes and fees. THE VIKING DIFFERENCE QUICK FACTS NUMBER OF SHIPS 70+ river vessels RIVERS/COUNTRIES Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt, COMING IN 2024 River: the Viking Aton, Egypt (2023); the Viking Hathor, Egypt (2024); the Viking Sobek, Egypt (2025) Ocean: the Viking Saturn (2023); the Viking Vela (2025) FOCUS ON • No NCFs: Viking is the first - and only always pay commission on every aspect clients' bookings. [Extracted from the article]

ORLANDO - Travelers this year are spending more money on in-destination experiences while taking longer trips with smaller groups of friends and family, according to recent findings from travel research firm Arival, which projects the higher-spend trend to continue into 2024. Arival data shows that social media factors more prominently early on in the travel-planning process among high-spend groups, motivating them to go from seeing those travel experiences online to actually booking them. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the use of technology by corporate travel managers in their business travels. Various topics discussed include its use in off-channel reservations, online booking channels of travel management companies (TMCs), travel expenditure of companies and travel programs for business travelers.

Foreign and domestic travel industry leaders are openly calling on the U.S. Interior Department to reform the reservation system and work with tour operators to find solutions that benefit visitors and also preserve the parks. A letter drafted by the U.S. Travel Association and signed by 388 members of the travel industry was recently sent to the interior secretary and National Park Service (NPS) director calling for the reservation system to allow bookings that can be made 10 to 12 months in advance. A well-intended measure to promote sustainability at U.S. national parks is backfiring for the tour operators that offer those destinations. [Extracted from the article]

"The biggest challenge in the U.K. is a lot of the strikes that have been going on", McClendon said. Enduring as London's appeal may be to city-bound vacationers, travelers are also branching out beyond London to explore other parts of the U.K. Viator, the online booking service for tours and attractions, said London is its biggest departure city, a gateway for travelers looking to explore the rest of England through daytrips. [Extracted from the article]

Q:Before the turn of the century, a new travel agency needed to obtain ARC and Iatan appointments and sign a multiyear GDS contract. Although ARC offers useful training and support in areas such as fraud prevention, startups are eligible to access these programs through the host's ARC appointment. Nowadays, it seems like most startups are simply joining host agencies that have their own appointments and reservation system access. [Extracted from the article]

Cruise and stay Sheehan positions the cruise and stay package as the key to attracting agents. As Margaritaville at Sea approaches its first anniversary, the line is prioritizing making its niche, two-night cruise product more attractive to travel advisors, said CEO Kevin Sheehan Jr. Sheehan is the son of the former Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan, who was among a group of investors who purchased the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line in 2016. Up to 15% of bookings are made with the cruise and stay package, Sheehan said. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on predictions by the travel agents based on advance sales which suggests growth in the travel industry in 2017. Topics discussed include focus on marketing initiatives resulting in advance bookings at cruise planners, effects of the terrorist attacks throughout Europe on the travel industry and threatening of president-elect Donald Trump to prohibit Americans from travelling to Cuba island.

The article offers news briefs related to travel retailing in the U.S. The topics discussed include the projected growth of travel retailers in 2018, the strong sales of travel companies in Florida and the Caribbean despite the devastation brought by hurricanes in October and September 2017, and the reasons why booking windows lengthened in 2017.

The article discusses the efforts of cruise lines to push for meetings bookings by touting their ships' ample facilities and cost-effectiveness compared with hotels. It is said that cruise lines struggle to get their share of the market for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. The Cruise Lines International Association has identified business meetings as a potential growth area for the market. A joint survey with the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives is reported.

The article focuses on the hype surrounding the 2014 World Cup and Olympics and its impact on the Brazilian tourism industry. Topics discussed include the increase in bookings experienced by tour operators and agencies, the advantages of the having back-to-back major international sporting events and the challenges facing travelers in the country. Also included are the insights of Sports Traveler president Anbritt Stengele on the issue.

The article focuses on the Caribbean travel and tourism industry. It notes actual and expected arrivals in 2012 and 2013, respectively, per Caribbean Tourism Organization data, factors driving the popularity of the region as a tourist destination and current (2013) and future hotel developments in the area. Also noted are booking challenges faced by travel agents and the results of "Travel Weekly's" The Caribbean Advisor 2013 survey among represented travel agents and home-based agents.

The article discusses the initiative of travel operators to match the success of online travel agents (OTAs) who offer direct connectivity features to their clients. According to the author, tour operators are renovating their back-end technology packages in order to provide their agents similar real-time information offered by OTAs. She adds that car rental companies, airlines, entertainment firms, and tour services are also beginning to provide automation capabilities. The evolution of manual to automated bookings is also discussed.

This article focuses on the automation of cruise bookings and the preference of travel agents to book cruises over the telephone. The factors that prevent agents from being 100 percent automated are discussed which include the decision not to change old habits. A brief comparison of booking made over the telephone and through a booking system is included.

This article highlights the results of the 2010 survey conducted by the National Association of Career Travel Agents (Nacta) on the business landscape. According to the survey, the revenue posted by nine percent of Nacta agents this year ranged between 50,000 and 100,000 U.S. dollars. Particular focus is given to the average commission rates for cruises and tours. The survey found that 41% of agents consider supplier sites as their primary booking tool. It notes that Gogo Worldwide Vacations was replaced by Travel Impressions as the top package provider.

The article focuses on the impact of global financial crisis on the economic condition of independent travel agent as shown in the annual survey conducted by National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA). It notes that 65% of travel agents have annual revenue of less that 50,000 U.S. dollars while more than 1% say that their commission and revenue reach one million U.S. dollars. It also reveals the booking instrument being used by the agent and the 87% purchase of travel insurance.

The article reports on the results of the annual global distribution systems (GDS) survey conducted by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Results show that twenty-four percent of the respondents use supplemental booking products in conjunction with their GDSs and the most cited product was BookingBuilder. It was also revealed that agencies are drawing away from electronic booking methods to boost customer relations.

The article focuses on predicting booking patterns in the hotel industry and setting rates accordingly under the banner of revenue management or revenue organization. According to the author, hotels that manage revenues correctly will enjoy significant increase in average rate, while those that do not take revenue management seriously will be left behind. As aids in projecting revenues, software products from computer companies are available that can forecast booking patterns and will allow hotels to set rates appropriately.

Provides tips to travel agents on how to offer the perfect romantic escape to Hawaii. Benefits of a tour operator package; Comments from Christy Sazama, director of public relations and corporate communications for MLT Vacations; Statement from Ken Phillips of Pleasant Hawaii; Advice when it comes to booking romance packages at hotels and resorts.

Focuses on the impact of low prices and last-minute bookings on the business performance of cruise lines in the U.S. in 2003. Factors that influence cruise pricing; Initiatives launched by Carnival Cruise Lines Inc. and Princess Cruises to control low prices; Growth in the home porting activities of cruise lines. INSET: IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFYING A CLIENT'S NEEDS.

Examines the growth of the online travel market in the U.S. Increase in the number of U.S. households that booked leisure travel online in 2002; Factors that contribute to the growth of online hotel booking; Information on the dynamic travel package offered by online travel agencies.

Focuses on the role of travel agents in influencing a passengers's choice of an airline. Benefits of online booking of airline tickets to passengers; Areas in which the travel agent's influence on airline choice can be strong; Importance of understanding the cancellation penalties and other features of consolidation fares by the passengers.

Reports on the launching of a beta site of the on-line airline ticket exchange of FairAir in cooperation with airline partners America West, Midway, National Airlines and Northwest. Features of the site; How agents or consumer can sell or transfer tickets.

Through mid-September, fraud detectors at ARC had found approximately 80 instances of unauthorized ticketing accounting for approximately $1.2 million in value. ARC is sounding the alarm about an airline ticketing fraud scheme that has reemerged over the past seven months after being dormant since 2014. [Extracted from the article]

The spokesperson added that, "American is a valued partner, and we believe that the value we provide all of our airline partners reflects our desire to improve agency workflow and merchandising across all airlines, not for a specific airline". The new GDS agreement between Travel-port and Delta will give travel agencies a chance to earn additional incentives when they augment ticket sales with ancillary items, such as boarding privileges and seat upgrades. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the innovations in travel technology in the U.S. Topics discussed include use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers in making travel bookings, increase in the percentage of American travelers using private residences, and entry of the car rental agency FlightCar in the U.S. car-sharing services market.

Travelport's recently released APIs enable faster travel searches and responses and are easier for agencies and OTAs to integrate into their point-of-sale solutions than previous Travelport APIs, Kyle Moore, the GDS company's global head of customer strategy and marketing, says. In addition, the APIs have given Travelport the capability to display airline NDC-enabled offers on the same response screens as traditional ATPCO content. [Extracted from the article]

Your travelers will experience the diversity of Switzerland and benefit from "2 for 1" deals and other great discounts in 11 destinations. No one else gives you so much Switzerland Switzerland Travel Centre offers a wide range of services: FIT & group packages, scenic rail journeys, mountain excursions, personalized luxury tours and experiences and the Grand Tour of Switzerland road trip are only a few examples of what they do to create a memorable stay for your clients. Their state-of-the-art B2B booking system offers plenty of features for fast and simple online bookings. [Extracted from the article]

Reports some personal and professional issues concerning travel agents in the United States as of September 6, 1999. Information on Nancy Yale, owner of Cruise and Resort Connection in Fairfield, Connecticut; Brief overview of the `Travel Geography' manual from Solitaire Publishing; Description of the customer reservation system.

The article reports on a panel discussion that is held in early June 2014 at the Sheraton Waikiki where travel executives shared their views on the tourism industry in Hawaii. Topics covered include the decrease in the number of arrivals, emergence of competition from Mexico and perception of travellers on the value of a destination. Also mentioned is the stability of bookings for the months of July and August.

The article focuses on the benefits obtained by online travel company Priceline Group following its acquisition of online restaurant-reservations firm OpenTable. It states that he technological and global proficiency of Priceline could also drive the OpenTable's future success. It adds that the acquisition will enable Priceline to include restaurant reservations into its travel booking process, according to Jackie Dulen Rodriguez of hospitality consultant Technomic.

The article discusses the increase in early 2013 bookings experienced by escorted tour operators (TO) in the U.S. in January 2013, which help operators to have positive outlook for the rest of the year. The bookings growth was attributed to the strong rebound in travel in Europe. Among the TO that are reporting double-digit bookings growth include Insight Vacations and Collette Vacations.

The article discusses the strong performance of the U.S. cruise industry during the start of the Wave Season in January 2013. Many cruise lines, which include Windstar Cruises and MSC Cruises, have reported bookings improvement in the first week of January. The author also describes some of the promotional campaigns that were effective with clients including Celebrity Cruises' 1-2-3-Go! and Windstar's two-for-one fare plan.

The article reports on the increase in sales of international travel in 2012, with Europe, Mexico and the South Pacific outpacing top destinations in the U.S. such as Las Vegas, Nevada and Orlando, Florida as revenue generators. It suggests that the growth in international segment may be due to consumers who are seeking out agents for complicated and exotic trips. It cites the concern of agents that the continued increase in international airfares will hinder growth in international bookings.

The article reports on the move of international airline industries to offer core ancillary services through global distribution systems (GDSs). It cites an agreement signed by Air France-KLM SA with global technology company Sabre Holdings Corp. to offer its ancillary services through the GDS worldwide. It notes the plans considered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) of a consumer protection rule that would require airline with any content in the GDS to include ancillary services.

The article deals with the use of new-generation hotel booking-technologies by travel agencies to find and book the right hotel at the right price for each customer. The adoption of these technologies is also seen as a way for agencies to counter online discounting. It announces that new hotel booking engines will be introduced by ABC Global Services and Thor Travel Services. Information is presented on the Stream program launched by Travel Leaders Group.

The article discusses the highlights of a roundtable discussion involving travel and tourism executives at the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa in Waikiki, Hawaii in late May 2012. Topics discussed include summer season bookings, the feasibility of all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii and the potential of cruise to grow in the islands. Participants include Arnie Weissmann, editor in chief of "Travel Weekly," Shari Chang of Aston Hotels & Resorts and Jack Richards of Pleasant Holidays.

This article gives an outlook for trends in the travel industry in the U.S. in 2011. Travel agents express optimism for bookings from travelers. They plan to offer booking incentives to attract clients. Steve Tracas, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Vacation.com, attributes the scenario to a recovering economy and desires of consumers to maintain their vacation experiences.

This article looks at the results of the American Society of Travel Agents' (ASTA) 2010 survey of technology and Web usage among members of its research family. The survey found that agents remain behind in their use of social media tools for customer acquisition and retention. It notes that majority of agents have websites but these sites are not meeting their potential for boosting sales. It cites Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations and Travel Impressions as the big three agents that use branded leisure booking tools.

The article reports on the increase of air seats and nonstop flights in Hawaii in 2010. It states that the airlift difficulties started when the Aloha Airlines Inc. collapsed and ATA Airlines Inc. cut airline capacity that contributed in the decline of arrivals in the state. However, the director for tourism research at the Hawaii Tourism Authority Daniel Nahoopii says that almost 2.5 millions seats are expected to arrive on nonstop flights wherein 1.9 of it will come from U.S.

The article focuses on the slump in hospitality industry in Hawaii. It mentions that the state has only gained 68.1% occupancy from June to August 2009, a 15.9% decline compared to the August 2008 record. Accordingly, the event has stimulated the 19.9% drop in revenue per available room which amounted to 126.05 dollars. Hence, the industry provides more incentives to their travel professionals since they are the considered entities that will help the industry to be refurbished.

The article offers information on several online travel agencies including Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, and Orbitz. Developed from cyberspace outposts to major forces in travel attracting millions of visitors a month, these suppliers' websites, also known as the Big Four, carve out a multibillion-dollar market share in travel reservations services. A detailed discussion on travel market and online agencies, along with statements from several officers of each agency, is presented.