Battle of the agent extranets continues

Competition between the extranet providers to sign up travel agents continues as Fred. Olsen Travel announces it has signed up to X-tant’s Traveleye and Ramsay World Travel has announced it is to implement Telewest’s Endeavour.

Under Fred. Olsen Travel’s agreement with with Traveleye, X-Tant will provide a network solution for Fred. Olsen Travel’s branches in Colchester, Bury St. Edmunds, Felixstowe and Ipswich, together with sub-brands Fred. Olsen Business Travel, Australian specialist Discover Down Under, Cruise Network and Fred. Olsen Travel Direct.

Commenting on the deal, Fred. Olsen Travel marketing and development manager Sharon Harris said: “By taking Traveleye, we will enjoy a more flexible access to operators, and so deliver a faster, more effective service to customers than ever before. This is a considerable investment, but one that we feel is central to increased profitability and ensuring we maintain high levels of service.”

Under Ramsay World Travel’s agreement with Endeavour, Telewest will implement Endeavour to agents in all of the agency’s eight stores.

Dave Terry, Operations Manager at Ramsay World Travel said: “Endeavour is key to helping our agents provide quality customer service. Using Telewest’s technology they have immediate access to reliable, comprehensive travel information. Endeavour is also quicker than our previous system, making bookings more time-efficient. In turbulent economic times it is increasingly important to retain customer loyalty, Endeavour helps to keep us one step ahead of the competition and is cost effective to our own business needs.”