Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) announced the introduction of CWT i-Select.
The internet service combines online efficiencies with conventional travel services.
Carlson Wagonlit officials said the move was made to capture new market share and to compete head-on with online travel agencies.
“This new service reflects where the marketplace is going,” said Robin Schleien, president, CWT North America.
“We believe i-Select will appeal to a large cross-section of companies and their travelers because it allows them to assemble and pay for a travel program based on the products and services they most value,” he added.
The move marked CWT’s first foray into standardizing an offering to allow companies of any size to take advantage of its expertise and capabilities.
i-Select is now available in the US. Carlson officials said it is optimal for companies whose culture is focused on cost-conscious buying, standardized processes and a desire to be recognized as a change leader.
Customers using i-Select will have a core package. The core offering can stand alone or be supplemented with additional, value-added services based on a company’s specific travel needs.
Customers select products and services from five areas: implementation, online services, offline services, account management and extended services.
Value-added components include adoption packages, mobile services, limo and rail service and a variety of others.
Mr Schleien said i-Select rounds out CWT’s portfolio of service offerings, which includes basic, simple transactions to highly customized and complex management for corporate travel customers.
Report by David Wilkening
