Government choose Carlson and Sabre’s GetThere for online travel

US Federal government agencies are adopting online technology proven in the private sector as part of the U.S. government’s e-Travel initiative, intending to bring greater efficiency and lower costs to government travel programs. GetThere, a leading corporate online travel system owned by Sabre Holding, has been selected to provide several government agencies with its online technology through its partnership with CW Government Travel, a member of Carlson Companies, and its Internet-based end-to-end product called E2 Solutions.

Agencies that have selected GetThere include the Department of Labor, Department of the Interior, Department of State, General Services Administration (GSA), Railroad Retirement Board, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Within one month of launching GetThere, several major bureaus within the Department of Interior were processing more than 60 percent of their travel reservations online.

GetThere’s technology provides federal employees with an online experience similar to commercial travel Web sites, but customized for their agency of employment. The system highlights government-approved rates for air, rail, car and hotel options and allows travelers to book these negotiated rates, in addition to all published rates.

Unlike booking technology used by much of the government today, it also conducts a low fare search, and then helps travelers determine whether it makes sense to book the lowest fare available or a fare from one of their preferred airlines or other suppliers, if there is a difference.

Today, federal employees make approximately four million air and rail trips a year, but according to the GSA, only two percent of government travel bookings are currently made online. The GSA estimates that going online will save as much as $2 billion to government travel spend over the next 10 years.

Bev Heinritz, general manager of GetThere, said “Most large corporations are now embracing online travel as a way to empower travelers, as well as to reduce costs. Companies are telling us that they save an average of 20 percent per trip just by booking online, and now this same savings can be captured by these government agencies. Ultimately, it’s good for the traveler, the government and taxpayers.”

“This award marks a major milestone in strengthening Sabre Holdings’ presence in the government marketplace,” said Bruce Charendoff, senior vice president of Government Affairs at Sabre Holdings Corporation. “The federal e-Travel award is a perfect fit for GetThere’s industry leading booking tool — and we’re delighted to be teaming with CW Government Travel in meeting the travel needs of these important government agencies.”