Indispensable tool for agents?

In announcing that the GENESIS Travel Distribution System had reached an exclusive agreement to use TravelSoft Technology Group’s (TTG) FareSpider, company officials said the move would give travel agents a competitive edge. “We see FareSpider as an indispensable tool to give travel agents the competitive edge they need in a marketplace crowded with options,” said James Ball, Senior Vice President for Business Devlopment at TTG. FareSpider, a jointly developed web and GDS fare search and booking tool, was designed to provide a one-stop search for both lowest fare and seat availability. FareSpider searches GDS and web fares, including web-only, ITC, charter air-only, net fare, private and negotiated fares, and participating consolidator fares. The fares are displayed in a single, comprehensive, sortable display. The display also highlights profitability potential by alerting travel counselors when and at what amount a preferred or incentive agreement has been negotiated for E-Travel Alliance members. FareSpider will be previewed at the GENESIS/ETA Orientation Meetings to be held in Toronto 21-22 February and later in Vancouver. A preliminary overview of GENESIS and the ETA for US travel agents is set for 6 March at the Boston Logan Airport Hilton. GENESIS announced last November the launch of their E-Travel Alliance, the cornerstone of the first phase of the GENESIS platform.