‘Industry must simplify search and booking process’
The search and booking process must be streamlined to stem the tide of fragmentation, a leading travel software development firm claims.
A report by Traventec analyses the “bewildering array” of travel search options available to both agents and consumers, in particular the “plethora of solutions” facing agents due to the volume of channels, suppliers and information available via the desktop browser.
Published today, the report incorporates a guest contribution from Comtec (Europe), software provider to the UK leisure travel sector.
Traventec’s sales vice-president Howard Frost said: “The choice of online booking options boggles the mind of the consumer and travel agent alike. The problem is there is no optimum search and booking channel because consumer travel requirements vary so widely.”
He added: “While the technology is available to address disintegrated search, providers and intermediaries are slow to adapt their commercial models to embrace the strategic dynamic partnerships required to deliver complete, end-to-end and seamless search and booking.”
Simon Powell, co-founder and CEO of Comtec (Europe) said: “To compete, travel agents need access to travel distribution systems that are at least as effective, in terms of design, functionality and content, as those available directly to consumers.
“Travel agents should not underestimate the capability of travel technology systems to now finally achieve what has been a highly elusive business requirement. The age of the integrated desktop search is upon us.”
*The report is available to download free via www.traventec.com.
Report by Phil Davies
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