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Internet tools catching up for agents
Internet tools for consumers in the past outperformed those available for professionals such as travel agents. But that’s changing, says Jeremy Wertheimer, CEO of ITA Software.
“Agents used to do a search, say for airfare, and they could see different prices. But they were only looking at a pretty small fraction. Now they can have confidence, they looked at everything,” he told TravelMole.
Mr Wertheimer attributes that to ITA Software. Galileo International Inc. a few months ago announced it was making available to agents a new fare-shopping tool called ITA Software – Galileo Optimal Shopping SM.
He said the technology enables agents to quickly find a greater depth and breadth of itineraries and low-fare pricing options for customers traveling on wholly North American itineraries.
Galileo joined Cheap Tickets, a Cendant subsidiary that has been using ITA Software since 2002. America West also uses the company’s software to power its new Low-Fare Finder tool for travel agents.
Mr. Wertheimer said ITA Software is the industry’s most comprehensive and cost-efficient airfare shopping technology. It provides agents flexible options such as alternative airports and alternative travel days that can lead to savings.
Agents can use the technology to search from as many as 150 alternative itineraries at a time, including fares from low-cost carriers and many airlines’ Web fares.
Mr Wertheimer said the site saves time for agents and can lead to greater sales because of the reassurance of getting the lowest rates.
Report by David Wilkening
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