New program for small, medium sized agencies

Sabre Travel Network unveiled a new program for small and medium-sized travel agencies that it says offers friendlier terms and a no-haggle, structured incentive schedule. The Assured Vantage program for small to medium-sized agencies in the US who renew or sign new agreements to use the Sabre global distribution system (GDS) offers more agency-friendly contract terms, such as reducing the risk of traditional booking volume shortfalls. It also introduces a new, simple incentive schedule, according to Sabre officials “We are essentially bringing no-haggle pricing to our customers where pricing has often been anything but transparent for them,” said Hugh Jones, senior vice president of Sabre Travel Network, North America. He said the new program also delivers flexibility and predictability, while reducing the risk associated with traditional GDS contracts. Key components of the Assured Vantage program include: — Volume booking commitments will no longer be required to participate in the Sabre system. Instead customers will commit a percentage of their GDS bookings to Sabre Travel Network. — Travel agencies can now select an incentive plan with no booking volume commitments or related shortfalls, significantly reducing travel agency risk, according to Sabre. — Travel agencies will continue to have the option of receiving a portion of their incentives as a signing bonus with an associated low-risk booking commitment. — Incentive rates will be set based on a simple, structured table that results in incentives based on volume, not negotiating skill or luck. On average, incentives for 2004 contract renewals under the Assured Vantage program will be approximately equal to the incentive value agencies receive on their existing contracts. Existing agency contracts will be honored until their expiration, Sabre officials said. Report by David Wilkening