TD Travel Group switches to Sabre

TD Travel Group, based in Manchester and East Yorkshire, has announced its conversion to the Sabre global distribution system (GDS). The travel agency has switched from Galileo and will be using Sabre Travel Network’s latest booking technology. This simplifies the research and reservation process by combining traditional GDS screens and codes with drop down menus, graphical icons and the ability to use a mouse instead of a keyboard to enter data. Reet Wiseman, Sabre Travel Network vice president for the UK and Ireland, said the agency was not a member of the Advantage Business Travel Focus Group, and that the conversion was not related to the decision by that group to nominate Sabre as its preferred GDS. “There is a perception that if we are taking business off Galileo it must be due to the Advantage decision”, she said. “That’s not true. We continue steadily to migrate much of the Advantage business to Sabre while at the same time converting independent agencies like TD Travel Group.” John Owen, managing director of TD Travel Group, said the conversion process had been smooth and less complicated than expected. “Once we had the financials in place it was important to involve the staff in the approval process for switching GDSs,” he said. “Sabre Travel Network’s presentation was excellent and our team were most impressed by potential improvements to booking efficiency. It’s early days but we anticipate a productivity increase of between 10 and 15 percent, which is vital for our business going forward. With Sabre we feel confident of achieving this, and more.” About Sabre Travel Network Sabre Travel Network, a Sabre Holdings company, provides access to the world’s leading global distribution system (GDS) enabling agents at more than 53,000 agency locations worldwide to be travel experts. The Sabre GDS, the first system to connect the buyers and sellers of travel, today includes more than 400 airlines, approximately 60,000 hotels, 37 car rental companies, nine cruise lines, 35 railroads and 220 tour operators. Key brands of Sabre Travel Network include GetThere, the leading Web-based corporate travel reservation technology, and Jurni Network, the unique leisure travel agency consortium that enables members to sell more products from preferred travel suppliers using sophisticated market intelligence. Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE: TSG) is a world leader in travel commerce, retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at http://www.sabre-holdings.com ##