It’s free but not really
March 10, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Creative Advances Technology, based in Kuala Lumpur, claims its Standard Online Tourism Architecture on display, at ITB Berlin, can simplify online business and quickly maximise earning opportunities particularly for independent travel agencies. It might be an offer too good to be true.
The company in a press release issued at ITB, yesterday, showcases the latest version of its software package SOTA XD (eXecutive Desktop) claiming it is offered free to travel agents. However, it is not really free. Agents pay US$100 to enrol and a US$1 referral fee to CAT on successful business transactions.
The sales pitch is based on an easy-to-use interface for both B2B and B2C travel service providers and CAT claims that even travel agencies without a website, can start tapping the global online tourism market.
SOTA XD runs a secure payment system and works on all popular internet browsers.
“What we do is take the complexity of technology out of the travel equation so that agents, tour operators and hoteliers can concentrate on running their business,” said Creative Advances Technology CEO, Rohizam Md Yusoff.
CAT was chosen by the ACE project managers for http://www.southeastasia.org and will soon announce a major partnership with a leading travel trade entity in China. No details provided.
Chief operating officer, Vincent Kok said: “SOTA is effectively free to use. We are using a pre-paid module in which the travel agents need only pay US$100. This is earned back almost immediately as the transactions start. SOTA then charges US$1, per successful customer transaction. In essence, the SOTA platform is free.”
Mr Kok said that SOTA provides agents with travel products that they can search, plan and purchase. These include contract rates, promotions and inventory allotments from over 25,000 hotels around the world.
“Agents no longer have to remember multiple passwords and different URLs to access different suppliers and vendors,” said Mr Kok. “SOTA XD is online 24/7 and available from anywhere in the world through an internet connection.”
Mr Kok said there were three steps to get on to SOTA. First, register at http://http://www.sotanetwork.com. Second, upload your inventory details into SOTA. Third, start receiving bookings from travel trade buyers worldwide.
He did not explain at what point the agency pays the US$100 fee.
SOTA XD will formally launch at the SOTA International Conference at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in May 2010.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a supporter of the SOTA initiative. It is promoting the SOTA platform to its members and through its global PATA Chapter network.
At ITB Berlin, the travel trade can visit SOTA at the PATA and “Southeast Asia: Feel the Warmth” booth in Hall 26A, Stand 139 or visit www.sotanetwork.com
