It’s free but not really

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.

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New search in WebStart

Abacus International launched a new version of Abacus WebStart – a white label internet booking engine (IBE) tailored for the Asian region.

The latest version adds a new fare search and payment capabilities.

“Abacus is focused on delivering solutions designed to meet the complex needs of Asian markets. Abacus WebStart is already the most broadly deployed IBE in the region. It is a low cost, highly effective solution that helps our customers to capture new revenue opportunities in online channels.” said Abacus International, vice president, Marketing, Brett Henry.

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11infotech promotes Smart Hotel Online

11-Infotech, a software developer for the travel industry, will launch its newest product called, Smart Hotel Online, during ITB Asia in Singapore.

The company specialises in developing B2B and B2C solutions to enable travel agencies and hotels to establish an online sales presence.

The company’s CEO business development, Chartchai Pothong, intends to launch a suite of online solutions during ITB Asia, 21 to 23 October. He hopes to sell its products to other exhibitors and visiting travel company representatives at the show.

The launch will include an evening cocktail party hosted by Mr Chartchai, 22 October, at the Marina Mandarin Hotel, in Singapaore.

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FBI warning on email hoax threat

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning, yesterday, concerning three new fraudulent e-mails all relating the bureau that are currently in circulation.

One claims to contain “Intelligence Bulletin No. 267;” another purports to be from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI Counter Terrorism Division; and the third claims to contain an FBI intelligence bulletin from the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate.

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Online booking system calls time out

A travel online booking engine, Asiativ, Group, has suspended operations, until it secures reinvestment, possibly by the end of September. The system is a member of one of the region’s largest inbound tour operators, Asia Online.

A message “under maintenance” appears on the front page of the Asiativ.com website and the contact telephone lines are out of services.

Using Google, it is still possible to view page content, but links to the home are inactive.

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Fine tune your competitive edge

The Thai government is offering a series of free workshop on e-commerce for tourism business operators with the first round set for this weekend.

The Department of Business Development, in cooperation with Hotel Hub Company, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Kasikorn Bank, is organising seminars and workshop on e- commerce for tourism companies to increase their competitiveness in a global marketplace.

The programme will have three distinct components, which will be completed in three separate sessions:

1. Lectures on the overall trends and profile of the online tourism business, 8 or 9 August;

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New tech association emerges

A new association established to promote technology in travel says Thai travel agents need to take technology on board as quickly as possible to beat the economic crisis.

Tourism Technology Association president, Apichai Sakulsureeyadej, believes local tourism operators need to get up to speed on technology.

He suggests Thai tour operators score a poor 30 points out of 100, in terms of technology expertise.

He made the comments at the foundation lunch of the TTA hosted, last Friday, to introduce the new association to potential members. It was attended by 300 travel agents and hoteliers who were invited the join the association.

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Asia’s GDS release new products

Against a backdrop of instability, two of Asia’s leading GDS release new products aimed at travel agents. Travel Impact Newswire’s executive editor. Imtiaz Muqbil, reports.

New product announcements by two of the Asia Pacific region’s leading travel technology companies indicate how they are seeking new opportunities in times of instability in the travel and tourism industry.

Singapore-based Abacus is targeting small and medium sized travel agents while Madrid-based Amadeus, which has its Asia Pacific headquarters in Bangkok, is targeting corporate travellers. Read more

Seminar for SME hotels marketing

Hotel SMEs are invited to join a seminar on how to use new e-marketing strategies.

The Integrated Human Development Centre, together with the Thailand Management Association, Foundation for International Human Resource Development and the E-Learning Association of Thailand, are hosting a seminar for hotel SMEs.

“Delve into the New Marketing Strategies for Hotel SMEs” will run from 18 to 19 July at the Asia Airport Hotel, Rangsit, Bangkok.

It aims to help small hotels to integrate their IT management with tourism business management. Read more

Unsettled world of online bookings

Be prepared for more online travel changes, panel warns

With online travel landscape changes looming, the importance of branding, reciprocal partner-relationships and making decisions quickly in the marketplace is key to staying ahead, according to speakers at the Eye for Travel Sales and Marketing in Asia Pacific Conference held in Sydney earlier this week.

Keynote speaker Jetstar’s General Manager Distribution and Commercial Systems, Jamie Perry, said the key to success was the ability to develop ideas quickly and launch almost immediately in the marketplace. Read more

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