Roamfree buys into Calypso system creator

Roamfree.com has bought a majority interest in Tourism Technology, the Austrialian company behind the Calypso Travel System technology, as it continues its drive to become the “Google of the accommodation industry”. The move by the Roamfree online tourism services business has been spearheaded by former Expedia UK managing director James Vaile, who is now Roamfree’s…

Roamfree.com has bought a majority interest in Tourism Technology, the Austrialian company behind the Calypso Travel System technology, as it continues its drive to become the “Google of the accommodation industry”.


The move by the Roamfree online tourism services business has been spearheaded by former Expedia UK managing director James Vaile, who is now Roamfree’s chief executive for business development and strategy.


The Calypso travel management system is currently used by British Airways Holidays, Qantas Holidays, Singapore Airlines Holidays and United Vacations.


Flight Centre’s wholesale division, Infinity Holidays, is also expected to be on the roster of travel companies using the product in the coming months.


Vaile, who launched the Expedia brand in the UK and later went on to become vice president for Asia-Pacific, said: “Calypso is developing innovative software solutions that make it easier for consumers and the industry to transact online.


“The Calypso Dynamic Packaging system which was released recently makes possible for real-time bookings of flights, hotels and car hire and produces a completely co-ordinated itinerary.”


Tourism Technology will continue to be run by current managing director Michael Hundon and his management team.


Vaile added: “The wholesaling segment of the travel industry is still grossly inefficient when it comes to making bookings outside prearranged inventory allotments.


“The number of phone calls required to organise these bookings is ridiculous and our vision is to streamline the process by making these manual chores a thing of the past.”