TourConnect and Tourplan agree deal to automate rate loading

A “ground-breaking” deal has been reached to integrate two travel industry software solutions run by online distribution firm TourConnect and tour operator supplier Tourplan.

A “ground-breaking” deal has been reached to integrate two travel industry software solutions run by online distribution firm TourConnect and tour operator supplier Tourplan.

The move is designed to enable operators to automatically upload annual supplier rates into a booking management system, thereby reducing manual data entry.

Tourplan’s tour operator customers will be able to instantly upload annual rates for suppliers who manage their rates with TourConnect.

Loading rates has traditionally taken months of manual data entry, often by large teams of data entry specialists. The manual process can result in unnecessary data entry expenses and errors, missed or unloaded products, and few special offer opportunities, TourConnect claims.

The first version of the integration will be released for the 2016-2017 contracting season.

Operators and suppliers can use Tourplan and TourConnect prior to the integration.

Craig Gray, regional director of Tourplan Asia Pacific, said: “TourPlan recognises the challenge and expense our clients face with annual rates loading.

“Our TourConnect integration allows clients to recognise significant labour expense reductions while loading rates in minutes rather than months.”

Michael Herrmann, founding partner of TourConnect, added: “TourConnect is ensuring that tour operators no longer have to rely on labour intensive, manual processes to load their supplier rates.

“Suppliers also greatly benefit from their products reaching the market faster, more accurately and with significantly less effort. Suppliers can also reduce their time to exchange rates by over 75% after the first year.

“Today’s announcement is a big win for everyone involved, and it really helps validate our vision for a universal method of rate exchange.”