WTM 2015: Traveltek sees increased operator demand, launches cruise ‘super itineraries’

WTM 2015: Traveltek sees increased operator demand, launches cruise ‘super itineraries’

Increasing demand from agents to tour operate their own holidays has seen Traveltek increase the functionality of its travel selling software.

Increasing demand from agents to tour operate their own holidays has seen Traveltek increase the functionality of its travel selling software.

As a result the Glasgow-based firm says it is seeing increased demand from tour operators to use its dynamic packing technology which also gives them potential access to large distributors on the firm’s platform like Hays Travel and Barrhead.

Operators on the system now include Bellair Holidays and Malta Direct.

In cruise, one of Traveltek’s specialist areas, it has launched an enhanced packaging technology to allow more flexibility in putting together itineraries with ground arrangements pre and post-cruise. This is currently being used by Virgin Holidays Cruises, Cruise First and Cruise Nation.

Peter Whittle, global sales director of Traveltek, said the cruise ‘super itineraries’ offer a range of hotels, transfers, tour options and flight upgrades wrapped around the core cruise element of the holiday.

“It’s enabling hotels and travel agents to make more margin,” he said. “We want to give them more choice and flexibility but we don’t want to overwhelm them. The question if you are a cruise retailer is how are you going to differentiate yourself?”

The system also allows agents and wholesalers to intelligently suggest alternative cruise sailings based on the customer’s search criteria.