Parsippany,
NJ � June 2005 � Galileo International,
Inc., a leading global distribution system (GDS), announced partnerships
with Global Travel International (GTI), a privately owned travel company
that provides the necessary tools to become an independent travel agent,
and eTravCo, a growing travel agency resource that provides support to
over 6,400 travel agent members. Both companies are utilizing Galileo
Web Services to develop online booking engines for their home-based
clientele.
Home-based
travel agents is a trend that is experiencing significant growth in today�s
market. According to a recent survey by Credit Suisse First Boston, the
percentage of qualified home-based agents in the U.S. is expected to grow
10-15 percent by the end of the decade.
�Twelve
years ago we recognized the impact home-based agents would have on the
travel industry,� said Michael Gross, president and CEO, Global Travel
International. �As the pioneer of the home-based agent, we also understand
the importance of providing the best solutions and technology to our sales
force. With Galileo�s advanced technology platform and online capabilities,
our new booking engine is extremely competitive resulting in significant
increased sales for our agents.�
�Since
the onset of our relationship with Galileo four years ago, we have been
extremely impressed with the ongoing improvements and advancements in all
of their technologies,� said Bill Alcorn, senior vice president, Technology,
eTravCo. �We are confident that our decision to utilize Galileo Web Services
for our home-based clients will help grow their local customer base and
increase profits, which is our main priority for them.�
Galileo�s
industry-leading Web Services enables Internet-based connections between
travel agent applications and the Galileo GDS. Created to improve efficiency
and reduce costs for clients, Galileo Web Services facilitate the creation
of custom applications to support business operations and integrate back
office systems so clients can focus more on customer service and selling
travel.
�Being
asked to provide our Web Services to GTI and eTravCo for their new online
booking engines is a testament to our dedication to the travel agency community,�
said Mike Ihle, vice president, Product Management, Galileo, Americas.
�Whether working from a home office or in a traditional agency, we are
committed to the agency channel and providing the leading products and
solutions that are necessary to ensure success. Driving incremental revenue
and helping agencies succeed through partnership is at the very core of
our business acumen.�
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About
Galileo International
Galileo
International is a global technology leader. Its core business is providing
electronic global distribution system for the travel industry through its
computerized reservation systems, leading-edge products and innovative,
Internet-based solutions. Galileo is a value-added distributor of travel
inventory dedicated to supporting its travel supplier, agency and corporate
customers and, through them, expanding traveler choice. A subsidiary of
Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD) and part of Cendant�s Travel Distribution
Services Division, Galileo is headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, and has
offices worldwide. Visit www.galileo.com.
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About
Cendant Travel Distribution Services
Cendant
Corporation�s (NYSE: CD) Travel Distribution Services division, is one
of the world�s largest and most geographically diverse collections of travel
brands and distribution businesses. The division, employing nearly 9,000
people in approximately 120 countries, includes: a leading global distribution
system (GDS) company (Galileo), serving more than 44,000 travel agencies
and over 60,000 hotels; hotel distribution and services businesses (Neat
Group®, THOR®, TRUST and WizCom®); leading
online travel agencies (CheapTickets®, ebookers.com®,
HotelClub.com, Lodging.com, Orbitz®, and RatesToGo.com); an
airline market intelligence company (Shepherd Systems); an international
travel technology and software company (Travelwire); a leading international
provider of long-haul air travel and travel product consolidator (Travel
2®/Travel 4®); online global corporate travel management
solutions (Orbitz for Business® and Travelport®);
and a leading wholesaler and global online provider of hotels, destination
services, travel packages and group tours (Gullivers Travel Associates,
OctopusTravel.com® and Travel Bound, Inc.).
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About
Global Travel International
Global
Travel International (GTI) is the world�s leading network of home-based
travel agents. GTI�s worldwide sales force of 35,000 independent travel
agents serve both the leisure and business travel markets. GTI provides
both veteran and new agents with vast educational, complete marketing and
sales support and superior technology to ensure each Agent�s success. GTI
is a privately owned, Orlando, Fla.-based travel company specializing in
cruise and vacation packages, business travel, group and incentive travel
For more information on GTI, visit www.GlobalTravel.com.
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About
eTravCo
eTravCo,
Inc. is a privately owned, Pennsylvania-based travel consortium that represents
$3 billion+ in purchasing power. eTravCo has proven itself to be a highly
adaptive, industry-responsive travel industry resource founded for the
travel agency by a travel agent. Since 1990, eTravCo has been delivering
to its travel agency members state-of-the-art connectivity with tried and
true customer service values. eTravCo�s variety of high-touch and high-tech
marketing tools are designed to enable agents to flourish in today�s travel
industry. From online, community-based travel websites (100+ US markets
currently active representing 320,000 collective visitors per month) to
eTravCo�s Preferred Vendor Collection (100 Name-brand vendors) our 6,400
member agents feel eTravCo offers the next phase in consortium membership.
For details about membership in the eTravCo Consortium, visit www.etravco.com.
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Media
Contact:
Cendant
Travel Distribution Services
Galileo
Americas Inquiries
Sarah
Berger or Jill Brenner
(973)
496-5870
TDS.CorpComm@cendant.com
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Corporation
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