11 November 2008

New portal for OctopusTravel.com

A new portal for online travel retailer OctopusTravel.com is due to be unveiled before the end of the year.

The number of hotels offered through the portalÃ¢â¬â¢s new inventory will increase from 21,000 to more than 60,000, the company announced at World Travel Market.

The technology will support multiple supplier feeds allowing hotel chains and independent properties access to a growing distribution network, including a range of partnerships and Octopus Travel consumer sites.

The GTA by Travelport company claims it will provide a Ã¢â¬Åâœnew and simplifiedÃ¢â¬~ customer experience with new competitive prices.

Meanwhile, GTA has introduced eBilling so suppliers can now complete monthly invoicing using a single electronic form. Previously, hotel suppliers were required to submit a paper invoice for each booking.

The operator estimates the new processes and reduction of document shipments inside GTA will save as much as 8 million pieces of paper and envelopes and around 350 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year, with additional savings for shipments from suppliers.

GTA is also working with the Travel Foundation to calculate an average carbon emission for a return airport transfer, hotel stay and excursion.

Travellers can opt-in at the time of booking to make a standard donation to the Travel Foundation based on their trip, which will help the continued expansion of numerous environmental projects around the globe, including the installation of solar electricity in developing countries and working with hotels to improve water and energy efficiency.

GTA also pledged to continue to invest in the development of support for travel agents in Europe and the Middle East and Asia, by expanding its existing account management teams based in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and in particular the rapid growth markets of India and China.

President and CEO Ken Esterow said: Ã¢â¬Åâœ2008 has been a year of dramatic change in the travel industry, with many new challenges and opportunities. Our growth in emerging markets is particularly exciting for us and demonstrates the flexibility and global nature of our business.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœMeanwhile, the environment continues to be extremely important to consumers as we see with the popularity of services such as eco tours and green transport. We are therefore very pleased to be able to offer enhancements such as carbon offsetting and eBilling, which will have a positive impact.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies