17 June 2009

Amadeus first GDS to sell EasyCruise as line targets agents

EasyCruise is to distribute via the Amadeus system in both the UK and US.

The deal allows EasyCruise to target the travel agents and reduce its dependency on direct bookings.

EasyCruise plans to actively target the travel agency distribution channel which the company hopes will spread the balance between industry and direct bookings.

Cruises are being distributed on the browser-based Amadeus Cruise desktop sales solution as well as the Cruise Application Programming Interface (API) for online sales.

The agreement makes Amadeus the first GDS distributing EasyCruise content.

The line’s sales and marketing director Paul Ellerby said: "We are excited to be extending our content to Amadeus Cruise and Cruise API users.

"Amadeus is providing us with access to a large network of cruise specialists and travel agents, which is key to our growth strategy.

"In the current economic climate, it is important for cruise lines to reduce costs whilst improving distribution and achieving market share growth."

Amadues Cruise head of sales Stephen Wilbanks said Amadeus now uniquely offers 19 cruise lines globally - 17 in the UK.

"Cruise holidays are gaining popularity, and by placing itself among the well established brands already benefiting from distribution via Amadeus, easyCruise will be a welcome addition to the Amadeus Cruise portfolio," he said.

Amadeus Cruise saw a 20% growth in bookings last year over 2007.

by Phil Davies