18 June 2009

Online booms as travel numbers tumble

SYDNEY - Traveller numbers have declined in Australia, but the proportion of online bookings has grown sharply, increasing by 26 percent.

Tim Russell, managing director of Amadeus Australia and New Zealand, said, ââ¬ÅâœOnline travel agencies are benefiting from the current economic environment, with travellers believing that the best prices can be found online.

ââ¬ÅâœHowever, we also see that the more savvy traditional travel agents can offer equal or better pricing to what is found on the Internet.

ââ¬ÅâœAt the same time, Iââ¬â¢m happy to see that an increasing number of traditional travel agencies are moving online in response to changing customer behaviour, which is also contributing to the growth in this sector."

Amadeus provides the technology that drives most of the major online travel sites in Australia including Expedia, Jetabroad.com.au, and Qantas.com.au.

Russell added, ââ¬ÅâœWe are committed to supporting the evolution of the Australian travel industry with technologies that will ensure long-term business viability for all players.ââ¬~

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