‘Days of viewdata over’ – dynamic packaging specialist
Dynamic packing specialist Flexibletrips claims a “complete reversal” in the take up of internet bookings as agents reject the “comfort zone” of viewdata.
Only 4% of the company’s high street bookings were made via the internet a year ago but just 12 months later just 4% continue to book via viewdata.
Driven by the advent and expansion of dynamic packaging, greater access to the internet and more stable systems and connections, agents are switching to the web in their droves, the company claims.
Head of sales Stephen Vaughan said: “The main reason agents have always used viewdata was because there was no real alternative on offer; it has been in use for so long now counter staff have continued to turn to viewdata because it was the natural thing to do and they were confident and comfortable with it.
“Viewdata had become the only portal available for all operators until the advent of the internet and dynamic packaging so it is understandable while it has taken some time to start to see the migration over to the web.
“But now agents are becoming more familiar with the technology and the systems are bedded in and far more stable than in the early years there has been a noticeable growth of bookings coming from the internet over the past year,” said Vaughan.
“It is not just the ease of the system itself but the fact that the internet can offer both agents and customers alike everything viewdata had and more besides, with online content featuring so much more, making it easier to interact with customers.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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