Dramatic 30% Increase In Agents Speed-of-Sale

Experienced GDS users gain as much as newer agents with the enhanced cryptic environment in Amadeus Vista 2.0.

London: November 26, 2002 – Amadeus today launched Amadeus Vista 2.0, an advanced, browser-based front office reservations tool, which offers travel agents the option of using an enhanced cryptic environment or a fully graphical interface through which they can access Amadeus’ entire travel portfolio.

Enabling agents to dramatically speed up the booking process via ‘Speedmode’ point and click technology, experienced GDS cryptic users work faster with a greater degree of flexibility. Amadeus Vista allows agents to book flights, cruise, ferry, hotels, and car in a single, easy-to-use booking tool that builds on the proven success of Amadeus Pro Tempo while providing a host of additional benefits.

Commenting on his agency’s involvement in the pilot programme, Alan Chapman, Director of ABC Executive Travel, said “We have been using Amadeus Vista since last year and switched over to the latest version three months ago. The new version offers us significant advantages over the old system especially the point and click functionality for cryptic users on the command screen option. Now that this function has been incorporated we have the best of both worlds. If our staff are unfamiliar with an entry, they can switch to the graphical pages – however since our staff are experienced GDS users, they have the option to continue using the enhanced cryptic mode.

Unlike Amadeus, some developers forget about the needs of experienced travel professionals – who often prefer using the cryptic mode. The improved Vista Command Page – with its split screens, recordable entry library and Speedmode – is just the productivity tool the industry has been waiting for.”

Primary benefits of Amadeus Vista include:

• Increased productivity:
• Agents can switch easily between a simple to use graphical user interface (GUI), an enhanced cryptic mode or a combination of the two
• New split screen functionality provides different views on a single screen

• Reduced costs
• Amadeus Vista is installed quickly and easily causing minimum disruption to the agency
• Automatic system updates are sent directly via the Internet allowing users to instantly benefit from the latest enhancements
• Minimal formal training is needed due to the intuitive design and online training tools and instant help
• Since Amadeus Vista is web-based, no dedicated line is needed saving agencies up to 60% on line-rental costs

• Improved customer service:
• Amadeus Vista’s point-and-click technology simplifies and speeds up the booking process enabling agents to concentrate on customers increasingly complex needs
• Through a simplified entry process for car, hotel, cruise and ferry bookings, additional sales opportunities can be opened up
• Agents have access to a comprehensive and intuitive GUI that supplies air and non-air booking information via a single tool
• Customer profiles can be utilised with ease so that the customer only ever has to provide their preferences or company policies once
• Amadeus Vista offers consistently reliable access to the lowest fares

“Enhancing productivity – while maintaining a high level of customer service – is key to surviving and thriving in today’s tough travel market. The latest version of Amadeus Vista helps our customers reinforce their customer relationships by being able to focus on the needs of their clients, rather than the booking process, making Vista the solution for virtually any travel agency,” said Arnaud Debuchy, Managing Director of Amadeus UK.

Amadeus Vista is currently available in 14 countries in eight languages including: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, traditional Chinese, French, German and Italian.