‘First’ leisure GDS launched
A Bristol-based software company that already works with the Big Four has developed a leisure GDS that it hopes will make other GDSs redundant.
Multicom has combined its current offerings to produce FindandBook, a one-stop shop for agents that offers airline content including no-frills airlines, hotels and package holidays.
Fares from airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet are accessed by screen-scraping their websites, and the software connects to Viewdata for package holiday content. There are also 15,500 hotels onboard accessed through companies such as Jumbo and Barcello.
Multicom general manager Chris Nourse told TravelMole that more content is being added all the time, and said car hire would soon be available. He told TravelMole: “We are looking to extend the reach and product depth as quickly as we can.”
According to Mr Nourse, agents can package elements together themselves, such as no-frills airline content with hotels, and pay for it in one transaction. The system also allows agents to add their own fee onto the price. It can be incorporated into an agency website to allow consumer to access and book their own products and the agency can choose whether the supplier’s details are shown or hidden.
FindandBook can also be used on agency desktops and in call centres, allowing sales staff to use the technology as a reservations system. Mr Nourse said: “For years the GDSs have talked up their plans to enter the leisure market, yet they haven’t committed significant investment to building a suitable product offering for the sector.”
He also told TravelMole that the company had joined the TTI panel on the development of a Viewdata alternative, he said: “We do see a need for a product set that enables companies to function in a world where Viewdata does not exist, but that is going to take a while yet.”
Multicom already works with companies such as Thomas Cook, Cosmos and Kuoni to supply reservations technology.
Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
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