New AOL site takes aim at direct bookings
America Online launched a new test travel Web site aimed at consumers who want to bypass online travel agencies to book directly with airlines and hotels.
Said Jeffrey DeKorte, general manager of travel at the Time Warner Inc. online unit:
“Some shoppers are loyal to an agency brand, but we believe the vast majority would rather book through a supplier and miss the middle-man fees.”
The comparison shopping site, www.PinpointTravel.com, helps online travel shoppers who may otherwise visit three or four sites before buying, according to Mr DeKorte.
Kayak Software, a company AOL invested in last November, powers the site.
The move was termed a “huge vote of confidence,” said Dana Galin, a vice president of Kayak.com, quoted in intervietnews.com.
The AOL site contains advertising and collects a fee of 50 cents to $1 for each click to a supplier’s Web site. Airlines are so far not paying fees.
PinpointTravel.com will be marketed as a stand-alone entity easily accessed by Web surfers who are not AOL members, according to the company.
American Online officials did not say how long a “test” version would be offered.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.
































Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025