Thomson to upgrade retail web capability
Thomson’s high street agents should have access to the same technology as available through its consumer web service by the end of the year.
TUI Northern Europe director of new media Graham Donoghue revealed the operator was working on a project to update hardware and increase bandwidth across its retail network so that agents can then access the same tools.
Donoghue said there was a project to introduce a login version of the web service for its retail estate first followed by version for third party retail agents by the first quarter of next year.
“We have been working with our shops very closely and they have identified things they want such as late search technology, the ability to search across three airports, different payment methods and cruise and stay technology.”
Donoghue added that the technology could be piloted in the third quarter of this year before introduction across the retail network but that the operator would be careful not to cross into the peak selling period.
Meanwhile, Thomson has launched a new late deals search facility on the home page of its website.
The web 2.0 technology acts in a similar way to Kayak enabling consumers to search thousands of holidays.
Any change in holiday criteria such as price or accommodation rating is automatically updated on the page so that consumers get the most up-to-date information available.
The number of holidays found by the system also increases or decreases dynamically as customers change their preferences.
Donoghue said that in 40% of all searches on the website are for departures within a six-week period rising to about 50% at this time of year.
* See linked stories.
by Linda Fox
Linda Fox
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