Travel portal to revolutionise online search
A new search engine designed specifically for travel agents will revolutionise their use of the Internet, it has been claimed.
Online fares database provider FarePoint said the launch of Travel Navigator will cut through the myriad of ‘useless’ information and take retailers direct to relevant websites.
The system, which is free for agents, works by bringing all websites designed for the trade into a single portal with direct links to host sites. Main categories will include airlines, flight only, tour operators, dynamic packaging suppliers, accommodation only, car hire, transfers, holiday add-ons and even weather. Foreign Office advice, travel news and a links database can also be searched using key words.
FarePoint managing director Jon Constantine said locating information on the ‘Internet jungle’ has become increasingly time-consuming and confusing for retailers.
“Travel agents do not have as much time as their own consumers to research all the available travel websites,” he said. “Public search engines will return thousands of websites, most of which will be totally useless to a travel agent as they will be designed for direct sell or be in a foreign country.”
He said all sites in Travel Navigator have been hand-picked for relevance to specific market sectors with direct links to agents’ login page.
“It will save agents hours of time looking for relevant sites,” said Constantine.
The company will charge a “small fee” for suppliers wishing to be included in the search although Constantine stressed companies will still be listed if no commercial deals are reached.
“But we are actively seeking marketing agreements with suppliers in return for generating regular traffic to their websites,” he added. “As travel agents sit directly at the point of sale conversion rates from click throughs will be higher than those from the general public.”
Travel Navigator can be found at www.travelnavigator.info.
Report by Steve Jones
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