Amadeus and GTS Interactive first to launch unique SMS solution to travel agencies

New web-based SMS solution allows agencies to send travel information via SMS

Bangkok, Thailand (Asia Pacific), 21 May 2008: Amadeus, a leading global technology and distribution partner to the travel industry, has partnered with GTS Interactive to launch the new Amadeus SMS Solution, an industry-first web-based tool that allows travel agents to send travel information to their customers via SMS.

Travel agents can alert travellers to essential trip details conveniently via their mobile phones, including travel itineraries, e-tickets, flight information, Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, and any changes to the Ticketing Time Limit (the date by which a booked ticket must be issued). The tool can be easily accessed through the Amadeus Selling Platform or Internet Explorer.

David Brett, President, Amadeus Asia Pacific, said, “As people in this region – and all over the world – travel more frequently for business and leisure, mobile devices have naturally become crucial for daily communication.  Today’s travellers demand more information and convenience, and mobile devices offer an ideal platform for communication with travel agents.

“At Amadeus we focus very strongly on research, to understand the changing needs and demands of travellers. The new SMS solution corresponds closely with the trend of technology convergence on mobile devices. As always, Amadeus seeks new opportunities to collaborate with industry partners in developing solutions to fit the changing needs of our travel customers, and we’re happy that the SMS solution does just that.”

Mark Ludtke, Chief Operating Officer, GTS Interactive, commented: “In the fast moving and competitive travel services industry, mobile devices are playing an increasingly important role in immediate information delivery. The Amadeus SMS Solution is specifically designed with Amadeus’ travel provider and travel agent partner needs in mind. It is a great example of how technology solutions can help reduce operating costs, increase convenience and take customer serviceability to the next level. We are delighted to be working with a recognised industry leader and applaud this initiative.”

Amadeus SMS is fully integrated into the Amadeus Selling Platform, allowing travel agents to quickly generate traveller information directly from the Amadeus PNR database. It can be used to send text messages to customers anywhere in the world, provided that the originating telecom supports the SMS tool.

Traveller cell phone numbers remain confidential, and there is no additional advertising attached to the text message. The solution’s easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) also makes it simple to incorporate into an agency’s booking process.

Peter Smith, Vice President, Business Solutions, Amadeus Asia Pacific, said, “This solution is extremely relevant for travel agencies operating here in Asia, where communications technology adoption is among the highest in the world. According to Euromonitor, Asia Pacific currently has 1.1 billion mobile users, compared with about 476 million users in Western Europe. China, India and Japan, followed by Korea and Australia, have the highest levels of mobile phone possession worldwide.”

He added, “Amadeus SMS is designed to give travel agencies more flexibility and convenience in ensuring important data reaches their customers immediately, no matter where they are. We plan to offer more capabilities on the SMS solution in the near future to further extend its functionality for travellers and agents.”

The solution is set to roll out in Asia from April 2008, beginning with Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. Additional features are currently being developed to allow travel agencies to offer travel customers enhanced information, including location-based navigating services, personalized and rich text SMS capabilities, and mobile GDS booking capabilities. Travel agents will also be able to brand the text messages in future.

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