Agenta [basic pack] from Amadeus edlivers new option for success to smaller agencies
New Agenta solution enables start-up, cruise-only and home-based agencies to quickly and easily serve their customers while also increasing their profits
MIAMI, October 16, 2006: Amadeus, the leading provider of technology and distribution solutions to the travel industry, today announced the launch of Agenta [basic pack], a new Web-based version of its popular Agenta agency solution aimed at helping new and smaller agencies succeed.
Available now to U.S. agents, Agenta [basic pack] is ideal for start-ups, cruise-only, small and at-home agents and agencies that book less than 1,500 segments annually. With Agenta [basic pack], agents can focus less on running a business and more on doing business.
“This new solution builds on the successful track record of our Agenta offering. We created this Web-based version in response to the changing needs of the industry, "said Bob Lowry, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Support for Amadeus North America. Smaller travel agencies can serve their customers’ travel needs quickly and easily and new agents can enter what continues to be an exciting and gratifying business."
Agenta [basic pack] is as easy to learn as it is easy to use. Agents only need to have an Internet connection and a log-in from Amadeus to get started. Agents do not need previous global distribution system (GDS) experience or travel industry certifications such as ARC or CLIA. This means travel agents can focus on selling more and therefore earning more in commissions with Agenta [basic pack]. Through the system, agents will have access to top-tier commission levels on all bookings, including air, car, hotel, cruise, tour and travel insurance.
According to Lowry, what makes Agenta [basic pack] so easy to use is its point-and-click approach to booking reservations for air, car, hotel, cruise and tour products which is similar to today's consumer online booking engines. Lowry said a new or existing travel agent can be up and running almost immediately on the Agenta Web-based solution which also provides access to world-class online training and support.
Back in Business with Agenta [basic pack]
Calvin Glenn, a home-based agent in South Carolina, used the new Web-based Agenta [basic pack] to get back into the travel agency business.
In 1989, Glenn had his own brick-and-mortar agency in New Jersey, and eventually had more than 100 agents working for him. But he closed the business when he decided to relocate to South Carolina. Then Glenn discovered that technology had evolved – including Web-based reservation tools and travel booking engines – enabling agents to run a successful travel business from home. Glenn decided to reopen his business six months ago as one-person, home-based agency and he attributes Agenta [basic pack] as the catalyst for enabling him to start booking travel again.
"The travel industry has changed drastically since I opened my storefront agency back in late 80s,” said Glenn. “With the ubiquity of the Internet and the simplification of how travel is being booked today online, I realized that with Agenta [basic pack], I could return to a business that I love and make a living no matter where I have my laptop."
"While almost any travel product can now be booked online by consumers, travelers still want the personal attention of an agent and to know that someone is looking out for their travel needs from a cost and logistical standpoint," said Glenn. "Travel agents like me aren’t disappearing, they are just heading home.”
Agenta [basic pack] brings unmatched benefits, tools, service and support to smaller agencies that need it the most. Features and benefits include:
- Fully graphical and user-friendly booking solution
- Profitable commission program where increased sales mean increased revenue
- Targeted sales and marketing programs that help agents find and retain loyal customers
- Agency consumer booking engine allowing agents to compete with the Web
- Full administrative support including hosting, fulfillment, ticketing, invoicing, itineraries, billing and redemption
- Comprehensive online training and support including help desk, e-mail and live chat support
- Detailed tracking and management tools for commissions, revenue, expenses and service fees
Agenta [basic pack] is available for a low monthly maintenance fee of $39.95 per month. Plus, for an additional $10.00 per month you will get a consumer Web site with integrated email marketing tools for your agency. With a one-time start-up fee of $99.95, there are no invoicing fees and only a monthly contract commitment.
More information about Amadeus Agenta, including the new Agenta [basic pack] option, is available at www.goagenta.com or by contacting Agenta at 1-800-514-9649 or myagenta@amadeus.com.
