GDSs Better Hotel Displays
Worldspan and Sabre last month each introduced improved hotel booking functionality. Worldspan upgraded its mapping capabilities while Sabre focused on hotel amenities.
In August, Amadeus added photography to its hotel display, giving agents access to both exterior and interior views of the property being booked. Galileo plans to launch a new desktop version in the second half of 2005 that will use split-screen technology to display enhanced maps and more photos.
This latest round of global distribution system enhancements will give agents better tools with which to ensure corporate travelers book the approved hotel to accrue savings and help meet compliance goals. Agents previously might have had to use multiple tools to find the same level of information.
The importance of agents in getting travelers to book the preferred hotel at the negotiated rate cannot be overstated, said Rick Wakida, global travel manager for Openwave in Redwood City, Calif. "Consequently, any features that help accomplish this task, that make it easier and faster for the agent, are a good thing," he said.
The new GDS mapping, amenity and photo upgrades also will enrich the information available through corporate online booking tools.
Worldspan's latest-generation mapping program makes it easier for agents to book hotels where the traveler wants to be. "Worldspan Interactive Maps takes the technology one step further. Having identified the hotel location on the map, it permits the agent to overlay property details, real time rates and availability," said Ninan Chacko, Worldspan senior vice president for e-commerce and product planning. "Agents now can provide this deeper level of information, making them more productive for their clients."
Chacko described the technique as "mouse-over" technology. "In describing each hotel, a pop-up box appears on the agent's screen that displays the extra information," he said. It provides agents with links to broader property descriptions and negotiated rates for other room types. The upgrade is available for North American and European hotels.
The Sabre enhancement makes amenity information available on the primary search screen the agent sees, again saving search time. "An amenities column displays up to seven hotel features, allowing agents to match more quickly a hotel's attributes with the traveler's needs," said John Stow, president of Sabre Travel Network.
Agents can zero in more quickly on travelers' requirements, assuming the hotel is approved for booking. "The benefits hotel offer vary widely, so the new system allows them to customize the list to fit their particular profile," Stow said. Hotels choose from 20 options, including high-speed Internet access, complimentary parking, airport shuttles, business centers and fitness facilities.
Improved photo capability allows Amadeus agents to view both exterior and interior property shots, including the lobby, other public spaces and sample guest rooms. Karen Dianderas, hotel product manager for Amadeus North America, said travelers often want assurances before finalizing the booking, so the photos allow the agent to describe the property in subjective terms. The improved functionality was part of the August launch of Amadeus' Aergo 6.1 product. Hotels provide the photos, however, so the property determines what travelers get to see.
When the latest Galileo version launches next year, agents will be able to view upgrades in hotel functionality on a split screen. "The map will take a quarter to a third of the screen with the remainder devoted to photos and property information, including rates, availability and hotel amenities," said Michael Ihle, vice president of product development. Hotels also will have access to the master database, allowing them to add new amenities in real time.