New Educational Web Site for Agents, and Other Travel Technology News
IHG Launches Educational Web Site for Agents
InterContinental Hotels Group has launched Travel Consultant Connection, an online resource and educational site created for travel consultants worldwide. The initial rollout is in English; other languages will be added.
The site, www.ihgagent.com, includes IHG brand information and property details, new hotel openings, and incentives and promotions designed specifically for travel consultants. It also includes travel industry discount rates, IHG Commission Services, GDS Format Guides, descriptions of the most commonly booked IHG rates and Help Desk numbers for travel agent support. For non-GDS users, there is a direct link to IHG’s brand Web sites to help secure the agency commission.
Travel Consultant Connection also includes IHG Agent University, a five-hour interactive training program accredited by The Travel Institute. The course content provides facts about IHG, the Priority Club Rewards program, and offers overviews of the seven IHG brands: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
Aeroflot Renews SabreSonic Agreement
Aeroflot, Russia’s national carrier, renewed its agreement with Sabre Airline Solutions for the SabreSonic Customer Sales and Service reservations system.
The airline plans to augment its existing Aeroflot Bonus loyalty program with a new frequent flyer program for corporate customers, leveraging Sabre’s customer profile and calculator tools to tailor specific services for business passengers.
It also will use new advanced services offered by SabreSonic Web, which improve online shopping and check-in services.
Accommodations Site Drops Admin Fees for Cancellations
Getabed.co.uk, a trade-only accommodation site, eliminated administration fees for cancellations. Agents will pay fees only if a hotel charges for cancellations. The site will display what and when the hotel will charge for a cancellation prior to an agent making the booking.
Managing director Matt Stuart said the plan had been “in the pipeline,” but the recent chaos caused by the ash cloud and the closing of European airspace brought home the importance of giving agents full transparency over cancellation charges.
