Amadeus launches SMS solution for travel agencies
Published: 21 May 2008
Amadeus has partnered with GTS Interactive to launch the new Amadeus SMS Solution.
The solution is being described as 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.
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.
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, personalised and rich text SMS capabilities, and mobile GDS booking capabilities. Travel agents will also be able to brand the text messages in future.
Comments
Jim said on 26 May 08:
It is good to see Amadeus embracing SMS, but I must ask: Why did it take so long and why are there not more companies in travel and tourism doing the same?
There were proven SMS applications in travel as much as a decade ago. The technology is inexpensive and fairly easy -- and ubiquitous with mobile phones nearing the saturation point. No need to wait for fancy web-enabled handsets.
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