Breaking Travel News

Amadeus Expands Presence in China

Amadeus Global Travel Distribution S.A., a leading
global distribution system (GDS) and technology provider to the travel
industry, today announced an agreement with TravelSky Technology Ltd. to
provide China`s only computer reservation system with access to the Amadeus
inventory of non-air products.


TravelSky
, a Chinese computer reservation system, is subscribed to by 7,000
Chinese travel agents.  It is also the leading foreign airline booking
distributor with over 28,000 user terminals placed across 300 cities and 130
airports in China.


The system, which will offer access to Amadeus`
inventory of some 58,000
hotels, 50 car-hire firms and other travel related products including ferry,
rail, and cruise operator, is expected to be well received by TravelSky`s
agents throughout China.


Mr. Zhu Yong, President of TravelSky Technology Ltd., said “This agreement
is a landmark in the development of China`s outbound tourism industry.  It
is the first time that Chinese travel agencies will officially be able to
access a global distribution system providing hotels, car rentals, as well
as other related products worldwide”.  He anticipated reservations through
Amadeus to begin in the last quarter of 2002.


According to Mr. Zhu Yong, an estimated 13 million Chinese will make
overseas trips in 2002, spending around US$ 2,000 per person, excluding
hotel and transportation expenses.

ADVERTISEMENT


Mr. Jos Antonio Taz
, President and CEO of Amadeus, said “Becoming the
preferred GDS for such an important market strengthens our commitment to
China.  We will move quickly to the next phase, accelerating our development
of a host of new generation electronic distribution and travel e-commerce
solutions appropriate for the China market”.


Mark Lewsey
, Director of Marketing for Amadeus UK added, “The signing of
TravelSky further underpins Amadeus` global strength and expertise and our
commitment to providing technology solutions to the travel industry
worldwide.  China`s travel industry is expanding rapidly and we look forward
to working with TravelSky as we move forward with this agreement.” 


Chinese citizens travelling overseas in 2000 numbered 10.5 million, with 8.8
million selecting Asian destinations, primarily in Southeast Asia, while 1.1
million travelled to Europe, and over 500,000 to the Americas.


TravelSky completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in February 2001.
Amadeus has a minority equity interest in TravelSky.


Related stories on ITN:

(17/06/2002) Amadeus Signs Leading UK Consolidator in India

(12/03/2002) Amadeus Renews Partnership with Thai Airlines

——-