Amadeus
, a leading global distribution system (GDS)
and technology provider to the travel industry, together with Chameleon
Training & Consulting have joined forces to provide the first packaged live
GDS training programme for Colleges and Travel Recruitment companies in the
UK.

After extensive research and feedback from colleges and industry, Amadeus
and Chameleon identified a need for students to be better equipped with
practical skills as they entered the job market.  Agents have welcomed the
move and look forward to seeing the programme implemented in colleges and
recruitment companies throughout the UK during 2002, starting with a pilot
programme in June involving Guildford College and Norwich City College.
The training will be provided on Amadeus` flagship product Amadeus Vista
through the AgentNet portal. This will initially provide the industry
recognised Amadeus Reservations Course with further products to be added in
the future, such as the British Airways Amadeus Fares & Ticketing course
level 1 & 2, currently delivered direct to the Travel Industry by Chameleon.
Both courses will lead to students being awarded British Airways and IATA
industry recognised certificates and accredited with IATA points.

Mark Lewsey
, Director of Marketing for Amadeus UK added “In consultation
with our clients and the travel industry, we identified a real need in the
market for a live GDS training programme.  By working with Chameleon to
develop this programme, we will ultimately provide cost-savings to employers
by cutting down time for On-The-Job training for new employees, as well as
equipping students with the practical skills they need as they move into
their first positions as travel consultants.”

“We are extremely excited about working with Amadeus to bring the first
packaged live GDS training programme into UK Colleges,” said Bruce Applin,
Head of Travel Operations at Chameleon Training and Consulting.
“Technology is changing the face of the travel industry on a daily basis.
By working with global technology leaders like Amadeus to bring live
training programs into UK training establishments, we can provide students
with invaluable practical GDS experience prior to them moving into the
workplace.”

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