According to industry reports, issues still pending in
the process of selling hotel accommodation through the global distribution
systems (GDS) and the Internet include: transparency of rates and room
availability; accuracy in rates loaded on the GDS and consistency in rates
quoted across channels.

Hotel bookings via Amadeus

are continuing to grow as the company addresses
these issues effectively. The first quarter of 2003 revealed a 13.9% growth,
year on year, well above the reported worldwide figure of 4.6% growth for
hotel bookings made electronically via GDS and key Internet travel sites, in
the same period. This growth reflects the increased confidence that
customers have in the reliable hotel rates and availability provided through
Amadeus throughout the reservation process.

Amadeus, through its Dynamic Access hotel booking tool, gives travel agents,
corporations and travel sites, continued seamless access to the central
reservation systems (CRS) of hotel operators. Consequently, the data
retrieved by any agent on a hotel`s room availability, pricing, conditions
and confirmation of booking, is identical to that in the hotel CRS at all
stages of the booking process.

The efficiency of Dynamic Access is demonstrated by the exceptional growth
in reservations made through the tool since its launch in June 2002 with
Marriott International.  “We have seen a tremendous shift in business”, says
Bruce Wolff, Senior VP Distribution Sales, Marriott International. “Our
bookings through Amadeus have grown considerably even into early 2003 which
is remarkable in today`s context.”

With latest additions InterContinental Hotels

(previously Six Continents),
Starwood and Cendant Travel Distribution customers - SRS-WORLDHOTELS, New
Otani, Small Luxury Hotels, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and Fiesta Americana
-, eleven major groups, comprising 28 chains, are now using Dynamic Access.
Others are Maritim, Sonesta and Supranational Hotels. The latter reported a
ten per cent growth in bookings since upgrading to Dynamic Access in
September 2002.

Commenting on their performance, Michael Ball, CEO of SRS-WORLDHOTELS says:
“We are confident to see increased business from our Dynamic Access
connectivity - first positive May results seem to underline this. Mid and
long-term, our commitment to data integrity and enhanced information
displays will pay back in higher reservation and revenue volumes.”

Dynamic Access has also received a standing ovation from top travel agency
groups. “It has been a great help for travel agents as we expected,” says
Britt Elin Andersen, Supervisor, Hotel Department, Berg-Hansen Reisebureau
AS. “The risk of incorrect rates being loaded onto the system is totally
eliminated as Amadeus takes the user to the CRS of the hotel chain, to view
the `live` information. We can now trust the data shown in the multi
property display. We expect to see increased switch-selling to hotel chains
using Dynamic Access, both from our travel agencies and online users.”

Atlanta-based Uniglobe Travel`s Peter Durbetak adds, “In today`s travel
agency environment, we have come to depend on accurate data in making
purchase decisions for our clients. Our agencies must work more efficiently
now than ever before and we must have reliable sources and information to
assist us in doing this. Hotel rates are no exception. With hotel companies
on Dynamic Access, I know instantly what my options are and can make a quick
and accurate quote and booking for my client.”

Related stories on ITN:

(13/06/2003) Amadeus AgentNet Captures the Best of the Web

(12/06/2003) VIA Travel Group Signs Six Year Contract with Amadeus

(11/06/2003) Amadeus Introduce Fare Update Tool

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