The travel industry must work together to simplify and streamline the search and booking process and stem the tide of fragmentation, according to Traventec.
The report, published today, incorporating a guest contribution from Comtec (Europe), software provider to the UK leisure travel sector, analyses the bewildering array of travel search options available to both the travel agent and consumer, in particular the plethora of solutions facing agents due to the volume of channels, suppliers and information available via the desktop browser.

Howard Frost, Traventec’s VP Sales comments: “The choice of online booking options boggles the mind of the consumer and travel agent alike. The problem is there is no optimum search and booking channel because consumer travel requirements vary so widely.”

He explains: “While the technology is available to address disintegrated search, providers and intermediaries are slow to adapt their commercial models to embrace the strategic dynamic partnerships required to deliver complete, end-to-end and seamless search and booking.”

Simon Powell, co-founder and CEO of Comtec (Europe) Ltd comments: “To compete, travel agents need access to travel distribution systems that are at least as effective, in terms of design, functionality and content, as those available directly to consumers”

He explains: “Travel agents should not underestimate the capability of travel technology systems to now finally achieve what has been a highly elusive business requirement. The age of the integrated desktop search is upon us.”

The report is available to download free through www.traventec.com.

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