Galileo is launching its new Galileo Leisure website in selected countries throughout Asia.The site, which is a Galileo branded version of the retail booking system offered by sister company Gullivers Travel Associate, will be offered at no cost to leisure travel agents in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia Singapore and Thailand and further represents the unique content proposition that is available through one of the world’s largest travel companies.

“Galileo Leisure is an industry first and effectively combines in one place all the benefits of an unrivalled range of superb travel content.  Never before have Asian travel agents been able to serve their customers so well while also boosting their own revenue earning potential,” commented Mr. Mark Rizzuto, Managing Director, Cendant Travel Distribution Services, Asia.

Within eight weeks of its initial European launch in late 2005, over 2,300 travel agencies had begun using Galileo Leisure with the average booking value well in excess of US$350. A similar response is expected in Asia where the new website will enable leisure travel agents to fully integrate all bookings made through both Galileo Leisure and Gullivers into a Galileo booking file, saving time spent on administration and invoicing. 

“We’ve worked hard at developing a leisure travel tool that will help Asian travel agents maximise every available booking opportunity.  With Galileo Leisure, they really will be able to access all the relevant, non-GDS content they need in one site to build the ideal holiday for their customers,” commented Mr. Enrico Bisello, Director of Product Management, Asia Pacific, Cendant TDS.

“....And this is just the beginning - we plan to evolve this offering well beyond the domain of leisure travel and we will roll out the product to other countries in Asia throughout out 2006,” he continued.

Galileo Leisure also features a group booking facility. Group bookings made via Galileo Leisure are managed by Gullivers’ specialist groups section that arrange itineraries, select product, negotiate pricing and provide comprehensive customer service to travel agents, arranging all hotel bookings, transfers, restaurants and sightseeing—benefits well appreciated by Asian agents who serve a demanding consumer base.

Travel agents will also be able to offer their Asian customers additional, value-added services such as transfers, sightseeing tours and additional independent hotels - providing numerous new cross-selling opportunities. 

Content includes access to over 20,000 Gullivers sourced hotels, as well as 3,500 car rental locations, 2,500 transfer services and 4,300 sightseeing tours (including 1,200 private sightseeing options). Asian travel agents will also have direct access to the information they need to answer frequently asked customer questions via the extensive destination content provided on the site such as online city maps and real time weather information. 
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