Comtec
, the retail travel industry`s leading travel agency software provider, today announced a far-reaching restructuring and recruitment programme, which it claimed is being supported by a sharp upturn in travel agents` business.

The strategy will see Comtec create two new customer-focused divisions - called Strategic Accounts and Business Development - designed to meet the needs of its fast-expanding client base, which is expected to grow from 10,000 agency customers to 20,000 by the end of 2002.

Comtec`s newly-formed Strategic Accounts division will focus on existing customers, and ensuring the company`s portfolio of products develops to meet their changing systems requirements, while the Business Development division will bring together industry specialists to create new business opportunities within Comtec`s expanding marketplace.

The restructure is being supported by two senior-level promotions. Comtec`s Sally McCoid, will head the Business Development team as business development director, while Steve Lowe, will drive the company`s Strategic Accounts initiative as strategic accounts director.

In addition, Comtec is appointing four b2b business development managers to develop new opportunities in the retail travel market and advice potential customers on their technology systems strategies. Jenny Farquharson joins the company from Balkan Holidays where she handled regional sales, while Jon Essex arrives after a period as business development manager with leading tour operator Bowens Group and then utilities giant Broadfern. The other two appointments - Claire Gowen and Sarah Everingham - are being promoted from senior sales positions within Comtec.

Said Comtec`s group director Richard Turner: “The post-September 11 upsurge has begun. We are seeing renewed confidence among agents, most of whom are enjoying rapid rises in productivity. What`s more, our order books show agents are now prepared to invest in new technology systems to ensure they capitalise on the upturn.

“With Comtec`s customer base expanding so quickly, it`s essential we keep in touch with clients` ever-changing needs. By restructuring our operation we can offer customers solutions and services that will enable them to achieve peak efficiency as they enjoy a return to economic prosperity.”

                                                         
Comtec`s portfolio features TravelCat, the UK`s leading agency management system with over 9,000 agency PCs connected; EasySell, the industry`s only multi-operator search solution, enabling agents to search availability from operators in a matter of seconds; e-commerce solutions and holiday data, including late and full season package holiday and flight availability.

Comtec is also the retail travel industry`s leading e-commerce developer powering sites such as bargainholidays.com, Expedia.co.uk, Holiday.co.uk and lastminute.com. In addition, the company delivers lates data and content to the UK retail travel market, and was the first company to develop an internet-viewdata interface.

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