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Worldspan Launches New Ferry Booking Solution in UK and Ireland

Worldspan has announced availability of Worldspan FerrySM, its web-based ferry booking solution for travel agents in the UK & Ireland. The solution is designed to cut agentså’ time and effort when searching and booking ferry trips in Europe. 


Worldspan
FerrySM is fast, easy to use, and has excellent fares according to Janet Bodkin, Sterling Travel Management, Operations Manager.  “With all the ferry operators in one place, we can now research and complete a booking within minutes, rather than half a day.  We also have access to very competitive fares, so for the first time we actually have the option to give customers bigger discounts.”


The innovative web-based technology deployed in Worldspan FerrySM was developed by ferry reservation services company Entee Global Services.  It is available free of charge to Worldspan agents, with guaranteed commissions paid by Entee. Agents can quickly access the dedicated website from either a link in Worldspan Go! Res, or via a separate web address. For online travel companies, Worldspan FerrySM can be easily integrated into web sites.


David Taylor, Worldspan Director UK & Ireland and Strategy EMEAA, said: “The UK & Ireland are the first phase of our planned solution release across Europe. The popularity of European ferry services, for both leisure and business travellers, is increasing year on year - in 2002, nearly 16 million passengers preferred to travel by ferry. To service the demands of this market, agents need a fast, secure tool to access and book ferry services.”


Currently, more than 28 European ferry operators can be accessed through the solution, including Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries, Eurotunnel, Hoverspeed, Irish Ferries, and all P&O brands, Stena Line, Scandlines, Hellenic Mediterranean, FjordLine and SeaFrance. More operators are being added on an ongoing basis.

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This latest development for agents reflects Worldspan’s commitment to, and expertise in, using the Internet for travel. It was responsible for many of the early developments in this area, and currently leads the global travel e-commerce market, handling over 50% of all global online travel agency bookings.

Related stories on ITN:

(07/07/2003) Worldspan Appoints Gregory O’Hara

(07/07/2003) Worldspan Under New Ownership and Leadership

(10/06/2003) Worldspan Stands Firm on Deregulation

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