LAS VEGAS—Worldspan today announced a strategic marketing and technology alliance with Viator, a major provider of Internet-based content, technology and distribution services to the travel industry, making Viator the first Worldspan on the WebSM (WOW) participant with full segment integration. The partnership will enable Worldspan travel agencies to book leisure and destination products from Viator’s global travel database, using Worldspan’s new Web-based infrastructure to integrate these Internet bookings into a single transaction record in the Worldspan reservations system.
Viator originally became a Worldspan Internet Associate in March 2000 with an agreement to integrate their Web-based leisure travel content and delivery technology with Worldspan’s reservations platform. The alliance announced today further strengthens that relationship, with Worldspan making an equity investment in Viator.
“Our equity partnership with Viator illustrates Worldspan’s ongoing commitment to assembling the finest travel content on the Internet for our customers,” commented Paul J. Blackney, president and chief executive officer for Worldspan. “Alliances such as this help ensure seamless access to a broader-than-ever range of Web-based travel products for Worldspan users now and in the future.”
Viator is the leading supplier of destination products to the travel industry, offering tours, accommodations, events, attractions, transfers and other travel content from suppliers throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Utilizing XML and other state-of-the-art communications technology, Worldspan on the Web enables Worldspan Go!® customers to access Viator’s Internet travel solutions directly from the desktop, without opening additional applications, to find and book the ideal leisure products for their clients. Internet transactions are confirmed and reported through the Worldspan system, then fully integrated with the travel agency’s accounting and other back-office systems.
In addition, WOW booking segments are automatically merged into a single traveler itinerary with air, car and hotel reservations. Using My Trip and More, Worldspan’s innovative new Web site providing instant online access to travel plans, travel agency clients can view, print and even e-mail their complete WOW itineraries.
“We are delighted to welcome Viator as our first full participant in Worldspan on the Web,” said Jesse Liebman, senior vice president and general manager - Worldwide Travel Supplier Services for Worldspan. “By combining the power and variety of the Internet with Go! reservations technology, Worldspan is creating a new way to book travel, offering travel agencies an innovative new means to differentiate themselves from their competitors and earn additional revenue. Viator is a key partner in that mission.”
“Viator is pleased to participate in this exciting new venture,” said Rod Cuthbert, chief executive officer for Viator. “The ability to access and book Viator’s destination products directly through the Worldspan Go! platform with full segment integration will certainly extend Viator’s services to more travel agencies, and enable new suppliers to market their travel products to a broader audience.”
Viator provides content, technology and distribution services to the travel industry. For travel suppliers, the company provides comprehensive data management, hosting, e-commerce and distribution services. For travel sellers, Viator’s offerings include delivery of the product database and a modular exhibition and e-commerce system that may be easily integrated into retail web sites. With offices in San Francisco, Sydney and London, Viator has staff dedicated to recruiting travel suppliers, loading and managing their product online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information about Viator may be found on their web site, at www.viator.com.
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