ITB Asia: GTA launches free itinerary builder

SINGAPORE GTA unveiled a free itinerary builder during ITB Asia that it says will help agents turn a profit by providing new revenue opportunities.
Initially a free itinerary builder, Emutrip will allow retail travel agents to create, build, edit and organise their clients’ travel itineraries and present them in an appealing format.
GTA claims it will free up agents to devote more time to understanding the particular needs of their customers and providing relevant recommendations and reassurance
inside no 5Made to be mobile, travellers can download the emutrip app from the App Store and Google Play so they can view their itinerary on smartphones and tablets
Emutrip, (www.emutrip.com) will start life as a free itinerary builder, but will evolve over time into a sophisticated tool for travellers; accessible in store, at home and on the move.
GTA’s chief executive, Ivan Walter, said: “GTA has always been at the forefront of travel industry technology … emutrip which will add value for travellers and build awareness of agents’ brand and expertise.”
The App automates the process of building a dynamically packaged trip and presents it in a way that is as appealing as the traditional holiday brochure but can be as individual as the traveller.
As GTA continues to focus on doing business with travel businesses not consumers, each itinerary can be created using the agency’s own brand.
Agents build elements of the itinerary day-by-day – from flights to rail travel, accommodation to activities – drawing on content from GTA’s extensive database and elsewhere. For instance, it includes flight information and can send alerts about delays, cancellations or gate changes.
“As we celebrate our 40-year legacy and with millions invested in innovation to drive our business forward, 2015 will be the beginning of an exciting new era for GTA,” Walter explained.
Initially only available in English, other languages will follow in 2015.
Emutrip will eventually evolve into an “all-in-one” sales tool for travel agents that will connect to third party content such as local weather and news, promote special offers, room upgrades, transfers or destination services while travellers are on their trip, and enable travellers to book direct through their smartphone or tablet.

sourced:ttrweekly.com