Emirates Holidays, the wholesale tour operator in the Gulf and Middle East, is celebrating rapid expansion of its innovative…
Emirates Holidays, the wholesale tour operator in the Gulf and Middle East, is celebrating rapid expansion of its innovative TradeNet all-in-one online quotation system during the last 18 months, throughout key markets in the Middle East and Asia.
Initially launched in April 2004 to just 20 travel agents in the UAE, TradeNet is now used by over 4,000 agents in more than 35 countries throughout the Middle East and Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Hong Kong.
TradeNet provides them with speedy quotations, convenient flight and hotel reservations, tailor-made holidays, package quotations, and direct communications with Emirates Holidays – all at their fingertips.
The TradeNet roll-out included a roadshow of seminars and presentations to more than 250 travel agents in various markets, as well as presentations to 400 agents invited to the Emirates Holidays 2005 Brochure Launch in Dubai.
Kevin Arnold, Manager Emirates Holidays (Middle East, Africa & Indian Ocean) said: “TradeNet has proved to be a big hit with travel agents. They appreciate its easy-to-use online facilities, which avoid telephone bottlenecks and provide fast, accurate data on availability and price updates on specific Emirates Holidays services.”
Shushant Gupte, Business Systems Manager, Emirates Holidays added: “TradeNet makes it even easier for travel agents to provide their clients with all-inclusive holiday solutions. Tailor-made arrangements are the hallmark of Emirates Holidays, allowing agents greater flexibility to satisfy their clients.”
Future enhancements to TradeNet include a new online booking function being rolled out to give agents flexibility to amend, manage and control their bookings; and TradeNet 2.0, with a new user interface incorporating feedback collected from users over the past 18 months, scheduled to go live in early 2006.
TradeNet is also being developed to print service vouchers, allowing agents to complete the end-to-end transaction of quotation, payment, booking and documentation online.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
