RADIUS the global travel company unveiled a unique proprietary technology tool, The RADIUS Wheel, at the National Business Travel Association…
RADIUS the global travel company unveiled a unique proprietary technology tool, The RADIUS Wheel, at the National Business Travel Association convention in Orlando, Florida. The revolutionary system will offer RADIUS clients opportunities for otherwise inaccessible savings at time of booking. This is in keeping with RADIUS’ long tradition of introducing innovative solutions in response to marketplace demands.
When a RADIUS agent makes a reservation, the RADIUS Wheel checks the database for available proprietary inventory that can be offered at a lower rate than the originally booked services. These counter-offers will be displayed within seconds to the booking agent who can then propose them at point-of-sale to the client. The alternatives can be special prices and promotions negotiated by RADIUS, the individual travel management company or the client themselves. The system operates on all GDSs, and not only offers unique share-shift opportunities but also can help to ensure that no booking is ever made at a higher rate than the lowest available or negotiated rate.
Tony Hughes, President and Chief Executive Officer of RADIUS, said at the launch: “The travel management company of the future needs to be smarter, assisting its corporate customers in managing its travel spend better. The RADIUS Wheel takes managing our corporate clients’ travel needs to a completely new level. We are constantly seeking ways of giving our members a true advantage ahead of the competition. By RADIUS having developed the Wheel, our shareholders will be able to show a real value differential to their corporate clients.”
Bill Tech, Chairman of RADIUS and President of Omaha, Nebraska-based Travel and Transport, Inc., a RADIUS company and one of the largest travel management companies in the US, added: “Having seen all the technology tools available in the marketplace, I am confident that The RADIUS Wheel will truly revolutionize the way we do business. Not only is it unique in offering point-of-sale available alternatives at the right time and price, but it will not cost our clients anything to utilize, they will only realize the savings!”
The RADIUS Wheel provides management information on achieved savings based on a comprehensive list of parameters. It will also detail any offers declined by the client and the reason for the rejection. The flexibility of the system will enable RADIUS travel management companies and their corporate clients the ability to define the offers they wish to see and which they do not. The RADIUS Wheel has just completed its Beta test phase and is starting its worldwide rollout today.
Bob Smyth, Account Manager with Bloomington, Indiana-based RADIUS company Gant Travel, one of the agencies that Beta tested the system, said: “The easy installation, the speed at which it operates, and the ability of our agents to offer alternatives nobody else can find, has given us a tool which will change the way we do business. We know our clients will love what The RADIUS Wheel can do for them.”
Tony Hughes concluded: “Hotels and airlines recognize the opportunities presented by The RADIUS Wheel. They, like our agents and clients, realize this is the most advanced tool in the marketplace today and are excited at the prospect of working with RADIUS and our innovative technology.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
