Building upon a previous successful relationship between Cendant and Continental, the new alliance provides for cooperative promotional programs with affiliated brands and mutual financial incentives. The agreement encompasses Trip.com and Cheaptickets.com, which are operated by Trip Network, Inc., an independent affiliate of Cendant, and Cendant’s offline travel agency, which operates eight contact centers for other Cendant affiliated brands, including membership-based Traveler’s Advantage and RCI Travel.
We’re excited about this enhanced relationship with a world-class airline to increase the selection of discounted airfares and other travel products we offer our customers, said Sam Galeotos, president and CEO of Galileo International, who is also responsible for Cendant’s combined Travel Distribution operations. This is another example of how Cendant can help suppliers gain greater value through their marketing programs by providing a flexible and comprehensive distribution program.
As part of the agreement, Continental will be an active participant in Trip Network’s new proprietary dynamic packaging engine, currently undergoing consumer beta testing for a fall launch. This new product will enable Continental airfares to be opaquely bundled with other travel offerings, including rental cars, hotels, and unique timeshare and condo rentals available through Trip Network’s distribution agreement with Cendant’s RCI Holiday Network. In turn, customers will be able to mix and match their preferred air, lodging, and rental car combinations for one low price, up to 30 percent lower than purchasing the travel segments separately.
Cendant’s comprehensive distribution program allows us to reach more customers in a cost-efficient manner, said June Bennett, vice president of sales for Continental Airlines. Their program fits well with our commitment to provide more options for our customers to conveniently book flights on Continental Airlines.
Access to Continental’s great low fares is just one more reason to shop for discount travel on our Web sites, said Jacob Stepan, chief operating officer of Trip Network, Inc. With our new features, quality service, and consistent value, both Cheap Tickets and Trip.com are growing in popularity with travelers.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
