Amadeus the first “truly mobile” GDS
Amadeus has made the transition to become the only Australian GDS that is “truly mobile.”
Launched yesterday, the new Amadeus Selling Platform Connect, or Amadeus Connect for short, represents the industry’s first fully online professional travel agency platform.
“We are unbelievably excited with Amadeus Connect,” Amadeus Pacific’s managing director Tony Carter said.
“We are at the front edge of trends in where the customer is going. Agents can now connect anywhere, anytime.”
Touted as the first “truly mobile” system, Amadeus has moved away from the current system that requires installing, and onto a platform that can be accessed from multiple devices simply by logging into the database using the internet.
“This is a huge advantage for both agents and customers,” product manager Damian Hannam said.
“Not having to say, ‘I’ll have a look when I get home’ is a real benefit of using Amadeus Connect.”
The key changes from the older platform include new search features to assist in finding information faster, with a more intuitive workspace, and a mix and match command and graphical workspace centred around an agent’s preferred workflow.
In addition, Amadeus has given agents the ability to view multiple bookings concurrently, something that is revolutionary in the GDS arena.
“You can now look at up to 12 sectors at a time on one page,” Hannam explained. “This will essentially speed up the process, as the old style only allowed you to view one booking at a time.”
Minimal training is required for the intuitive new system, which doesn’t require you to know airport and airline codes in order to book instantaneously, with automatic version updates included to reduce downtime as well.
The familiar command page also ensures a seamless move to the next generation platform, while air, hotels, cars and profiles all interact together.
The system also provides agents with “rich content” with smarter search, interactive maps, a wide range of hotels, virtual credit card payment and optional integration with preferred content partners.
But the real winner is the way Amadeus Connect actually allows agents to better engage and personalise the service they give their clients.
“It’s no longer a case of the travel agent sits on one side of the desk, and the customer on the other,” Carter said. “Agents share the experience with the customer, and want to show them something sexy, draw them into the process.”
And it was this particular element that brought TravelManagers to the party, stepping in as the first agency to trial Amadeus Connect and act as “lead customers in market deployment.”
“Late last year we made the decision to bite the bullet and move over to Amadeus,” TravelManagers Australia’s executive GM Michael Gazal said.
“We have over 460 agents, soon to be 500 with our expansions, all around Australia, and by moving over to Amadeus, we have achieved true mobility.”
Gazal added that most personal TravelManagers are “non-Amadeus users”, but that Amadeus Connect makes the transition easier, especially by incorporating both command and graphical workspaces.
“TravelManagers provide true personal service,” he added. “They come to the client, and now have the opportunity to bring their iPad or laptop, and sit down in real time and look at bookings with a customer straight away.”
“This is a big opportunity for TravelManagers to have that.”
Gazal also made reference to the fact that travel agents are “the masters of juggling”, and that the ability to work when away from the computer, or have multiple screens live at once, was a huge advantage that drew the agency to Amadeus.
“Mobility is everything,” Gazal said. “And while it’s too early to tell if it has made an impact on agent’s income, we expect it to drive sales.”
“Agents typically avoid booking features like cars and hotels because they’re too hard. Now that they’re easier to book, it will be more commissionable for agents.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
amadeus michael gazal tony carter travelmanagersLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!