Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company announced a multi-year strategic distribution agreement with WestJet, Canada’s leading low-cost airline offering more than 400 daily flights to 70 destinations throughout Canada, The United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Under the renewed agreement, WestJet’s full schedule of fares and inventory will continue to be made available to the millions of consumers who book their travel each month on Expedia, Egencia and Hotwire sites in the United States and Canada
PhoCusWright will hold PhoCusWright@ITB on March 9 at ITB in Berlin. The conference will examine the forces that are transforming travel, tourism and hospitality. The conference theme, “Marketplace Chaos: Spotlight on Technology and Innovation,” will look at how to exploit chaos in the travel marketplace: new economic realities, a burgeoning mobile social web, disparate devices and channels, high-growth emerging markets and more.
Classic Vacations is now connected via HBSI and Outrigger Direct Connect to over 27 properties in Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. HBSI and Outrigger technologies connect travel suppliers and distributors for instant transmission of availability, rates, inventory, and reservation confirmations.
The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the release of the destination’s official tourism iPhone App. Available in the Travel Section of the iTunes online store, the free “Palm Beach Florida Travel Companion” gives visitors instant access to a complete listing of hotels and resorts, restaurants, upcoming events and special hotel offers with discounts on accommodations.
American Airlines said Jan. 18 that it has entered into an agreement with Priceline.com to utilize American’s direct connect technology to access fares as well as customized travel products and services.
Gap Adventures is rolling out a new online reservation platform for sales agents worldwide. Developed based on agent feedback, the enhanced booking engine was designed to be simpler and more efficient. Launched since Jan. 20, the reservation platform has new features and benefits, including improved user interface, a faster-loading home page, the ability to confirm all services at once with one click.