Travelport GDS Expands Agent Group Platform

Travelport GDS is offering agents greater group meeting planning and booking capabilities. The company said its Worldspan GDS system has integrated Worktopia’s online group and meeting planning services into the desktops of Worldspan-connected travel agents and corporate customers in the U.S. The move will enable agents to search, compare and book meeting space online, directly through Worldspan.

Using Worktopia’s platform, Worldspan users can search, compare and book commissionable meeting space, audio visual equipment and catering for simple meetings for up to 100 attendees in a single session in thousands of properties in 65 countries.

“We are pleased to announce the integration of Worktopia’s valuable, specialized content through Worldspan,” said Flo Lugli, senior vice president, commercial operations, Travelport GDS. “Our relationship with Worktopia underscores Travelport GDS’ commitment to providing our customers with services that add value, increase revenue and improve efficiency through the travel industry’s most efficient online shopping platform.”

“The Worktopia service places agents and planners in charge of every meeting booked: it saves time and allows comparison of competitive rates,” said John Arenas, chief executive officer of Worktopia. “Simplifying the logistics of arranging meetings enables agencies to provide a valuable new service to their customers while earning additional commissions quickly.”

Worktopia provides live, comparable quotes based on specific meeting requirements, allowing users to book space at hotels, conference centers, business centers and other venues throughout North America without having to wait for e-mailed RFP responses. Worktopia’s shopping engine also provides meeting planners with broad search criteria.

Travelport GDS is one of the world’s largest global distribution system (GDS) providers operating both the Galileo and the Worldspan brands, providing real-time travel information and booking capabilities to online and offline travel agencies in over 145 countries.

Visit www.travelportgds.com or www.worktopia.com.