Bond International Software (UK) Ltd

Goring-based Integra to launch global e-tourism network

Leading tourism software producer Integra Systems Ltd has clinched a ground-breaking deal as regional provider of one of the first virtual marketplaces for tourism and travel products. A marketplace that is forecast to grow by a staggering £10 billion by the end of 2003.

Integra.com, the new e-business vehicle for online activities, has been appointed as the regional service provider for omnis-online, which provides global e-commerce services for tourism. As part of a world-wide network of providers, Integra.com will cover the UK, Ireland, the US, Australia and South Africa.

Using the omnis-online software, it will provide a one-stop shop for the tourism industry to market, trade and sell products and services online. For the first time, both those in the industry and individual travellers can search a wealth of information, view and book everything needed online - from travel to hotel rooms and events to restaurants.

Integra Systems, which is part of the Bond Intemational Software Group, is based in Parklands Avenue, Goring, with additional offices in the US, Australia and South Africa. Globally, Integra's software handles millions of tourist enquiries, hotel bookings and accommodation requirements each year. Its extensive client base stretches from the north of Scotland to the most southerly point of Africa.

Existing users of Integra's software, including some of the UK's top destinations such as Bournemouth and Bath, will benefit from the new service with a direct link between omnis' and Integra's market-leading reservation engine. They can post information about the hotels, attractions, events and restaurants in their area, which can be accessed automatically by individual travellers, travel agents and tour operators in over 70 countries.

Currently, only 15 per cent of the world's commercial bedspaces are bookable online, but this looks set to change with the launch of the new service. Using Integra's unique position in the tourism market, for the first time, users of the service will have the advantage of choosing from the widest variety of hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation. In addition to the ability to book accommodation, because overheads are low, the omnis service also makes budget travel easy.

Integra Systems managing director Graham McKenzie said: "This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to harness the full power of the Internet and to take it to its limits. The tourism industry lends itself perfectly to trading online, with huge benefits for those booking and selling services. Those in the industry have the facility to reach a worldwide audience, with information that can be updated at any time with special offers or new prices. For travellers, booking a break requires the minimum effort - with planes, trains, car hire, hotels and attractions all bookable on one screen, at one time"

Note to Editors: omnis-online is a joint development of PAGO e-Transaction Services and Lufthansa Systems Berlin.

 
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For further information contact: PR Manager Catherine Kelly at Bond International Software, Courtlands, Parklands Avenue, Goring-by-Sea - 01903 707070.
http://www.bondadapt.com/
email: ckelly@bond.co.uk