Access to Images of Over 53,000 Properties Available in the GDS Yields Enhanced Property Knowledge and Improved Customer Service
September 19, 2005 – Galileo International, Inc., a leading global distribution system (GDS), and subsidiary of Cendant Corp. (NYSE: CD) has announced the introduction of the Galileo Image Library, where agents can view color photographs of over 53,000 properties prior to booking them through Galileo. Galileo is the first GDS to provide a platform independent resource of this sort, enabling any agent to view these images regardless of which Galileo platform they use to book travel.
Galileo has created this exclusive Web site that is accessed directly through the agent’s internet browser. By utilizing a property’s five-digit hotel code, agents can obtain images of most hotel properties in the GDS. The Web site can continue functioning/running in the background of an agent’s desktop while they continue to book hotels through Galileo’s Focalpoint.
The Galileo Image Library ends last-minute surprises at check in for customers since agents have a firsthand look at the property prior to booking and are therefore able to advise their clients appropriately.
“The Galileo Image Library is yet another example of how we have leveraged our relationships with suppliers to benefit our partners in the agency channel,” said Louise Meyer, senior director of Hospitality Business Development and Sales, The Americas, Cendant Travel Distribution Services.
Agencies that use this tool are already reaping the benefits of this resource: “We no longer have to reference multiple Web sites for information on a property when offering booking suggestions to a client. Galileo Image Library is already saving untold hours of work…Thank you!” commented Deanna Nelson, travel consultant, Bennett VIP Travel.
About Galileo International:
Galileo International is a global technology leader. Its core business is providing electronic global distribution services for the travel industry through its computerized reservation systems, leading-edge products and innovative, Internet-based solutions. Galileo is a value-added distributor of travel inventory dedicated to supporting its travel supplier, agency and corporate customers and, through them, expanding traveler choice. A subsidiary of Cendant Corporation and part of Cendant's Travel Distribution Services Division, Galileo is headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, and has offices worldwide. Visit www.galileo.com.
About Cendant Travel Distribution Services:
Cendant Corporation’s (NYSE: CD) Travel Distribution Services Division, is one of the world’s largest and most geographically diverse collections of travel brands and distribution businesses. The division, employing nearly 9,000 people in approximately 120 countries, includes: a leading (GDS) global distribution system (Galileo), serving more than 44,000 travel agencies and over 60,000 hotels; hotel distribution and services businesses (Neat Group®, THOR®, TRUST and WizCom®); leading online travel agencies (CheapTickets®, ebookers.com®, HotelClub.com, Lodging.com, Orbitz®, and RatesToGo.com); an airline market intelligence company (Shepherd Systems); an international travel technology and software company (Travelwire); a leading international provider of long-haul air travel and travel product consolidator (Travel 2®/Travel 4®); online global corporate travel management solutions (Orbitz for Business® and Travelport®); and a leading wholesaler and global online provider of hotels, destination services, travel packages and group tours (Gullivers Travel Associates, OctopusTravel.com® and Travel Bound, Inc.).