Accommodation searches for Travel Counsellors

Travel Counsellors is ramping up its dynamic packaging system by rolling out accommodation searches for all its 550 members.
The move will enable agents to pull together flights and hotels for the first time to create bespoke packages for customers.
Although the system - dubbed Phenix - is unable to simultaneously search for flights and accommodation, managing director Steve Byrne said work is in progress.
"We are launching our dynamic packaging system in phases," he said. "Flight-only - low-cost carriers, charters, scheduled consolidated fares - is live with all Travel Counsellors and we are now rolling out accommodation. We are hoping by the end of the year to have the facility to search for flight and hotels and will then look to add further content."
Byrne added the system will take product from a range of accommodation suppliers in addition to its own stock. He said it wanted to have net rates "wherever possible" to allow agents to determine the selling price.
In a further development of its technology, Travel Counsellors has acquired online training software enabling homeworkers to partake in live online training.
Agents will be able to view presentations through their PC, ask questions and interact with the trainer. Byrne said that, technically, any number of agents could join the live sessions, but predicted it would be limited to between six and 12 agents. He stressed the facility would not replace face-to-face training or workshops.