June 2005

1 Comment, Did You Know, & Airlines

2 Airlines, Airports & Hotels

3 Hotels, Travel Advisories, Travel News

Greg James, General Manager

Recently I was asked to comment on whether the entry of Global Distribution Systems companies (GDS) into the corporate market will affect us as Travel Managers.

In my opinion, the GDS’s have to reinvent themselves as the market changes, the same as the Travel Management Companies (TMC's). As a TMC it is no longer enough to simply make travel bookings as we are evolving into information managers and business consultants; the same goes for the GDS’s as they diversify to meet changing needs. Airlines are developing direct channels to reduce their GDS charges and the GDS are reacting to protect their position and grow their business in other directions.

Are GDS’s a threat to the Traditional Travel Management business? Yes for low value, simple transactions, as it is another channel of distribution. However, as a direct threat to Travel Management, their online tools are too similar to what the major TMC's already offer, yet they lack the account management, reporting or "value add" behind these tools. Additionally, they cannot compete on the service component. For example, will a GDS pick up your passport, lodge it for a visa and deliver it to your home? Collecting and creating data is easy done by these online tools, but where the TMC is strongest is the interpretation and strategic advice.

Some of the online tools that the GDS's are marketing are GDS neutral or will be soon, so they need to diversify. Most TMC’s have access to at least two GDS's if not more, and no longer rely on a single supplier and one distribution channel. Conversely, GDS’s don't want to rely on travel agents for all their business so the roles are blurring.

At the end of the day its more competition and that is good news for you, because as a TMC, we will continuously be improving our service and efficiency to protect our market share.

Your views are always welcome at communique@bti.com.sg.

Yours faithfully as always,

Sleep tips for the road-weary

(CNN) -- Travel can put a crimp in a good night's sleep, but the road-weary can try some measures to fight fatigue.

A dark environment, a comfortable temperature, an afternoon nap and a soothing scent are among a traveler's best defenses.

A little fatigue may be inevitable, but here are a few simple steps sleep experts suggest to get you back to top form:

Even relatively small amounts of light can reset the body's internal clock, so find as dark an environment as possible when traveling.

Try to get a window seat near the front of the plane when flying. It's quieter and you'll have more control over the amount of light surrounding you, particularly with your own window shade. Bring along an eye mask to block more light.

When staying in a hotel, bring a nightlight or penlight if you get up at night. Using the least amount of light possible to get around helps avoid disturbing the body's circadian clock.

Try to keep the thermostat in your hotel room between 68 and 72 degrees. That's the optimal temperature for most people, but adjust to the temperature that is best for you. Make sure your hands and feet are extra warm.

Lavender oil or a spritz of lavender linen spray on your sheets often helps with restful sleep. The Sense of Smell Institute found that lavender increases the amount of time spent in the restful, restorative phase of sleep.

A nap during the day helps make up for midnight tossing and turning for people who normally sleep well but don't get enough sleep one night. Naps also help when you know you're going to have to stay up later the same night.

The only people who shouldn't be napping are those losing sleep from insomnia or depression. Napping can worsen these conditions.

CNN producer Shahreen Abedin contributed to this report.

Online bookings
USD $51 bln of online leisure travel bookings happen online. According to comScore, online leisure travel bookings reached about $51 bln in 2004, or 44% of all online sales. Roughly 30% of all travel bookings occur online. Read more >

ITE Hong Kong
With around 500 exhibitors from 50 countries and territories, the largest ever International Travel Expo in Hong Kong will open between June 9. The Expo has long been recognized as one of the leading travel exhibitions worldwide, offering an unparalleled platform for the trade to conduct business and for participants to keep abreast of global tourism trends and market development. Learn more >

Air France KLM
A special promotion allows you to book Business Class on Air France or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines between 01 June - 15 June 2005 for travel ex-SIN between 01 June - 15 September 2005 from SGD3999.

Would you like to relax, work, and sleep whenever you choose? Air France L´Espace Affaires offers all the services and comfort essential for traveling with peace of mind. On long-distance flights a modular seat conforms to your body, providing optimal relaxation. To help you unwind, recline your seat up to 131°. For additional comfort, adjust your headrest up and down, as well as sideways. Footrests are also adjustable. For convenience, a hypoallergenic pillow, a pure wool blanket, and two cushions. With a complete line of complementary skin care products, you can freshen up as often as you like. On medium-distance flights you benefit from the most spacious seating arrangement. Each row has two large seats separated by a leather tray table. All seats are either window or aisle.

Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines has won three major awards including "Airline of the Year" in the OAG Airline of the Year Awards 2005. Continental Airlines was named "Airline of the Year" and "Best Airline Based in North America" -- both for the second year in a row. It was also named for having the "Best Executive/Business Class" for the third year in the row. The OAG Airline of the Year Awards has been called "The Oscars" of the airline industry.

Continental Airlines announced that it will begin codesharing with Island Air this fall, allowing Continental customers to access more destinations in Hawaii on flights operated by Island Air from Honolulu.

Cities to be served by Island Air from Honolulu International Airport under the 'CO' code include: Kahului and Kapalua West-Maui on Maui; Kona and Hilo on Hawaii; Lihue on Kauai; Lanai and Molokai. Continental passengers need to check in only once for connecting flights. Members of OnePass, will be able to earn and redeem miles on Island Air flights.

Continental Airlines launched daily, nonstop flights Thursday from its Newark hub to Belfast, Northern Ireland (BFS). This route, the second of six trans-Atlantic routes CO is adding this summer, will be the only year-round, scheduled, nonstop, trans-Atlantic service to Northern Ireland and the first-ever nonstop, scheduled service between the United States and Northern Ireland. CO began service between Newark and Bristol, England (BRS), last week. The airline will inaugurate flights to Stockholm (ARN) on June 2; Hamburg (HAM) on June 9; Berlin (TXL) on June 30 and Delhi (DEL) on Nov. 1.

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