Travelstart has launched neXt – a product it believes is the “next logical step for travel” and will challenge existing brick and mortar agencies as well as ITC models.
NeXt – short for 'next generation travel executive' – is a web-based booking platform exclusively for travel agents that allows them to make bookings for clients from anywhere at any time. The tool handles the ‘back end’ of a flight booking, which Stephan Ekbergh says “allows agents to focus on what's important – the customer”.
It is a tablet-friendly application offering users flight search results (pulled from Amadeus and low-cost carriers), ‘easy-to-use reporting and financial tools’ as well as the technology needed to accept various forms of payment.
Like the ITC models, neXt is aimed at travel agents who want to work independently, however, Travelstart says current models are limited in that they “include insufficient access to the latest technology, complex business models and exorbitant start-up fees”.
Travel consultants who wish to start their own businesses can sign up to neXt free and earn 100% of the commission earned on bookings. Stephan says a monthly fee yet to be decided (but likely to be in the region of R90) will be charged.
He adds: “We believe that not everyone can be a good travel agent. A good travel agent can service their customer. We will just give them the tool to make their business easier.”
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