http://www.verticalgroup.co.uk/news/rss.xml Vertical Group, Travel Technology at its best. Travel Industry news and Latest Press releases from Vertical Group http://www.verticalgroup.co.uk/news/News-item.aspx?id=69 21/10/2010 PRESS RELEASE Vertical tie up with Mc Donough to launch new transfer business DATE: 18th October 2010 Damian Mc Donough teams up with leading travel technology provider, The Vertical Group to launch a new and innovative airport & resort transfer business, Transfers4Travel. Using his considerable tour operating experience and knowledge of the transfer market, McDonough (Former Head of Sales at Holiday Taxis) will launch a new, purpose built platform at WTM in November which will revolutionise the transfer business in this sector. Mc Donough said: “‘Transfers4Travel is a new concept in Airport & Resort Transfer services, connecting suppliers & retailers seamlessly, efficiently and profitably. Through a combination of leading edge technology provided by my partners at Vertical Group and fabulous support from the many commercial contacts and relationships built up over the last 7 years. I am very confident that we can provide significant value to both suppliers and retailers in this area of the market. He continued:” Transfers are often regarded as a simple element of the package, however, sourcing and arranging transfers to thousands of resorts is costly, time-consuming and resource intensive and largely, it is not viable for retailers to source and arrange their own. Our offer to retail agents will be completely transparent, thereby giving agents more control over margins and for our suppliers, will offer a cost effective solution for the distribution and delivery of their product through our technology.” Transfers 4 travel will be available through API and XML feeds from (November), backed by The Vertical Groups comprehensive infrastructure and will offer excellent service to both customers and partners Peter Healey, CEO of Vertical Group added “We have recognised the opportunity presented to us by Damian and demonstrated in his business plans and we are privileged to have been invited to work with him on this project. Vertical Group has a long and well established history of innovation in the travel technology sector as well as delivering robust and scalable solutions and together, using the extensive knowledge that Damian has of this sector we can offer an outstanding product. The Vertical Group also own accommodation only provider, WWW.Bedbank.com and WWW.Bedbankski.com and the transfers will be available to book on line through both sites once the new platform is available. Healey continued: “Having access to our own transfer stock, is a natural step forward for our accommodation only sites and agents will be able to book all resorts online which will simplify the booking process and increase revenue for the agent”. The Vertical Group launched TARSC over 25 years ago and continues to innovate with changing markets supplying front and back office solutions to the independent travel industry. Additional products include Magic Desktop and VOIP communication solutions. ENDS http://www.verticalgroup.co.uk/news/News-item.aspx?id=70 04/11/2010 Press Release Vertical Group launches new cruise software Date 4th November 2010 TARSC travel technology provider, Vertical Group have launched a new software product to support cruise agents, linking up with Amadeus Cruise to simplify the booking and administration procedure for the fastest growing sector in the travel industry. The Vertical Sales Portal (VSP) provides a bridge between Amadeus cruise and the TARSC back office system, which downloads confirmed bookings into TARSC at the touch of a button, with the key advantages of reducing errors and saving time on manual input. Peter Healey CEO, The Vertical Group explained: “We have developed this system following demand and consultation with our existing cruise based clients to meet their own business needs. Once confirmed, the booking is transferred with all comprehensive information provided by Amadeus including; Full passenger information, address, DOB and contact details, booking detail including ship name, cabin grade , number and errata, full itinerary plus multiple costs including override. He continued: “There are many key benefits to using VSP; including cost and time savings on the manual entry of complex bookings, the system is perfect for remote sales personnel and homeworkers, increases customer service levels and accelerates client documentation. Data is accurate and there is a single input of data and all documentation is branded the clients own business. Processed bookings can be retrieved easily in the event of a query, which can also be accessed anywhere with an internet connection making this system one of the most flexible on offer and secure as there is also SSL certification. The system is also flexible to include additional elements to a booking including; Pre and post Cruise details ,additional costs for car parking, Insurance etc., booking questionnaire, flights with full itinerary, booking notes for internal use and TARSC marketing codes for the production of MRI to ensure good return on investment following marketing and advertising campaigns. Healey concluded: “This system is fully tested and live in several large cruise based companies and feedback is excellent. We know we have a fantastic product and look forward to meeting new and existing clients to demonstrate the capabilities of this system.” The Vertical Group will be demonstrating VSP at World Travel Market 8th-11th November stand TT129. The Vertical Group offer web design and hosting and the wider travel interests include; home-working agency, Holiday Experts, Manchester based travel agency, Miss Ellies Travel, trade accommodation only provider WWW.Bedbank.com, and Villas for Travel. Ends Press contact: Amanda Taylor PR and Communications Manager for Vertical Group , 07595 778433