One of the biggest concerns still being brought to travel managers today is the claim that the internet has lower fares than what your travel agency or online booking system is offering. Topaz International will work with both corporations and agencies to compare your booked fares with specific internet site(s) that you select. This unique service cannot be done by just anyone because you must have the expertise and access to booked trips via the various GDS platforms and the expertise to replicate those trips using online tools. As part of the results, Topaz International will provide you with a report that displays each itinerary, booked fare, and the lowest fare found on the internet site(s). By reviewing the reports, you are able to quickly analyze the performance of your managed travel program in comparison to internet results, and use these results to drive improvement or advocate the use of your travel program.
Studies can be conducted using one of the following options:
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Re-price the actual booked itinerary on designated internet sites for a side-by-side comparison of fares
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Allow the internet to search for the lowest fare using the lowest documented itinerary or booked itinerary as the requested search option.
In order to set up an internet comparison, the following information must be established:
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Length of study
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Parameters for comparison
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Electronic link to agency/queues
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Internet sites for comparison
Typical Internet Sites used in past studies:
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Airline Specific Sites
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Orbitz
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Travelocity
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Expedia
In addition, TOPAZ can provide an unbiased third party review of corporate sites and Computer Reservation Systems to ensure that travelers are booking trips within policy and the systems are working as they are intended. Some of the newer corporate sites like Orbitz for Business and Travelocity Business require working agreements between the corporations and the owners of these sites. This additional service provides travel managers and industry executives with the assurance that they are getting what is being paid for and advertised. www.etopaz.com