The travel industry is in constant flux, and as technology evolves, so too do the tools available to travel advisors. In a significant step towards modernizing travel bookings, Sabre has unveiled the Sabre Red Launchpad, a user-friendly platform explicitly designed for emerging travel advisors. This innovative tool is intended to simplify the booking process, making it accessible for all agencies, regardless of their prior experience with Global Distribution Systems (GDS).
Developed in collaboration with Internova Travel Group, one of the prominent names in the travel sector, Sabre Red Launchpad has been tailored to meet the needs of travel advisors entering the market. Internova advisors have had the chance to utilize the platform since early in the spring, paving the way for a global rollout. By leveraging Internova’s extensive network, Sabre has ensured the platform’s responsiveness to the needs of travel professionals, facilitating bookings across air, hotel, and car rentals.
Sabre promotes the Launchpad as a “consumer-grade” shopping experience, which is a testament to its intuitive design. Unlike traditional booking systems that often rely on complex GDS codes, this new platform allows travel advisors to operate with ease, thereby reducing the time and training required to get started. Kathy Morgan, Sabre’s Senior Vice President of Product Management and Distribution Experience, heralds Launchpad as a solution that not only provides access to a broad range of travel content but also opens up potential revenue streams from day one.
Impressive Adoption Metrics
Since its initial rollout, Sabre has reported remarkable adoption rates, particularly within the Travel Leaders Network. With over 300 agencies and 13,000 advisors already utilizing the co-branded Internova SNAP, the early signs are promising. Internova’s Executive Vice President of Partner Relations, Peter Vlitas, remarked on the necessity of providing a solution for advisors unfamiliar with GDS systems. The partnership between Sabre and Internova symbolizes an effort to equip travel agents with the tools that enable them to thrive in the competitive landscape of modern airline retailing, enhancing client services while promoting greater profitability.
Among the early adopters of the Launchpad system is the 1000 Mile Travel Group, which branded the platform as 1000Access. Their experience provides compelling evidence of the model’s effectiveness: within just six months, a substantial percentage of North American advisors onboarded the new system, significantly boosting airline commissions. Co-founder Ben Ross’s comments regarding the $120,000 earned collectively showcase the financial benefits of embracing the new technology early.
Sabre Red Launchpad stands out as a transformative tool that aligns with the evolving landscape of the travel industry. By focusing on ease of use and accessibility for new travel advisors, Sabre, alongside Internova, is setting a new standard for booking platforms. The success metrics from early adoption reflect a positive trend that could shape the future of travel advisory services. As the industry continues to adapt, innovations like Launchpad offer promising pathways for growth, efficiency, and enhanced client engagement.
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