Amadeus-Yatra.com tie-up resulting in Access to 900 Indian hotels

Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, has inked a pact with one of India’s largest online travel companies, Yatra.com, to provide 100,000 travel agents access to 900 one to three-star hotels on its global distribution system (GDS).

‘We offer customers a choice of booking channels, including online and traditional retail methods. This milestone agreement will help our hotel partners to sell their rooms globally through another channel - the GDS - with its unparalleled reach,’ Yatra.com co-founder and CEO Dhruv Shringi said.

‘We have chosen Amadeus as our long-term technology partner because of their cutting-edge technology and commitment to constant innovation. This new deal will strengthen our collaboration and help drive our global expansion,’ he added.

According to David Brett, president, Amadeus Asia Pacific, the demand for mid-range and independent hotels is growing as travelers look for more budget-friendly options in today’s economic climate.

‘This partnership with Yatra.com is, therefore, very timely to meet that need,’ he added. Since 2008, Brett said, a growing number of independent hotels and smaller chains had joined Amadeus’ GDS.

‘This demonstrates this channel’s appeal to hoteliers that are not traditionally represented by a GDS, as they recognize the value of our global reach,’ Brett maintained.

Yatra.com has partnered with Amadeus since 2007. It currently uses the Amadeus API, a comprehensive toolkit that allows travel agencies to customize their own applications to access the full range of domestic and international airline content in Amadeus’ GDS.

Yatra.com also uses Amadeus Master Pricer, the industry’s leading international low fare search tool, to enable their customers to find the cheapest fares online.

Ankur Bhatia, managing director, Amadeus India, said: ‘India generates the highest number of online travel bookings in Asia Pacific as many local travelers like to look for the best deals via the Internet.

‘However, travelers who prefer to book via a travel agent are also looking for more choice in hotel options. This agreement with Yatra.com will deliver more choice for travelers, and help Yatra.com and its hotel partners reach out to new markets, which in turn will increase revenues for the Indian travel industry,’ Bhatia pointed out.