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Agreement Brings Expanded Cruise Roster, Dynamic Packaging Options, Global Booking Capabilities
Beaverton, OR (June 16, 2020) – Passport Online Inc. has signed an agreement with Traveltek to provide the API (Application Programming Interface) connectivity for its Tandem booking engine solution. Launched in 2010, Tandem has successfully provided independent agencies and consortia and host agencies a powerful booking solution for business-to-business and business -to-consumer cruise and tour bookings. Traveltek’s API content will expand the product reach and global opportunities for Tandem agency and consortia customers.
“This new agreement builds on the success we have had with our booking platform and allows us to fully realize the vision for Tandem as a complete booking solution for all of our customers’ travel needs,” said Greg White, Passport Online’s SVP Technology and Operations, “But, more than that, Tandem can continue its evolution into a comprehensive travel advisor productivity platform, integrated with our content, marketing and social media tools in one cohesive package.”
Traveltek, for nearly 20 years, has been providing award-winning travel technology systems and is one of the market leaders in relation to its travel API product. With more than 200 suppliers enabled on the API with multi-channel, multi-currency and multi-lingual content “Ours is one of the most powerful and fully integrated, end-to-end leisure travel platforms available in the market” said Mal Barritt, Chief Executive Officer at Traveltek . “Working with Passport Online brings our global perspective and their US market knowledge to create a robust, stable and extensive supplier range. Plus, an easy to use travel technology platform for Tandem’s agency and consortia customers. This partnership further cements Traveltek’s expansion into the US market, and we look forward to a mutually prosperous relationship with Passport Online.”
Tandem will transition to the Traveltek connection in the third quarter of 2020, with no interruption of service for its current customers. “Though this integration is critical to our future growth, we wanted to assure continuity of product and seamless transition for our Tandem customers. We need to provide best-in-class booking options as our travel agency clients ready for the rebound in leisure bookings that we all anticipate this year,” said Jeanne Colombo, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Passport Online.
In 2019, Tandem had a nearly 20% increase in sailed bookings, an amazing growth after a 25% rise in 2018. The platform was trending for similar growth in 2020 prior to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Initially, Tandem will offer the same shoppable content currently available in the platform, with a selection of 19 bookable cruise lines and tour/vacation suppliers bookable. In the coming months, Passport will add booking support for additional suppliers and travel types to the Tandem platform, as well as enhancing global booking capabilities for its partners.
“We will look to expand our global capabilities to meet the needs of our consortia partners as they continue to grow internationally,” White said.
Passport Online currently works with more than 7,500 travel agencies to create, expand and diversify their digital footprint through websites, social media and email marketing. The reach grows exponentially as Passport powers digital tools for more than 35,000 agents in partnership with many of the industry consortia and host agencies as well as hundreds of independent agencies.
