ADVERTISING FEATURE
OPENING UP THE
WORLD
New look, same world-class reputation AS WE LOOK AROUND US, WE SEE THAT THE WORLD OF TRAVEL CONTINUES TO CHANGE. UNCERTAINTY AND EVOLVING CONSUMER ATTITUDES AND LOYALTIES ARE AFFECTING EVEN THE BIGGEST NAMES AND MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS. BUT EVEN SO, INTERNATIONAL TOURISM IS PREDICTED TO GROW BY OVER THREE PER CENT A YEAR OVER THE COMING DECADE. PEOPLE STILL WANT TO TRAVEL TO EXPERIENCE NEW DESTINATIONS AND INDULGE THEIR APPETITES FOR SUN, SEA AND SAND, CULINARY ADVENTURES AND CULTURAL EXPLORATION.
This is good news for the travel industry: not just for companies marketing their products direct to the consumer, but also for the business-tobusiness sector. Many people continue to rely on the experience and advice of travel agents and tour operators; experts who are aware of how the global environment is impacting different parts of the world. These businesses in turn rely on wholesale and distribution companies to find quality alternatives in destinations both familiar and off the beaten track, helping them shield clients – the travelling public – from risks in these turbulent times. Kuoni’s acquisition of GTA in 2011 was a strategic move to further secure its position as one of the world’s leading providers of online business-to-business travel services. Combining Kuoni Destination Management with GTA, Kuoni Global Travel Services was born later that year. Although it takes a new name, it is backed by the heritage, reputation and stability of two companies that together have been in the business of travel for more than a century. Within Global Travel Services, separate business units support sharply focused strategies addressing group (through Kuoni Group Travel Experts) and fully independent travel (FIT), alongside travel for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Already well-regarded in the industry GTA, the brand for FIT, has evolved in the face of increasing competition. It has also evolved in recognition that consumers – and the businesses that serve their travel needs – are seeking new experiences in emerging destinations,
that they have ever-higher expectations of quality and value-formoney, that they want stability and reliability when they book. GTA’s new look, although an evolution in the way we present ourselves worldwide, continues to set us apart in a crowded marketplace. It re-states our intent to strengthen our already powerful proposition wherever we are in the world. Behind the new look and logo, the best of GTA and Kuoni Destination Management remains. United, we remain a world leader in the provision of ground travel and the power behind some of the biggest and best in the industry. With even more staff – 3,200 in 86 offices – we have one of the greatest travel networks on the planet, ensuring we can command, and pass on, competitive rates from the world’s best brands and negotiate flexible terms. Powering global travel – and providing the best value and service experience while we do – GTA easily connects travel suppliers and travel sellers worldwide. Technology is at the core of our business, processing over 21,000 bookings every day and saving our partners time and money 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether it’s our HTML booking engines or XML interfaces, partner sites or extranets, systems to support payment processes or itinerary management, or major projects to transform the way we do business, our fast and intuitive technology helps our customers serve their customers better. Tens of thousands of travel businesses choose us to access a portfolio of accommodation, tour guides and transfer services, unique experiences, city tours, excursions, attraction tickets and restaurants from 45,000 suppliers in 185 countries and in more than 25 languages online. Our partners also benefit from the talent and
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