TravelOptions launches new Distribution and Inventory System

A new hotel inventory and distribution system has been launched in the Greater China region and the Philippines through the exclusive appointment of Hong Kong-based TravelOptions Co Ltd.

The US-patented technology, Travel Inventory Marketing Alliance (T.I.M.A.), creates a secure, XML-based distribution hub that makes multiple hotel suppliers' inventory available to a global network of system subscribers.

T.I.M.A., LLC was formed by hotel sales and distribution leaders First Internet Travel, Inc.and Tourist Bureau Marketing, Inc. in May 2002 to launch the new system.

"We are honoured to be appointed by T.I.M.A. and believes this distribution channel will work especially well in a rate-sensitive environment like the Greater China region and the Philippines," says Ms Cecilia Tee, Managing  Director of TravelOptions Co Ltd.

"The system connects suppliers and subscribers (distributors) in real-time,  allowing participants to receive or supply net rate inventory as requested," says Ms Tee.

T.I.M.A. opens the door to unlimited net hotel inventory and distribution sources. This will help on and offline hotel reservation systems with limited  inventory in prime markets and few distribution channels to gain access into global distribution channels and net rate inventory supplies. T.I.M.A. controls what inventory they put into the system as well as the margins on the inventory they choose to sell.

"T.I.M.A. has also established an improved supplier and commission payment system along with a robust database of inventory information that keeps web site inventory content current," says Ms Tee.

This system will allow suppliers instantaneous control to change room rates and availability while giving subscribers the opportunity to present and sell inventory formerly unavailable to them.

"We are confident that this system will be a draw in the Greater China and Philippine markets and we see TravelOptions driving this through its extensive connections in the region," says Todd Eden, VP of Business Development.

"Many industry leaders, including both B to B and B to C companies, are diligently reviewing our technical specifications for integration in the 1st quarter of 2003. These companies include large hotel chains, "mega"  Internet marketers, consolidator agencies and more. The expansive hotel inventory and distribution opportunities, both online and off, that these companies will provide, will bring great value to the T.I.M.A. network," adds Mr Eden.

TravelOptions Co Ltd focuses on sales and marketing representation for travel-related companies and products. TravelOptions Co Ltd is the exclusive agent in China, Hong Kong and Macau for US Airways and an official marketing agent for the Sepang Formula One Grand Prix in Malaysia.