REED TRAVEL EXHIBITIONS LAUNCHES UNIQUE DEAL FOR CLIENTS

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is to offer an online flight and hotel booking service for everybody attending their worldwide portfolio of events.

The exclusive and exciting new concept will allow exhibitors, buyers, visitors and media to organise their travel and accommodation at the same time as they register for any of RTE's international or regional exhibitions for the travel and tourism industry.

The benefits of this new internet "one-stop-shop" will be made even more appealing because of discounted fares - including an arrangement with British Airways - and competitive hotel rates.

Work on the new initiative began last year in order that the new service would be operable for RTE's flagship event, World Travel Market in London in November and International Golf Travel Market in December, to be held this year in Sun City, South Africa.

Next year, in addition to these events, Reed Travel Services will be offered to EIBTM, British Travel Trade Fair, PATA Travel Mart, Top Resa and AIME.

The dedicated and sophisticated new programme is the brainchild of RTE managing director Tom Nutley. "This is a natural progression for RTE and another first for a company that has consistently led the way in the international travel and tourism exhibition industry during the past ten years.

"Reed Travel Services will take the worry and the work out of exhibiting or visiting one of our industry events", he said. " Many of our customers have to organise arrangements to an event for large teams of people within an organisation or company, and this can often cause more anxiety than anything else. They will be able to book their flights, accommodation - and sign in for registration all at the same time and the same place."

RTE, the world's largest provider of travel and tourism industry events, began online registration two years ago. Extensive market research demonstrated that most people prefer the convenience of a 24-hour approach to attending an event, with the availability of regularly updated information about exhibitors, online diaries, features, news and developments.

"Our portfolio of events is continually expanding and we want to respond to the increasing visitor levels and demands of exhibitors and buyers by making the organisation of their stay as easy and comfortable as possible.

AHEAD OF THE GAME

"As market leaders I feel we have a duty to be ahead of the game in every respect and I believe this is just another step in putting our customers' interests first." The service offers a crucial new agreement with British Airways. Delegates can gain instant access to the airline's schedule, viewing up-to-the-minute seat availability and best price quotes.

"Reed Travel Services will take any potential stress out of their schedule by knowing that we are able to handle everything for them without fuss. If customers have a particular concern, there will be an enquiries telephone hotline available where they can chat to an experienced travel consultant."

A NEW PARTNERSHIP

Reed Travel Services has ensured that the venture will be a smooth-running success by forming a partnership with Genesis Motivation Ltd, widely acknowledged as one of the UK's foremost companies working in the business travel field.

"The service with Genesis is underpinned by the latest computer technology, full licensing, a wealth of experience and an impressive network of airline and hotel contacts," said Nutley. "Genesis already act for a wide range of customers from the top strata of the business world."

John Standley, manager Reed Travel Services, said: "Ours is a simple objective...to offer the very best inclusive rates that cater for the special and differing needs required of thousands of RTE customers at all our events.

"There will be discounted flight prices and hotel rates depending, of course, on availability and time of booking. "RTS will be streamlined, very significantly web-based and automated to reduce costs to the customer and with an emphasis on speedy and efficient delivery."

Instant confirmation will be given when the booking is completed. In addition to British Airways, Reed Travel Services will use other quality carriers and the range of hotel room choices will span budget to deluxe. Reed Travel Services will continue its relationship with hotel booking company Expotel for accommodation on World Travel Market and BTTF.

"Obviously, our priority will be to make the process as professional and cost effective as possible for our clients, " adds Standley.