SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 9, 2005–Federal government agencies are adopting online technology proven in the private sector as part of the U.S. government’s e-Travel initiative, intending to bring greater efficiency and lower costs to government travel programs. GetThere(R), the world’s leading corporate online travel system, has been selected to provide several government agencies with its online technology through its partnership with CW Government Travel(R) and its Internet-based end-to-end product called E2 Solutions. GetThere is already helping half of the Fortune 200 companies better manage travel costs, and it is now bringing its industry-leading technology solution to automate internal services, streamline processes, and cut costs for the government and taxpayers.
Agencies that have selected GetThere as part of E2 Solutions include the Department of Labor, Department of the Interior, Department of State, General Services Administration (GSA), Railroad Retirement Board, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Before the full end-to-end travel management solution is deployed, these agencies can immediately begin to realize savings and efficiencies by adopting GetThere’s solution. Within one month of launching GetThere, several major bureaus within the Department of Interior were processing more than 60 percent of their travel reservations online due to the system’s ease of use.
GetThere’s technology provides federal employees with an online experience similar to commercial travel Web sites, but customized for their agency of employment. The system highlights government-approved rates for air, rail, car and hotel options and allows travelers to book these negotiated rates, in addition to all published rates. Unlike booking technology used by much of the government today, it also conducts a low fare search, and then helps travelers determine whether it makes sense to book the lowest fare available or a fare from one of their preferred airlines or other suppliers, if there is a difference.
Today, federal employees make approximately four million air and rail trips a year, but according to the GSA, only two percent of government travel bookings are currently made online. The GSA estimates that going online will save as much as $2 billion to government travel spend over the next 10 years.
“As the preferred online technology for our E2 Solutions, the GetThere online travel system combines a user-friendly booking experience with robust capabilities that meet stringent government regulations,” said Scott Guerrero, COO and executive vice president of CW Government Travel. “As the government aggressively pursues automation, we are giving government agencies a way to jump to the forefront of online technology, rather than playing catch up. This proven technology creates an immediate way to comply with the e-Government initiative and start generating new cost savings.”
Bev Heinritz, general manager of GetThere, said “Most large corporations are now embracing online travel as a way to empower travelers, as well as to reduce costs. Companies are telling us that they save an average of 20 percent per trip just by booking online, and now this same savings can be captured by these government agencies. Ultimately, it’s good for the traveler, the government and taxpayers.”
“This award marks a major milestone in strengthening Sabre Holdings’ presence in the government marketplace,” said Bruce Charendoff, senior vice president of Government Affairs at Sabre Holdings Corporation. “The federal e-Travel award is a perfect fit for GetThere’s industry leading booking tool — and we’re delighted to be teaming with CW Government Travel in meeting the travel needs of these important government agencies.”
About CW Government Travel
As a premier provider of traditional and online travel management services and products to the Federal Government, CW Government Travel is committed to providing its Government clients with tailored, efficient, world-class travel services. This long-standing commitment began more than a decade ago when CW Government Travel Companies, Inc. established travel operations dedicated exclusively to the Government traveler. Today, CW Government Travel, Inc. is providing superior services to Federal Travelers and their Agencies under the GSA TMC Master Contract. It is the largest single travel management contractor to the Government, providing comprehensive official travel services valued at $600 million in annual air sales. Since 1985, CW Government Travel has implemented and managed over 300 on-site Federal and DOD Travel Management Centers.
Carlson Companies is a global leader in the marketing, business and leisure travel, and hospitality industries. Among the names in the Carlson family of brands and services are: Carlson Marketing Group(R), Peppers & Rogers Group, Carlson Wagonlit Travel(R), Carlson Destination Marketing Services, Carlson Leisure Travel Services, CW Government Travel, Results Travel, Regent(R) International Hotels, Radisson(R) Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(R), Park Inn(R) hotels, Cruise Holidays, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises(R), and T.G.I. Friday’s(R) and Pick Up Stix(R) restaurants. Carlson Companies’ 2003 system-wide sales under the brands (including franchises) totaled $20.9 billion, while sales from the company’s owned and operated divisions totaled $6.8 billion.
With headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn., Carlson Companies was recognized by Working Mother magazine as one of the “100 best companies for working mothers” in 2001, 2002 and 2003. www.carlson.com www.cwgt.com
About GetThere
GetThere is the world’s leading online corporate travel reservation technology. GetThere enables global corporations and government agencies to provide a convenient way for employees to book travel and plan meetings while significantly reducing costs. GetThere’s advanced technology works with all major global distribution systems (GDS) and all travel management companies. More than 3,000 corporations, including 60 percent of the Fortune 200 companies that have online booking sites, use GetThere. More information is available at www.getthere.com.
Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG) is a world leader in travel commerce, retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at http://www.sabre-holdings.com.
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SOURCE: GetThere
