New Technology to Automate Group Travel
A new online marketplace dedicated to automating group travel has been announced. Called Groupize.com, the new offering provides the ability to shop group travel products online and to dynamically create tailor-made itineraries.
According to the company, this technology simplifies the group planning process. Groupize.com lets traditional travel companies to instantly be in the group business with its various affiliate tools such as links, widgets, white labels, Facebook connect, and various APIs.
In addition to customized groups, Groupize.com’s online marketplace showcases a variety of group travel products based on a destination. Group organizers can shop for tours, motor coaches, group attractions, group hotels, group air, group rail, group cruises, group restaurants, group insurance, and tour guides for sightseeing.
Charles de Gaspe Beaubien, president of Groupize.com, highlighted that the launch responds to the changes in the industry such as the increasing demand for smaller groups and the ability to create unique experiences for diversified interests.
The company also mentioned that most airlines and distribution systems have neglected automation for group bookings, despite the sizable revenues of this segment. The American Bus Association (ABA) estimates the North American Motor coach Group Travel expenditures at $54 billion and PhoCusWright estimates the group and small meetings market at $175 billion. Even though this is a large segment of the travel industry, OTAs and travel websites currently don’t offer group products, it added.
The company says this online marketplace allows destinations and group travel suppliers to reach group decision makers more effectively using the Groupize.com distribution channels and tools.
