Travelport working with WhereTo and TTS to usher in the ‘Next Generation Storefront’

Developed by ATPCO, and trialled by online booking tool WhereTo and Travel Technology Solutions (TTS), NGS enables travel agencies to display branded fares on their websites, where clients can compare multiple offers from different airlines on one screen.

Travelport will compare across airlines’ full range of products for online agencies, corporate booking tools and its own travel agency desktop solution, Smartpoint.

The new displays will show branded categories including Basic Economy, Standard Economy and Economy Plus.

NGS offers more flexibility, meaning clients can book a business class ticket on the outward journey and an economy class seat on for their return, with airport lounge access during a long stopover.

Agents will also be able to provide more ancillary options to customers, including upgrades, extra baggage and Wi-Fi access.

Stephen Shurrock, chief commercial officer at Travelport, said: “Whether through Rich Content and Branding, NDC or NGS, Travelport is committed to providing the broadest range of content and will continue to lead change.

“NGS will be key in driving a shift from “cheapest fare” to “best value”. Displaying multiple options enhances consumer choice and gives airlines upsell opportunities, while providing measurable value to all partners.”

Rich Content and Branding, launched by Travelport in 2014, is a technology solution designed to provide travel agencies brand and ancillary data to offer customers more information other than price.

Rui Figueiredo, chief commercial officer at TTS, added: “We are pleased to be among the first travel technology providers in Europe to be able to offer the next generation of airline merchandising to our customers.

“NGS will allow us to offer structured fare brands concisely in the shop window, providing shopping transparency to our customers.”