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Online booking system to serve travel agents soon

BERLIN - Al Rais Travel plans to launch its first online travel information and booking system at the Arabian Travel Market to serve its clients and 120 travel agents in the UAE.

Al Rais Travel assistant director Mohammed Al Rais released the first details of the online system at the International Travel Bourse (ITB) in Berlin to Khaleej Times.

“It will serve the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, not only the UAE,” Al Rais said.

“It needs better awareness, particularly of the locals and in the subcontinent, but there are a lot of Europeans who would definitely like it.”

Many travel agents and airlines have begun providing online services to provide better deals rather than go through third party web sites.

Al Rais said there would be many clients who would prefer to research their holiday online and then complete the transaction in the travel agency branch.

However, clients could put together an entire package, including air travel, tours and accommodation.

“Because of traffic and things, people don’t have time to come. People can stay at home and phone if they need help.”

Al Rais said the travel group had extended its 12-hour daily call centre to 24/7 from the start of the year.

“But we’ll still have 21 branches to speak directly with clients,” he said.

The online system, to be provided in Arabic and English, was predicted to be used mainly, about 80 per cent, by other travel agents to book services through Al Rais Travel.

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