Galileo launches Internet-based products

NEW DELHI, September 16 : Galileo

India, a provider of electronic global distribution services for the

travel industry, has launched two Internet-based products--FocalpointNet

and Travelpoint.com. "The introduction of these Net enabled products

will break new ground by providing an e-commerce platform for consumers to

book directly on the Net, yet providing for the sharing of the portfolio

of services and in-depth knowledge of the travel agent," said Galileo

India Private Ltd. General Manager Raja Natesan, at the launch. "The

travel agent even today remains the most credible point-source of

information, central to the entire process, on providing data on optimal

fares, rates and discounts that are being recalibrated on a daily/hourly

basis by airlines and hotels," he added.

Travelpoint.com allows travel agents to put up

either private sites for their preferred customers or a public site for

the general public. The sites would be set up by Galileo and would be

powered by the Galileo database. Tickets booked online are automatically

forwarded to the Galileo travel agent concerned.

FocalpointNet, on the other hand, enables travel

agents to set up a virtual travel agency through which they can conduct

business anytime and from anywhere. Via the Internet it connects travel

agents to the Galileo database for airlines, hotels and car rental

companies. Galieo India commenced operations in 1994 and is the national

distribution company of Galileo International.