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.
CONTACT: Vollmer Public Relations
Mary Kate Smither, 972-488-4790
marykate@vollmerpr.com
or
Kristi Manning, 972-488-4790
kristi@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: GetThere