A New Galaxy For Indian Agents

Travel agents in India have a new global distribution option following the recent launch of the Galaxy Travel Distribution System (Galaxy TDS), which is a business-to-business platform that supplies agents with bookable rates for hotels from around the world, and will soon provide a similar option for ground transfers, excursions packages and tours.

Galaxy TDS is available free of charge to travel agents, although retailers need IATA accreditation. Galaxy offers instant credit line to IATA agents and payments are collected through international credit cards and Galaxy BSP, which is a weekly settlement plan that is a mirrors system of IATA BSP and managed by Galaxy.

Retailers signing up for Galaxy would download software that appears as an icon on their desktop. Navigator Travel Services provides training to users. Once set up, the agents simply access the system and request the hotel they want. Galaxy TDS filters best rates and availability from multiple ground services suppliers in each destination, thus giving retail travel agents the most competitive rate in the market. Rates can be marked up, allowing agents to print vouchers and invoices (including their mark up).

On cash payments, commissions are earned immediately, while on credit card payments there is a 16 to 20 day wait. For credit cards, Galaxy has an agreement in place with both Visa and Master card; it also absorbs the transaction fee.

Galaxy TDS is functional since February 2004 is India and is earning acceptance within the retail community here. Navigator has already signed up five retailers in India.

One of the first subscribers Sanjay Dang, managing director, Le Travel World says, "I find Galaxy to be an amalgam of value for money, pricing and the benefit of instant confirmations. The option to use credit cards and Galaxy BSP payment format make cumbersome financial transactions a great and smooth experience."

Incorporated in Hong Kong in 1993 the company has its marketing and training operations in Bangkok, and its product development centre in Cyberjaya, Kuala Lumpur. Galaxy's solutions are marketed globally through a network of 34 local National Marketing companies. Navigator Travel Service is Galaxy's National Marketing Partner for India and Nepal.