Worldspan to set up 14 new offices in India

To address Low-Cost Carriers’ needs

Jyoti Koul - New Delhi

A new entrant into the Indian market, Worldspan is the only GDS that does not own or operate an online agency unlike its other counterparts in the GDS segment. Therefore, it does not compete with travel agencies as a travel retailer.

Enjoying a domain share of 65 per cent (globally) Worldspan is targeting to grow its current market share in India by 12 per cent. To achieve this growth, Worldspan has lined up an array of initiatives. To begin with, it recently launched e-pricing and there are many new products on the cards, which are still at the developmental stage.

However, to spread its wings wide and far, the company is geared up to set up 14 new offices at various locations across India. The company has planned to approach the market region-wise. Starting from Delhi, the company is trying to gain a strong foothold in the western region of the country. With these new offices it will soon create its presence in southern and eastern India.

As a specialised distributor of travel technologies, e-commerce solutions and consulting, sales and support services, Worldspan has already identified locations at Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bangalore Chennai/Kochi, Thiruvanathapuram, Hyderabad and Kolkata. All these offices are likely to be set up by the end of March next year. The company is investing a significant amount of money to carry out this expansion exercise.

J B Singh CEO and Director, Calleo Distribution Technologies

In terms of introducing new products and new solutions, Worldspan is looking at Low-Cost Carriers as well. JB Singh, CEO and director of Calleo Distribution Technologies in an exclusive with Express TravelWorld said, "We are looking at Low-Cost Carriers with a lot of interest and we are currently working out our strategy about how to address this segment of the airline business. Right now we are trying to understand the specifics of this market segment."

Jay S Rein Vice-President, e-Commerce, Worldspan

Worldspan's local partner, Calleo Distribution Technologies has the exclusive distribution rights to launch advanced travel technologies, service and ongoing support for travel agencies throughout the Indian subcontinent. When asked about the current trends in travel technology, Jay S Rein, vice-president, e-Commerce, Worldspan, said, "Well, there is and there will always be space for everyone. But in the fast changing times it is very important for every player to identify their niche." Rein, who came to India for the first time was in Delhi to attend the Eyefortravel - Travel Distribution India '06 conference. He made a presentation on `Understanding the Evolution of Online Travel Distribution'. Talking about Indian market, Rein said, "India is the next frontier for travel-oriented e-Commerce solutions. At present the country offers tremendous opportunities and we definitely want to take up those opportunities to grow."