FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Continental Airlines Vacations enhanced
its Web site, launched in April for consumers and agents, to allow
users real-time booking confirmation and follow-up e-mail
confirmation within 24 hours.
The site, www.coolvacations.com, has also been expanded, with more
hotel selections in Mexico, said Michael Henderson, general
manager.
Cancun is a focus this fall, with special promotions, some of
which are available only when booked electronically, either through
CRSs or the Web site. Other products promoted on line include a Las
Vegas package at the Mirage for two nights, including air and
hotel, which starts at $339 per person. It features discounts for
sightseeing.
The Web site was created by New River Technologies, a sister
company of Certified Vacations, the operator of Continental
Airlines Vacations. Henderson claims the technology created in
house has given the Certified tour brand an edge, including a
larger on-line inventory and special features, such as follow-up
e-mail confirmation.
However, the Internet is still a long way from becoming a
favorite means of booking vacations for agents or consumers,
Henderson said.
Even though the site features a booking system with a secure
Internet server with which users enter a credit card number, the
telephone is still preferred for actual reservations. "People still
call for the booking," he said. "The confidence level is still not
high enough."
To speed travel agents' acceptance of the Internet as a booking
tool, the company may train and begin rewarding agents, starting
with national accounts, for using the Web site. "It's just a matter
of time and education," he said. "The issue is that we can both
save money and time with the Internet."