GetThere starts technology share with Travelocity

GetThere, the corporate online reservation system, has launched a new hotel “shopping” process for corporates as the first part of its plans to share technology with online leisure agency Travelocity

The enhanced process offers bookers more information including photographs, more detailed hotel descriptions, facilities, locations and costs.

GetThere, like Travelocity, part of the Sabre Travel Network, said the new process would give its corporate customers a facility with the feel of a leisure website.

Floyd Widener, European vp for GetThere and corporate travel at Sabre, said the aim was to make the online corporate booking system “the ultimate tool for travellers.”

Ellen Keszler, president of Travelocity Business, announced in February that the two companies would begin to merge their corporate technology.

Visa launches MI solution for SMEs

Visa Europe has launched a new tool, Visa Information Source (VIS) aimed at helping SMEs with expense management.

The company said VIS had already “proved a success” in America where it handles 12.5m transactions a year.

The European launch of VIS follows research which found that more than 50% of SMEs were attracted to online reporting and expense management tools.

Visa said the tool could help SMEs keep track n business expenditure and help them realise savings.

Gabriele Cappelletti, head of commercial solutions for Visa Europe, said: “We have developed VIS to meet the reporting and expense management needs of European companies.”

Mark Robinson, head of commercial products, European Cards for HSBC, said:  “We believe there is a definite requirement for this solution in the European business marketplace. Our initial conversations about VIS with clients have been extremely positive.

“The trial of the product was very successful - customers found that it helped employees save time and allowed them to focus on their day-to-day activity.”