Archana Sharma – New Delhi
Travelport has announced the launch of Travelport Universal API (Application Programming Interface), in association with InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ) to developers in India. According to Anil Parashar, president and CEO, ITQ, “Travelport Universal API is a larger platform that provides user-friendly services beyond GDS offerings in India, and also serves as a common platform between tourism suppliers, B2B agents and end consumers.”
Travelport Universal API aggregates content from Global Distribution System (GDS) for air ticketing, rent-a-car services, hotel reservations and other ancillary services through a single connection. The interface is already available in 90 countries. ITQ is in talks with 12 online travel agencies (OTAs) in India to integrate this technology into their businesses. “This new application provides the benefit of expanding offerings and capabilities while entering new channels and markets at a faster pace,” stated Parashar.
He added that Travelport Universal API offers wider choices in lesser time and it is a one-stop shop application, with which users need not download other applications for different travel and tourism products.” Travelport Universal API enables developers to access multiple content sources by writing code for only one solution, decreasing the time required to launch new travel applications.
Rabih Saab, president and managing director – Africa, Middle East and South Asia, Travelport, said, “The Travelport Universal API launch in India will help in further growth as developers in the region see the value in this unique technology, which helps them develop innovative new travel apps quickly and efficiently.”
“We will target all key markets for potential travel and tourism companies, including MNCs and OTAs because it is more useful for big companies, although it is available for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well,” Parashar added.