Sabre Red Launchpad, a groundbreaking booking platform tailored for new travel advisors, has made its debut available to all travel agencies. Developed in conjunction with Internova Travel Group, a significant player in the travel industry, this platform aims to reshape the way travel professionals conduct their business. By simplifying the booking process for flights, accommodations, and car rentals, the Launchpad is designed to meet the needs of modern advisors. Its streamlined interface removes the complexities usually associated with Global Distribution Systems (GDS), allowing for a more accessible and efficient booking experience.
What sets Launchpad apart is its commitment to providing a “consumer-grade” shopping experience. The platform leverages Sabre’s extensive array of travel content while minimizing the technical barriers that may deter new advisors from engaging with traditional GDS systems. With the absence of GDS codes, the platform fosters an environment where advisors can focus more on client relationships rather than getting bogged down by technicalities. Kathy Morgan, a prominent figure in Sabre’s product management sector, emphasizes that Launchpad is constructed to empower advisors with the tools they need to generate revenue from the very first day of use.
Internova and Sabre’s collaborative effort began earlier this year, with the intention of addressing a significant gap in the market. By co-branding the platform as Internova SNAP, the initial rollout commenced within Travel Leaders Network. By last month, over 300 Travel Leaders Network agencies had integrated SNAP, leading to a notable increase in sales performance. Peter Vlitas, a key executive at Internova, articulated that the need for a solution was paramount for advisors looking to enhance service offerings without relying on GDS systems that often appear daunting. This partnership reflects a strategic alignment between two major entities in the travel space, showcasing the potential for innovation when industry leaders collaborate.
One of the earliest adopters of the Launchpad was the 1000 Mile Travel Group, which branded the system as 1000Access. Within a mere six months of launching, a remarkable 40% of North American advisors had embraced the platform. This widespread adoption translated into substantial financial benefits, with the group collectively earning more than $120,000 in airline commissions. Such statistics underscore the efficacy of the platform and hint at a promising trajectory for both advisors and agencies in leveraging technological advancements to boost income potentials.
The advent of Sabre Red Launchpad symbolizes a significant step forward in the travel booking landscape. By focusing on accessibility, ease of use, and collaborative development, it not only caters to the immediate needs of travel advisors but also sets a precedent for future innovations in the industry. As more agencies adopt this intuitive tool, the potential for growth and enhanced client service appears limitless, marking a new era where technology and travel expertise can seamlessly coexist.