Amadeus signs international rail distribution agreement

Madrid, Spain, 27 June 2007: Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, today announced it signed an exclusive deal with Wandrian, a global rail specialist, to distribute rail content to travel agents outside Europe who want to book rail globally. Through the advanced web-based system Amadeus RailAgent, travel agents outside Europe will have online connectivity and tools enabling them to book global rail passes and point-to-point tickets for travel in Europe, the US and Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India.

Amadeus RailAgent will offer high-speed trains and scenic trains such as Eurostar, Trenitalia, BritRail, Thalys, TGV, ICE, VIA Rail and Rail Australia. Agents also earn generous commissions by accessing the widest selection of global rail passes on the Amadeus display. Popular rail passes include Eurail, BritRail, Amtrak, VIA Rail, Japan Rail, Australia Rail and more. Amadeus RailAgent is integrated into the travel agent’s back-office system for tracking, accounting and billing purposes.

"The site enables our travel agency to view multiple rail providers and passes which provides us with an opportunity to offer more schedules with pricing options and general information at our fingertips. We really feel that the Amadeus solution will enhance our rail offering to our customers," said Mary (Dutch) Shumate, The Travel Tree, Miami, FL.

Amadeus gives travel agents access to a comprehensive range of rail content including availabilities, schedules, maps, images, destination and local weather information. The user-friendly interface includes a state-of-the-art rail planning tool, which allows travel agents to produce a customised itinerary for travellers; the system also allows booking and payment for inter-modal itineraries (combining air, rail and car) in the same platform. These features enable agents to offer complete and tailored service to each customer, enhance satisfaction, and increase customer loyalty.

"Providing innovative e-commerce solutions that facilitate the distribution of rail tickets is an integral part of our strategy and we feel that this partnership with Amadeus will bring travel agents a rounded solution to enable the effective sale of rail tickets while fulfilling their back-office needs, "says Bret Gordon, CEO and President of Wandrian.

Albert Pozo, Managing Director, Travel Services & Leisure, Amadeus stated: "The agreement with Wandrian is testament to our dedication to provide sophisticated IT solutions to travel agents worldwide. This specific solution will allow travel agencies outside Europe to be able to book rail content worldwide, which had been a difficult challenge in the past. As the rail market is an important growth industry, it is vital that we provide travel agents the choice and tools to effectively serve their customers."


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Notes to the editors

About Wandrian, Inc.
Wandrian is a leading global travel distributor and technology developer for rail products and services. Wandrian has developed RailAgent, a cost-effective, easy-to-use technology for selling rail designed for Travel Agents. The company provides technology, marketing, and fulfilment services to help lower distribution costs for railways and other travel companies. Wandrian was founded in 2000, and is funded by Brook Venture Partners and Boston Capital Ventures. The company’s customers and partners include many of the top international travel companies and railroads.

About Amadeus
Amadeus is the chosen technology partner for providers, sellers, and buyers of travel. The company provides distribution, IT and point-of-sale solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast changing travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (corporations and travellers). Solutions are grouped in four solution categories – Distribution & Content, Sales & e-Commerce, Business Management and Services & Consulting.

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