A2Btransfers is asking its trade partners who have integrated directly with them to upgrade to its new XML API as it promises to bring in an Uber-style on demand service.
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A2Btransfers to offer trade Uber-style white-label app for on-demand resort bookings
A2Btransfers is asking its trade partners who have integrated directly with them to upgrade to its new XML API as it promises to bring in an Uber-style on demand service.
The new XML already allows point-to-point bookings for private transfers and will shortly also offer this option for resort shuttles as well.
Renaldo Scheepers, chief executive of A2Btransfers, said within the next four weeks the firm would also be launching its new on demand app.
He said this can be white-labelled with clients’ branding, enabling them to provide customers with an Uber-style service in holiday resorts.
Scheepers said he expected the Uber-style service to be more popular for in-resort taxi rides than transfers which tends to be pre-arranged.
He said A2B was working with local licensed taxi firms and the app will allow customer to opt for either pre-booked or on-demand services.
Other technology enhancements A2B has announced include an improved search functionality, so agents can search per hotel to shop for different prices.
It will also have a flight search so that transfers can be tied into schedules.
A2B said the new XML would reduce errors and improve customer service by allowing transfer vouchers to be sent to its customers’ customers via SMS.
Meanwhile, A2B has split its A2Btravelextras from the transfers business creating a standalone company that will focus on excursions and experience around the world.
Former MSC Cruises sales and commercial director Lee Strongitharm has been brought in to run the business as chief executive.
Scheepers said the supplier would also be offering cruise excursions, an area where there are already some recent entrants, but he said it would have a “different proposition”.
The A2B airport parking website has now been integrated into A2Btravelextras.
A2Btransfers sister brand Resorthoppa has been rebranded hoppa.com which will be the firm’s national and international customer facing brand in the future.
Phil Norris, A2B’s sales director told clients at the firm’s annual ’Summer Shindig’ last week that sales started well this year before falling back in April and May.
But he said the UK was 18% up year on year, and that the firm would probably end the year up by a quarter of a million passengers.
He said the firm has increased the size of its operations team enabling A2B to respond to clients more quickly. New contractors for the Far East have been brought in.
