The Flight Centre Travel Group has joined forces with Sydney-based technology platform Livn to streamline the booking process for global Day Tours & Activities (T&A).
The deal will help Flight Centre provide next generation, end-to-end connectivity to its preferred supplier base by using the platform to connect existing sales applications to global day tour operators via a single API (Application Programming Interface) that effectively creates a bridge between buyers and sellers of T&A.
The new solution [which is being developed in conjunction with a small number of other suppliers] will be available across Flight Centre’s stable of leisure and wholesale brands, which includes Flight Centre, Liberty Travel, Infinity and Travel Associates.
After extensive technology due diligence, Livn was chosen to be a key part of the solution based on its global connectivity network with deep integrations to tour operator reservation systems and its aggressive future connectivity roadmap.
Livn technology will enable and manage the B2B connectivity using its secure API-based technology as a direct communications channel to Flight Centre’s nominated day tour operator partners, with no interference in their existing commercial agreements. Livn is purely acting as a technology facilitator between the parties.
Previously, Flight Centre travel agents made bookings via website portals, phone and emails, which were not integrated with invoicing or reporting systems. Livn’s solution will enable these operations to be automated with real-time transactions and a fully integrated itinerary and booking management system. With manual handling totally removed, Flight Centre and its preferred global day tour operators will have full accuracy on all their transactions, eliminating room for error, while enjoying lower operating costs by streamlining procurement workflow.
Mark Rizzuto, Livn CEO, is delighted about Flight Centre’s decision, saying, “When Livn first started, we had a vision of moving 100% of all T&A bookings into a fully automated environment. In Flight Centre, we have found a like-minded partner set on replacing inefficient practices with technology that does not fail, works 24/7 and delivers multiple layers of value at all of its touchpoints.”
He explains just how much automation can benefit both Flight Centre and its preferred global day tour operators: “Tour operators gain greater operational and cost efficiencies, while Flight Centre has the opportunity to confidently and easily sell more given full integration into supporting systems. In addition, the company’s travelling customers gain access to real-time availability and pricing across all of Flight Centre’s global distribution channels.”
Mark is also proud that Livn is bringing innovation into the sector, adding, “With this global solution, the T&A sector has been brought into the same easy, reliable and accurate realm the industry has enjoyed for airline, car and hotel sales.”
Flight Centre is currently transferring its T&A inventory online with full migration slated for completion by Q1 2021.
