Freedom Direct

Leading independent travel agent, Freedom Direct, based in Newcastle and Durham, has launched a unique online service. In an industry first, holidaymakers can now book excursions and activities on-line prior to travel.

(PRWEB) December 25, 2004 -- Leading independent travel agent, Freedom Direct, based in Newcastle and Durham, has launched a unique online service. In an industry first, holidaymakers can now book excursions and activities on-line prior to travel.

All excursions have been personally vetted to ensure that operators comply with strict quality and safety guidelines.

Mark Sutton, Director Freedom Direct says: as an agency we are committed to providing value-added services to our customers. Until now, the only missing piece from the jigsaw was excursions and activities. By creating a 'hassle free online booking service, we have enabled customers to plan and tailor their trips more effectively, as well as saving precious time at their destination".

The website, www.resortexcursions.com is designed for both agents and customers, so holidaymakers can either book online directly, or via their own travel agent.

Since going live in June, over 1500 travel agents have registered on the site, including large travel specialists like the Co-op Group.

Mark Sutton adds: As the service is used by the trade as well as customers, we wanted a simple, easy-to-navigate site. However, as this was a brand new service, we needed guidance, both from a design and technical perspective. In the fast paced travel industry, it was crucial that the site was up and running quickly."

Blue River and Perfect Image, the consultants who designed and implemented the web site, also alerted Freedom Direct to GROW Your Business funding.

This initiative provides up to 80% funding for businesses in the North East that are interested in benefiting from online projects and training.

It is managed by the North East Regional Portal n-e-life.com, with support from the European Regional Development Fund and One North East.

Mark says: the funding we received from GROW coupled with the skills of our consultants, enabled us to launch our web site in June, within an amazing four week timescale, and just in time for peak travel season.

Expanding and updating the site on a world-wide basis is an on-going process.

"Although it is still early days, we are delighted by the response and positive feedback from both customers and agents," he adds.

This focused on-line service is a great example of how Internet technology can help a company diversify and grow," says Norma Foster, general manager of n-e-life.com.

She points out that funding is available for almost any IT project, not just web site development: GROW is designed to help the regions small businesses prosper by making better use of IT software in all its forms. This includes networking, systems integration, software licenses as well as the creation and upgrading of websites.

"Businesses that would like to unlock the opportunities of e-commerce should not delay but apply now for funding," she urges.

To find out more about Grow Your Business support packages, call (0191) 487 2002.

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