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October 7, 2008
VAYAMA.COM NOW ACCEPTS CREDIT CARDS FROM 14 EUROPEAN,
ASIA-PACIFIC COUNTRIES
Travelers Outside North America Can Now Book Vayama’s Low International Fares
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (October 07, 2008)
As the industry’s only Web site dedicated exclusively to international travel, vayama.com (www.vayama.com) today announced that it now accepts foreign credit cards from 14 European and Asia-Pacific countries so that a greater number of travelers can access its industry leading collection of international fares, flights and schedules.
With the current U.S. economy, an increasing number of foreign travelers have taken advantage of the strong Euro and other currency to visit the U.S. Vayama wanted to make it easier for customers with foreign credit cards to access its wide range of low international fares so it added the ability to process bookings made by residents of the following 14 countries: Australia, Austria, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.
“Since our 2007 launch, we’ve seen demand skyrocket from overseas travelers interested in booking vayama.com’s exclusive low fares from the U.S. to international destinations,” says Andre Hesselink, vayama.com CEO. “We’ve added the ability to accept credit cards from these 14 countries to make it easier and more cost effective for those residents to travel between the U.S. and other places.”
Vayama is the only travel Web site 100% focused on international travel in order to offer the best prices and most schedule options from hundreds of airlines to 191 countries. Vayama also helps travelers prepare for other aspects of their trip by offering the following: country-specific etiquette guides; airline factoids such as fleet size and age; ground transportation (from airport, within city, to other parts of the country); health, visa and safety information; detailed city maps and more.
September 22, 2008
VAYAMA.COM LAUNCHES FREE BOOKING TOOL FOR TRAVEL AGENTS
Vayama for Travel Agents Lets Agents Spend Less Time Searching for Fares, More Time Making Money
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (September 22, 2008)
Travel professionals who want to search and book international flights in a more efficient way now have the ability to do so. International travel Web site, vayama.com (www.vayama.com) introduces its new tool, Vayama for Travel Agents, to help agents spend less time searching for flights and more time making money.
Designed specifically for travel agents, Vayama for Travel Agents gives quick access to all available private and published international fares. With this easy-to-use booking portal, travel agents can now book the lowest international fares guaranteed without having to search multiple sources.
“Vayama saw that travel agents needed an easier tool for finding and booking all international flights,” said Andre Hesselink, vayama.com CEO. “With Vayama for Travel Agents, we are giving agents easy access to the latest Web technologies and the lowest international fares so they can better serve their clients.”
To help agents save time and make more money, Vayama for Travel Agents offers the following:
- -Complete overview of all available private and published fares
- -The ability to mark-up fares and charge a booking fee within a single transaction
- -Easy to use format with flight filter and sorting options
- -Flight routing plotted on world map
- -Direct email confirmation from agency to customer
- -Booking management tools
- -Administrative features such as password control by agent and ability to assign different access per agent and reporting tools
In addition to providing a better booking experience and the best fares, vayama.com is currently offering agents a chance to win two airline tickets to Mexico from anywhere in the U.S. To be entered into the drawing, agents must register for Vayama for Travel Agents at http://agents.vayama.com by no later than October 1, 2008.
September 18, 2008
Formula 1 Grand Prix; Vayama.com Highlights Special Business, Economy Class Fares
Even though 21 year-old, Sebastian Vettel, just became Formula One’s youngest driver to ever win a Grand Prix, auto racing fans now have another reason to cheer. In celebration of the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sao Paulo and Tokyo, international travel Web site, vayama.com (www.vayama.com) has partnered with Tam Airlines and Air Canada to offer travelers award-winning Business and Economy Class service at record low prices.
Below please find a few examples of roundtrip fares available on vayama.com for travel October 1 – December 19. All fares must be booked by November 30. Go to www.vayama.com for more information and additional gateways.
Vayama is a first-of-its kind travel Web site that is 100% focused on international travel in order to provide the widest selection of international airlines, flights and fares, many never previously available online. Please direct press questions to Maggie Maskery at Maggie@thorntonpr.com or 773-525-6110.
- To: Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Formula 1 Grand Prix location: Grande Premio do Brasil
- Date of race: Sunday, November 2, 2008
- Rates include all taxes and surcharges
Roundtrip Business Class Fares
From New York: $1,958.00
From Chicago: $2,250.00
From San Francisco: $2,385.00
Roundtrip Economy Class Fares
From New York: $650.00
From Chicago: $975.00
From San Francisco: $1,100.00
To: Tokyo, Japan
Formula 1 Grand Prix location: Mount Fuji
Date of race: Sunday, October 12, 2008
Rates include all taxes and surcharges
Roundtrip Business Class Fares
From New York: $6,500.00
From Chicago: $7,600.00
From San Francisco: $5,100.00
Roundtrip Economy Class Fares
From New York: $850.00
From Chicago: $785.00
From San Francisco: $675.00
September 11, 2008
SEASONALITY
As you know, many travelers know where they want to go, but have a hard time deciding when is best. Since seasonality can have a huge impact on the cost of travel, international travel site vayama.com (www.vayama.com) is highlighting some of the current low season fares available on its site to certain destinations. The following fares are available for the next three months and include all taxes and fees.
- -Miami to Nassau
$212.00 on Bahamas Air
- -Miami to Buenos Aires
$710.00 on Aerolineas Argentinas
- -Chicago to Warsaw
$759.00 on Lot Polish Airlines
- -New York to Prague
$762.00 on Czech Airlines
- -Washington D.C. to Lima, Peru
$794.00 on Avianca
- -Los Angeles to Sydney
$1,410.00 on Air Pacific
Vayama.com also offers travelers the following seasonal tips to help them save money on their next vacation:
- Before planning a trip, travelers should consider the region’s weather because seasonality is different among certain areas of the world. Areas south of the Equator have summer season (high season) when most countries are experiencing cold, frigid temperatures (low season). Spending Christmas in Australia means travelers pay high season fares.
- For the lowest fares to Europe, book travel for September and October. Not only can travelers save 75% off the high season fares, they will also enjoy milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Booking a trip to Australia during March and April or August and September could save travelers up to 50% off the high season rate.
- It’s important for travelers to be flexible and persistent by searching multiple dates for the lowest fares because they can dramatically change from one day to the next. During low or shoulder seasons, airlines wait to see the level of demand before lowering fares.
August 25, 2008
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SITE VAYAMA.COM OFFERS TIPS TO HELP BUSINESS TRAVELERS INCREASE SAVINGS AND COMFORT
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (August 25, 2008)
As the cost of business travel continues to rise and the U.S. economy continues to decline, international business travelers have limited options when it comes to cutting costs and increasing comfort. To help travelers combat this problem, international travel site vayama.com (www.vayama.com) has released the following tips to help both novice and experienced international travelers take advantage of potential savings and increase the enjoyment of traveling for business.
Vayama Tip #1: Know the Options:
When traveling internationally, people shouldn’t assume that the major U.S. carriers or the flag carrier of a particular country are their only options. In fact, there are typically a number of other airlines, some of them lesser known carriers, that can offer big savings when flying from the U.S. to international points. Here are some examples currently available on vayama.com:
- 1.Los Angeles LAX to Frankfurt, Germany. (All quoted fares are Round Trip)
- Air India -Economy from $275/ Business class from $2,050/ First class from $2,950
- Compared to Lufthansa – Economy from $401/Business from $3,362/ First from $17,525
- 2.Los Angeles LAX to Paris, France. (All quoted fares are Round Trip)
- Air Tahiti Nui – Economy from $518/Business from $3,138/First from $5,208
- Compared to Air France – Economy from $584/Business from $3,338/First from $17,157
3.Following are other airlines to keep in mind for similar savings on specific routes:
- JFK-Frankfurt on Singapore Airlines
- JFK-Toronto on LAN Airlines
- LAX-Sao Paulo on Korean Airlines
- JFK-Brussels on Jet Airways
- SFO-Shanghai on Jet Airways
- Newark-Stockholm on Malaysian Airlines
- SFO-Seoul on Singapore Airlines
Vayama Tip #2 - Add a Free Stop for Some R&R:
More travelers are combining work trips with leisure travel. Since many international airline fares allow for one free stopover, travelers can give their body a rest and enjoy a mini-vacation by stopping along the way for some free time. For example, those headed on a long trip to India could stop over for a couple days of culture in London. Or, travelers headed to Rio de Janeiro could stop in Cost Rica for a couple days of relaxation. Typically, these types of stop over fares are available at no additional cost.
Vayama Tip #3 – Relax in Comfort Before Flying:
It may not be in the budget to purchase a full year’s membership to an airline club, but many travelers don’t realize they can purchase a Day Pass at most clubs. A Day Pass allows travelers to pick and choose when they need the extra amenities and comfort. These clubs typically offer access to free drinks, snacks, quiet rooms to rest, desks for work, showers to freshen up, and TV for relaxing.
Vayama Tip #4 - Get a Deal on Business Class Fares:
Many airlines offer special deals for their Business Class cabins if travelers book their tickets anywhere from 14 to 30 days in advance. These savings can be substantial over a normal business class fare. A little planning can help travelers save a lot and travel in superior comfort.
Vayama Tip #5 - Save Money and Make a Trip “Around the World”:
Many airlines offer “Round the World” Fares that are thousands of dollars cheaper than buying individual itineraries. Travelers who plan to make one long trip versus several shorter ones can save a lot of money by booking their flights in bulk.
Vayama Tip #6 - Use Low Cost Carriers:
Many countries offer low cost carrier options for travel to and from destinations within or outside of its borders. Travelers can typically save by purchasing one long haul ticket from a major carrier and then several low cost carrier tickets.
Vayama Tip #7 - Understanding the Entire Price of the Ticket:
Some airlines are not charging travelers for the fuel surcharges while others are passing this high cost on to the traveler. When comparing fares, travelers should pay close attention and confirm if they include or exclude any additional taxes or fees.
Vayama Tip #8 - Maximize Alliance Power:
Many airlines belong to a major alliance of airlines that work together to provide travelers with major benefits such as lounge access, upgrade opportunities and special fares. Before traveling, people should ask their carrier what alliance they belong to and what benefits are available.Some examples of Alliances include: Star Alliance, One World, Sky Team.
For more information on vayama, go to www.vayama.com.
Media Contacts, press only: Kendra Thornton or Maggie Maskery; 773-525-6110; press@vayama.com
Industry Contacts: Jeremy Belisario, vayama.com Director of Industry Relations; 650-428-0700, ext. 1036
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September 22, 2008
VAYAMA.COM OFFERS EXCLUSIVE FARES TO INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING DESTINATIONS
Traveler interest in gambling hot spots beyond Las Vegas and Monte Carlo continues to grow, and casinos are responding by building up their presence in unique destinations overseas. International travel Web site vayama.com is currently offering exclusive fares to up-and-coming gambling destinations, Macau, China and Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Macau, the former Portuguese colony located near Hong Kong, is considered the “Las Vegas of the East” and has seen its gambling business boom over the past few years with the addition of glamorous mega casinos including a new Wynn, Venetian and MGM Grand. In fact, gambling accounts for a whopping 40% of government revenue in Macau. Plus, this small region (one peninsula and two small islands), which boasts a yearly average climate of 68°F, offers travelers just as much to do by day. For example, visitors can soak in the culture by strolling to Macau’s ancient temples, museums, gardens, fortresses, beaches and public plazas that are lined with quaint cafés.
Vayama.com has teamed up with Asiana Airlines to offer travelers exclusive fares to Hong Kong available for booking and travel September 1 through November 30, 2008. Please see a few examples below. Ferry service from Hong Kong to Macau is available every 15 minutes. Please visit this link for ferry schedules and costs: http://www.turbojet.com.hk/eng/schedule/prd.html
To Hong Kong
- San Francisco International Airport $ 420.00 plus tax and surcharges
- Los Angeles’ LAX Airport $ 540.00 plus tax and surcharges
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport $ 517.00 plus tax and surcharges
- Chicago’s O’Hare Airport $ 638.00 plus tax and surcharges
Another hot spot travelers are flocking to so they can try their hand at Lady Luck is the stylish and uber-elegant Punta del Este, Uruguay. Similar to Miami or St. Tropez, Punta del Este is known as the place to go for a “see and be seen” crowd. Favorably priced when compared to European and U.S. resorts, Punta del Este offers travelers miles of pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, infamous nightlife and a thriving casino experience. In fact, Punta is home to the exclusive world-class Conrad Hotel and Casino, which dominates the area as the largest tourist and entertainment complex in the region.
Vayama.com has also partnered up with Lan Airlines to offer travelers exclusive fares to Montevideo, Uruguay for departure from August 9 through December 3, 3008 when they book by September 15. Please see a few examples below. Punta del Este is only one and half hours by car from Montevideo.
To Montevideo
- New York’s JFK Airport $ 460.00 plus tax and surcharges
- Los Angeles’s LAX Airport $ 755.00 plus tax and surcharges
- Toronto’s Lester B Pearson Airport $ 835.00 plus tax and surcharges
The above fares are also available at additional gateways nationwide. Go to www.vayama.com for more information.
JUNE 22, 2008
WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD, AVOID SOCIAL BLUNDERS
CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 06/22/2008
Americans aren't always greeted with open arms when traveling abroad. That could be because open arms aren't polite in that particular country, or it could be that we're perceived as louts and the people there don't want to hug us. It's your mission to find out.The travel Web site Vayama.com surveyed U.S. travelers, about half of whom said they have committed social sins in other countries, and about the same number said they simply force their American customs on others, not bothering to find out if you're supposed to let the oldest guy in the room start eating first (Kenya).To help you prepare, we've culled some tips from the site's etiquette section,www.vayama.com/etiquette:
Read more
May 13, 2008
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SITE VAYAMA.COM HELPS TRAVELERS AVOID COMMON ‘FAUX PAS’ WHEN ABROAD
New Survey Shows Majority of Americans Incorrectly Follow U.S. Customs When Visiting Other Countries
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (May 13, 2008) Even though Americans enjoy traveling abroad, many neglect the local customs of other countries and make common faux pas that can lead to confusion and embarrassment, according to a new survey conducted by international travel site vayama.com. To help travelers avoid cultural misunderstandings on future voyages, vayama has added country specific etiquette guides that cover everything from dining practices to appropriate attire, available at www.vayama.com/etiquette.
Vayama’s survey focused on U.S. adults’ know-how of appropriate etiquette in other countries and found that 95% of travelers say they typically learn about the places they visit outside of the U.S. However, they don’t educate themselves on local customs as much as they could. In fact, over half of travelers (54%) said they typically stick to U.S. customs when traveling abroad, and nearly half (47%) said they did something when traveling outside the U.S. that they later learned was inappropriate behavior in that country.
"The results of this survey paint a bleak picture of how Americans are behaving in other countries,” said Tony Hanseder, General Manager of vayama. “To help travelers overcome some of the common obstacles outlined in the survey, we added country specific do’s and don’ts to vayama.com so people can brush-up on correct protocol before they travel.”
Launched today, vayama’s etiquette guides provide a quick and easy snapshot of a country’s culture and customs, including tipping practices, dining etiquette, appropriate attire, how to greet someone, gift-giving, cultural taboos and more. Vayama currently has guides for more than a dozen of its most popular destinations and expects to have more than 50 guides available in the next couple months.
Vayama’s survey revealed that, overall, travelers are not very knowledgeable about the customs of the places they visit. With Europe, over half of travelers (56%) say they have no or limited knowledge of European customs even though the same number of travelers (56%) have been to that region of the world. Nine out of 10 travelers (91%) are somewhat to not at all knowledgeable about the culture of Africa, and over three-fourths admit the same lack of knowledge for South America (83%) and Asia (82%).
Vayama’s survey found that travelers’ lack of knowledge is most apparent when it comes to table manners in other countries. For example, about half (48%) think it’s appropriate to tip when they travel outside the U.S. regardless of the local customs, and a quarter of travelers (26%) learned afterward that it was inappropriate that they tipped a waiter/waitress. One in five travelers (19%) found out it was inappropriate that they waited for a waiter/waitress to bring them a check, and one in four think that forks and knives are used around the world so there’s no need to learn other forms of dining.
Americans are oftentimes misunderstood as disrespectful in other countries when it comes to greeting locals and other nonverbal communication. Two in five of travelers (42%) typically shake hands with someone they meet outside of the U.S. even if it’s not that country’s custom to do so, and about one in five travelers (17%) incorrectly think it is a generally accepted practice outside the U.S. to gesture to someone with a “thumbs up” sign or the “OK” sign.
“Unfortunately, certain stigmas of Americans abroad ring true. We are typically too informal in our interactions so we end up being perceived as rude or uncivilized,” said Syndi Seid, etiquette expert to vayama.com. “When traveling, people need to know that they can’t behave in Madrid the way they would in Miami so vayama has included this type of helpful information in its etiquette guides.”
The survey also compared the habits of those who travel abroad for business to those who travel for leisure and uncovered that business travelers surprisingly make more mistakes than their leisure traveling counterparts. For example, almost a quarter of business travelers (22%) kept their shoes on in someone’s home without knowing it was inappropriate to do so, compared to just 13% of leisure travelers, and 13% of business travelers incorrectly addressed someone as Mr./Mrs./Ms. versus just 8% of leisure travelers.
When it comes to learning about the places they visit, about four out of five travelers (84%) learn about the country they visit by reading about it on the Internet (75%) or in books/magazines (66%), and about two-thirds (62%) ask someone such as a friend, relative or business associate who has been there before. Only one third (34%) ask the locals when they arrive.
For more information on the vayama survey and its country etiquette guides, go to www.vayama.com/etiquette.
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is a global leader in custom market research. With a long and rich history in multimodal research that is powered by our science and technology, we assist clients in achieving business results. Harris Interactive serves clients globally through our North American, European and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Airtrade International between March 13 and March 17, 2008, among 2,552 adults (age 18 and older) of whom, 834 travel outside of the United States at least once per year. Figures for region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.
This online survey is not based on a probability sample, and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated. A full methodology is available.
May 12, 2008
VAYAMA HELPS TRAVELERS SAVE ON FLIGHTS WITHIN EUROPE THROUGH INTEGRATION OF 75 LOW COST CARRIERS
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (May 12, 2008) –Vayama (www.vayama.com), the industry’s only Web site dedicated exclusively to international travel, today announced its expanded airline inventory and ability to help travelers book 75 low cost carriers across 43 European countries through a new partnership with booking engine wegolo.
Since its June 2007 launch, vayama has featured several global low cost carriers (LCC’s) on its site, including Air Berlin in Europe and Kingfisher Airlines in India. By partnering with wegolo, vayama customers will now be able to search the schedules and prices of dozens of popular European LCC’s such as Ryanair and EasyJet.
As a result of the partnership, travelers who use vayama can now access wegolo’s inventory of low cost carriers. Wegolo aggregates search results in to one easy-to-read screen where users are able to mix and match different airlines and flight times to best fit their needs.
"The majority of low cost carriers only allow reservations to be made directly on their own Web sites versus through traditional booking platforms," explains Matt Radack, vayama's Sr. Manager of Airline Content. "Vayama's partnership with wegolo will allow our customers to quickly search over 75 low cost carrier Web sites in seconds so they can book their travel to Europe with us and then book their travel within Europe through us."
Vayama customers can access wegolo’s low fares by selecting the “low cost carriers” option under the “in the air” drop-down menu on vayama.com, or by entering the following URL: www.vayama.com/low-cost-airlines.
In less than a year, vayama.com has become the leading North American site focused exclusively on international travel. Vayama’s success is the result of its commitment to offer American and Canadian travelers the widest selection of airlines and discounted airfares, many of which are unavailable on other travel sites.
October 22 2007Vayama.com spotlighted in two CNN segments
Vayama.com was recently featured on CNN television and cnn.com.
Top 25 Travel Sites
CNN On-the-go Travel Segment
September 26, 2007
TRAFFIC TO VAYAMA, INDUSTRY’S FIRST AND ONLY DEDICATED INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WEB SITE, EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
Beta Site Attributes Growth to New Passport Laws, Surge of American Interest in Traveling Abroad
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (September 26, 2007) – New international travel site, vayama (www.vayama.com), announced today that site traffic has exceeded expectations for its first four months of business. The company attributes some of its growth to the surge of Americans interested in traveling abroad amidst new passport laws.
Since its beta launch in June this year, vayama has had more than one million unique visitors to the site.
"The site, which is still in beta, is performing well. Thousands of people are visiting vayama.com every day and responding to the interactive world map that makes booking our wide selection of low international fare offerings easy," said Tony Hanseder, General Manager of Vayama.
The deluge of business is likely attributed to the fact that seventeen million Americans are expected to receive a new passport this year, according to the U.S. State Department, as a result of new passport laws that take effect on October 1.
"A new passport is an invitation to explore the world beyond just North America so American travelers are looking for ways to do this in the easiest and most cost effective way. As the industry's only dedicated international travel Web site with the largest selection of international airlines, flights and fares, vayama is helping to satisfy travelers' desire for adventure, savings and convenience,” adds Hanseder.
Vayama also attributes its growth to travelers who are taking advantage of current low airfares during Europe's shoulder season and Asia's low season. Sample fares on vayama.com include travel from Los Angeles to Bangkok starting from $659, New York to Venice from $438, San Francisco to Singapore from $659 and New York to Athens from $458. Sample fares do not include taxes and fees, and other rules and restrictions apply. Details can be found on the Deals page at vayama.com.
Launched in beta four months ago, vayama is 100% focused on international travel in order to give Americans the best prices and most schedule options to 191 countries, including specific fare and route combinations that have never been online before. Vayama also provides travelers with the following detailed insight about every aspect of their trip: airline factoids such as fleet size and age; ground transportation (from airport, within city, to other parts of the country); health, visa and safety information; detailed city maps; and travel blogs with personal insight from other travelers.
August 23 2007 Surge in international travel spurs online battle
USA Today, 08/23/2007
Chicago-Surging growth in international travel is driving revenue increases at the foreign units of U.S. online travel agencies and... Read more
July 31 2007 New bookings website shows you the world, then lets you book
Frommer's, 07/31/2007
Vayama's (www.vayama.com) name might not yet be familiar to you, but it will be soon. Read more
July 15 2007 Finding Empty Seats on Busy Routes
The New York Times, 07/15/2007
Though it's never fun to be stuck on a crowded plane, it can be excruciating on long-haul flights like the ones to Europe that so many vacationers are about to take.Read more
June 20, 2007 Have It Your Vay
Daily Candy, – 06/20/2007
Some travel mysteries, you're happy to solve. Which Turkish islands to visit. How many extra days to stay on the Riviera Maya. The number of T-shirts you can squeeze into a carry... Read more
June 14, 2007
Vayama.com niches global travel
USA Today, 06/14/2007
A new airfare booking site is targeting international U.S. travelers with promises of savings by tapping into inventory that its creators say hasn't been available online before. Read more
June 7, 2007 Vayama.com emerges as new option for planning international travel
Eye for travel, 06/07/2007
Vayama, described as the "only dedicated international travel website that allows consumers to search from the largest selection of international airlines, flights and fares, has been launched. Read more
June 7, 2007 Vayama Launches as First-of-Its-Kind Web Site Dedicated Exclusively to International Travel
CBS 2 Palm Springs, 06/07/2007
Most Flight and Fare Options to 191 Countries MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Vayama (http://www.vayama.com) today launched publicly as the industry's only dedicated international travel web site that allows consumers to search from the largest selection of international airlines, flights and... Read more
June 7, 2007
Travel Sites Offer More Options to Book Online
The Wall Street Journal, 06/07/2007
As airplanes continue to get fuller, consumers' options for booking flights
and travel packages online continue to get broader.
Vayama.com, a booking site dedicated to international travel, officially
launched today, claiming to offer a greater selection of international
flights and fares than the more established sites. Orbitz.com this week
announced the launch of Orbitz Insider Deals, a downloadable desktop
application that gives users access to special offers and deal-searching and
tracking tools. And AMR Corp.'s American Airlines has enhanced its Web site,
AA.com, offering a tool that allows customers to search for flights by price
and schedule combined, not just one or the other.
The new offerings come as the airline industry enters what's expected to be
a record summer travel season. The Air Transport Association, the industry's
trade group, recently forecast that approximately 209 million passengers
will travel globally on U.S. airlines between June and August, a 3% increase
over the same period last year.
Vayama is a unit of Airtrade International Inc., a subsidiary of BCD
Holdings NV. The company charges $10 for online bookings and $25 for those
by phone.
June 6, 2007
VAYAMA LAUNCHES AS FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND WEB SITE DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Most Flight and Fare Options to 191 Countries
Easier Booking with Industry-First Interactive Map and 3-D Features
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (June 6, 2007) – Vayama (www.vayama.com) today launched publicly as the industry's only dedicated international travel web site that allows consumers to search from the largest selection of international airlines, flights and fares, many never previously available online, to find the best prices and most schedule options for all international travel.
Consumers will also enjoy the fast and easy flight search features on Vayama thanks to an interactive world map and innovative 3-D seat maps.
"If you look at the world of online travel, most Americans are comfortable booking their own domestic trips, but international travel remained a complicated puzzle that now has been solved, " said Andre Hesselink and Wim Butte, Co-CEOs of Vayama. "That's why Vayama was built; we are 100% focused on international travel in order to give Americans the best fares available with access to the most flight and fare options to 191 countries and airlines and routes that they never knew existed.”
With Vayama, travelers will be able to book specific fare and route combinations that have never been easy to book online before such as Iberia from New York to Rome, China Eastern from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh or Hawaiian Airlines from San Francisco to Sydney. To offer travelers further cost-savings and convenience, Vayama also allows people to book flights to other cities and countries beyond their original destination.
"Forrester research reveals that seven out of 10 international travelers are poised to book more online if given an easier way to plan,” adds Hesselink. "In addition to providing travelers with more international airfare options, Vayama harnessed the latest in online technologies to also make booking international travel simple and fun by using an interactive map.”
By incorporating powerful Ajax technology, flight comparisons on Vayama can be made in the blink of an eye and travelers can narrow search results in real-time based on personal preferences such as total travel time, connecting airports and price. In addition, Vayama's technology connects people to sources that other travel web sites don't have through a combination of direct agreements with the airlines, Global Distribution Systems and consolidators.
Vayama, which means "Go, enlightened,” takes away the mystery of international travel by empowering people with information they can trust. On Vayama.com, travelers can get detailed insight about every aspect of their trip: airline factoids such as fleet size and age; ground transportation (from airport, within city, to other parets of the country); health, visa, safety information; detailed city maps; and travel blogs with personal insight from other travelers.
June 6, 2007 Vayama Launches as First-of-Its-Kind Web Site Dedicated Exclusively to International Travel
Boerse.de – 06/06/2007
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Vayama (http://www.vayama.com/) today launched publicly as the industry's only dedicated international travel web site that allows consumers to search from the largest selection of international airlines, flights and fares, many never previously available online. Read more