Travel XML Integration for Audley Travel Group

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Case Studies

Vertical:

Tour Operator, DMC

Technology:

Java Script, Java, PHP

Scope:

9000 man-hours

Approach:

GP Travel Hub, GP Travel Enterprise

Project Background

Audley Travel is a UK-based luxury tour operator specializing in tailor-made trips to destinations worldwide. They provide fully customized travel experiences, focusing on personalized itineraries built around each customer’s preferences. However, their existing system for managing third-party supplier interactions was outdated and labor-intensive.

Challenge

Audley Travel’s initial system was based on .NET and integrated with TravelPort flight GDS. However, interactions with smaller suppliers, such as local destination management companies (DMCs), ground agents, and hotels, were handled manually or through external systems. This created inefficiencies and excessive manual work, prompting the need for a more streamlined solution.

Goal

The main goal was to build a unified online platform to automate and streamline interactions with third-party suppliers, creating a more efficient and scalable solution.

Solution

Phase # 1: Travel Supplier Aggregator

The first step was to automate and standardize supplier integrations. We developed “The Hub,” a custom solution using our proprietary GP Travel Hub API aggregator. This back-end solution served as a centralized interface to communicate with various travel suppliers, allowing for simultaneous requests and responses in a standardized format. Key developments included:

Over 20 XML API integrations, mainly with local DMCs
A custom B2B interface for suppliers to manage bookings
A mapping tool for room-level mappings
Functionality for freezing hotels when necessary
Integration with Audley Travel’s existing “Journey Desk” system

Phase #2: Inventory and Extranet

For partner hotels that couldn’t provide availability data via an API, we implemented the GP Travel Enterprise platform. This solution enabled Audley Travel to manage contracts with hotels, including prices, tariffs, and availability. The Extranet feature allowed hoteliers to update their product prices, descriptions, and track bookings independently.

Results

The partnership with GP Solutions brought about a dramatic improvement in Audley Travel’s operational efficiency. Key outcomes included:

Seamless integrations with over 20 suppliers
A unified, automated system to handle supplier interactions
A significant reduction in manual work and errors
Optimized booking and content management processes, saving time and reducing costs
Ongoing collaboration with full-time dedicated resources to ensure continuous improvements

Audley Travel experienced improved supplier relations, enhanced operational efficiency, and a more scalable business model, leading to smoother day-to-day operations and greater profitability.

Our Clients Say

“Our company would like to thank GP Solutions for being so cooperative in implementing software solutions for our company in the shortest possible period. Your Travel Technology Division has manifested the ultimate operational excellence and the highest professional and personal competence. We consider your team’s cohesion and unity spirit as the keystone of our project’s success.”

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Sven Schiller

Information Technology Director, Air Canada Vacations, Canada

“We’re impressed with GP Solutions’ willingness to always find a way to make things happen. It is a very honest relationship we have with our dedicated team within their Travel Technology Division, and they really do feel like an extension of our own company. This isn’t something you find every day.”

Josea Browne

Managing Director, BookBarbados.com, Barbados

“I can highly recommend the services of GP Solutions. During the past years, our company has been working with their Travel Technology Department on a new project of ours. The company offers high-quality services. We can say that we have always been satisfied with their work.”

Dennis Behnsen

Vice President, Education First, Switzerland

“The Travel Technology Department at GP Solutions continues to produce high-quality outputs thanks to their dedication and commitment to delivering projects on time. The team is highly adaptable, and our internal stakeholders are particularly impressed with their vast industry experience.”

Benjamin Weller

Head of IT, GALERIA Reisen GmbH, Germany

“GP Solutions’ expertise in travel-oriented development and their team’s wide range of skills have been huge for us. Engage their people as soon as possible within your project timeline. Their Travel Technology Division has a fantastic level of expertise on all development fronts that will help your project get moving quickly.”

Marc Blaser

Director Projects, Hotelplan Management AG, Switzerland

“Due to their experience in travel IT, we’ve selected GP Solutions to work on a custom project for TourCompass, which involved interaction with Amadeus. We found their Travel Technology Department to be professional, dependable, and responsive. We are pleased to recommend GP Solutions as a reliable travel technology partner.”