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Knight Ridder Joins Orbitz for Business customer base

May 03, 2004 |

Orbitz for Business has added another Fortune-sized customer, Knight Ridder, to its rapidly growing customer base of more than 1,000 companies.

Orbitz for Business has added another Fortune-sized customer, Knight Ridder, to its rapidly growing customer base of more than 1,000 companies. Knight Ridder selected the full-service travel management program for its multi-tiered customer service program, sophisticated data reporting capabilities and low costs.

According to Knight Ridder, the owner of 31 daily newspapers and the Real Cities network of Web sites, the company cut transaction fees by approximately 20 percent during a one-year pilot program of Orbitz for Business. With 5,300 travelers and dozens of separate business units, the publishing giant found Orbitz for Business’ multi-tiered customer service offering, which includes an executive travel desk, shared premier travel desk, and 24/7 customer service center, was a key factor in meeting traveler and budget needs across departments.

“In 2003, one-fifth of our employees were booking online and outside of our designated corporate travel agent, which made it difficult to manage our travel program and control costs,” said Ellen White, Knight Ridder travel manager. “After implementing Orbitz for Business, I was surprised how many employees told me they were pleased to have permission to use the online agency they were already using to book leisure and business travel.”

“Companies tell us that designating Orbitz for Business as their approved agency restores their credibility with travelers by giving them access to the industry’s widest selection of low fares and rates.  Plus, our online adoption rate among existing corporate customers has soared to nearly 90 percent because travelers already know how to use our site,” said Rick Weber, vice president of Orbitz Business Travel Services. “Yet, Orbitz for Business doesn’t stop there.  Customers have told us that our integrated customer service program provides the exceptional support necessary so business travelers don’t just book once, but time and time again.”

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