US government agencies opt for GetThere to lower costs

May 16, 2005 |

Taking a cue from the private sector, federal government agencies have chosen GetThere as part of the U.S. government's e-Travel initiative in order to bring greater efficiency and lower costs related to government travel programs.

Taking a cue from the private sector, federal government agencies have chosen GetThere as part of the U.S. government’s e-Travel initiative in order to bring greater efficiency and lower costs related to government travel programs.

The corporate online travel system has been selected to provide several government agencies with its online technology through its partnership with CW Government Travel(R) and its Internet-based end-to-end product called E2 Solutions.

Bev Heinritz, general manager, GetThere, said “Most large corporations are now embracing online travel as a way to empower travelers, as well as to reduce costs. Companies are telling us that they save an average of 20 percent per trip just by booking online, and now this same savings can be captured by these government agencies. Ultimately, it’s good for the traveler, the government and taxpayers.”

Federal employees, as per the estimates, make around 4 million air and rail trips a year, but according to the GSA, only 2% of government travel bookings are currently made online. The GSA estimates that going online will save as much as $2 billion to government travel spend over the next 10 years.

Apart from customisation, GetThere’s technology other strength is in offering an online experience similar to commercial travel Web sites for federal employees. The system highlights government-approved rates for air, rail, car and hotel options and allows travelers to book these negotiated rates, in addition to all published rates.

GetThere also results in finding the difference through a low fare search. The search, unlike booking technology used by much of the government, helps in finding the best option comparing the lowest fare available or a fare from one of their preferred airlines or other suppliers.

Scott Guerrero, chief operating officer and executive vice president of CW Government Travel said that GetThere online travel system combines a user-friendly booking experience with robust capabilities that meet stringent government regulations.

“As the government aggressively pursues automation, we are giving government agencies a way to jump to the forefront of online technology, rather than playing catch up. This proven technology creates an immediate way to comply with the e-Government initiative and start generating new cost savings,” said Guerrero.

CW Government Travel, Inc. offers services to federal travelers and their agencies under the GSA TMC Master Contract. It is considered to be the largest single travel management contractor to the government, providing comprehensive official travel services valued at $600 million in annual air sales.

According to a release, agencies that have selected GetThere as part of E2 Solutions include the Department of Labor, Department of the Interior, Department of State, General Services Administration (GSA), Railroad Retirement Board, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Before the full end-to-end travel management solution is deployed, these agencies can immediately begin to realise savings and efficiencies by adopting GetThere’s solution. Within one month of launching GetThere, several major bureaus within the Department of Interior were processing more than 60% of their travel reservations online due to the system’s ease of use.