TOWARD Europe launches industry surveys Travel industry body creates breakthrough tour operator and hotel surveys

TOWARD Europe, the pioneering organisation created to maximise the profitability of travel sector, has today launched two groundbreaking industry surveys.

The organisation�s �Tour Operator To Distribution Channel� working group has launched a tour operator survey, accessible through the TOWARD Europe website (www.towardeurope.org). The survey will be open to the tour operator community across Europe, and aims to create a clear picture of the distribution needs, issues and concerns of this key industry sector.

The second survey, run by TOWARD Europe�s �Travel Supplier to Tour Operator� working group will create a comprehensive overview of the hotel industry�s current distribution methods, and will identify the key drivers for change. The survey is available to hotels upon request through TOWARD Europe , or by emailing surveys@towardeurope.org.

Alister Beveridge, TOWARD Europe�s acting-chairman and group IT director of Cosmos, said: �The launch of these two vital surveys marks another significant step forward for TOWARD Europe. Their findings will provide invaluable data for the creation of the organisation�s first two white papers, which we will launch to the industry in December 2003.

�We are urging all tour operators and hotels to take part in our breakthrough surveys, as their input will help define improved distribution strategies and ultimately assist in enhancing the industry�s profitability in the years ahead.�

TOWARD Europe is targeting European tour operators, suppliers, technology providers and other companies across the travel industry for recruitment, and has established a dedicated hotline to deal with membership enquiries (+44 (0) 20 7691 3938).

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Notes to editors

About TOWARD Europe: TOWARD Europe is a pioneering organisation created to maximise the commercial success and profitability of travel industry companies. The organisation will represent, inform and educate on behalf of its members in order to improve electronic distribution and fulfilment of tour operator product to agents and consumers.

The body officially launched to the travel sector in April 2003 with the formation of a management committee and two working groups. Toward Europe�s 22 founder members from across Europe include Amadeus, Eurostar and Hertz Europe.

TOWARD Europe has established two working groups, �Supplier to Tour Operator� and �Tour Operator to Distribution Channel�, whose combined goal is to recognise the issues faced by tour operators and to optimise the travel industry�s entire distribution chain - from suppliers to agents and the end consumer.

A management committee drives TOWARD Europe in the market and comprises acting-chairman, Alister Beveridge, Group IT director of Cosmos; Bill Barnes, business development manager, Amadeus; William Hennessy, director, automation marketing at Hertz Europe; Mark Bradbury, director business development, RWA and Paul Mahoney, IT director, Travel 2.

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For further information please contact: Katrina Walker/Daniel Johnson Rooster tel: +44 (0) 20 7691 3939 fax: +44 (0) 20 7691 3929 email: firstname.surname@rooster.co.uk web: www.rooster.co.uk