Singapore, February 12, 2004 - The two most significant developments changing the landscape of business travel in Asia are the emergence of low-cost carriers and GDS (global distribution system) deregulation. Both play a decisive role in the determining the cost of business travel.

Once regarded as an unsuitable model for travel in Asia, low-cost carriers are making quick inroads with competitive service, creative amenities, and less expensive fares. Travel management professionals are well advised to examine the comparative benefits of this new model.

ASPAC travel managers are beginning to feel the extent to which the recent GDS deregulation will affect their cost savings. The announcement by British Airways to impose a "distribution supplement" on UK agencies making bookings outside of their choice GDS partners may become an issue of contention if Asia-Pacific carriers decide to follow suit.

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives is responding to the business travel professional's need to make sense of these developments through two Executive Forums (26 February, Hong Kong and 4 March, Sydney) and a Power Talk (February 20, Singapore).

"Each of these issues is significant as they may represent the basis of new -- and therefore lasting -- business models," said (quote from local expert). "These educational events will place these issues in perspective, detail the impact to the industry, and offer travel management professionals various strategies for presenting the facts to upper management, while fulfilling corporate objectives."

Register online for the ACTE events in Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney. E-mail [email protected] to receive a registration form.

For more information, contact:
Kenneth Phua
Director Asia-Pacific
tel: 65-6728 3820
fax: 65-6728 3863
email: [email protected]