Amadeus is helping travel agents become efficient retailers for insurance.

Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, has announced the implementation of Amadeus Insurance, a pioneering solution that enables travel agencies to automatically issue insurance policies at the planning stage of travel.

Travel agents will be able to book products of AIG, specialist provider of travel and leisure insurance policies and launch partner of Amadeus Gulf, through the Amadeus system.

”The agreement between Amadeus and AIG brings important benefits,” states Osama Abdeen, executive vice-president Arabian Countries, AIG.

“Booking is quicker which speeds up the process, increasing productivity and efficiency.

“We have focused strongly on selling insurance with internal training and motivation, therefore it is now automatic to ask customers about travel and cancellation insurance.

“Our consultants today know what is not covered in vacation packages, and find the best additional policy for the customer through Amadeus.”

Amadeus Insurance is a fully automated booking tool, employing proven Amadeus technology to deliver a fast and intuitive system that integrates fully with a travel agency’s existing booking systems and back office.

Information stored in the travel details included in the passenger record (PNR) is used to calculate the insurance premium value, so this information doesn’t need to be re-entered.

Since the whole process takes place online, time is not wasted waiting in a telephone queue or on hold. In addition, with details of the sale automatically sent to the travel agency back office and to the insurance provider, agents have less paperwork to do and more time to spend with customers.

“Amadeus has taken the local partnership approach by joining forces with insurance launch partners such as AIG in the Middle East and African market to deliver a solution adapted to the specific requirements of both providers and sellers,” says Ghulam Saleh Al Bloushi, general manager, Amadeus Gulf.

“Amadeus is committed to help travel agents become efficient retailers for insurance.

“With its IT skills and experience, Amadeus can deliver solutions to enable the growth and automation of the insurance market in Middle East and Africa and beyond.”

The Amadeus Insurance solution benefits the players in the insurance travel market:

Benefits to travel agencies

• Earn high commission more efficiently

• Easy-to-use intuitive interface

• Booking takes 1 to 3 key strokes

• Reliable booking application reduces errors

• Pre-select your preferred insurance provider or policy

• Fully integrated within the Amadeus central reservation system and back office functions

• Customer and itinerary details automatically input from the PNR

• On-line sales reporting

• 30 minute training

Benefits to customers

• Convenience of a one-stop-shop

• Reliable, reputable insurance providers

• Error-free fast processing

• Full range of protection, including trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage, sports and activities, medical assistance and repatriation

• ‘Take away’ policy documents in minutes

• Integrated with whole itinerary

Amadeus is the chosen technology partner for providers, sellers, and buyers of travel.

The company provides distribution, IT and point-of-sale solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast-changing travel industry.

Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (c