STA launches dynamic packaging - 01-Sep-04.

STA launches dynamic packaging - 01-Sep-04.: "STA Travel has relaunched its UK website with features such as dynamic packaging and a round-the-world trip planner. tthe new features, which were exclusively revealed to TravelMole in June, are already proving popular with web users.

According to STA, its round-the-world route planner has become the fourth most popular page on the site, receiving around 40,000 unique users per month.

The dynamic packaging, or shopping cart facility was created by using technology provided by US firm Xyka. Xyka�s online booking engine enables STA users to combine flights with other products and also to hold STA negotiated fares until 5pm the following day.

Other enhancements on STA Travel include a destination search with information provided by Lonely Planet and What�s on When, and a more sales-focussed homepage that offers current deals."

June ArticleSTA Travel, which targets the student and youth market, aims to substantially increase online sales over the next few years on all of its websites worldwide.

Internet marketing executive Sara Cox told TravelMole that the website currently drives 50-60% of telesales calls, suggesting it is already being used as a research tool as well as an online booking facility. She said: "We are trying to move to more of a sales focus to keep in line with the competition. We will keep the look and feel of STA and maintain the information, but also push more offers."

The website also plans to work more closely with search engines like Google. According to Ms Cox, 36% of the statravel.com traffic come from these.

As part of its bid to sell more aggressively online, statravel.co.uk is relaunching its homepage in the next few months weeks and has a number of new functions.

A further online development is the introduction of dynamic packaging – or an online shopping cart. The function allows website users to combine flight, hotel and other products and pay for them in one transaction. Users can get their student discount with an ISIC or IYTC card as well. A spokeswoman told TravelMole that Inter-rail products and Australian and New Zealand visas will be available online soon.

The website also allows users to hold an STA Travel negotiated fare until 17.00 that day (or the following day if it is after 17.00). It claims to be the only UK website that offers discounted student and youth fares.

According to STA, 99% of UK students in higher education have access to the internet, and 93% of them use it once a week.
Report by Ginny McGrath

STA Travel