Bales Worldwide, a leading UK based Escorted Journeys and Tailor Made specialist tour operator has chosen Open Destinations as their new technology systems provider.

Due to launch in late Summer, holidaymakers logging on to www.balesworldwide.com will be able to combine and book holiday components – flights, accommodation, tours and much more – as well as being able to book pre-packaged holiday itineraries.

“These plans represent a significant advance in the Bales Worldwide offering,” says Iain Fenton, Sales & Marketing Director for Bales Worldwide. “Travellers will be able to browse and book the holiday of their choice, building on the unrivalled range of products and services that have made us one of the country’s leading escorted journeys and tailor made specialists.

Historically, we have only been able to offer Escorted Journeys online – customers looking to personalise their own itineraries have had to contact us for expert advice. Of course we will continue to provide that service, but our improved website will give travellers significantly greater flexibility in booking their own Tailor Made holiday arrangements.”

Driven by Open Destinations’ Travel Studio reservation system and their scheduled/negotiated fares system (Fare Studio), the new Bales Worldwide solution will incorporate third-party suppliers’ holiday components, giving Bales access to a wider range of net fares, and provide real-time management information which means Bales’ staff will be even better equipped to deliver, and surpass, customer expectations.

“The new technology represents a substantial investment in bringing our online presence to a higher level,” says Fenton. “It is a reflection of our continuing commitment to travel and tourism excellence.”

Kevin O’Sullivan, Open Destination Managing Director says, “We are delighted to be chosen as Bales technology provider after winning their vigorous selection process.

It’s particularly pleasing that Bales will also be utilising our off-shore BPO service team to help load and maintain their product and service contracts, a service that we believe will become increasingly popular over the coming months as tour operators look at ways to reduce cost, whilst maintaining and improving service levels”.