industry note

February 8, 2007

To: Travel Industry Participants
From: Kevin Mitchell

Re: UK Travel Distribution Webcast

The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) has recently been active in the UK travel distribution system debate. This issue has increased in importance in 2007 as watershed, long-term airline-GDS agreements come up for renewal at the end of February.

In collaboration with prominent UK travel Associations, we have been endeavoring to inform industry executives on the near-term and strategic implications of failed British Airways-GDS negotiations. Important lessons were learned about protecting stakeholder interests in 2006 in America when the first market-driven distribution system model after 20-plus years of government regulation was implemented. Much is at stake now for all participants in the UK distribution system; in fact, for all European travel industry stakeholders.

To elevate the travel industry debate surrounding UK travel distribution system reform, BTC will produce a live, 30-minute Webcast with the most up-to-date information and analysis. In particular, corporate travel managers with headquarters in the UK, or significant business travel activities there, should participate in this event. Indeed, all European travel industry executives should consider joining in. Questions will be taken. Press are welcome.

The Webcast will take place at 15.00 (London time); 10.00 (Washington time) on Thursday, 22 February. There is no registration fee, just the cost of a phone call. Please pre-register at http://www.AdvancedSurvey.com/default.asp?SurveyID=48821. Participation is limited to the first 200 registrants. This Webcast will “sell out” quickly.