Hospitality software developer Hospitality Technology International (HTI) has spent R4 million on programming in the past nine months and plans to spend another R8 million in the next two years.
The group, which claims it offers the only software of its kind in SA, says it wants to develop an international network. It is focusing on expanding its solution to Europe, Asia Pacific and the rest of Africa.
HTI supplies eRes Central Reservations, a Web-based application, and distribution software to more than 90 groups in sub-Saharan Africa. eRes integrates with most major property management systems, travel agents, tour operators and marketing portals.
Serious investment
Marketing executive, Rory Montgomery, says the company will spend at least another R8 million in the next two years on top of the R4 million it has invested in its product. “There are a lot of development plans ahead.”
HTI is ploughing back about 25% of its turnover into development and is seeking investors and funders, notes Montgomery. He says about 90% of the spending has gone into development, with the balance invested in research and development.
Montgomery says other packages claim to play in HTI's space, but these systems do not make and take reservations. He says the company is looking to expand internationally and grow its network.
Online capabilities
The eRes multi-property Web-based central reservations system is designed to operate with many property management systems using open protocols such as Open Travel and XML. It is designed for use by hotel and lodge chains, and presents available openings across many destinations and properties on a single screen.
A core feature developed in the past year is a multi-itinerary Internet booking engine, which Montgomery says is a “simple four-step booking process from 'look to book', which gives users a logical and streamlined booking experience”.
Share