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Computravel's first seven weeks on the web.
19 December 2007

In this update: Introduction Our first 7 weeks on the Web Feedback

Introduction
After months of research, brainstorming, innovation and development, we launched our site on 1 November 2007 into the galactic universe of cyberspace.

Computravel offers South Africans an enticing smorgasbord of holiday ideas and packages to exciting destinations around the globe - all showcased on one site. One simply chooses the type of holiday required from the various categories and up pops a kaleidoscope of global and local vacations.

Having chosen a package of interest, Computravel’s ingenious portal mechanism kicks in and forwards the enquiry to an ASATA accredited travel agent. She meantime, has been waiting patiently to turn aspirations into the reality of tickets and bookings. Half her job has already been done, as the enquiry already has all the essential information needed to arrange a reliable and hassle free trip. Armed with a comprehensive outline, she sets about assembling a proposal linked to an accurate estimate.

Any areas of doubt are cleared up by a return phone call as fax, cell and land line numbers are all part of the initial enquiry. Once consensus is reached, the final itinerary is e-mailed back to the applicant for approval and financial settlement. In this revolutionary internet transaction, the hopeful traveller gets all the convenience of the web as well as the benefit of the consultant’s personal experience– something no traditional web site can replicate. Established agents have all traversed the globe, so personal guidance and advice is the real bonus behind this unique internet portal.

Computravel, the hybrid site that blends the convenience of the web with the time honoured expertise of the conventional travel agent.

The Computravel Team would like to thank all the dedicated tour operators and travel consultants for their trust & support in the launch of Computravel.co.za. We would like to make special mention of Henry Sudwarts, & Tim Jackson for their guidance over the past year. We wish you a peaceful, joyous and relaxing festive season and loads of goodwill & prosperity in the New Year!

Our first 7 weeks on the Web
Since our launch on the first of november the last seven weeks have revealed some exciting and encouraging statistics, which gives us a good feeling for the year ahead.

Traffic for November
Below are more detailed statistics:

Statistics for 01/11/07 to 19/12/07
Average time on site per visitor	5 minutes
Number of Page Views	10 932
Number of Pages per Visitor	6.71
Number of visitors from South Africa	94%
Number of qualified enquiries submitted via the Computravel booking enquiry page	18
Number of enquiries via the Computravel feedback form	9
Packages enquired about telephonically	4
Total number of enquiries	31

We anticipate that these figures will increase significantly in the new year as we embark on a SEO (search engine optimisation) campaign with one of the well established e-marketing companies in South Africa who specialise in the travel industry.

Learn More About Computravel
We would love you to take a few minutes to look at the site, particularly as there are some new features such as a blog and a newsletter.

Computravel Portal:
http://www.computravel.co.za

Computravel Blog:
http://www.computravel.co.za/blog

For Tour Operators:
http://tours.computravel.co.za

For Travel Consultants:
http://agents.computravel.co.za

Feedback
There’s been some great feedback from visitors to the site, tour operators and travel consultants. They all agree that the savvy South African leisure traveller will source the ultimate holiday through Computravel’s portal - be it an adventure on the slopes of Everest, a honeymoon on an enchanting island, or sharing a bough with an Amazon head-hunter. Cruises to exotic shores are a big feature on the site, as are the many skiing and adventure options. Or maybe tastes run simply to a break at a lodge down the road.

Here's what some of you have had to say:

“Great site and loads of holiday ideas”
– Bruce McKie Thomson, Wine Merchant, Liverpool UK

“Highly innovative – this will revolutionise leisure travel!”
– Roy Watts, Travel writer, Cape Town.

“This is very clever I can see a lot of research has gone into its development"
– Quinton Farrell, Brand Manager, Johannnesburg.

“I am most impressed! Lovely layout and incredibly easy to use!!"
– Candice Watcham, Travelinfo.

Computravel looks forward to 2008 with great anticipation we will continue to strive to connect travellers with the best the travel industry has to offer.

Happy Holidays!

Lindsay Quail
www.computravel.co.za

Why use Computravel?
We strongly believe that discerning travellers will be keen to enlist the services of experts in ensuring the best return on their holiday investment.

Booking through an agent who is in tune with all the trustworthy tour operators and their inventories, takes the gamble out of an internet throw of the dice.

All operators are checked and approved before signing up, and their superior buying power harnessed in achieving the best tariffs. Be safe rather than sorry - and bewitched rather than bewildered when booking your holidays through the added expertise of established travel consultants.