Acorn Group Launches Next-Gen Airline Booking Technology in Sri Lanka
The landscape of airline booking technology in Sri Lanka is poised for a paradigm shift with the Acorn Group’s recent appointment as General Sales Agent (GSA) for Iris, an innovative airline retail platform developed by Dubai-based TPConnects Technologies. This development marks a significant milestone for the Sri Lankan travel industry, which is eager to modernize and enhance its operational capabilities.
A Comprehensive Booking Solution
By becoming the GSA for Iris in Sri Lanka, Acorn Group aims to bridge the technological gap for local travel agents. The Iris platform provides seamless access to over 60 New Distribution Capability (NDC) and low-cost carrier sources, alongside all major Global Distribution Systems (GDS) through a single user-friendly interface. This means that travel agencies can now enjoy a range of benefits tailored to their specific needs.
The platform facilitates quicker shopping experiences, access to exclusive and negotiated fares, and provides rich airline content that includes ancillary services and bundled offers. Furthermore, it streamlines post-booking services and features flexible payment options, enabling agencies to improve their operational efficiency and enhance customer experiences.
Meeting Industry Demands
Dushy Jayaweera, Partner and Chairperson of the Aviation Sector at Acorn Group, emphasized the need for robust technology in the recovering travel industry. “As Sri Lanka’s travel sector continues to rebound, travel agents require richer airline content, speedier shopping options, and better control over the booking process,” Jayaweera stated. The Iris platform is strategically designed to meet these evolving expectations, leveraging Acorn’s extensive relationships with local travel agencies to ensure maximum impact.
Strategic Growth Opportunities
With travel demand on the rise, both domestically and internationally, this partnership aims to position Sri Lankan travel sellers at the forefront of industry innovation. Eric Dumas, CEO of TPConnects Technologies, expressed confidence in Acorn Group’s capabilities: “Sri Lanka’s travel market presents significant opportunities, and with Acorn’s established market leadership and distribution network, we believe Iris will meet the need for modern airline content without adding operational complexity.”
As more travelers begin to explore options for travel and tourism in Sri Lanka, the introduction of the Iris platform equips local agents with the tools needed to enhance competitiveness, improve profit margins, and deliver superior customer service—all crucial elements for thriving in today’s fast-paced market.