초록 ▼

In a self-service system of selling travel-related services or products by means of an interactive travel service system functioning like a travel agent, to simplify the search process by the system and the decision process by the user, the user is first queried as to travel knowledge, such as wheth

In a self-service system of selling travel-related services or products by means of an interactive travel service system functioning like a travel agent, to simplify the search process by the system and the decision process by the user, the user is first queried as to travel knowledge, such as whether the user is a first-time visitor or is otherwise familiar with the travel destination, and as to personal attribute such as family orientation, age and preference for airlines, lodgings, car rental companies, price range and lifestyle. In accordance with the travel knowledge and attributes inputted electronically by the user, one or more recommendations or a whole listing will be presented for selection by the user. To simplify the process, the user is asked to input the relevant dates and the inventory database is searched so that only available choices will be presented. The system is particularly advantageous for self-service method of selling travel-related services or products such as local tour attractions, local bookings, car rental bookings, local or intrastate tour packages, airline tickets, out-of-state tour packages, cruises, optional tours or cruises, and other shopping options.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A self-service method of selling services or products related to local visitor attractions of a destination area by means of an interactive electronic travel service system functioning like a travel agent, comprising the steps of:initiating two way communication between a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A self-service method of selling services or products related to local visitor attractions of a destination area by means of an interactive electronic travel service system functioning like a travel agent, comprising the steps of:initiating two way communication between a user and the system;querying the user as to whether the user has travel knowledge of said destination area;providing to the user who is a first time visitor and who is not familiar with the destination area information concerning attractions usually preferred by first time visitors;supplying choices of different local visitor attractions for selection to the user who is a repeat visitor and to the user who is a first time visitor after the providing step; andclosing a sale and confirming a reservation for the selected local visitor attraction(s) made by the user.