Press release from IBIS Technology
Monday 11 December 2006

Tourism software specialist announces team expansion and new focus

The newly created position of Sales and Support Manager at leading tourism software provider IBIS Technology marks the company’s growth and an emerging sales focus.

Marie Hendren has been appointed in the new role with responsibility for delivering dedicated support to tourism businesses throughout the North and South Island.

Christine Ryan, IBIS Technology’s General Manager, said Marie’s appointment marks an exciting new direction for the company, who provides tailored software solutions to many of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism operators.

“Recruiting Marie spearheads a change in focus for us. As the company matures, we are excited to be able to dedicate someone full-time to identifying customers who would benefit from using IBIS," said Ryan.

“Marie has over seven years’ experience in the tourism industry and has been using IBIS software for four years; that skill mix was incredibly hard to find.”

In line with the company’s stellar growth and a shift in strategic focus, Marie’s appointment will help IBIS meet increasing demand for their innovative real-time software.

“Marie’s in-depth knowledge of the tourism sector, experience with our software and aptitude for sales means we can provide enhanced support to our expanding customer base.”

Marie, a former marketing coordinator for Shotover Jet and sales manager for Shotover Canyon Swing, said she is looking forward to managing communication with existing clients and marketing IBIS to new customers.

“I was attracted to the job because I knew IBIS Technology is a delivery and quality focused company, working with a diverse and interesting mix of clients,” said Hendren.

“IBIS encourages a flexible, fun work environment where the emphasis is on working smarter, not harder. That ethos really appealed to me, as did the autonomy of the role and the opportunity to influence software development as I gain client feedback.”

Marie, originally from Christchurch, has a diploma in Travel Tourism and Business Development from the NZ School of Travel and Tourism. She has been based in Queenstown since 2001.

Meanwhile Ivonne McDonnell-Grant has been promoted to the full-time time position of Office Administrator. Ivonne began working part-time with IBIS over a year ago in a financial administration role; her promotion reflects the company’s dedication to excellence in customer support.

“Ivonne was such an asset to the business that we needed more of her. As our client base has evolved, so too has Ivonne’s role. She’s now splitting her time between customer service and internal business support,” said Ryan.

Ryan said team expansion is part of a five-year plan to grow the business.

IBIS Technology’s growth can be attributed, in part, to the increased numbers of New Zealand’s i-SITE information and booking centres adopting the company’s software.

“We’re seeing a marked acceleration in both private tour operators and i-SITES coming on board. This has considerably boosted the number of tourism frontliners using the system and reflects a growing demand for a secure, reliable online booking and vouchering system,” said Ryan.

Over 100 tourism businesses now use IBIS software across New Zealand.

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About IBIS Technology
Founded in 1995, IBIS Technology provides real-time software tools for the dynamic tourism industry. As New Zealand’s only tourism software specialist, the company delivers flexible and customised business solutions to organisations of all sizes including operators, ticketing agents and inbound operators.

The company makes the secure and reliable transfer of $10 million worth of electronic client transactions a year, between booking agencies and tourism operators.

www.ibis.co.nz

ENDS

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