Registravel: The one-stop-shop service for the acquisition of “.travel” domain names The “.travel” top level domain name extension and registry is operated by Tralliance Corporation, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. The “.travel” extension offers enhanced value to the travel industry and its consumers by restricting registration to genuine travel and tourism industry applicants. Tralliance ensures that all domain name applications have been authenticated in accordance with strict rules of eligibility. Today, there are many players in the online industry and the process of acquiring a domain name can be lengthy and complicated. This is why Registravel has positioned itself not just as a registration service but also as a broker/agent, whose responsibilities include step-by-step guidance and support throughout the acquisition and registration process. ".Travel" is not just an extension but an IDENTITY The ".travel" domain extension is only available to businesses and services which belong to at least one of the 20 defined travel industry categories, as follows: 1. Airlines 2. Amusement parks and leisure attractions 3. Bed & breakfast, hostels and "gites" 4. Bus/taxi/limousine operators 5. Camping sites 6. Car hire companies, airport and train station car park operators 7. Booking engines and technology providers for the travel industry 8. Conference/convention centres 9. Cruise operators 10. Ferry operators 11. Hotels, casinos 12. Tourist offices/boards 13. Railway operators (transport of passengers) 14. Restaurants 15. Tour operators 16. Travel agents 17. Travel press/media 18. Travel industry market research specialists/organisations 19. Travel insurance companies 20. Travel industry training schools/organisations
By focusing exclusively on the travel/tourism industry, the number of ".travel" websites is restricted to genuine operators within this business sector. Authentication rights are assigned to registered local agencies. In France, SNAV is the body which authorises authentication and validation requests from travel agents, as well as tour and cruise operators. Registration/representation rights for the " .travel" domain name within the French market have been awarded to Expertiz under the management of Mr Pierre Duarte. For travellers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and others, the choice of a ".travel" website address ensures a registration service backed by travel industry expertise. Moreover, it guarantees a domain extension which is distinctive, appropriate and recognisable. Eligibility and the registration process The domain name acquisition process involves several important steps, ranging from the selection of the most appropriate names to the choice of an authenticator and a registrar. The most commonly heard view is that the process is ‘not that straightforward'. This is largely due to the stringent eligibility criteria set by Tralliance, and the complexity of the procedures and regulations involved. A company or business wishing to acquire a “.travel” domain name must first ensure that it belongs to at least one of the 20 defined travel industry categories. Eligible applicants are then given a UIN (Unique Identity Number) by the authenticator. Once the UIN has been obtained, the company or business can then submit the domain names it wishes to register. Please note that these domain names must relate either to the name/brand of the company, to one of the categories/industry sectors it belongs to, or to one of its primary activities. This relevance is the ‘raison d'etre' of “.the travel” top level domain name, offering an unprecedented level of industry brand recognition and identity. For example, a car hire company will be unable to obtain a domain name relating to accommodation. A ski resort specialist cannot submit and obtain a domain name relating to city tours, etc... Eligibility checks The right to use “a .travel” domain name does not end with the acquisition of the “.travel” extension. Tralliance requires that all successful applicants can demonstrate, within 60 days of registration, that they have a fully operational and relevant website. Although most applicants are legitimate players, Tralliance carries out regular checks to ensure the eligibility of all “.travel” domain name holders, thereby maintaining and reinforcing the value of the “.travel” identity. Invaluable benefits for holders/users of “.travel” domain names The most compelling benefit for companies and businesses who are holders of a “.travel” domain name is the protection of their identity. This is especially relevant to national, regional and local tourist boards and offices, etc. It is also worth noting that many domain names containing generic words are still available, in many languages. In addition to the existing Meta Search Engine www.travel.travel, where the complete worldwide database of all “.travel” domain names can be accessed, Tralliance is in the process of setting up Web Directories in each country. These national directories will facilitate browsing within regions and towns, or by travel industry sectors and activities, allowing travel industry professionals to identify and contact potential clients or business partners with just a few clicks! |