The Spanish company IST Cruise GDS, which supplies online programs to sell cruises, has set up a new subsidiary in Uruguay.

South America has been pointed as a niche market for the new technologies due to the steady growing of internet users. It is expected the region will post 13 percent annual growth in internet usage through 2016.

Thus, IST is planning ahead to serve more online travel agencies.

The company’s online solution allows selling cruises in real-time, as it interfaces with booking systems.

“During the last 15 years we have been developing, enlarging and improving our products with the purpose to increase the level automation of the travel agencies in the cruises commercialization. Resulting from the expansion of the on-line world and the industry in South America we see a growth opportunity which can be supported through our technology,  stated Manuel Sardi, General Director of IST.