In the new post-pandemic travel landscape, the digital tools travel advisors use are more important than ever in order to obtain a competitive edge. Wasting precious time navigating booking platforms that aren’t user-friendly or trying to decipher search results and complex fee structures won’t boost your bottom line. Here are some things to consider when choosing a hotel booking program.
How booking engines work and why some are better than others
In an increasingly connected world, there are endless options for travelers. However, travel advisors need the most reliable information so their clients can make the best decisions during the booking process. That means using a reputable booking engine that not only processes online reservations but also provides relevant, customized results with helpful filter options to zero in on what the customer wants.
Booking engines allow advisors to book directly with a hotel property online through proprietary software that automates and processes digital reservations that are then managed by the hotel. Having a reliable, tech-forward platform allows advisors broaden their reach to clients worldwide and deliver enriching guest experiences.
Combining travel industry expertise with cutting-edge technology, the leading booking engines allow advisors to refine or broaden their search while offering the most value. Above all, advisors need a simple, seamless, and secure booking experience on behalf of their customers.
Key features advisors can rely on
Bedsonline’s platform handles a billion data requests every day and sells 50 million room nights in more than 30 countries every year. As part of the Hotelbeds Group, the program combines global reach with local knowledge. Advisors can leverage the platform’s access to leading travel brands while having a personalized online experience during the booking process.
From easy-to-read dashboards to tips about local attractions or festivals, a booking engine must not only reveal room availability and rates in real time but also simplify tasks for advisors.
Your booking engine should be an all-in-one solution that’s easy to install and configure so it works seamlessly with your existing technology. Advisors need a stable, simple, user-friendly interface that’s fully optimized for mobile use. The more customizable options, the better: You’ll want to choose a program that allows you to expand or refine your search depending on your client’s needs. Whether you set filters for amenities, location or room size, the booking engine needs to be fast and flexible so you can provide quick, accurate quotes.
When you’re working with customers worldwide, your booking engine must keep up. Bedsonline automatically adapts to different languages and currencies depending on your client’s itinerary or departure point, making it easier for advisors to book the right options according to budget or location.
Smart booking programs also offer marketing and potential revenue generating tools. For example, Bedsonline’s search tool showcases recommendations based on destination and hotel trends and best value proposals. Advisors can then target promotions to current and potential clients.
The best engines also provide access to preferred rates or special discounts, which add much perceived value for customers, so you’ll want the option to create and add promotional codes to your quote.
New enhancements that drive business
Advisors always welcome the chance to earn more fees from bookings. Bedsonline enables you to up-sell extra products such as sightseeing tours, activities, and transfers within a quote, making it easy to generate additional revenue. The program also allows you to add an admin fee.
A good booking engine can save you time and money
Since you can’t confirm a booking if you’re having technical problems within your booking engine platform, top-notch customer support is vital. You’ll want reassurance that expert assistance is available 24/7 so you can cash in on your booking when your customer is ready to confirm.
Having the right booking engine also makes customer data collection more efficient, because all guest information is kept in one central place. Savvy advisors can then mine analytics to track and understand their clients’ demographics, reward stays and travel preferences, which can help with customer retention and potentially increasing revenue in the future.
