Booking with a travel agent has always been a great way for consumers to find the best travel deal. Not only is a good travel agent familiar with the variety of different travel options available, but they can often get their customers the best rate, extra amenities and even upgrades. A good travel agent helps with their customer’s entire trip and this includes getting the VIP access many look for.
The travel agent software used years ago required agents learn and use multiple supplier systems to book all of a client’s travel arrangements. It took hours to research the different travel options and a checklist was needed to ensure all the travel arrangements were confirmed and in place. Today using an online booking engine, agency owners are now able to streamline this process as they automate transactions while reducing the time and effort required.
The popularity of the internet as a marketplace has changed the way people research and shop and it seems like almost anything can be purchased online today. The travel industry is no exception and has been the driving force behind the development of innovative online booking solutions that have changed the way consumers as well as travel agents research and book all types of travel. Whether consumers research and book their travel online themselves or use a travel agent, consumers today have choices. Today anyone with an internet connection is just a few “clicks” away from being able to quickly and easily confirm their travel plans using an online booking engine.
The right travel agent software can give you the best of both worlds! A travel agency’s online booking engine can provide it’s customers the expertise they enjoy when using a travel agent combined with the ease and accessibility of an online booking engine. An online booking engine can also help an agency owner automate processes while they maximize revenues using innovative business control tools needed to manage any size travel business. In addition to the basic functions such as markup and discount, agency owners can even define additional filters to decide which type of booking or selling channel they want to apply a business rules to. Filters include the ability to define Rules by supplier, departure date, destination and more. Newly added or modified rules are often applied instantly so you always ensure the best deals are offered to customers.
Travel agent software can provide operational efficiencies and reduce overall cost to serve a customer. Many online booking engines include a vast amount of descriptions linked to media files & rich content to assist in the shopping process. And for those customers using a Smart Phone or Tablet, applications should be built using innovative responsive technology that automatically adjusts the layout of the display based on the type of device being used.
While technology has made it easier to research and book travel online, finding travel technology with right combination of content and product features can be a critical decision for your travel business. Finding the right technology partner can be just as important.