5 minute read
An Online Travel Agency connects potential travelers with travel providers. Acting as a centralized platform, customers can search and book flights, hotels, rental cars, tours and any other travel via a real-time user interface.
The role of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) is becoming increasingly significant in the travel industry. As the seismic shift towards online travel booking continues, the demand for fast, efficient online booking facilities grows. In this blog, we’ll investigate how Online Travel Agencies work and find out exactly what it takes to succeed in the world of online travel.
OTA Business Model
An Online Travel Agent is an intermediary between the customer and travel provider. Usually operating through a website, mobile app or both, an Online Travel Agent offers services like hotels, flights, car rentals and other travel-related products. An OTA will focus on providing a good user experience for its users, offering access to the vast travel supplier database through a user-friendly, efficient and price-competitive real-time booking system. Customers can easily search for and book their travel needs through the platform, and the OTA will receive a commission for each booking made.
Commission-Based Model
An Online Travel Agent receives a commission from travel providers for each booking made using their platform. They can negotiate their commission and have more flexibility without having to directly own a travel inventory. An OTA is simply an intermediary that charges a fee for selling travel.
Other Revenue Streams
Some OTAs earn extra income from selling advertising space or offering niche expertise, coaching and consultation services.
Online Travel Agency Technology Stack
According to recent data, around 72% of U.S. adult travelers prefer to book their trips online. So, for an online travel agent, sourcing the best search and booking technology is often crucial to their success. Whether you’re a newbie OTA, or an established agent, your customers don’t have time to wait around – if they can’t find what they’re looking for pronto, they’ll move on to the next platform in seconds. When it comes to booking travel, while factors such as brand loyalty and product range are high on the list, many of your existing customers will cite speed and functionality at the top of their list of booking requirements, as well as cost, of course. In short, providing customers with a positive booking experience will work wonders for your sales!
We’ve established the importance of technology, but as an OTA, what exactly do you need?
Seamless User Interface
Many customers know exactly what they want from their travel experience. They will already have decided where, when and how they want to experience their next destination, and they will be ready to source and book their unique travel plans quickly and effortlessly. Others are looking for inspiration based on a skeleton of booking criteria. So, for an OTA, the search and booking interface between travel providers and clients must operate seamlessly and provide real-time price and availability data efficiently and easily.
Powerful API
A travel API is a tool that allows the exchange of travel data in real time. This is crucial in today’s online booking environment. A robust API will provide a seamless booking experience for users by smoothly gathering real-time data from multiple travel options.
Comprehensive Back End
It’s not all about the travel, there’s the admin to consider as well. A comprehensive back office will keep finances, personnel, certification and other administrative duties neatly in order.
Website
As an OTA it’s important to be visible online. A successful website will showcase products and attract clients.
Benefits of an Online Travel Agency
Booking travel online is hugely popular, accounting for around 72% of all U.S. travel bookings. This popularity has grown thanks to a winning business model. Travelers benefit from access to the vast range of travel providers all in one place, with associated deals and discounts. Travel providers benefit from access to the huge travel customer base.
How To Create an Online Travel Agency
If your passion is travel, starting an Online Travel Agency could be just the ticket. But where do you start?
H3: Create a Business Plan
Draft a business plan, including set-up costs, ongoing costs, and a realistic forecast. Identify your target audience and develop a marketing strategy to reach them.
Invest in Good Technology
Deciding which technology to purchase is crucial to success. A newbie OTA will need a quality website incorporating an efficient and user-friendly search and booking system with payment processing facilities to compete effectively. Choosing a white label solution can reduce costs significantly and provide immediate integration with the travel market.
Build Supplier Relationships
Customers want real-time market visibility, so building supplier relationships and creating positive partnerships with hotels, airlines, and other travel providers is important. Having a strong portfolio will enhance your reputation and make you more attractive to consumers.
The Traveltek range of customizable white label solutions means your newbie Online Travel Agency can hit the ground running. Just add branding and you’re good to go. And with our powerful API technology, you’ll have access to hundreds of travel suppliers, all available in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book travel online versus an ‘in-person’ travel agent?
The cost of travel varies greatly depending on the specific details. While travel agents might have access to exclusive deals and savings, booking online means customers can shop around more.
Do holiday prices go down nearer to the departure date?
Usually, the price of travel will fall as the departure date draws closer, as holiday companies try to sell remaining flights and hotel rooms.
Is it possible to negotiate travel prices?
Yes, price matching is common in the travel industry. In fact, many people are turning to price tracking tools to monitor prices so they can approach an agent to ask for a reduction on a potential booking or even after a booking has been made.
