Overview
For building an online travel Agency, the travel agent must consolidate end-to-end project requirements (what are the expectations), keeping the business plan in mind and key benefits expected before deciding on the best travel technology company keeping in view the B2B travel platform and B2C travel platform and online travel companies.
In the era of digital transformation, it is imperative to ensure that the travel technology vendor company chosen offers robust, scalable, flexible, and feature-rich online travel agency software to support the vision of the business for building an online travel agency. It must also consolidate all activities/functionalities of best online travel agency into a seamlessly single centralized cloud based platform and integrate it with supplier’s/channel partners in real time to facilitatesrobust travel technology solutions The integration of customized APIs to build successful versatile and highly customizable multispecialty online travel management System software managed by travel technology vendor must facilitate streamlining and optimizing corporate travel management systemensuring business sustainability, operational efficiency, accuracy, enhances customer experience, expand market reach, meets the requirement of evolving travel business and provide cutting edge over the completion.
Key Steps When Building an Online Travel Agency
- Identify your business model and target audience.
Determine the features expected in the Online Travel Agency Software application to be designed/procured with an eye on futuristic requirement and technology. Identify the segments where you wish to be present in the internet spectrum keeping the growth plan in mind– Business to business, business to customer or a combination of both What is going to identify your Uniqueness? Focus on reservation for Flight or accommodation, complete package or multi-service offerings. Identify if you wish to be a regional player or a global player. Identify the must have feature list – API integrations for GDSs, payment gateways, and supplier management tools. or Online Travel Portal Development for customers.
- Take a conscious decision if you wish to go in for a Customised Development of application or would go by the application developed managed and supported by travel technology companies (Off-the-Shelf Solutions)
The customization development comes with higher costs and longer timelines offers flexibility The white label solutions offered by Travel Technology Company, can be launched quickly and scaled/ customized. The selection is based on Budget and time constraints, Need for customization and In-house technical capabilities
- On boarding the Right Technology Partner
This is the most crucial step and a major decision to make as it is going to be a long term partnership. A reliable trusted vendor facilitates in ensuring that the application remains robust, secure, and scalable.
Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Technology Vendor
- Industry and Product Expertise
The foremost thing is to have the detailed checklist of information about the technology vendor experience comprising of the track record in the travel industry its in-depth knowledge of travel business operations, booking engines, global distribution systems (GDS) and any references . Check on the Years of experience in OTA software development, clientele and integrations implemented and product list / travel modules. A reputable Travel Technology Company,will tick most of these checks and would be more suitable to be on board. Correlate it with your requirement list and decide on the vendor.
- Customization Capabilities
Review the Offers flexibility in UI/UX design, modular feature development, front-end and back-end customization and its alignment to future road map over a period of time
- Integration with Suppliers and GDS Systems
Online travel agency software should support the legacy software and existing systems along with existing infrastructure. The integration must be seamless. It must have and integration with Global Distribution System (GDS). Itshould provide real-time access to a vast inventory of flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel products. It must facilitate Search and book flights, accommodations, and other travel services in one place. Provide Access real-time data about availability, pricing, and discounts and Offer clients a wide range of options from multiple providers. It should also support Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) facilitating seamless information transfer and sharing between various systems such as booking engines, payment gateways, and customer relationship management (CRM) and others. Review on the pre integrated information if it meets the requirement, understand the process of managing suppliers, API’s and offerings to customer
- Scalability and Performance
Choose a vendor whose system architecture supports growth without compromising performance.The Online Travel Agency Softwaresystem must continue to work seamlessly with the increase in volume of data or traffic on network and while processing of information. Ensure it does not impact the performance. More over the application should be scalable to adapt to the changes in the requirements and business future growth potential, making no compromise in delivering a high-end user experience.The application software must support plug and play modules across geographies for better throughput from time to time to meet the challenges of the travel trade and scale up their processes. The platform should be cloud-based and scalable. Check on the history in terms of success and uptime history .Can it handle seasonal spikes and high concurrent users?
- Post-Launch Support and Cost Transparency
It is of utmost importance to ensure the post launch support, day to day ongoing support, updates in application, bug fixes, and enhancements is ensured as per agreed timelines Evaluate on the following parameters – 24/7 technical support included, Are upgrades part of the service or billed separately, How are security issues and patches handled, Is training and documentation provided. The Transparent SLAs (Service Level Agreements) and cost models (fixed, subscription, or revenue-sharing) are important for planning and budgeting.
Bonus Tips for a Successful Travel Technology Partnership
User Experience and Mobile Optimization
The application must run seamlessly on all devices and the customers must enjoy intuitive booking experiences. This must be ensured. Check on theMobile-responsive design, Native app development, and Progressive web apps (PWAs) with the vendor.
Marketing Tools and SEO Capabilities
Look for features like SEO-friendly URLs and metadata controls, Built-in promotions and coupon modules, Integration with email marketing tools and Analytics and customer behavior tracking
Enhanced Data Security and Compliance
With the growing concerns about data privacy, travel agencies must ensure they comply with regulatory standards and protect customer data. Travel Technology Company, must offer solutions that prioritize data security and compliance, particularly for agencies handling sensitive customer information. The travel management solutions must facilitate secured and encrypted data security and the Travel management solutions must be compliant to various corporate policies – travel, employees, safety and government regulatory guidelines. The sensitive information which is mandatory is protected and not available to all.
Safety and Compliance
- Real-Time Updates and Alerts
Travel technology can facilitate real-time communication update regarding travel and safety and compliance with regulations. Ensuring that the customers are always kept informed enhances their travel experience. - Health and Safety Protocols
Travel technology can help businesses implement and communicate various health and safety protocols effectively. This could include contactless check-ins, health screenings and enhanced sanitation measures.
A reality check to manage sensitive data OTAs handle, compliance with standards like GDPR, PCI-DSS, and data encryption protocols is non-negotiable. Check on if regular audits and penetration testing conducted and How is data backup and disaster recovery handled?
Conclusion: Laying the Right Tech Foundation
Choosing the right Travel Technology Company, is one of the most important decision to make. As it involves all the modules of the business ranging from customer experience , front end and backend operations for sustained growth and profitability. Once the evaluation is complete and concenses is reached it is ensured that you become a Best online Agency in your space. Connect with Sriggle to be amongst the best online travel agency
