Offering broader services
Continuing to offer broader services is a travel trend that shows no sign of decline. Said David Smith, director of marketing and corporate communications for Datalex:
“Those already using e-Commerce technology, particularly those with transaction-based or fixed models for their booking engines, are moving up to develop more flexible, more customized online booking solutions.
“Suppliers are also looking at full service or added travel components to maintain buyer interest,” he added.
Mr. Smith cited a recent PhoCusWright study with Vividence that found research for comprehensive packages involving multiple services continues to grow at a rapid pace.
The study said keys in competing in the vacation package market included:
- Simplifying the search and booking process.
- Providing both full and self-service packaging.
- Identifying a site’s current price/value perception.
- Allowing flexibility in comparisons and bundling.
He said examples of Datalex teaming up with others to provide those solutions include a Colorado ski site and Las Vegas, where users can book the usual air, car and hotel, but can also book ski packages in Colorado and shows in Las Vegas.
Another strong travel trend is an attempt to manage costs, “particularly by those paying transaction fees,” Mr. Smith said. With increased online booking, suppliers are moving toward technology licensing in response to mounting per-transaction fees.
Datalex provides technology to global travel industry suppliers and distributors that enables them to aggregate and package a broad range of travel components for distribution across multiple sales channels.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025