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
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