The travel distribution system is an evolving beast, there are always new players, consolidations, new technologies and devices. So how do you as a tourism operator keep pace? The first step is to understand the landscape and who are the main players in online travel distribution.
Online bookings continue to grow
If you like statistics there here are some interesting facts and figures. Did you know that currently 57% of all travel bookings made online. This highlights the importance of having a great online booking system. The average growth in online bookings has been 12.8% for the last 5 years and the projected growth for the next 5 is 8.5%.
So what does this mean to you as a business operator? Well if you don’t already, now is the time to get your head around the travel distribution system.
Online travel agency brands are consolidating into less companies.
This is good news, there are take overs, mergers, consolidations and start ups, but you are probably aware of the major players like:
- TripAdvisor
- Expedia
- Booking.com
- Wotif
- Agoda
and then there are the aggregators that seem to advertise on TV all the time!
- Trivago
- Hotelscombined
Try this simple exercise, go to Google and search on your own business.
Does your own website feature highly in the results? If not, we suggest that you look into your SEO (Search engine optimisation) it sounds complicated but it just means that the search engines like Google can easily find your website when a consumer enters a relevant keyword.
If your business is showing up on the big players websites, congratulations, your booking engine is working well and you should be receiving bookings through these channels. You may like to visit this Hub and select “tutorials” to learn more and refine your strategy.
So what do you do if this is not the case? You need to learn how about the distribution system and develop a channel strategy.
What is a Channel Strategy?
A Channel Strategy is a plan that identifies the best websites, social networks and apps on which to market your business to move the consumer to purchase with you. It’s about ensuring your product can be found in the places your customers are looking.
The simplest approach is the direct channel
A direct channel means that you bring the customer direct to your own booking engine on your website, thus reducing commissions and fees. Your own website is an important place for customers to book online as you have reduced costs and usually money direct into your bank account. But, given the millions of websites, even with effective SEO you’d be wise to work with the larger players.
We recommend the you develop a balanced portfolio of distribution channels to build sustainability
So, if you found your own website in the Google search then your SEO is fine but if you’re not appearing on the big players websites you need to do the following;
The first step is to see where your current bookings are coming from and what commissions you are paying just so you understand your current state of play.
The second step is to ensure your booking system enables your product to reach the third parties you have identified as important. You can do this by checking on their websites, usually under “distribution partners” most will already be technically connected.
Price your product correctly and remember consumers search on average 7-13 websites before they make a booking and websites like hotelscombined and trivago compare prices for consumers!
Tip – Don’t promise every distribution partner the best rate and don’t advertise you’ll get the best rates direct with us or you may be in breach of distribution agreements.
Once your rates are correct on your website approach your booking system to enable distribution that matches your strategy.
Most booking systems have reports that enable you to see where your bookings are coming from and the cost per booking, review these reports to ensure you understand whats going on and adjust your strategy if necessary.
If the reverse is the case and your appearing on the “big players” websites and your own website is buried then you need to work on your SEO, quick smart. Click here for more information
To recap
- Know where your business is currently coming from and what it is costing you
- Research your own business online and understand your personal priorities
- Develop your own strategy which has a balanced portfolio of both direct and indirect bookings
- Focus your efforts on the best return on investment
- Review and refine
