3 Distribution Network Partners for Tour and Activity Operators
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To get the most out of foreign bookings, tour operators and travel agencies must work with the right distribution network partners. The travel and tourism industry is a big one around the world. The UNWTO predicts that the number of foreign tourists arriving this year could be between 80% and 95% of what it was before the pandemic.
To get a piece of this huge market, tour operators and travel agencies need to work with smart distribution partners that give them access to a large global network of airlines, hotels, and other travel providers.
Online travel agencies (OTAs) make it easy for people to book flights, hotels, and other travel services all over the world. Booking.com alone made more than $17.1 billion in 2022 and had more than 28 million listings on its website. Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) let travel companies connect to a network of more than 600 planes and more than 700,000 hotels around the world. Meanwhile, Tour Wholesalers offer discounted tour packages for big groups and organizations. This makes it easier for tour operators and travel agencies to get customers from all over the world.
By working together with the right distribution network partners, tour companies and travel agencies can reach more people, make more money, and give their customers a better travel experience. In this post, we’ll talk about the benefits and features of these three key distribution partners and how they can help you get more foreign bookings.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
Online travel agencies, also called OTAs, are websites where people can book flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services. Most of the time, these platforms work with tour operators and travel agencies to give customers all over the world a wide range of tours and activities. Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor are three of the most-used OTAs.
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the biggest OTAs in the world. It has a huge network of more than 28 million listings, such as hotels, apartments, and holiday rentals, in more than 226 countries.
Booking.com’s easy-to-use interface and advanced search algorithm make it easy for travelers to look for and compare different travel options, like flights and activities, and make a reservation with just a few clicks. If you run a tour business, partnering with Booking.com gives you access to its huge customer base, increases your online visibility, and helps you make more money.
Expedia
Expedia is another leading OTA, providing access to over 1.5 million lodging options, flights, and rental cars worldwide. Expedia’s platform offers unique features such as package deals that allow travelers to book flights, hotels, and car rentals at once, and exclusive discounts for members. By collaborating with Expedia, tour operators can benefit from its cutting-edge technology, 24/7 customer service, and broad customer reach, enabling them to expand their business globally.
Tripadvisor
TripAdvisor is a well-known OTA and travel review site that lets users look through millions of reviews from other travelers, compare costs and availability, and book flights, hotels, and activities all in one place.
The platform has many useful features, such as trip guides, maps, and a personal recommendation engine. As a tour operator, if you work with TripAdvisor, you can take advantage of its large community of travelers and use its online platform to promote your tours and activities, which will lead to more bookings and more people knowing about your brand.
Working with these top OTAs can help tour companies and operators reach more customers, be more visible online, and make more money. This is a useful part of their marketing and distribution plan.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) can benefit greatly from the features and capabilities of the TravelerWP WordPress travel theme. With its customizable design and extensive booking system, TravelerWP provides OTAs with the tools needed to enhance the customer experience and increase revenue.
Global Distribution Systems (GDSs)
Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) are powerful tools that let travel planners, tour operators, and other travel service providers connect to a huge network of airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel services. By using a GDS, you can quickly look for available flights, hotel rooms, and other services, compare costs and availability, and make reservations for your clients. There are many GDSs on the market, but here are three of the most famous ones:
Amadeus
Amadeus is the world’s largest GDS, with a market share of over 40%. It provides access to over 500 airlines, 200 hotel chains, and more than 30 car rental companies worldwide. Amadeus is especially popular in Europe, where it has a market share of over 50%.
Sabre
Sabre is the second-largest GDS in the world, with a market share of around 30%. It provides access to over 400 airlines, 175,000 hotel properties, and 200 tour operators worldwide. Sabre is popular in the Americas and has a strong presence in the US market.
Travelport
Travelport: Travelport GDS is a UK-based GDS that provides access to over 650 airlines, 400,000 hotel properties, and other travel services worldwide. It has a market share of around 20% and is especially popular in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Tour Wholesalers
Travelport: Travelport GDS is a UK-based GDS that provides access to over 650 airlines, 400,000 hotel properties, and other travel services worldwide. It has a market share of around 20% and is especially popular in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
JumboTours
As a global supplier of the Hotelbeds group, JumboTours offers competitive prices to thousands of travel agencies around the world. They provide access to a diverse range of travel products and services, including flights, hotels, and tours, at discounted prices.
Bedsonline
Part of the Aviatur group, Bedsonline offers services to retail agencies, including customized travel packages and access to a wide range of travel products and services. They also provide a user-friendly online booking platform and 24/7 customer support.
Alandis Travel
Alandis Travel is a wholesale tour operator that specializes in providing educational guided tours and program packages to Spain, Cuba, and Puerto Rico for groups. They offer a personalized approach to tour planning and an experienced team of travel professionals
CATO
With over 300,000 members, CATO TOUR OPERATORS & WHOLESALERS is an exclusive club offering accommodation, adventure and trekking, air tours, beach retreats, car hire, city stays, and day tours. They provide access to a wide range of travel products and services at discounted prices.
Conclusion
Partnering with the right marketing networks is important for travel businesses that want to book trips abroad and reach more people. Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) give you access to a huge network of planes, hotels, and other travel companies. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) let you reach people all over the world.
When you work with the right distribution networks, you can improve your products, reach more people, and make more money.
