How business travel made easy through online travel management system?

Creating a business travel plan requires a lot of research as one has to browse through multiple travel options and pick the right bookings. Also, the travel plan should be compliant with the company policies. Creating a travel plan manually is a lot of effort and if the travel agent doesn’t do it carefully then everything goes in vain. Hence to save time, effort, and money for a company having a corporate booking tool is a necessity in current time. A lot of companies’ design travel management systems for businesses to plan their corporate trips. These portals can manage travel bookings and make the travel planning task easy for the employees. Features like pre-approvals, instant bookings, travel report generation etc. make these tools the right choice for travel management. Some of these tools also have mobile applications that make the travel itinerary updates and planning even easier and instant.

Picking a good corporate management system for a company isn’t a simple process. There are a lot of corporate dashboards available in the market that boast of a lot of features, but choosing the right travel expense management system can get tricky. Some of the features that in these tools that make the business travel simple are:

1.       Self-booking capability: The online travel management systems have a user-friendly interface that shows a concise information to the traveller so that they can do reservation themselves as per company policies. Since these are also centralized real-time booking is also possible. This ensures a smooth booking of the travel itinerary as the user gets the right information to create the travel plan.

2.       Policy and Workflow Management: Since these corporate management tools are customizable, all the company policies and approval systems can be easily incorporated in them. This ensures that all the travel related bookings stringently follow the policy guidelines of a company. A company can save a lot of cost and unwanted fines by using this feature. 

3.       Safety and Security: In this fickle world where the company data is of utmost importance, these corporate booking tools are end-to-end automated and all the trading related transactions are secure format. This protects both the company and employee data from being leaked online.

4.       Third party Integration: Linking third party tools like GDS, LCCs etc. is very easy with this tool. This flexibility makes the tool to be installed as a self-sufficient entity.

5.      Travel Expense Reporting: Once a booking is complete the travel expense report can be generated for business travel. There is no hassle to store the hard copies of report as everything is done at the backend. To add other travel expenses the employee can take the snapshot of the receipt and upload it through the tool’s mobile application as well.

These are some of the features that are present in the travel management systems which improve the user’s travel experience. These tools are highly-efficient and cost-effective and help the company in monitoring the travel expense as well. If you wish to optimize the travel budget for your company then you should definitely get this tool for your business.

Why is travel technology highly important for New and established travel agency?

Today, technology plays a very important role in tourism and hospitality industry as it allows both the travel companies and customers to interact with each other without any hindrances. Travel technology consists of various elements that helps tour operators of both small and large scale to operate freely and efficiently. It provides the customers and businesses with enormous benefits that ranges from communication, reservations and service systems. Therefore, we can state that travel technology solutions is highly important for new and established travel agency, and if they want to achieve their organizational goals, they need to utilize travel technology system fluently.

How does travel agencies benefit from travel technology?

Travel agencies, whether new or established, needs to have a system that would help them to communicate with their target audience 24/7. They need to provide the customers with services and easiness to book travel products and packages easily. This can be achieved through travel agency booking software developed by a reliable travel technology service provider. They are able to prepare a responsive and ease to use travel booking system, allowing the travel agency to easily interact with the potential customer and generate leads.

Travel technology can also help the new travel agencies to increase their customer base by helping them to target audience who are looking for travel products such as hotels, flights, travel packages, etc. or planning a holiday. Developing a customer base is the top priority of any newly established travel organization and travel technology can enable them just to achieve it in a short duration. It would also help them to develop interactive and affordable travel packages that would help them to attract more and more customers. Furthermore, travel technology can also allow the new travel agency to offer promotional offers and discounts to catch the attention of holiday-goers easily.

As for the established travel agency, travel technology can allow them to tackle the aggressive competition in the market and able to generate better leads by analysing the activities of the competitors. It can assist the company to analyse the market conditions and take better decisions through centralized reporting, detailed travel records and communication, and better statistical data. They will be able to control their operating costs and deliver quality customer service in order to enhance their brand reputation.

Travel technology is a dedicated field that helps travel agencies to offer best services to their customers, which include offering them preferred travel products, easy travel booking options through online booking portals, automatic confirmation of bookings to reduce the burden from travel agents and much more. There are various travel technology organizations that offers best travel technology solutions to new and established travel agencies. QuadLabs is one such travel technology company which is accredited and multiple award winner, offering the most appropriate solutions to travel agencies who wants to achieve their organizational goals. They are a leading company operating worldwide with extensive expertise in giving relevant technical assistance to companies looking to advance their customer base and revenue.

Automate travel operations, processes, sales and reconciliation with XChange

Automation process can be very helpful for any business industry as it enables them to perform the same functions without physically doing. In travel industry, automating travel processes such as travel bookings, customer management, supplier management, administration and enquiry management by Mid Office plays a key role in acquiring competitiveness and increase market share. There are several Mid Office and Travel CRM Software’s available in market for travel industry, however, XChange Mid Office system developed by QuadLabs is by far the most effective and trustworthy.

Features of XChange and what functions can be automated using the system

XChange is quite user friendly and help the travel agency to automate various necessary functions. It helps in automating consolidated information gathered from different sales channels and suppliers. Furthermore, the system is an effective travel CRM system, which assists in customer relationship management which is one of the most important aspect for any travel operator. XChange automate processes such as sending latest news and offers to the customers and provide essential support. The Travel desk or front desk features of Mid Office system gives the travel agency to book tickets coming directly though phone or through walk-in customer also it helps to resolve any queries or issues of the travelers during or after their trip, where all the answers are predefined.

Not only Mid Office system, the system also aids the agency to manage travel bookings and suppliers as well by automating their functions. It will automatically show the upcoming bookings, showcase the payments, list of guests and their demands, along with generating invoices and reports. When it comes to sales and reconciliation, XChange enable the agency to manage their sales and purchase rules in an effective manner, thus ensuring that the records and figures are in agreement are correct.

Other benefits that travel agencies can enjoy by automating their travel operations using XChange is that they speed up their payment processes to the suppliers which can be automated, thus, eliminating any kind of delay in payment. It ensures better relations with the suppliers which ultimately leads to better services to the customers. Moreover, the development of spreadsheet and reports become easier as it doesn’t require a manual updating on the sheets and creating reports which would be time consuming.

XChange Mid Office can be considered an extremely reliable and useful for automating all the travel process, which permits the organization to save not only time but an adequate amount of money as well and at the same time, increasing the quality of services offered to the traveler.

QuadLabs, who is one of the leading travel technology provider in the world, has developed this travel automation which acts as a travel CRM software along with an assistance provider for travel agency that would help them managing various processes, customers and suppliers to increase their revenue and sales. 

Impact of a Corporate Booking Tool on the travel agency business

Travel agents today are in a dilemma as online booking tools have cropped up everywhere. As they offer regular travellers the opportunity to search from a range of potential suppliers in order to find the best offer possible. This leads to many companies exploring niche markets in an effort to create new business opportunities, with a particular focus being placed on the corporate market.

The new corporate travel agent places focus on the level of service that they can provide, ensuring that they make use of a modern corporate booking tool (CBT) in order to help business clients with the various issues that surround their journey. There are a number of ways that this has had an effect on the travel agency that business.

Cost

The cost of booking travel has changed substantially, with prices increasing in agencies where corporate booking solutions (CBT) have been adopted. This change is attributed to corporate travel agents as they tend to charge per Passenger Name Record (PNR), rather than via each ticket that has been issued.

While this may seem like a fairly minor difference at first, it is important to note that a PNR not only contains information about the passenger’s ticket, but also information relating to their itinerary and the various fees related to the traveller’s trip. All of this information must be stored on a database that needs to be maintained, which also adds to the cost of incorporating a CBT into the existing travel agency model.

Unlike others, this model also allows for a much more personalised service to be offered in relation to business travel, as the company can now pull records related to the traveller, making changes where needed while also gaining an instant understanding of their itinerary and what needs to be done in order to ensure all of their requirements are met.

The corporate travel using CBT offers a level of convenience and service that is hard to find through a regular travel agent and almost impossible to find with an online booking service. Initially it appears a little restrictive, the introduction of CBTs has opened up an entire niche in the travel industry, with corporate travel now becoming a major concern for travel agencies that wish to stay ahead of the pack.

Branding and Reach

Travog, is one such Corporate Booking Tool that QuadLabs offers is available as a package that can be branded to the specific business travel agency that is using them, which offers corporate travel agency a level of reach that they may not have been able to achieve using their more traditional methods.

Solutions like Travog provide a range of services to travel agencies. They offer access to hotels and other organisations that are part of the corporate travel package. It also allows for the travel agency to brand itself around the model. Travog, the platform provided by QuadLabs is particularly useful for corporate travel agents who don’t maintain a dedicated web presence, as it offers them many of the advantages of a corporate website, with much less of the work.

CBTs like QuadLabs Travog are increasingly common in the corporate travel environment means that a level of trust can be created between the travel agency and the traveller simply due to the fact that the agency makes use of a trustworthy CBT. The traveller is assured that their arrangements will be made using a renowned package, with the agency being able to focus on the personal relationships they build with their business clients as a result. This allows for the maintenance of existing clients, in addition to the branding and reach offered by such packages ensuring that new clients are rarely far behind.

Working a Niche

To adopt a CBT a travel agency will often need to focus completely towards a corporate clientele. The cost of using the CBT, many of which run on a subscription model based around the number of users and amount of services provided by the package, require its use. Some companies feel the pinch to advertise solely towards corporate travel, placing less of a focus on regular travel.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the world of online booking has already eaten away at much of the business that traditional travel agencies have enjoyed for so many years. Talking about Business travel, it is much more based around the service provided, rather than how cheaply you can get the flights and accommodation. Countless travel agencies have now repurposed/specialized themselves so that they become dedicated to offering services to corporate customers, while perhaps placing less focus on traditional travel packages.

The Final Word

So how have corporate booking solutions impacted the traditional Travel agency? Some travel agencies are uncomfortable paying an added cost, particularly if they do not want to focus their services around business travel, they have also opened up a niche in the industry. Software solutions like Travog, make it easier for agents to satisfy the travellers that fit into that niche, offering them a complete package that allows the agent to fully satisfy the requirements of the traveller, without the agent having to develop the package for themselves.

Technological solutions like Travog, have helped bring many travel agencies into the digital age without requiring them to compete directly, or become a part of, many of the online booking tools that exist solely to compare prices and find the cheapest travel. Many companies which focus on corporate travel, take advantage of this new niche thanks to the increased capabilities offered to them by the CBT. They allow for increased reach and positive branding, at a cost that may be lower over a large period of time than incorporating a home-grown system. It must be noted, they also require a level of dedication to the service that some traditional travel agents may still be uncomfortable providing.

QuadLabs travel technology system help these travel agents and tour operators to organize and keep track of their bookings, business processes and front and back office data in a systematic manner, thus providing utmost satisfaction to the traveler regardless of the type of the travel. They are highly specialized and reliable travel technology provider who plays a very important role in maintaining a healthy relationship between the travel company and the customer for years.

How does Technology Impact Travel Industry?

One cannot deny the pivotal role Technology plays within the Travel sector.

Our day-to-day lives are made easier through the use of the internet and technology – whether it be on our mobile devices, at home or in the work place using a desktop or laptop. Constant and continuous developments in technology have now made this achievable on a global scale.

It’s seen by many that technology and social media – has created a global village, connecting everybody to everyone, everywhere. Some might argue that using technology has made us less sociable, inhibiting face to face and physical interaction. However, the concept that globalisation and technology allows us to overcome the limitations of physical distance through our finger tips, presents countless opportunities for the travel and tourism industry to flourish.

People travel to distances far and beyond and will continue to travel around the world to experience new things in life and advances in technology are there to influence and inspire this: not prohibit.

Whilst an individual’s travel experience doesn't necessarily start physically until they arrive at the airport departures or even the destination itself, technology has helped to allow this experience to begin from the moment a person has the aspiration to go somewhere, if not creating that aspiration itself. Experience is the key word – and it’s equally as important for companies to provide a positive experience for customers from the moment they decide to exercise these ideas; from idea and plan to the experience itself as well as post-travel sharing and feedback.

In today’s world, travel agendas rarely rely on trusted word-of-mouth recommendations and physical guidebooks; breakthroughs in digitalisation have given customers independence and choice in a really big way. The main purpose of travel is essentially about connecting – places, people, experiences and memories. One thing that technology does well, is connect things.

Websites, booking platforms, apps and using social media all provide the opportunity to engage and connect with customers on a variety of levels to allow an enhanced travel experience. Now that this information for customers is easily accessible (through various mediums), it inevitably means that it’s important for companies to get smarter and adapt to remain competitive.

In summary, developments in technology have led to big changes in the way that customers use it to enhance their full travel experience. Travel companies must constantly evolve to continue providing their end users development with the best customer experience possible.

What can travel and tourism companies do to keep up?

The answer to that is pretty simple – they must make sure they are utilising the latest technologies available to give customers what they need. A starting point would be to ask the following questions:

• Is my website easy to navigate?
• Can my website be used on a mobile device?
• Does my website use stunning images to inspire travellers?
• Once a customer has booked their trip – how do they stay in contact with us and access their information?
• How can they share their experiences with friends/family?

What next?

With many years’ experience in the Travel Technology sector, we at QuadLabs have seen things change and develop first-hand at an incredible speed. Empowering Travel Agents by providing access to affordable Travel Technology and ensuing revenue generation is the motto of QuadLabs. In case you need any help keeping up with the latest technologies, engaging customers and improving the customer experience for your travellers as a whole, please get in touch with us.

QuadLabs is a leading travel technology provider, giving tour operators and travel agencies methods to adapt to these travel trends and increase their business’s potential to get higher return on investment.

Address:- 

QuadLabs Technologies Limited

720, 7th Floor,JMD Megapolis, Tower B,                   

Sohna Road, Sector 48,

Gurgaon 122018, Haryana, India

Phone: +91 124 663 6999

Web: http://www.quadlabs.com  Email: marketing@quadlabs.com   

How are online booking systems helpful to travel management companies?

he travel booking landscape is rapidly changing. Mobile bookings have a greater impact year on year and your customers expect you to be online.

A lot of businesses in the tours and activities sector have resisted using booking systems. Their reasons for this:

• Expensive
• Unable to use
• Not specific to business needs

This is no longer the case. Cloud computing has ensured that online booking systems are extremely affordable, with monthly subscriptions costing as little as a day’s wage bill for a minimum wage employee.

In 2017, an online booking system is a “must have” for any tour or activity business that is spending lots of time answering phone calls, sending emails or considering hiring more staff.

It can be hard figuring out what’s the right online booking system for your business, as there are so many different variations. Once you have identified what is the right one for you however, it can have many benefits, the main one is the fact that it helps businesses increase their bookings, which is what we’re all after.

Increase in Bookings

An online booking system leads to more sales. Without a robust booking engine, you can be like a leaky pipe, where small drips of water are constantly being lost. At first this doesn’t seem like a big deal. The trouble is that a consistent small drips can create huge loss over time. This is the same with bookings. Out of 39% of travel bookings made outside normal office hours and that only 1 in 3 people leave a voicemail when they ring, there is a huge potential for lost bookings.

Less Stress

Is your business taking over your life? Spending all your day in your inbox? There is a short way. With a booking system you manage all your bookings through a central point be it online bookings, bookings received over the phone or walk ups. You don’t even have to be there to check how everything is going. Most booking systems are not mobile based so you can check in on any internet connected device to track and manage your business.

Mobile is important now. Everyone has a smartphone. And yes it is important for your business too as Google is now prioritizing websites with mobile functionality. A good booking system does a lot of this work but should allow simple mobile booking for your customers. This will save you a truck load of time and money with a web developer on how to get your website ready.

So how else can it help you? Well a good system will also allow you to assign and roster staff to your activities so you’re not stuck beating your temples on a Sunday night with the company calendar. This takes a lot of the headache of running the business from you.

Reduction in Costs

The hard facts are that an online booking system can help reduce staffing costs by 20–30%, depending on your size of business and increase efficiency by more than 50%. That means that even if it’s just YOU, you’re saving a truckload of time, which could free you up to spend more time marketing or just put the feet up.

Increase Your Distribution with an Online Booking System

Distribution I hear you ask? What’s that?

Distribution is ideally anywhere else you sell your product. You might sell on a website like Victors or you might sell through a local tourist office, hotel concierge or travel agent. These channels are outside your website and sales office. These channels normally sell tours or activities in exchange for a commission, which ranges between 10–30%. You may even use voucher companies like Group on or Living Social to sell your tours or activities in low times of the year. This is also distribution.

Dealing with these systems can be great way to increase your web presence and get yourself seen, but it can also lead to a lot of work. For instance, if you start getting bookings from these channels are you worried about being double booked? If a customer walks up with a paid voucher from a third party, expecting to be accommodated, when you’ve already sold out your tour can be very uncomfortable. It can also be damaging for your brand if that customer leaves a negative Trip advisor or Yelp review.

Up Selling

Up selling is also a fantastic way to boost your revenue. What’s up selling?

It’s adding additional items at booking that add to the customer experiences. For example, take a hotel pick up, it’s not going to drive the sale but when the customer sees it in the booking form alongside a checkbox for the hotel they’re staying at they may be happy to pay an extra $10–15 for the pleasure. You could add lunch as an extra. Don’t provide food — so what? Do a deal with a local cafe to provide lunches on request and make 50% of the revenue from it Easy.

If you add these options without a booking system, it will become very difficult to manage. Imagine you were booking something and had sent a couple of emails about the purchase and then received an email asking you: “now, would you like to book lunch with or without cream cakes.”

QuadLabs Technologies is premier travel technology company in India. It has an expert team to provide end to end travel technology solutions to its client worldwide including locations US, UK, Brazil, Middle East and many more. One can also contact us for advance software for travel agency,online booking engine, mid office systems, b2b & b2c travel portal systems and many more.