In the contemporary travel landscape, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) seamlessly embody a tech-first ethos, often perceived as disruptors in travel planning. However, the evolution of the industry has taught OTAs a valuable lesson as larger travel portals leverage sophisticated, user-friendly interfaces to capture market share. Despite this, traditional travel agencies remain indispensable, catering to clients seeking highly customized travel experiences, in-person consultations at physical offices, and direct human interaction. The key to a thriving OTA lies in the automation of intricate systems and the transformation of manually managed connections into streamlined, efficient processes.

Automating Operational Tasks for Enhanced Efficiency

Despite the technological advancements in the travel industry, many OTA still rely on manual execution for various tasks within their operational workflows. Recognizing that routine tasks can be efficiently automated, OTAs stand to benefit significantly by freeing up valuable time for stakeholders. This newfound time allows them to redirect their focus towards exploring and capitalizing on additional revenue-generation opportunities. Embracing automation not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions OTAs strategically for revenue growth in a competitive market.

How do automated mid-back office systems help the travel industry?

Tracking Accounting and Payments

It takes a lot of time and effort to manually track payments, commissions, and revenue received from bookings, notwithstanding the errors that could occur in the process. It is only wise to use efficient travel agency software to calculate prices to ensure reports are obtained on time without any errors. Revenue allocation to accounts and calculating costs based on sales efforts can be tedious. The latter is more complex than the former. For instance, consider the task of determining the monthly hours invested in managing individual accounts and translating this data into meticulously organized spreadsheets. Streamlining such intricate processes not only enhances operational efficiency but also empowers businesses with actionable insights for informed decision-making.

Last-minute Changes in the Itinerary

Modifications and sudden adjustments to the itinerary are widespread in the corporate travel industry. Changing these manually each time can be highly cumbersome. An integrated mid-back-office system handles this task smoothly without compromising valuable time. Managing account relationships becomes easier when last-minute changes to schedules are executed seamlessly.

Business rules

Travel agents must partner with various suppliers, agents, and clients of different sizes and locations. Efficient revenue management across a range of elements means having a unique set of business rules, including margins and markups based on predetermined criteria. Traditionally, these rules are applied manually for each transaction and several entities. For instance, markup for flights and commission structures for sub-agents vary based on the number of bookings made by a subagent. Without a back-office system in place, you may have to apply this figure manually for a flight, hotel, vehicle, or activity. Furthermore, there’s also a need to determine the allowance you must pay to the subagent according to their classification. And if the transaction is B2C, you might have to apply an additional markup depending on the customer’s class. An automated travel back-office system seamlessly calculates and provides error-free outputs for your transactions.

Top 5 benefits of a Mid-Back Office system

A mid-back-office system adds value to travel operations by improving productivity and efficiency while simultaneously augmenting customer satisfaction. Here are some benefits OTAs get from the mid-back office system.

Direct Reservations

Empower your agents with instant access to internal booking capabilities, particularly those directly engaged with clients. A mid-back office system seamlessly facilitates the creation of bespoke tour packages, efficient scheduling of distinctive activities, and the application of discounts with unparalleled ease. Furthermore, agents gain the flexibility to choose from a range of options, including GDS terminals and green screens, enhancing their efficiency beyond standard search functionalities. This comprehensive approach allows OTAs to elevate customer satisfaction levels without the need for manual interventions or navigating through multiple channels to secure the desired bookings.

Tour Generation

An integral part of any booking and crucial importance for the traveler, exclusive and customized tour packages are the most sought-after by customers. Similar to a direct booking facility, the agents plan the tours in advance, apply tailored pricing, customize various services, and generate descriptions to sell consolidated solutions using a separate module that resembles the content management system. The OTA can easily achieve this when connected to the myriad supplier inventories.

Centralized Information

Automating travel back-office offers insightful reports about the profitability and performance of a business. Data regarding sales, vendors, clients, marketing, and employees can be obtained to identify pivotal points to enhance efficiency in operations and steer the business toward the right path. Organizations can identify trends and understand profitability while using the back-office system to streamline processes. Corporate travel ops also become more lucrative and responsive as OTAs prioritize the mid-back office system.

Quicker Sales

In the evolving landscape of the travel industry, the key to survival lies in expediting sales processes beyond anticipated timelines. Achieving this necessitates the integration of an automated travel system that comprehensively addresses middle and back office operations. This entails seamless communication with suppliers, handling intricate travel packages, and optimizing reservation management. The ultimate goal is to offer customers an unparalleled booking experience through a meticulously designed travel software application. By prioritizing efficiency and automation, businesses can not only adapt to the industry's dynamic nature but also ensure sustained growth in a competitive market.

Customer Satisfaction and Retention

Customer satisfaction drives repeat business, and automated travel solutions streamline diverse travel management aspects. Tailored self-booking and loyalty offerings attract and satisfy clients. In corporate travel, our dedicated portal enables efficient booking, modification, and cancellation, along with cost tracking and consolidated spending data. Automatic trip management enhances employee mobility, providing accessibility anytime, anywhere.

Every Travel Business Needs an Automated Mid-Back Office System. Here’s Why

Ushering in a new era for the travel sector, an automated mid-back office system is the need of the hour. This transformative system empowers travel businesses to streamline middle and back office operations, ensuring swift, error-free transactions. The result is a dynamic landscape where travel management becomes more agile, responsive, and in tune with the evolving needs of the industry.