What is tour operator software?
Tour operator software is a type of digital tool used by the hospitality industry to manage and automate bookings, itineraries and operations between hotels and tour companies.
Many hotel groups run tours, and use specialised tour operator software to do so. But hotel groups more commonly use tour operator software to connect with tour operators and their clientele, to become the hotel of choice for these groups, and enjoy the consistent business that tour companies can deliver.
In this guide we’ll take a closer look at tour operator and itinerary builder software: why a hotel might use such a tool, what the top tour operator software looks like, and how to get maximum value from tour operator software solutions.
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Why should hotel groups use tour operator booking software?
There are a number of compelling reasons for a hotel group to use tour operator systems/software.
First and foremost you can greatly diversify your hotel’s distribution channels, allowing you to reach new guest segments while reducing your reliance on OTAs.
These tools can grant you access to international travellers, group bookings, niche markets and more. They can also help your hotel to increase mid-week and low season occupancy, and can drive consistent income for the business.
Connect with more tour operators via SiteMinder SiteMinder grants you unmatched access to the incredibly valuable tour operator and travel wholesaler market, by seamlessly integrating with over 100 B2B travel solutions.
How tour management software helps boost hotel revenue
How exactly does tour operator itinerary software help your hotel group make more money?
- Access new markets: The simple answer to the question above is by connecting your hotels to tour operators who are looking for somewhere to house their guests. You gain access to an otherwise difficult to reach (and in some cases unreachable) market.
- Enjoy predictable occupancy: Web based tour operator software connects you with companies that tend to book several rooms at a time for their clients, generally make these bookings well in advance, and often book during quieter times of the week or year. Such predictable, consistent business can be invaluable.
- Attract different types of travellers: In gaining access to this new market, you might identify a type of guest that you haven’t targeted before, but who represents a huge untapped market.
- Promote unique experiences: Tour groups are a captive audience who you can sell your hotel and region to. By providing a fantastic experience, you could generate buzz about your area which the tour group might spread through word of mouth, which can help to deliver you new business with minimal marketing spend.
Key features of the best tour operator software for hotels
Beyond checking tour operator software reviews, what should you be looking for in the best tools?
Integration with existing systems
The multi day tour operator software you choose will need to integrate with your current tech stack. Before you lock in a tool, check that it can do the following with your property management system (PMS):
- Sync data in real time
- Send, receive and manage booking information
- Exchange data to power reporting and analytics
Automation and efficiency
Integration facilitates automation, as it ensures your tools can talk and work with each other, so connectivity is crucial for tour operator automation software. But you should also look for:
- Tour operator software with communication management functionality, like automated messaging
- Tour operator software with reporting and analytics tools
- Real-time rate and availability updates
- Scalability through upgraded plans and added features
Data security and privacy
Data security is an absolute non-negotiable for any modern tech tool. You’ll often see tour operator software with waiver management and other tour-specific privacy features, but as a hotel you should be looking for compliance with industry standards and regulations.
SiteMinder’s GDPR compliance and PCI DSS certification is a good example of the security you should be looking for.
Commissions and other fees
Most modern tour operator solutions operate under SaaS subscription models. Many offer multiple subscription levels, so you can choose a package that suits your needs to ensure you don’t overpay.
On top of the subscription fee, you should also carefully review the commissions and fees that you’ll pay on any bookings made through your chosen tool, as these can take a significant chunk of your revenue.
Balancing direct and tour operator bookings
Speaking of commissions, while tour operator software is a great way to connect with travel companies and gain access to their valuable clientele, your ultimate aim should be to cut out the software intermediary and attract direct bookings from tour businesses.
Cody Walker,
Revenue Performance Director
Urban Rest
How does tour reservation software work for hotel groups?
Tour operator solutions connect hotel groups with tour operators looking for properties that can host their guests. The inner workings can differ from tool to tool: some simply connect hotel and tour company, and let the two parties come to their own arrangement, while others facilitate every aspect of the hotel booking within the tool.
There are a wealth of such solutions available to hotel groups, which serve different tour companies and travel niches. The right tool for you will depend on the type of guest and bookings you’re looking to attract, and how you hope to secure them.
But no matter what your ideal hotel operator software looks like, you can be confident that your perfect tool will seamlessly integrate with SiteMinder.
