Travelers Plans How to Travelers Plans in The World
Travel agents have been a constant and reliable source of travel information and booking for a long time. They provide convenience, insider knowledge, and savings while helping travelers navigate complex travel arrangements. But how do they do it? What sites do travel agents use?
Global Distribution Systems (GDS)
Global Distribution Systems (GDS) are leading B2B tools for travel agents, and the backbone of the travel industry. GDSs are computer networks that link travel service providers worldwide, including airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and more, with travel agents. The GDS allows travel agents to access real-time availability and prices for making reservations, cancelations, and modifications. These systems also offer an efficient way to manage and operate a travel agency.
Online Travel Agencies (OTA)
Online Travel Agencies (OTA) are online platforms that provide travel booking and planning services within the digital space. Examples of popular OTAs include Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline. These platforms allow travel agents to compare a wide range of travel products, access reviews and ratings from other travelers, and find competitive deals. OTAs offer a user-friendly interface, detailed information about destinations, and 24/7 customer support, making them an attractive option for travel agents.
Hotel Aggregators
Hotel aggregators are online travel platforms that help travel agents find, compare and book hotels. Hotel aggregators offer vast databases of hotels, from budget hotels to luxury resorts, and often offer discounted rates. Some of the most popular hotel aggregators include Booking.com, HotelsCombined, and Trivago. These platforms also show user ratings, reviews, and images of each hotel to help travel agents make informed decisions and recommendations to their clients.
Airline Websites
Airline websites are often the first place travel agents go to book air travel for their clients. Most airlines nowadays have easy-to-use websites that allow travel agents to book flights, check schedules, and select seats. Airline websites also display real-time flight information, making it easy to stay updated on flight status, delays, cancellations, and changes. Travel agents can also use airline websites to earn points and loyalty rewards for their clients, which can lead to future savings.
Travel Insurance Providers
Travel insurance is becoming an increasingly crucial part of travel, and travel agents need to be able to provide it. Many travel insurance providers have online platforms that allow travel agents to quote and purchase policies instantly. InsureMyTrip, World Nomads, and Allianz Global Assistance are among the most popular travel insurance providers. These platforms offer a range of policies, from basic trip cancellation to comprehensive coverage that includes medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation.
Conclusion
Travel agents use a wide range of websites to provide efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality travel services to their clients. Global distribution systems, online travel agencies, hotel aggregators, airline websites, and travel insurance providers are just a few examples of websites that travel agents depend on. By using these websites, travel agents can offer their clients a wide range of options, competitive pricing, and personalized travel itineraries that meet their individual needs.