5 Signs Your Online Travel Business Needs Accommodation Mapping
For online travel businesses, accurate and streamlined data isn’t just a technical necessity but an important ingredient to building trust, enhancing search experiences, and skyrocketing conversions. Basically, it is what makes or breaks your customer’s booking experience. If a traveler searches for a cozy beachside resort on your platform, but instead, they’re met with mismatched names, duplicate listings, and inconsistent details, they’ll probably get frustrated and move on to your closest competitor. If this scenario feels all too familiar, your online travel business might be suffering from the pitfalls of poor accommodation mapping.Accommodation mapping is like cleaning, sorting, and standardizing hotel & room data available to customers on your platform to ensure accuracy and consistency and avoid duplication. For travel and booking platforms, standardized hotel & room content means fewer errors, no duplicate listings, and a smoother experience for travelers looking to make an informed booking decision. It involves two key parts:A) Hotel Mapping Hotel mapping ensures that the same hotel listed differently on your booking platform (from different suppliers) is recognized as one unique property, even if the names, addresses, or descriptions vary slightly. For example: First listing: “The Royal Beach Resort” Second listing: “Royal Beach Resort & Spa” Both refer to the same property, listed differently (from different suppliers). Hotel mapping standardizes this hotel data, which includes hotel name, geolocation, facilities, etc., and groups multiple listings of the same hotel property under one accurate hotel id so there are no mix-ups or duplicate entries. Why it matters: It prevents duplicate listings of the same hotel Ensures the property’s details (like location, amenities, and ratings) stay consistent Makes it easier for travelers to find the hotel they’re looking for Also Read: 10 Best Practices for Nailing Customer Experience with a Hotel Booking API B) Room Mapping Room mapping is about preventing travelers from encountering duplicate room listings on your booking platform page, ensuring that bookings are accurate and seamless. The mapping process standardizes the peculiar room details like bed size, room views, smoking/non-smoking, board types, etc., and displays competitive prices for the unique rooms available. For instance, a “King Suite with Ocean View” might be listed slightly differently on your platform as “Ocean View King Suite”. With room mapping, all these variations are recognized as the same room, giving travelers confidence that they’re booking the exact room type they want. Why it matters: Prevents booking confusion (like mistakenly choosing a different room category) Helps travelers compare room options and prices easily Improves the overall booking experience by keeping room descriptions consistent Enhances the traveler’s confidence in their booking choice Both hotel mapping & room mapping create a clear and consistent booking experience for travelers and help platforms avoid confusion or errors. Also Read: Effective strategies for OTAs to optimize conversions So, how do you know if you need to implement hotel mapping or room mapping on your online travel booking platform? Look for the signs! As an online booking platform, you pull hotel and room data from different suppliers, which can often lead to inconsistencies, confusion, and errors in the booking process. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it’s a strong indicator that your platform would benefit from Accommodation Mapping to ensure smooth, accurate listings and improve the customer experience.The same hotel appears multiple times on your platform, each time with slight variations in the name, description, or address. For example, “Beachfront Grand Resort” might show up as “Grand Beach Resort” or “The Grand Beach Hotel” from different suppliers. Here’s why it’s a problem: Multiple listings of the same property can confuse customers, making it difficult to compare prices or make the right choice. It clutters your platform with duplicate entries, which can overwhelm users and reduce the credibility of your site. It leads to inefficiencies in inventory and booking management. Also Read: What is hotel mapping and why it matters for your online travel business Room types and their descriptions may differ slightly between suppliers. For example, a “Deluxe Ocean View Suite” on one platform might be listed as “Ocean View Deluxe Suite” on another. This inconsistency can make it difficult for customers to compare rooms across suppliers. Here’s why it’s a problem: Inconsistent room descriptions can lead to confusion, and customers may book rooms that don’t match their expectations. It makes it harder for users to understand exactly what they’re booking, which can lead to dissatisfaction and cancellations. Suppliers may have different naming conventions or room classifications, making it challenging to maintain a uniform experience. With a room mapping API, you can standardize the room descriptions and consolidate them into a consistent format. This ensures that every room, regardless of its listing source, is recognized correctly and displayed with accurate, uniform descriptions. Your platform displays rooms as available, but those rooms have already been booked through other channels or suppliers. This occurs when availability data from different suppliers is not synchronized. Here’s why it’s a problem: Overbooking creates a poor customer experience and risks your relationships with both travelers and hotel suppliers. It can damage your platform’s reputation, leading to customer complaints, cancellations, and lost trust. Lack of real-time synchronization can result in operational headaches for you and your hotel suppliers. With accommodation mapping, your platform automatically updates the availability data from all suppliers into a single, real-time system. When a room is booked through one supplier, its availability is immediately updated across all channels, preventing overbooking and ensuring accurate inventory management. The same hotel room might show up at different prices depending on which supplier provides the data. For example, a “Deluxe King Room” may be listed at $150 on one supplier’s page and $160 on another. Here’s why it’s a problem: Price discrepancies can lead customers to believe they’re being misled or unfairly charged. If your platform displays inconsistent pricing, it can cause your users to question the reliability of your service. Inaccurate pricing may result in lost revenue or missed sales opportunities. Room mapping ensures that pricing data from all suppliers is aligned,
Why Collaboration is Essential for Achieving One-Click Travel
Imagine needing a new travel bag for your upcoming trip. A quick search on your favorite online shopping platform presents you with several options, all with clear descriptions and competitive pricing. The purchase process is smooth, with payment happening in just one click, and the bag arrives promptly. If there’s an issue, returns are handled effortlessly. This experience is no accident; it’s the result of strategic investment in technology, operations, and a focus on the customer. The travel industry faces a similar challenge: creating an effortless, one-click travel experience that rivals the ease and satisfaction of online shopping. However, unlike e-commerce platforms that control their entire value chain, the travel industry is a complex network of interconnected players—airlines, airports, hotels, ground transportation providers, and more. Achieving a truly seamless travel experience requires a collaborative approach that unites these diverse entities under a shared objective. The dynamics of the travel industry have seen significant shifts in recent years. Where business travelers once dominated the premium market, today’s trends show a rising influence of affluent leisure travelers. Destinations like Dubai, Mauritius, and the Maldives have surged in popularity, reflecting an increased interest in extraordinary trips and unique experiences. As leisure travelers fill premium seats on flights, travel providers need to rethink their strategies. Competing for these customers’ attention is no longer just about offering flights or accommodations—it’s about delivering a comprehensive, high-end experience that can stand alongside other premium purchases, such as the latest electric vehicle or luxury fashion. A Collaborative Approach to a Fragmented Industry In contrast to e-commerce giants that manage every aspect of the customer experience, the travel industry is characterized by fragmentation. A single journey may involve multiple airlines, airports, and service providers, each responsible for different stages of the trip. This disjointed structure often leads to challenges for travelers, from confusing booking processes to inconsistent service. Overcoming these challenges requires a collective mindset. This means breaking down the barriers between different sectors and fostering cooperation among all participants in the travel journey. When each entity works in harmony, it becomes possible to create an effortless, one-click travel experience that not only satisfies customers but also encourages them to choose travel over other luxury options. The Role of Digital Identity and Open Technology One area where collaborative efforts are already making an impact is digital identity. Leading online travel agencies (OTAs) have partnered with various airlines to streamline document checks, allowing travelers to verify their identification before even reaching the airport. This advancement significantly simplifies the travel process, showing how technology can improve the overall experience when applied across the travel ecosystem. However, digital identity is just one component. To truly change the travel experience, the industry must embrace open technology that allows for seamless integration and cooperation. Whether through new platforms that help airlines evolve into modern retailers or innovative tools that improve coordination at airports, open technology is the key to unlocking the full potential of the travel ecosystem. Building a Unified Future in Travel The path to achieving one-click travel cannot be paved by a single company. Success relies on a collective effort, where all stakeholders work together to tackle the industry’s challenges and enhance the traveler’s experience. Some OTAs are committed to this vision, investing in the necessary technology, partnerships, and innovations to turn effortless travel into reality. Recent strategic acquisitions, such as those in digital payment and biometric solutions, are part of a broader strategy to create a more connected and efficient travel ecosystem. By fostering collaboration across the industry and opening up technological infrastructure, the stage is set for a future where travel is as straightforward and enjoyable as a quick online purchase. The travel industry stands at a critical juncture. Addressing the complexities of a fragmented ecosystem requires a collaborative approach and a commitment to open technology. Through united efforts, we can create a one-click travel experience that meets and exceeds customer expectations. This ongoing investment in the future of travel is not just about improving the customer experience; it’s about making travel an effortless and appealing choice that can compete with any other luxury option. As the industry moves forward, all players are invited to join in this effort, working together to create a travel experience that is not only smooth but also compelling. Vervotech is a leading Hotel Mapping and Room Mapping API that leverages the power of AI and ML to quickly and accurately identify each property listing through the verification of multiple parameters. With One of the industry’s best coverage of 98% and an accuracy of 99.999%, Vervotech is quickly becoming the mapping software of choice for all leading global companies operating in the travel and hospitality industry. To learn more about Vervotech and the ways it can enhance your business in the long run contact us: sales@vervotech.com
Choosing the Right Hotel Suppliers for Your OTA
Selecting suitable hotel suppliers for your online travel agency can be daunting, given the variety of options and factors to consider. With over 6,000 travel distributors present in 190+ source markets, it’s important to understand how to choose the right hotel suppliers for your online travel agency. Here’s a straightforward resource to help you guide this decision-making process and find suppliers that align with your business needs. Each supplier brings a unique portfolio of properties, from luxury 4 and 5-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels. The key is identifying a supplier whose inventory aligns with your target audience. For instance, if your OTA caters to young sightseers and backpackers, there’s little need to offer a range of high-end hotels. Instead, focus on suppliers that provide the types of accommodations your customers are seeking. Read More – Effective strategies for OTAs to optimize conversionsProperty Type Adding a new supplier to your OTA can take time, regardless of the number of properties they offer. Therefore, opting for suppliers with a more extensive inventory is generally advantageous. More options mean a higher likelihood of meeting customer demands, thus enhancing the overall customer experience. Quantity Consider the geographical distribution of properties offered by potential suppliers. Some may provide widespread coverage, while others specialize in specific regions. Partnering with niche suppliers can be beneficial if your audience is particularly interested in certain areas. Distribution Area Your profitability hinges on the pricing agreements you have with suppliers. Different suppliers may offer the same property at varying prices due to their distinct contracts with hotels or secondary suppliers. Carefully review the buy rates offered, as these rates directly influence your profit margins. Buy Rates Suppliers operate with different rate types, significantly impacting how you market and sell hotel bookings. For example, net rates allow you to set your markups, while commission-based rates are final but include a profit share. Under standing these nuances will help you choose suppliers whose rate types match your business strategy. Rate Types To streamline operations and reduce costs, seek suppliers who offer additional services like car rentals, flights, and tours. However, it’s crucial to maintain the quality of hotel offerings for the sake of bundled services. Prioritize finding suppliers who offer exceptional hotels, even if they don’t provide a full suite of services. Bundled Services Suppliers often have specific requirements, such as maintaining a certain look-to-book ratio. Ensure their terms, including sales quotas and service fees, are compatible with your business model. Terms The complexity of integrating a supplier’s inventory into your system can vary. Some suppliers require multiple API integrations, which can increase setup costs and delay your ability to start selling. Opt for suppliers with simpler integration processes to minimize these challenges. With this knowledge, you can select the right hotel suppliers for your OTA. Prioritize suppliers who align with your business goals, target audience, and operational needs. This thoughtful selection process will streamline your operations and enhance your customers’ experience. Vervotech is a leading Hotel Mapping and Room Mapping API that leverages the power of AI and ML to quickly and accurately identify each property listing through the verification of multiple parameters. With One of the industry’s best coverage of 98% and an accuracy of 99.999%, Vervotech is quickly becoming the mapping software of choice for all leading global companies operating in the travel and hospitality industry. To learn more about Vervotech and the ways it can enhance your business in the long run contact us: sales@vervotech.com
