One of our biggest DMO developments has been our partnership with Fjord Norway, the official tourism board of Western Norway. A major part of the partnership has been creating a thriving network of tour operators, activity providers, and DMOs in the region. But, another objective of this partnership was to allow Fjord Norway to capture bookings and payments on their own website.
There are several reasons for a tourism board to add a booking system to their own website. Here are 6 reasons why DMOs and DMCs should start accepting bookings and payments on their own website:
1. You can act as a marketplace and invest directly in your region
Would it be fair to assume that your website receives more traffic than your local tour and activity websites? You can make the most of this audience by advertising tours & activities for your region, accepting online bookings and taking a commission for each experience sold.
2. It helps you keep up with global and digital trends
The decision to accept online bookings is not only convenient for a traveler, it's necessary for digitally-minded markets. Unlike your office, an online system is always open for bookings, and with a multilingual system like TrekkSoft, your website becomes your greatest customer service tool.
Visitors to your region are looking for real-time availability and bookings with a confirmed slot. It makes business sense to use software that provides an efficient alternative to outdated voucher systems. Find out more about TrekkSoft's booking system.
3. You will use your local experiences to sell more bed nights
An online booking engine will allow visitors to book direct, thus accelerating the transition from pre-trip research to booked nights and experiences. By offering the opportunity to book with ease, travelers are more likely to book accommodation and experiences at once which will add value to local businesses in your destination.
4. You can take your destination marketing further
Go beyond using regional experiences simply as travel inspiration in your destination marketing. Let your visitors book the very best of your region on your website and channel their pre-trip excitement and satisfaction with your easy booking process into positive word of mouth on all channels.
5. You can create and nurture a thriving local network
By encouraging local suppliers to use a standardized booking system and develop greater collaboration, you give your region a stronger position in the market.
Suppliers using TrekkSoft can also cross-sell through the Partner Network to drive local bookings and packages.
6. We have market proof that it works
TrekkSoft was founded to provide software for Interlaken's local tour & activity industry, who were looking for a way to sell online and nurture greater cooperation. It worked! We created a close network of suppliers with online booking capacity, and as we've grown, we have successfully applied this to wider scales.
Here's Kristian B. Jørgensen, CEO of Fjord Norway, on the partnership with TrekkSoft:
“Our goal was to find the best booking system for activities to make the Fjord Norway region even more available for visitors. After evaluating several world-leading booking systems, TrekkSoft was picked out as the best. We really look forward to offering all our best activities in cooperation with TrekkSoft.”
Are you ready to find out how to take your destination to the next level? Speak to our team today.
