The travel industry has seen some big changes in recent years, and if you’re running a travel agency, keeping up with these changes is more important than ever. One of the most significant shifts has been the rise of online booking systems. These platforms have become crucial for travel agencies that want to stay competitive and future-proof their businesses. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top online travel booking systems for 2024 and how they can help your agency launch its own successful online platform.
The Top Online Travel Booking Systems in 2024
1. ORX Travel Platform
ORX is making waves in the travel industry by offering a powerful platform that helps travel agencies create their own online booking systems. What’s great about ORX is that it combines NDC (New Distribution Capability) and GDS (Global Distribution System) bookings in one place. This makes it super easy for agencies to offer a wide range of travel options to their customers. Plus, with API access, you can customize the platform to fit your brand perfectly.
- Functionality: 5/5
ORX has everything you need to run a modern travel agency. It lets you manage both NDC and GDS bookings, and the API access means you can tweak the system to match your business needs exactly. - User Experience: 4.5/5
The platform is designed to be user-friendly, but there’s a bit of a learning curve if you’re new to it. Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s smooth sailing. - Customer Support: 4.5/5
ORX offers solid customer support with a 24/7 call center and a helpful resource hub. However, getting more feedback from real users could provide even more insight into their service.
2. Skyscanner
Skyscanner has long been a favorite for travelers, but it’s also a valuable tool for travel agencies looking to offer a wide range of flight options. Skyscanner’s metasearch capabilities make it easy to find the best deals across multiple airlines, which you can then offer to your customers.
- Functionality: 4/5
Skyscanner excels at finding flights, but because it relies on third-party providers for the actual bookings, there can be some inconsistencies in pricing and availability. - User Experience: 4/5
The interface is generally easy to use, but if you’re not familiar with metasearch engines, it might take a little time to get used to it. Plus, since Skyscanner redirects users to other sites for booking, the experience can be a bit disjointed. - Customer Support: 3.5/5
Skyscanner provides decent support, but since it’s an aggregator, most customer queries are passed on to the service providers, which can slow down response times.
3. TravelPerk
TravelPerk is an all-in-one platform designed primarily for businesses, but it’s also a great option for travel agencies that focus on corporate travel. It offers a vast travel inventory, integrates with expense management systems, and provides 24/7 customer support, making it a solid choice for managing business trips.
- Functionality: 4/5
TravelPerk is packed with features that are perfect for corporate travel management, but it might not be as appealing to agencies that cater to leisure travelers. - User Experience: 3.5/5
The platform is straightforward but not particularly exciting. It gets the job done but might feel a bit bland, especially if you’re looking for something with a bit more flair. - Customer Support: 4.5/5
TravelPerk shines in customer support, with fast response times and a dedicated team ready to help. This makes it a reliable choice for agencies handling business clients.
4. SAP Concur
SAP Concur is known for its strong focus on expense management, making it a go-to for businesses that need to track travel spending closely. However, it’s also known for having a complex user interface, which can be a challenge for some users.
- Functionality: 4/5
SAP Concur is great for managing travel expenses, but its extensive features might be overkill for agencies focusing on leisure travel. - User Experience: 2.5/5
The user experience is where SAP Concur falls short. The platform can be difficult to navigate, and it often requires a lot of time to learn, which can be frustrating. - Customer Support: 3.5/5
SAP Concur offers professional support, but users often report slow response times, which can be a major drawback when you need quick help.
5. Ezus
Ezus is a cloud-based platform designed specifically for travel agencies, offering tools to create customized travel offers and itineraries. It’s a solid option for agencies that want to provide tailored travel experiences, but it may not be as comprehensive as some of the larger platforms.
- Functionality: 3.5/5
Ezus is ideal for travel agencies that need to manage client relationships and offer specialized travel packages. However, it doesn’t have all the features that bigger platforms offer, which could be a limitation. - User Experience: 3/5
While functional, Ezus’s interface feels a bit dated, and navigating its features can be a bit of a challenge for new users. - Customer Support: 4/5
Ezus generally receives positive feedback for its customer support, though the number of user reviews is smaller, which suggests it might not be as widely tested as other platforms.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, travel agencies need to adapt to stay competitive. Online booking systems are no longer just nice-to-have; they’re essential for future-proofing your business and ensuring you can meet the needs of modern travelers. ORX’s Travel Platform stands out in 2024 for its versatility and customization options, making it a top choice for agencies looking to build a strong online presence. But as the industry continues to evolve, keeping an eye on these platforms and exploring new options will be key to staying ahead.
