6 benefits of online bookings for tour and activity operators

In 2022, 66% of the global travel and tourism market revenue was processed online, and that is expected to grow each year. Which makes you wonder  – why? Why are more and more tour and activity operators choosing to process their bookings online, and what do they get out of it?

Naturally, it saves time and resources, streamlines business operations, and improves reporting and analytics, but there’s more to it than that. Today we’ll take you through the 6 reasons why taking bookings online is better for your business.

Convenience for customers

One of the primary advantages of processing bookings online is the convenience it offers to customers. Almost all customers now (and even more so post-pandemic) expect to be able to make bookings online in real-time, and even make changes or additions to their bookings if necessary. The real-time aspect is the key here – if you are taking bookings in one environment, and then processing those bookings internally in another, you lose the real-time ability to update inventory, scheduling, and payment information that customers expect these days.

Reduced administrative burden

Taking bookings online can also help tour and activity operators reduce the administrative burden. By automating the booking process, you will save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual booking processes, such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, or making manual adjustments to schedules and inventory. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business, such as customer service and marketing.

Improved efficiency

By automating the booking process, you will reduce the risk of overbooking, double bookings, and errors that can occur with manual booking processes. Additionally, you will receive real-time data on your bookings, allowing you to manage your inventory more effectively and make informed decisions about pricing and promotions.

Streamlined payment processing

Online bookings can also streamline the payment process for both operators and customers. By accepting online payments, you reduce the risk of fraud and ensure timely payments. Additionally, online payment systems can offer a range of payment options, such as credit cards and PayPal, making it easier for customers to pay for their bookings. Plus, by using RezdyPay, you get access to Mobile Wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, which have been shown to increase conversion rates on-site by up to 250% (Shopify).

Improved analytics and reporting

Taking bookings online means all your data is in one place – meaning you can make data-driven decisions about your business. These tools provide you with insights into your customer base, including demographics, booking patterns, and preferences. Additionally, analytics tools can help you track their revenue, occupancy rates, and marketing ROI, allowing them to optimize their business performance. By taking your bookings online, all your data and analytics can be consolidated in one place and analyzed properly and completely. 

Increased security

There are several reasons taking bookings online is more secure than writing down or remembering payment information:

Encryption

Online booking systems use encryption technology to protect the payment information throughout the entire transmission. This means that payment details are converted into a code that can only be deciphered by authorized parties, preventing unauthorized access and limiting your exposure. 

Compliance

By taking bookings online, you ensure that you are compliant with the relevant security standards and regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). These standards and regulations ensure that payment information is held securely and responsibly, leading to the next point.

Limited access

Online booking systems typically restrict access to payment information to authorized personnel only. This means that your payment information is less likely to be accessed by unauthorized parties compared to when it is written down or remembered. When bookings are made offline, sometimes staff will write credit card information down (or even save it in a publicly accessible environment), which opens you up to litigation in case of theft.

Automation

Online bookings automate the payment process, reducing the risk of human error or malicious activity. This means that your payment information is less likely to be mishandled or misused compared to when it is manually processed.

Fraud detection

Online bookings use sophisticated fraud detection tools to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions. This means that your payment information is less likely to be used for fraudulent activities, such as identity theft, chargeback abuse, or unauthorized purchases.

Conclusion

So, to recap – by taking bookings online instead of offline, you’ll gain:

• More convenience for customers
• Reduced admin
• Improved efficiency
• Streamlined payments
• Improved analytics and reporting
• Enhanced security

Your business will continue to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of your customers, and maybe most important of all – you won’t get left behind as more and more travelers expect the convenience and flexibility of real-time digital bookings. 

Ready to begin accepting online bookings? Start your FREE 21-day trial with Rezdy today, or book a demo with our team of experts to see how our product offerings can fit seamlessly within your business.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to subscribe to the Rezdy newsletter, where you’ll receive up-to-date learnings from the Experiences industry, straight into your inbox.