Tour operators are the backbone of the travel industry.  As a tour operator, you need seamless processes to deliver a delightful experience to travellers. The travel business employs many time-consuming functions but travel management software can help save time and effort. Over and above this benefit software actually leads to fewer errors.

A lot goes on in the administration or behind the scene activities, which requires extensive communication. But if the software is employed these complex-looking activities will be easier to manage.

The software brings simplicity and ease by providing business solutions to enhance productivity. It leads to focusing on more strategic decision-making tasks.

All said and done, we agree on the benefits of the software. But some businesses do come across challenges after employing software. The right choice of software leads to the best results and helps save time and effort.

Thus, we decided first to understand various challenges that a tour operator faces and then provide a 3-step guide to selecting a tour operator software.

What are the challenges faced by tour operators?

1. Managing customer data

• This activity is time-consuming so we need an appropriate model or system to enter and maintain customer details.
  
  
• Excel sheets are a good option for small and big businesses as well. But software could streamline the entire system, wherein the customer data can be further used to grow your business. 
  
  

What does one do in this case?

CRM software would provide the best solution. The benefits of CRM are obvious in the results they render. Also, lead management services are necessary to attract and retain customers.

2. Itinerary creation

• This is the most dynamic part of a tour operator’s business. Creating itineraries for travellers/customers is a time-consuming function. Various requirements and preferences have to be fulfilled even while they keep changing.
  
  
• Incorporating changes is a big challenge as you have to provide quick solutions.
  
  
• In this competitive world when your customer has innumerable choices you cannot afford to be complacent.
  
  
• Inbuilt Quote builder and itinerary builder work hand in hand to ease itinerary creation and delivery of a travel plan.

3. Hotel bookings

• Both, travellers with a fixed itinerary or those who choose travel packages offered by tour operators prefer online purchases.
  
  
• Searching for hotel rooms and booking them online makes it imperative for tour operators to use an online hotel booking engine. 

4. Contract Management

• Tour Operators have to manage a lot of contracts with hotels, car rental companies, guides, air and bus companies.
  
  
• This is a time-consuming activity that needs to be planned and executed efficiently. Just like creating an itinerary requires effort similarly does contract management.
  
  
• Software becomes imperative. ETOS has a contract management software solution, which allows all features needed by tour operators to manage availability, pricing aspects and varied offers.

5. Comprehensive online solution

• Customers/travellers need a one-stop solution. May it be choosing the destination or booking the flight, your consumers want you to provide them with all the solutions.
  
  
• A comprehensive online solution is needed that delivers an experience from travel planning to booking and managing feedback that leads to customer retention.
  
  
• ETOS offers a comprehensive online solution that makes things easier for your online users.
  
  
• Now we move ahead and discuss aspects to consider while choosing a befitting travel management software.

Here is a 3-step guide to selecting the best tour operator software - 

1. Identify the time-consuming activities

• There are particular activities that require time and effort to an extent that they add up to your cost. This is something you surely want to avoid.
  
  
• Cutting costs where ever possible is crucial since the resources can be saved to invest in other strategic activities.
  
  
• If using software simplifies processes, brings in efficiency, and saves time and effort then you should choose to invest in software. Resources saved are resources invested. 

2. Challenges faced by your team

• Your team is not an expert at certain activities but they find it tough to keep doing that activity consistent with the same level of efficiency.
  
  
• For example, maintaining customer data and analyzing is a prerequisite for a successful business. But if your team needs help, talk to them and understand what exactly they find challenging in the whole task.
  
  
• Unless you cannot manage data wisely, the business won’t propel in the long run. The business will stagnate. So, talk to your software provider and understand how the challenges of the team can be resolved.
  
  
• Your team might not share their challenges candidly. The onus lies on you to inspire them to come out of their comfort zone and speak up.

3. Know your future plan

• If your future plan is to develop packages for new locations or target certain audiences, then inform your software consultant and developer. When you have clarity about your future plans it becomes easier for them to give a befitting solution.
  
  
• Otherwise, the software solution provided now will not be relevant or useful in the long run and you would have to rush to choose and implement a new one. Thus, making it a costly affair.
  
  
• Now customers are looking for an end-to-end travel solution, which can be provided if your systems and processes are in place. This leads to better delivery of travel solutions as per the customer’s expectations.
  
  

Once your systems and processes are running efficiently you can better cater to your customer’s expectations. Software for booking tickets, hotel booking, creating itineraries, etc are necessary for quick and efficient service. 

ETOS provides tour operator software solutions to businesses looking out for efficient solutions. Your travel business will grow if the back-office administration work will run smoothly. The groundwork has to be executed efficiently.

In its absence, the impact will be felt by the customers in turn affecting your business.

ETOS provides guidance on how and which technology models will increase revenue and ROI. Our team is just a call away. Do connect with the ETOS team.