ZentrumHub Connects to iOL X to Streamline Access to Leading Global Hotel Chain Inventory
ZentrumHub Connects to iOL X to Streamline Access to Leading Global Hotel Chain Inventory Last Updated :02 May, 2024 Pune, India – ZentrumHub, a leading travel technology company, has announced new connectivity with iOL X, a robust hospitality platform that connects global hotel chains directly with B2B demand partners – alleviating the need for middlemen who make large commissions on hotel bookings. iOL X houses an extensive range of hotel products across global leisure destinations. This integration aims to streamline hotel inventory distribution, increase transparency, and promote access to leading brands/destinations for ZentrumHub’s customers. iOL X was created by iOL, a well-known automation, distribution, and fintech solutions provider for the travel and hospitality industry. The company’s focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation aligns perfectly with ZentrumHub’s commitment to providing its customers with the best travel booking experience. iOL’s established reputation as an industry innovator has made it a trusted partner for many travel companies worldwide. “We are very excited to be working with ZentrumHub. Their clients can now gain unprecedented access to over 20,000 hotel properties in a direct manner, with complete transparency. This totally disrupts the contracting process, enhances efficiency, and allows hoteliers and travel operators to foster stronger direct business relationships.” said Diego J. Lofeudo, VP of Sales & Partnerships at iOL. “Through our collaboration with iOL, we are able to offer our clients a seamless and cost-effective way to expand their product offerings. The iOL X platform also streamlines the payment process, making working with hotels on iOL X incredibly easy for our clients,” said Bhushan Tamhankar. This partnership is a valuable asset to our mutual customers.” By joining forces, ZentrumHub and iOL will leverage their combined strengths to enhance the relationship between travel businesses and hospitality providers, cleanly and transparently. For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Pasha ShaikhZentrumHub pasha@zentrumhub.com Read Full Release. About iOL iOL offers a suite of hospitality technology solutions designed to empower businesses in the hospitality industry. These solutions include iOL Edge, a technology solution designed to streamline workflows and operations for businesses in the hospitality industry, iOL X, a global marketplace that connects hotels with a B2B demand network, and iOL Pay, a fintech and payment platform designed for the hospitality industry. About ZentrumHub At the forefront of travel technology, ZentrumHub has carved its niche in the industry with a SaaS- and PaaS-based travel technology approach. The company’s ingenious hotel booking engine and supplier connectivity platform are designed to enable suppliers, channel managers, and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, Zentrum Booking Engine and Zentrum Connect streamline supplier connectivity, white-label solution, the booking process, and the back office, ensuring a seamless experience for all.
ZentrumHub’s Technology Boosts Akbar Travels’ Growth, Tripling Revenue
ZentrumHub’s Technology Boosts Akbar Travels’ Growth, Tripling Revenue Last Updated :02 May, 2024 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates–(BUSINESS WIRE) – ZentrumHub, a leader in travel technology solutions, has been instrumental in tripling the revenue of its long-standing partner, Akbar Travels. This remarkable growth underscores the effectiveness of ZentrumHub’s innovative platform, Zentrum Connect, in enhancing Akbar Travels’ operational capabilities and market reach. Akbar Travels, a well-established name in the travel industry, leveraged ZentrumHub’s expertise to implement critical technological enhancements, including multi-currency and multi-supplier connectivity. This strategic integration has allowed Akbar Travels to diversify its offerings, providing customers with a broader range of travel options and more competitive pricing. The partnership has significantly improved Akbar Travels’ capacity to manage and distribute its inventory efficiently, further establishing its role as a key supplier in the travel sector. Additionally, ZentrumHub’s B2B portal has empowered Akbar Travels to seamlessly manage and expand its B2B travel agent network through a multi-tenant account system. “In a world of endless options, our OTA platform i.e. akbartravels.com stands as a beacon of simplicity. By offering intuitive interfaces, comprehensive search functionality, and seamless currency handling, we ensure travelers can find their perfect getaway with ease. ZentrumHub is invested in cutting-edge technology that could seamlessly handle transactions in multiple currencies,” said Ms. Ashiya Nazar, Director at Akbartravels.com. Bhushan Tamhankar, Head of Global Partnerships at ZentrumHub, commented on the partnership’s success, “Our commitment to providing state-of-the-art tools has enabled companies like Akbar Travels to thrive in the digital era. This partnership is a clear indication of our platform’s strength and our dedication to supporting our clients’ success.” For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Pasha ShaikhZentrumHubpasha@zentrumhub.com About Akbar Travels Akbartravels.com is a leading global online travel portal providing a diverse range of world-class, hassle-free travel services. Their online platform allows users to search, and book discounted flight tickets, holiday packages, visas, and other services online from the comfort of their homes, office, or smartphone effortlessly. They have more than 150 branches worldwide, extending the company’s reach to almost all major travel destinations worldwide. About ZentrumHub ZentrumHub is leading the charge in revolutionizing travel technology, offering cutting-edge solutions that simplify hotel connectivity and elevate the booking experience for travel companies worldwide. With its flagship products, Zentrum Connect and Zentrum Booking Engine, ZentrumHub provides a seamless platform that seamlessly integrates booking engines with multiple hotel suppliers, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.
Why does every OTA need travel agency software?
Why does every OTA need travel agency software? Introduction What is a travel agency software and what are the Major Components of it? How can travel agency software help you automate, analyze and attract? What are the modules of travel agency software? What are the modules of travel agency software? Staying Ahead of the Curve Can you imagine a world without online travel booking and mobile apps? Seems impossible, right? However, that was the case two decades ago. Ever since the travel industry has witnessed several changes, traditional travel agencies adapted to the modern methods of the digital age. It feels nostalgic as the days of handwritten itineraries and paper hotel confirmations are behind us; today, instant online bookings and mobile check-ins have replaced traditional methods. Swiping through travel apps and clicking online reviews has become the go-to approach for seeking popular tourist spots and experiencing new destinations. The shift to online travel and hospitality brings benefits like convenience, personalization, and wider choices. Today, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) have become the forefront face of the industry, and to keep up with the growing demands and expectations of travelers, they must step up their game; that is where travel agency software comes into play. So, what does a travel agency software do? How can it help elevate your business to the next level? We will find all these answers in this blog. Let us dive in! What is a travel agency software and what are the major components of it? Travel agency software acts as a central hub, streamlining the management and automation of your travel business’s sales, bookings, refunds, back office and revenue management. As an OTA, it is essential to know what features of travel agency software you can leverage to upscale your business. We are listing some features below: Booking and Cancellation System: Today, almost every booking is carried out online. As an OTA, it becomes your priority to connect with Global Distribution Systems (GDS), and other hotel and activity suppliers, which will provide access to your end-users with the best deals. Here, travel agency software improves and speeds up the booking process, offering customers more options such as multi-language support, updated pricing, multiple payment options, auto confirmations and notifications. The booking system also allows you to track and manage all bookings in one place, ensuring accuracy and avoiding overbooking. OTAs can receive real-time updates on cancellations and modifications, which allows for proactive communication with customers. Accounting System: Integrating your platform with accounting software is essential. It covers online payment with secure SSL encryption, invoices for both partners and clients, detailed financial statements, sales commission calculations, and data analysis. Accounting systems integrated with various payment gateways to accept credit cards, debit cards, and online wallets streamline the booking process, helping end-users make a hassle-free payment quicker and enhancing their experience. Itinerary building can be a tedious and tricky task as there are too many factors to consider when planning a trip, such as means of transportation, hotels, and exciting events. If an OTA provides all this information in a detailed manner, it becomes much easier for customers to select a tour package that they specifically need. An itinerary software can help you create tour packages with the best touring options for the client’s budget and wish. These tours can be segmented into individual, group or corporate travel plans. A well-designed tour plan with plenty of good features also makes you stand out from other OTAs. Customer Relationship Management Systems are significant when collecting customer data and offering relevant services based on their segment. OTA can utilize this data to create discounted and promotional offers. CRM often provides saving and organizing customer data, segmentation of buyers and providers, and detailed reports on clients, partners, and tours. Additionally, it collects customer reviews, personalized offer development, loyalty programs, newsletters, and more. Access to crucial data unlocks fresh marketing opportunities. However, visibility is the key. Equipped with effective marketing tools, you can create targeted campaigns, manage social media presence, and build strong customer relationships, making advertising more effective and customers happier. Read More Integrating Payment Systems into Your Travel Agency Software How can travel agency software help you automate, analyze and attract? Depending on the different functionality, travel agency software can make your OTA more efficient. Most companies prefer ready-to-go solutions. However, you can also opt for tailored solutions as they give more customization options based on your needs. Below are a few options that you should consider: Business Expenses: Automation has become an integral part of the digital world. Utilizing travel agency software for registering requests and answering questions through chatbots eases the human efforts required for this minimal task. Automating these processes can free your team to focus on strategic marketing and improving customer services. Data Management: Cloud-based services allow OTAs to access data from sales reports, bookings, payments, and individual preferences, which can help you improve the operational process across different levels. By doing this, you can ensure that you are meeting the demands and expectations of consumers. Supplier Database: Whether you are a giant travel platform or SME, your OTA needs supplier databases, as they can help you expand your business in various geographic locations. Suppliers have numerous inventories, from large hotel chains to local lodges. You can access these inventories with the help of booking APIs. Client Management: Based on consumer behaviors, booking history, and transactions, you can easily create custom packages for frequent travelers, offering discounts. This data can also help you create loyalty programs that increase brand value, retain existing customers, and attract newer ones. Read Also How to Enhance Customer Experience with Travel Agency Software? What are the modules of travel agency software? What are the modules of travel agency software? Modules are the core functionalities of any travel agency software that offers you a comprehensive overview of the capabilities that are beneficial for online travel agencies. Below are a few modules of travel software. Hotel Contracting Module: This module allows OTAs to
Know All About Expedia API – Integration, Cost, Time, Business & Pricing Models
Know All About Expedia API – Integration, Cost, Time, Business & Pricing Models Overview Different Types of Expedia API Reasons to Integrate Expedia API With Your Travel Agency Technical Requirements to Integrate Expedia API The Cost, Time, and Steps to Integrate Expedia API Business & Pricing Models of Expedia API Expedia’s Pricing Models for End Customers Takeaway We are Certified and Official Hotel API Provider and Integration Partner for Expedia Group. Connect Expedia’s hotel inventory with your hotel booking engine instantly!——————————————————————————————————————————————— Let’s start with the primary question – What is Expedia API? As you know, Expedia is a well-known online travel company offering a vast inventory of hotels, cars, and flights. It works as a travel agent and the supplier providing retail rates in the booking transaction. Under its brand name, Expedia provides net booking rates. Its API is designed for software developers who wish to develop apps that enable other businesses to integrate and share this inventory data. In this era of big data, online travel agencies must equip themselves with the right analytics tools to make data-driven decisions and understand evolving consumer behaviors. We know data analysis can be time-consuming, so we are here to explain which data analytics OTAs must focus on to make data-driven decisions. Different Types of Expedia API Expedia’s APIs are tailored to specific business needs, and here are the 4 types of APIs that you can choose from 1. Rapid API This API helps to build custom end-to-end lodging booking experiences for OTAs, the world’s leading airlines, and loyalty and membership programs. It offers all the essential data you and your travelers require to book a property. Based on how you wish to build the user experience, you can access properties, region mappings, rates, and much more. This API’s modular design helps quickly customize the traveler booking journey per your business needs. Rapid API offers leading lodging inventory, with 700,000 properties across 250,000 destinations and over 25 different property types & their intelligent geography mappings make search smarter. It also provides over 29 million high-resolution property images and 21 million high-resolution room images optimized for increased conversion. It shows over 82 million traveler ratings and over 57 million traveler reviews across Expedia Group brands. Also, unique user-generated content is refreshed on the API every day. 2. Booking API The Booking API helps to book rooms where the Price Check response confirms rates. The Booking API’s primary itinerary method helps reserve the chosen property, room, occupancy, and rate. Payment details, like billing/cardholder contact information, are included in the request. The successful booking response has the links to fetch the itinerary or cancel the reservation. You can make multi-room bookings for the same room type through a Shop request and pass the occupancy parameter separately for each room. You should include corresponding separate room instances in the array for each booking. 3. Shopping API This helps get the rates and availability of different room types for chosen properties (maximum 250 properties per request). The response consists of rate details like promos, cancellation penalties, whether the rate is refundable, and a total price breakdown to meet your market’s price display requirements. Multiple instances of the occupancy parameter can request numerous rooms of the same type. If one request has various calls for the same occupancy, the response will have a single set of rates. Only eight rooms may be requested at a time. You must contact the account manager about their group booking for more than eight rooms simultaneously. 3. Content API These APIs provide you with access to content for all of Rapid’s properties. Property Content The Property Content returns a list of property IDs or complete details for the selected active properties in the chosen language. This API can be used to retrieve property IDs or complete content based on your search criteria. Inactive Properties The properties can become inactive for the time being for various reasons; therefore, the Inactive Property API can be used to get the inactive property list from a provided whole date, helping you update your storage or cache to exclude unsellable or unbookable properties within Rapid. Reasons to Integrate Expedia API With Your Travel Agency? Expedia API is a top-rated travel company with a vast network of suppliers and vendors, allowing you to offer multiple choices to your customers. This API lets your customers get detailed information about the room and destination, such as availability, reviews, pricing, etc. The booking experience becomes more seamless with proper content and a wide choice of relevant options. Integrating such reputed APIs has multiple advantages, such as providing advanced search and booking functionalities, a wide range of travel products/services, and a comprehensive set of tools for business growth. Let’s take a look at the features of Expedia API. It facilitates the following: Integrating advanced functionality into agents’ travel portals. Checking all hotel-related information like pricing, room availability, and ratings before booking or cancellation. Offering faster responses from multiple hotels to provide accurate and real-time availability with rates Receiving customer booking information in almost real-time. Reading, creating, and editing room types and rate plans without depending on any market manager. Technical Requirements to Integrate Expedia API It is crucial to have specific technical requirements, like TLS 1.2 for encryption, XML messages for bookings, and secure communication protocols to integrate any API. It is a time-consuming and cost-consuming task, even if you have a skilled in-house development team. So, travel businesses looking for suppliers like Expedia often choose supplier connectivity platforms like Zentrum Connect to quickly yet efficiently integrate the API and manage all its complexities. The Cost, Time, and Steps to Integrate Expedia API Integrating any API is a tricky process and requires a lot of expertise, but here are the surface-level steps that you will have to follow to become an Expedia API partner – First, you will have to register on the Expedia Partner Solutions website. Complete the API application form. Submit the form for review. Once your form is approved, you will