The advancement of technology in the travel business has not only automated the processes of travel companies but has led them to implement API integration tool to integrate travel APIs in line with technology for the benefit of their business, stay ahead of competition, ensure eliminate manual intervention, repetitive cumbersome processes and constantly work towards reduction in efforts, resources and cost.
API integration is the seamless connection in real time between two application products using APIs (application programming interfaces), enabling the exchange of information between systems. It could be between internal systems (in house applications) or external vendors-travel suppliers, tour agents, organizers, transport fleet providers or third party global applications available to enhance travel deals and enhance end user experience. The travel API integration is must for any travel company as information for travel booking needs regular update in terms of availability, rates etc. For, hotels and transport in particular.
Factors to Ensure on the Right Travel API?
There are many players in the market who provide solutions through API’s for your line of businesses. To ensure scalability, continuity, accuracy and its meeting the business requirement the following factors must be considered by the travel company before deciding on Travel API Integration
Compliance and compatibility
The API’s must adhere to standards compliance industry standards such as SOAP API and REST API. The API must be compatible for integration with your existing system and ensure zero latency and zero down time. The API’s must be scalable and must conform to the changing evolving technology.
Documentation and post integration support
The API’s must have a detailed supporting document giving details of the API and describing its functionality and prerequisites if any. The guidelines must be documented in detail and is easy to understand. Ensure there is a post integration reliable support for any issues or challenges or changes in statutory government guidelines. The APIs must be tested in test environment before putting it on the live environment.
Vendor selection and SLA
The service provider selected must be trust worthy, reputable and should meet the desired need of the business. It must be according to your budget and must have a service level agreement. A Reference check on the vendor must be undertaken if possible.
Performance
The response from the application must ensure that there is no drop is the performance. It should be fast and quick. Any latency must not be accepted.
Benefits of Travel API Integration
Some of the benefits of travel API integration are as follows
Reduce development and data update time.
The efforts in updating the desired information in the application is drastically reduced with the information directly getting updated using the tailor made API’s saving time and resources.
Secured and standardized Real Time data
The communication process is secured and standardized in API’s integration between the two systems. The integration using API’s is in real time and authentic
Increased Sales and enhanced customer experience
Integrating API’s for activities, attractions, and sightseeing options into your trip packages enhances their appeal, resulting in higher sales and increased profits and enhanced customer experience.
Competitive Advantage: Integration of API’s ensures competitive edge with your competitors, enabling you to offer unique and comprehensive travel packages that attract customers.
Streamlined Booking Process: With the integration of APIs, customers can easily browse, select, and book activities, attractions, and restaurant reservations directly providing a seamless booking experience.
Expand offerings
By integrating travel APIs, businesses can attract customers and expand their offerings.
API’s integration with GDSs and OTAs
The Global Distribution network of reservation systems connects travel suppliers and Travel companies facilitating data collection and storage. Prominent GDS players include Amadeus, Travelport, and Sabre. Online travel companies offer multiple connections to travel businesses, featuring advanced filtering of information, easy booking of services , confirmation of services, booking details and manageability besides user-friendly options and interfaces. GDSs primarily focus on air travel and provide access to a hotel inventory across the globe. The flight booking API’s integration for all flight related bookings and hotel booking API integration facilitates hotel bookings. It is widely used by all travel companies. This ensures real time update and status ensuring customer satisfaction and instant turnaround time,
Conclusion
Selecting the best travel API integration solutions for Travel companies ensures meeting business growth, streamline travel business operations, and gain a competitive edge over competitors. Further with real time update it enhance customer satisfaction, accuracy, increase customer base, efficiency and expand your businesses.
Integrate travel API’s in travel tour operator software in your business and take control of the business and real time information
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