Bartercard Looking at Latest Trends in Tourism

Over the next few couple of months Bartercard will be running a series of articles looking at the changing face of tourism in a fast-evolving market, and the rise and rise of Online Travel Agents (OTAs) so if you’re a travel, tourism or hospitality operator, you won’t want to miss these latest trends to shape your view of the industry and stay on top of a constantly shifting market.

Advancements in technology, increased connectivity, relaxing visa requirements and growing disposable income in highly populated emerging markets are among the many contributing factors to a significant increase in growth. While established travel and tourism operators and distributors benefit greatly from the steadily increasing number of travellers, that increase has also attracted new players, innovators and competitors.

In the past, traditional wholesalers often directly contracted for operator products such as flights, accommodation and experiences. However, the entry of Online Travel Agents (OTAs) into the market has had a profound impact on how tourism product is distributed, particularly in the accommodation sector.

OTAs allow operators the flexibility to address peaks and troughs in occupancy or yield at any time. OTAs provide a wealth of analytics and data, instantaneous bookings and customer support for both product merchants and consumers. Initially considered a lesser alternative to traditional distribution methods, OTAs have become a worldwide travel distribution powerhouse, and now comprise an essential part of most accommodation operators’ sales mix.

The effect of OTA platforms on the market is considerable, with some operators experiencing a drastic increase in percentages of bookings acquired via OTAs.

OTAs are now essential for many small and independent operators because they provide online marketing around the clock, offer a global reach into traditionally unavailable markets, and stimulate the impulse market by facilitating spontaneous, short-term buying of travel product. However, recently some operators have been incorporating other methods of distribution, such as direct consumer business, into their sales mix in order to maximise profitability.

Bartercard Tourism has hundreds of resort and accommodation members at destinations worldwide that welcome visitors on Bartercard and accept a cash-alternative currency of Trade Dollars. By spending Bartercard Trade Dollars instead of cash, hotels and resorts have saved millions on expenses from renovations to maintenance and equipment.  For more information on , how does Bartercard work and how to minimize expenses please go to www.bartercard.co.nz .

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