Techtalks: Traveltech
OTA generally
Hey
i read a lot of articles from altexsoft and Its really amazing.
i want to start with an OTA of my own and I'm not sure how I'm going to do that because there is a lot of things i need to put attention.
do you can help me what is the best way to do that?
asked Apr 7, 2020
answered Apr 24, 2020
Hi there,
Good question and you’re right, there’s a lot to learn and do when starting an OTA. First, let us recommend a video series we’ve been doing where our Travel Technology Competence Leader Andrey Chebotarov talks about OTAs basics, booking engines, commission engines, and so on. It should be helpful.
Now, there are four main things you should focus on for a new OTA.
First is the inventory and access to it. Contact your suppliers for exclusive prices and conditions that will make you stand out among other booking websites.
Second is IATA, ARC, or CLIA compliance. Here’s our detailed article on IATA accreditation that will guide you step by step and explain your options.
Third is a smart marketing strategy. This covers your SEO and communication strategies, and even integration with metasearch sites. Again, here’s an article that should clear a lot of things out.
And fourth is the technology. That’s your search, booking, and commission engines that should all work effectively together to bring your and your customers the most value.
Let us know if you have any specific questions here or in person at solutions@altexsoft.com.
answered May 12, 2023
Starting an OTA (Online Travel Agency) can be a complex process, but it is definitely achievable with careful planning and execution. Here are some steps that you can take to get started:
Research and Define your Niche: Before starting an OTA, you should define your niche and identify the type of travelers you want to target. Some examples of niches include adventure travel, luxury travel, budget travel, etc.
Identify your Suppliers: After defining your niche, you need to identify your suppliers. These include airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel-related services. You will need to negotiate contracts with them to get access to their inventory.
Build a Website: You will need to build a website for your OTA that is user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can hire a web development company to create a custom website or use a pre-built platform such as WordPress or Shopify.