How to choose the right booking tool for your travel agency

In our Decoding the travel advisor client report, we reveal that three of the top reasons travelers use travel advisors are to save time, access the best deals, and feel secure that any travel emergencies can be quickly handled.

Another key insight was that the most helpful support they can get from travel advisors is to secure low prices, make last-minute changes, and handling itineraries.

As a travel agent, with the right booking tool, you can deliver on these needs and so ensure your travelers always choose you for their trips. Your booking platform is your ticket to delivering customer satisfaction while boosting your earning potential.

This guide walks you through what to look for in travel agent booking tools and how to identify the platform that will best serve your business needs, helping you grow your bookings and reach more customers.

Before diving into selection criteria, let’s define what we mean by a "travel platform."

A travel platform is a digital system designed specifically for travel professionals. It aggregates a vast supply of travel components all in one place. That includes hotels, flights, car rentals, and activities from various providers across the globe.

The best travel agency platforms, however, help you seamlessly quote, book, and manage your payments securely. They also have essential tools for post-booking service, such as modifications and cancellations.

It's your central hub for managing all aspects of your clients' travel arrangements, making it an indispensable tool for any travel agency.

The benefits of using a booking tool dedicated to travel agents are huge and directly impact your efficiency and profitability:

• Efficiency and time savings: Access everything you need to serve your clients with one system, dramatically reducing the time spent navigating various supplier websites. This allows you to take on more business and focus on personalized service.


• Access to comprehensive inventory: Gain access to a broader and deeper range of travel products and services than you might by working independently with suppliers, ensuring you can meet diverse client needs and preferences.


• Directly sourced supply: Certain booking platforms like Expedia TAAP directly source their inventory from suppliers, which can mean better rates, fewer relocations, faster resolutions and modifications, and rich property content.


• Enhanced client experience: Quickly compare options, present clear itineraries, and provide swift, informed recommendations. A smooth booking journey leads to happier, more loyal clients.


• Streamlined operations: Features like payment management, itinerary generation, and reporting tools simplify your backend operations, freeing you to focus on selling.


• Competitive edge: Leverage advanced search filters, dynamic pricing, and special offers to provide superior value compared to direct bookings or less equipped competitors.


• Increased earning potential: Many platforms offer competitive commission structures, helping you maximize your revenue on every booking.

At Expedia, we aspire to bring the same level of care and craft to travel agents as they do to their travelers.

That's why we've designed Expedia TAAP (Travel Agent Affiliate Program) to be the premier travel agent booking platform, a one-stop shop that simplifies the booking process and enables you to create unforgettable travel experiences.

Here’s why over 160k agents make over 35M searches on Expedia TAAP each month:

• Directly sourced supply: Gain access to 3M+ accommodation options, the vast majority directly sourced with suppliers, along with 500+ airlines, 110+ car rentals companies, and 170k+ activities worldwide.


• Competitive rates: Access our competitive deals that clients can’t find online, including package rates, Members Only Deals, and wholesale rates to help increase your bookings and earnings.


• Easy to use booking tools: Our intuitive travel agent booking platform helps you work faster. Get your travelers where they need to go quicker with seamless AI-powered features, flexible payment options, and more, all in one place.


• Quick and reliable support Get help fast with a multi-channel support model that makes managing and servicing bookings easy, boosting your reputation as a trusted travel advisor. Get assistance for you and your travelers from 2,000 agents across 19 languages, with 24/7 English language support.


• Additional incentives: Earn additional reward points on every eligible booking you make with Expedia TAAP. Then spend those points on gift cards from popular retailers.*


• Strategic guidance to build your agency: Enjoy access to a dedicated local account manager to help you grow your business and get the most out of Expedia TAAP.

Choosing the right travel agency online booking tool can shape the future of your business. By focusing on comprehensive supply, agent-centric tools, reliable servicing, and robust financial opportunities, you can select a platform that not only meets your current needs but also supports your aspirations for growth.

For hundreds of thousands of travel agents around the world, Expedia TAAP is that partner – empowering you to deliver unforgettable trips for your clients, streamline your operations, and scale your agency with confidence.