The travel agency market size is estimated to reach US$ 1,280,410.5 million by 2033. Apart from the existing agencies, the industry will see a rise in travel startups. Numerous startups are established every year but only a few survive. The travel and tourism industry is extremely competitive, and the competition grew after direct booking platforms were introduced for flights and hotels.
However, travel agencies have a stronghold on the business in the current scenario. This has been possible because of the latest tech-driven tools like travel APIs that make operations smooth and efficient. In this blog, travel agents will find reliable and ample information on selecting the right Travel API providers for Business startups and their influence on the travel industry.
Defining travel APIs
Travel agencies use online booking solutions to make quick reservations for their customers. A travel API (Application Programming Interface) connects the agency’s booking portal to the supplier’s inventory. This helps in collecting updated information on the supplier’s products and services. For example, the API provides updated hotel room rates, flight schedules and prices, taxi rental availability and fare rates, etc.
Types of travel APIs
- Hotel API: Provides optimized information on hotel rooms, prices, additional and luxury services, etc.
- Flight API: Delivers updated flight schedules, canceled flight details, ticket prices, etc.
- Taxi API: Connects the travel agency with taxi and car rental service providers.
- Cruise API: Provides details on the cruise pass availability, destination, and schedule.
- Bus and Train API: Gives updates on the train and bus availability from the selected location to the destination.
Why should travel business startups focus on investing in travel API?
1. Instant information updates
Startup travel agencies are always on their toes to deliver optimum travel packages to their customers. A travel API successfully provides timely information on different suppliers and their services. From notifying travelers about flight delays to providing information on hotel room prices and exciting offers, an API constantly delivers updated information.
2. Affordable bookings for travelers
When a travel agency uses API, it gets access to the inside prices of the supplier’s services. This helps in getting low-price deals and discounted offers on different travel products. Direct access to the hotel’s inventory displays the original room prices, which eventually helps in earning the traveler’s trust. Startups can establish long-term relations with their customers by providing bookings at affordable rates.
3. Personalized travel packages
Travel APIs allow travel agencies to simultaneously present a wide range of travel services including flight bookings, accommodations, car rentals, and tours/activities. They study clients and their booking history, travel schedules, and behaviors to come up with relevant recommendations. An API-integrated travel booking system enables agencies to merge different services in personalized packages, create specific routes for travelers according to their preferences and price range, and increase satisfaction. This results in gaining customer loyalty due to extraordinary traveling.
4. Convenient travel experience
A travel API simplifies the booking process for travelers by displaying live data feeds for flights, hotels, and transportation services all in one place. It empowers travel agencies to provide efficient and highly customized bookings, effective and client-friendly personal itineraries, and fast and convenient modifications to their travel services and products. By offering comfortable travel experiences, travel startups can make long-term customers.
5. Expanded service offerings
APIs connect travel agencies with the top suppliers of the global market. Having access to their inventory means getting an added list of services that can be offered to travelers. With travel APIs, geographical boundaries are no longer a problem as they establish online connections with international suppliers and travel agencies.
6. Detailed data availability
A travel API avails valuable and up-to-date data to travel agencies that include flight timetables, available hotels, prices, and clients’ reviews. This enhanced data assists agencies in packaging travel, giving proper advice, and at the same time increasing customer satisfaction. By capturing the user’s preferences and analyzing the general market situations, travel APIs make it possible for agencies to make the right decisions and increase their operation productivity to meet the requirements of different clients in the travel market.
Key takeaways
Startups are constantly struggling for funds to make revenue and make a profit. Travel agency businesses heavily rely on business partnerships to provide valuable services to travelers. With the help of a well-integrated travel API, travel agents can earn customer loyalty. APIs offer a brilliant way of accessing updated information from suppliers in minimum time.
With the right information, travel agency startups can leave an everlasting impact on their customers. If you are seeking help with integrating travel APIs into your booking portal, then TBOHolidays can help. You can rely on our professionals to deliver high-end travel services at affordable costs.
Travel APIs FAQs
It is a software that is added to an agency’s online portal. A travel API provides real-time information on different suppliers and their services. This includes hotel room prices, taxi rental details, flight information, etc.
Hotel API, flight API, and train and bus API are some of the common APIs used in the travel industry.
Travel agencies can get an API integrated into their booking portal or online booking engine. This will directly connect them to the supplier’s inventory, bringing all the updated information.
No, APIs are efficient software solutions that optimize a travel agency’s booking system. They do not hinder the performance of the booking engine.
Pratyush Kumar Srivastava is a seasoned expert in B2B travel writing with years of experience in the industry. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of travel technology, supplier relationships, and market trends, Pratyush offers valuable insights to help businesses optimize their travel booking strategies. Passionate about innovation and efficiency, he is dedicated to guiding travel agencies through the complexities of modern distribution channels to achieve growth and success.
