An online tour reservation system is software that enables an agency to sell its tours online. The customer selects the date and number of people, sees the price instantly, pays by credit card, and receives the confirmation document (voucher) via email. On the agency side, availability, pricing, passenger information, and operations are automatically updated.
How does an online tour reservation system work?
The system consists of five basic steps:
- Product definition: Enter the tour name, program, departure points, dates, and availability.
- Pricing: Define adult, child, and infant prices; seasonal differences and early booking discounts.
- Search and selection: The customer selects the date and number of people on the site; the system checks availability in real-time.
- Payment: Payment is collected via a virtual POS; installment and prepayment options may be offered.
- Confirmation and operation: The voucher is sent to the customer, availability decreases, and the passenger list appears on the operations screen.
Features that should be in a tour reservation system
- Date and availability management: Multiple departure dates for the same tour and separate capacity for each date.
- Flexible pricing: Different prices based on age group, season, and sales channel.
- Online payment and installments: 3D Secure supported virtual POS and interest-free installment options.
- Multiple languages and currencies: A requirement for selling to foreign tourists.
- Automatic notifications: Automatic sending of confirmation, payment, pick-up time, and location messages via WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
- Abandoned reservation tracking: Reminders for customers who leave without completing payment.
- B2B sales: Allowing other agencies to sell your tours as well.
Difference between manual reservation and online system
In reservations taken via phone and WhatsApp, availability is checked manually, payment is awaited via bank transfer, and passenger information is entered into Excel. During this process, double sales, missed payments, and unanswered requests at night are common. In the online system, customers can make reservations even at midnight; availability and payment are confirmed instantly.
How much does an online tour reservation system cost?
Ready-made agency infrastructures are generally offered with an annual subscription. For example, Commoware packages range from $599 (Start) to $3,000 (Enterprise) annually and include website, reservation, payment, operations, and marketing tools together. Custom software often means a much higher initial cost and ongoing maintenance expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a website for a tour reservation system?
No. Infrastructures like Commoware also set up the website; you do not need to create a separate site.
Can other agencies sell my tours?
Yes. Through the B2B marketplace, you can open your tours to other agencies with commission or net pricing.
How long does the setup take?
With ready-made themes, the site can go live in minutes; entering tours varies based on your product count. If you are transitioning from another infrastructure, the Commoware team will handle the migration.
