Have you ever marvelled at the seamless booking process while planning a dream vacation? Picture this: You’re scrolling through an online platform, choosing the perfect tour, and with just a few clicks, you’ve secured your spot. Behind this digital curtain of efficiency lies the enchanting world of APIs – the unsung heroes of the travel industry.
The API Alchemy: Turning Clicks into Experiences
An API is a method of making two pieces of software to communicate with each other. It stands for an application programming interface. The APIs used by reservation systems, channel managers, OTAs and B2B partners should allow a tour operator to manage the information required to sell their products in one place — their reservation system. This should automatically update that content across every channel it is sold through. Many people across the tours and activities industry will discuss APIs as part of connectivity.
APIs aren’t responsible for online sales growth, but they have helped. They provide an efficient way to communicate the most important information quickly and securely between your system and an OTA. Without them, you would still use email and partner portals to update your availability and check your bookings. APIs mean this is handled quickly and easily by your booking system.
By improving communication, APIs have made the customer experience simpler and easier. This is because the OTA or reseller has the exact information it needs when it needs it. For example, live availability means there is no need to check whether seats are for sale with an operator. They have also made operators’ lives easier for the same reason. APIs reduce workloads and are a more efficient way of doing business.
APIs: The Plumbing of Tour Operations
At their most basic, APIs are pipes. You already use them daily with many applications on your phone or laptop. APIs connect one system to another, and information is transferred through them. They are designed to transfer specific types of information, such as bookings, live availability and payments.
The data shared across APIs moves in small packets containing only necessary information. When an API call is made — when the OTA or your booking system asks for information — only what is needed is shared. Your reservation system and the OTA are never open to each other. This makes APIs more secure than other tools used in the past.
While APIs communicate much of the information OTAs and other third parties require to sell your tours, they do not cover everything. You will still need to log in to an extranet or portal to change some information about your activities. This is information that does not change as frequently, such as tour descriptions, photos, and logistics.
Quality Matters: The API Assurance
Choosing a B2B partner involves considering the quality of APIs. Partners like Palisis and TourCMS, recognised as Premium Partners in the Connectivity Partner Program by GetYourGuide, demonstrate high connectivity standards. It’s crucial to ensure your APIs are well-constructed pipes, seamlessly transferring essential information while maintaining security.
Do operators need to worry about APIs?
Currently, different OTAs, resellers and B2B providers use a wide range of APIs. This can create an issue for your technology supplier — information is communicated in various ways to different partners. Solving this problem falls to the reservation systems, channel managers and OTAs. If you have APIs switched on for multiple partners, bookings may show up differently or present different issues if there are problems.
As long as the APIs being used are working correctly and you are not working on a reservation system designed in-house, they are only something a tour or experience should worry about. There is often a lot of discussion about them online and at operator conferences. This is because they are very important. However, if you work with a reputable reservation system and channel manager, you should concentrate on running your business; they will manage your APIs.
Unlocking the API Magic
As you navigate the intricate world of APIs, acknowledge these conduits as the pathway to simplicity and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a business owner, grasping the subtleties of APIs allows you to unlock their potential.
Are you prepared for your API exploration? Contact us now to delve into the opportunities, refine your operations, and observe the magic. Your path to tech-enhanced tour distribution unfolds before you.