Hello and Welcome on my blog!!!

As my blog title stated, you are on my MBA online classwork blog. We are actually taking e-business class, more particularly in the hospitality industry. Thus, you will find information and works on these subjects. Enjoy!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

In-Class Exercise 03/12/09

As I arrived late in class, I catch up with the in-class exercise.

Characteristics of OTAs

1. Customer Reach
- "Lazy" customers who don't want to make a lot of researches
- Customers who want to save money for their trip (prices comparison)
- "Tour package" so customers already have their flight, hotels and maybe car rent booked

2. Customer communication methods
- Email (for example: by sending newsletters)
- Phone (if customers need help, they can join assistance service)
- Comments on websites from previous customers

3. Types of products sold
- Transport tickets as flights, trains; car rental
- Accommodation (hotel rooms)
- Cruises
- Activities, excursions
- Vacation packages
- Rewards program

4. Special Promotion capabilities
- Best deals
- Vacation packages

5. Online booking conditions + fees
- modification and cancellation policy
- all details at the end (customer information + total price of the booking)
- credit card number with security code
- insurance
- terms and conditions

6. Affiliate program - yes/no
For most OTAs, there is an affiliate program

7. Affiliate program payment structure
- contract between OTAs and the affiliates
- OTAs take a percentage on sales (actually it is a little like a commission)

8. Info for hoteliers
- hotels' partnership
- comments from guests who stayed in their hotel

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