Regular trips to the local travel agent to book travel plans are becoming a thing of the past.  With an Internet connection and credit card, customers can book accommodation, flights and experiences any time of night or day. But can they book your service online?

The ability to book online is becoming almost essential in the tourism sector.  Other sectors, such are retail, are also seeing  a rise in demand to provide the ability to purchase products and services online (see Sell Online).

76% booked of Britons booked their holiday online in 2016 (source: ABTA). And in Europe, the majority of tourist accommodation is booked online (source: eurostat).  Although its hard to find local statistics the success and growth of online booking sites implies this trend applies to Australasia as well. 

If you provide your customers the ability to book online your website will be working for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People will use your website to learn and get excited about about your service and book it at the same time - ensuring you can 'strike while the iron is hot'.

If your website does not allow online bookings you are potentially missing out on revenue.

Check out the video below of Bruce from Wild River Rafting on the west coast talking about online bookings for their business.

Don't forget about Mobile

Mobile bookings in travel have grown by 1700% between 2011 and 2015,  (source: Frederic Gonzalo).  This trend is likely to increase with growing consumer confidence in mobile technologies and with the industry's ability to provide real time pricing information.

We are also seeing more leisure travellers using mobile devices to book accommodation, experiences and restaurants once they are on holiday.  This allows them to be spontaneous and consider 'what's the weather like?' 'What do I feel like doing today?' 'What recommendations have other tourists made?' 

Mobile devices have become their on-the-ground research tools, navigation system and booking system all in one.  For these travellers it's almost crucial that your website and online booking tool is as easy to use on a mobile phone as it is on a desktop.  Check out Responsive Web Design to learn more.

What's Next?

So you already have an online booking system?  Businesses that provide online bookings are now starting to look at making the booking process even easier (is it easy on any device/platform?), they are investigating how they can accommodate customer preferences and become more involved in the customer's journey.

Want to know more?

If you have any questions or need advice, you can get in touch with the Digital Journey team at hello@digitaljourney.org.

Digital Journey works with individuals, businesses and organisations of all types across New Zealand. We provide FREE online digital assessments and resources, as well as training, coaching and project management services.

Our vision is to help everyone get the most out of the Internet, online tools and digital technology. Find out more at www.digitaljourney.org.