DATABERG
Where travel center meets bedbank: the dawn of a new era
The majority of large bedbaks and B2B travel center operators deliver important services to the travel industry.
These providers use cutting edge technology to distribute their product. Through these advanced platforms, bedbanks can extend their global reach, boosting profits and annual yield for both the supplier and the seller. For instance, the Hotelbeds Group, who operate as both the Hotelbeds and Bedsonline brands, connect more than 35,000 intermediaries with travel providers in almost 200 countries. Through this network, they represent more than 120,000 hotels, 20,000 transfers, and 14,000 activities. As demonstrated by the example, large travel centers like Hotelbeds are an important intermediary between consumers, businesses, OTAs, and major tour operators.
Why bedbanks are enduringly profitable
Over the past two decades, numerous new disruptors have transformed the face of the travel industry. However, bedbanks have remained profitable. This is because of the role they play as a distributor in a complex landscape. For example, a travel center like Hotelbeds has an established and growing property portfolio that guarantees a quality standard. Thus, benbanks can negotiate exclusive rates that business clients and travel agents cannot access anywhere else.
Moreover, bedbanks also broker deals on ancillary products. This enables travel agents to up-sell and cross-sell numerous products, including transfers, activities, upgrades, and car rentals. This is a particularly effective sales strategy as customers increasingly expect a fully integrated purchase experience. Not only does this generate greater revenue per booking, it also increases customer satisfaction. Once again, the wholesale travel center Hotelbeds has been leveraging this strategy to full effect. Now, Hotelbeds offers clients tailor-made car rental deals that complement their accommodation products.
How data is enhancing travel center offers
Major bedbanks are optimizing their operations by developing and enhancing internal data tools. This is achieved through capturing and analyzing quality customer data that facilitates astute decision making. Synthesized with in-house technology and a dedicated data team, a travel center like Hotelbeds can exploit data to optimize their product portfolio and sales strategy. Through collaborations, partnerships, and a data-driven approach, travel centers are adapting to markets and meeting customer expectations.
Moreover, a bedbank’s ability to leverage feedback direct from partners and clients allows them access to valuable, first-hand customer insights. In turn, a travel center can interpret this intelligence to monitor market trends. By studying real demand and conversion analytics, companies can ensure they have sufficient cover in key destinations. Furthermore, through advanced reporting, they can refine their products to suit customer preferences and properly distribute products in line with availability and demand.
Bedbanks – here to stay
A large travel center like Hotelbeds is able to gain significant exposure through the industry’s key players, including tour operators, airlines, OTAs, and loyalty programs. By covering these key segments, bedbanks ensure that their customers can access the best possible products and services. Complemented by comprehensive customer support across suppliers and clients, bedbanks have carved a niche that allows them to consistently deliver the best result possible.