SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Nov 11, 2014) - Viator, the leading resource for researching and booking tours and activities worldwide, today revealed an important milestone for the company as part of its continued innovation within the tours and activities sector.
The Viator Supplier API, a comprehensive, real-time booking and distribution solution for tours and activities is now live with over 100 suppliers operating in over 30 countries. In addition to connecting directly to supplier's custom-built in-house systems, Viator is currently connected to 10 leading inventory and booking management systems* catering to the tours and activities sector.
For Tour Operators and Attraction Providers
Viator is helping suppliers, from large multi-national companies to small, local tour and attraction operators improve the online booking process. Local operators connected to the API benefit from increased reservation automation helping reduce costs, as well as real-time inventory availability helping drive revenue, all boosted by superior access to Viator's 10 million monthly visitors. In addition, as part of TripAdvisor, Viator now enables the booking of tours and attractions from TripAdvisor's website and mobile offerings, providing suppliers with enhanced access to the world's largest travel site.
Key features of the Viator Supplier API include:
- Automation of heavily manual reservation processes
- Live inventory access, including last-minute booking capabilities
- Live barcode delivery, providing simplified consumer check-in
- Greater reservation accuracy, improving customer satisfaction
"Our sector is notoriously fragmented; products vary from a Grand Canyon helicopter flight to a Hong Kong food tour to a ticket to the Moulin Rouge. Systems are disparate, and technology budgets and know-how run the gamut. A one-size-fits-all, single-platform solution can't solve for its complexities," said Ms. Barrie Seidenberg, CEO of Viator. "By powering unprecedented supply-side connectivity and automation, Viator is simplifying the distribution of tours and activities for suppliers, and improving the booking experience for consumers, who are increasingly eager to book online and on mobile, especially once they've reached their destination."
For Travel Planners and Travelers
While providing resources for suppliers, Viator remains focused on giving travelers access to amazing destination experiences with emphasis on making them bookable when most people still tend to buy them -- at the very last minute. Despite the proliferation of mobile bookings in travel, research by PhoCusWright** shows the majority of the multi-billion-dollar activities market is still booked in-destination and offline. Real-time connectivity means Viator will further enable travelers to plan on their terms -- from the comfort of their hotel room, at midnight, in their pajamas -- long after the concierge has left for the day and the ticket counters have closed.
"Uniquely qualified to drive this level of innovation, Viator continues to provide valuable resources to help travelers plan the perfect trip, while helping our partners compete more efficiently and effectively on a global scale," said Stephen Kaufer, president and CEO of TripAdvisor, Viator's new parent company. "The team's pioneering efforts to connect their very disconnected vertical are only the beginning as exciting developments for more connectivity, more distribution and more amazing experiences are on the horizon."
Additional reservation systems and suppliers are signed and preparing to launch over the coming weeks, with more growth planned for 2015. This new level of connectivity, automation and distribution sets the stage for Viator's rapid acquisition of new operators and products in top travel destinations as well as off-the-beaten-path locales. Viator will remain focused on driving innovation that will further unlock the vast potential for online bookings of tours and activities globally.
For more information on Viator's Supplier API, tour operators and reservation systems can contact SupplierAPI@viator.com.
EDITOR'S NOTES
*Booking management systems currently live with the Viator Supplier API include BookingBoss, Get In Sell Out, Jewel Business Solutions, PonoRez, Rezdy, RezGo, TourCMS, Welcome Management System (TourBiz), XOLA and Zaui. Additional systems including ActivityRez, Adventure Office, Checkfront, Fare Harbor, HulaRez and ResPax are signed and preparing to launch in the coming weeks.
** "When They Get There: Activities, Attractions, Events and Tours in Europe" PhoCusWright, March 2014.
About Viator
Viator, a TripAdvisor company, is the leading global tours and activities provider for travelers, delivering online and mobile access to thousands of curated trip activities including tours, attractions, shore excursions and private guides, in more than 1,500 destinations worldwide. In-house travel experts work with trusted local operators to ensure the quality and value of every experience, all backed by Viator's 24/7 customer service and global low-price guarantee. With more than 600,000 verified reviews plus exclusive videos and insider travel tips, Viator has everything a traveler needs to find and book the best things to do worldwide. In addition to the flagship site -- Viator.com -- travelers can book in advance or in-destination via the Viator Tours and Activities App, as well as local-language sites for European, Latin American and Asian travelers. Viator also provides tours and activities to more than 3,000 affiliate partners including some of the world's top airlines, hotels and online travel agencies. Viator is headquartered in San Francisco with regional offices in Sydney, London and Las Vegas. Viator -- travel with an insider.