Understand your customers
How consumers plan and book their travel varies from market to market. Many elements will influence their decision-making process, such as the destination or the type of holiday. Cultural norms with regards to holiday booking and planning in their country may also come into play.
Many consumers rely on an intermediary booking channel as trusted source. They expect a familiar brand to understand their needs and deliver the quality holiday they are looking for. Because of this, it’s important to understand how your potential customers are planning and booking their holidays.
Which channels do they use to inspire, plan and book? Options range from search engines and large tour operators to their own personal travel advisor and OTAs such as Booking.com and Expedia.
The purposes of distribution channels are two-fold. To give potential customers the information they need to make a holiday choice, and to allow them to book once they have made their holiday choice.
Choosing the best distribution channels for your business to develop and grow requires time. It also requires research.