Agoda has released a suite of enhanced products and technology to help businesses looking to capitalise on the growing travel sector.
The company’s enhanced API allows partners, from distributors to corporate travel agents, convenient and quick access to its inventory of over 2.5 million properties in over 200 countries and territories. Their customers will be able to choose from different accommodation options such as hotels, resorts, villas, ryokans, guesthouses and vacation rentals.
Agoda has already signed deals with three GDSs so that corporate partners can connect to its extensive inventory and search for the best rates for their clients.
Additionally, partners who wish to expand their travel offerings beyond accommodation can now enjoy competitive rates on Agoda’s growing Flights inventory, said the company in a statement.
For partners that need access to inventory and best-in-class rates but want to maintain the look and feel of their brand, Agoda’s latest white label platform is a fully-loaded “turn-key” solution that allows them to provide their customers an online experience that they are used to, from customisable colours, URL to product selection.
Partners with their own inventory also have the option of using a white label extranet where they can seamlessly manage their supply along with Agoda’s.
Mike Saslow, head of strategic partnerships, North America, said: “Our partners tell us that access to Agoda’s best-in-class rates and the ability to offer a familiar brand experience to their customers are key features companies look for in a partner to help them drive conversion and customer loyalty.“
Agoda has developed a single sign-on solution that will improve travellers’ overall booking experience as they can automatically login from the partner’s site to Agoda’s platform, making the process more seamless. Single sign-on will also allow travellers to participate in the partner’s loyalty or reward program, while taking advantage of Agoda’s member rates, hence reducing friction and improving conversion for partners.
Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) has selected London as the location for its first overseas representative office in a move to bring the country’s tourism assets closer to the UK travellers, assist with trip inspiration, and encourage travellers to visit.
The new tourism office is a project of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and TAB, a private consortium of industry stakeholders supporting the development of tourism in Vietnam. PC Agency, a specialist travel consultancy firm, have been appointed to manage media and trade relations for the UK and Ireland markets.
“Opening our first international office in the UK is a significant milestone for Vietnam,” Tran Trong Kien, chairman of TAB said. “The UK will be one of our biggest and most important markets. Travellers love Vietnam’s local food, vibrant cities, great beaches and beautiful landscapes, as well as our unique culture. This office will show a welcoming Vietnam and help more British travellers realise these amazing experiences.”
The news comes on the heels of the debut of a new destination marketing campaign ‘VietnamNOW’, which aims to refresh Vietnam’s image as a travel destination abroad.
With enhanced marketing efforts, Vietnam hopes aims to attract 500,000 British visitors by 2023, up from the current 290,000 travellers from the UK that visit the country yearly.