Characteristics of an OTA

-Customer reach:
International customers (links to different websites depending on the languages, ex. Opodo)
Cheap deals
senior packages
family packages
couple's packages : honeymoons ...

-Customer communication methods:
international phone numbers
email
keep in touch with customers via reference numbers
frequently asked questions


-Types of product sold:
accommodation
car rental
all inclusive packages
transport : filghts, train,
cruises
last minute deals
sightseeing and tours on-site
insurance
reward programs
personnalised packages

-Special promotions capabilities:
last minute packages
seasonal packages (christmas, ski, easter ...)
special occasions (valentine's day, bank holiday, new year's eve ..)

-Online booking conditions and fees:
personal details at the moment of the booking
credit card details: credit card fees for certain credit cards
special request concerning the family holidays
insurance required for most OTAs
extra options : sightseeing, theatre tickets, car rental, airport transfers
have to agree with terms and conditions
file set-up fees
cancellation policy

-Affiliate programs
YES for most OTAs

-Affiliate program payment structure
possibility to join most OTA's affiliate programs
payment structure: a percentage of the sale (depending on the type of sale: flights, travel insurance ...)
conditions to be an affiliate: be a website that relays advertisment for the OTA and cannot be a hotel part of the OTA's offered packages

-Info for hoteliers
possibility for the hotel to create a partnership with the OTA
video presenting the benefits of being a partner with an OTA (expedia)

Sophia Rospars and I worked on this