In a bold move aimed at empowering travel advisors, LuxRally Travel, headquartered in Miami, has significantly expanded its platform, FastBook, to include a staggering 1.3 million hotels. This ambitious enhancement of inventory leverages multiple sources such as HotelBeds, RateHawk, Restel, Expedia Partner Solutions, and Rakuten Travel Xchange, effectively departing from its earlier reliance solely on the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS). By broadening its hotel offerings, LuxRally underscores its commitment to providing travel advisors with the tools necessary to thrive in a competitive market dominated by Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).
CEO David Eisen emphasized that this new hotel inventory equips LuxRally advisors with enhanced pricing strategies, enabling them to remain competitive primarily with OTAs. The expanded inventory not only allows for a broader range of pricing options but also facilitates mobile access, granting advisors the ability to manage bookings on-the-go. One of the standout features of FastBook is its user-friendly interface, which allows travel advisors to easily customize mark-ups using a simple slider tool—a feature that streamlines the pricing process and places power directly in the hands of the advisors.
Importantly, LuxRally has implemented a critical policy wherein the total price—including hotel charges and advisor commissions—cannot exceed the best available rate. This approach safeguards the integrity of pricing and enhances customer trust, as clients are assured they are receiving the best deal possible without hidden fees. By eliminating additional charges, LuxRally positions itself as a fair and flexible service provider in the bustling travel booking arena.
Future Innovations and Plans
Eisen’s vision for FastBook is comprehensive, anticipating the inclusion of not just hotels but a full spectrum of travel services. Plans to incorporate airfares, cruises, tours, transfers, and car rentals are already on the table, indicating a strategic expansion that aims to unify booking processes for advisors and streamline the client experience. This forward-thinking approach aligns with Eisen’s experience from a previous career in cybersecurity, where efficiency and user experience are paramount.
Moreover, FastBook is tailored with the serious travel advisor in mind—those who seek to find optimal rates rapidly without the distractions of reviews or extensive visuals. Eisen’s intent is markedly clear: creating a robust solution for “power-user” agents looking for efficiency and effectiveness in their booking processes.
Currently, LuxRally’s offerings have been limited to new travel advisors, but plans are in motion to welcome seasoned professionals as part of their hosting program. This strategy highlights an inclusive approach, aiming to capitalize on the wealth of experience that established travel advisors can bring to the platform. Such an initiative will further enrich the LuxRally community, fostering collaboration and shared expertise among advisors of varying experience levels.
LuxRally Travel’s advancements with FastBook mark a significant shift in how travel advisors can manage bookings and pricing in a competitive landscape. By providing an extensive hotel inventory, a user-friendly pricing tool, and plans for comprehensive travel services, LuxRally is setting a standard in the travel agency world. Exciting prospects for both new and experienced advisors will likely enhance the brand’s reputation as a leader in travel booking innovation, fortifying its position in a crowded market.
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