Challenges of a tourism industry newbie
In 2004, Michael Herrmann started Bonza Bike Tours in Sydney, Australia. New to the tourism industry, Mike began the difficult process of learning about, and breaking into, distribution via tour operators and travel agents. Mike found this distribution channel came with challenges – hard to find new partners, hard to communicate effectively with existing partners, hard to quickly adjust to market conditions, and hard to modify product information when needed.
Struggles of an industry striving to remain competitive
Frustrated with these costly inefficiencies, Mike started asking questions from the perspective of the tour operators and travel agents he worked with. He came to understand that tour operators deal with a massive administrative burden when facilitating the distribution of product. Tour operators use commissions and system load fees to offset these administrative expenses, but these fees can create resentment with suppliers. Having seen the process from both sides, it was clear that the rate distribution process was clearly broken. There had to be a better way.
Vision for an efficient, profitable industry that works together
TourConnect is Mike’s effort to improve the industry he loves. Our goals go beyond improving individual processes. We are building a network where we all work together as partners to make the travel and tourism industry more competitive. We are building tools, and an ecosystem, to encourage cross-company collaboration throughout the industry. We are building the future of tourism.