Feb 01
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The Innovator’s Challenge: Automating an Industry

By Research & Insights, Suppliers, Tour Operators & Agents
Over the past 8 years, I have become familiar with the tourism industry, first as a board member for Bonza Bike Tours, then as a partner in TourConnect.  The more I am exposed to the tourism industry, the more I am amazed at how prevalent paper, manual processes exist in the industry.  I thought it would be a good exercise to look at why this is still occurring in this industry when so much innovative technology exist to eliminate these problems.  Specifically, I will look at the contracting and rate loading process that every supplier and contractor must engage in so that they can distribute products through the wholesale distribution channel.
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Nov 15
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Behind the Curtain: Top 5 Tour Operator Secrets Revealed

By Research & Insights, Suppliers, Tour Operators & Agents
The other day, I asked one of the directors of a TourConnect inbound tour operator, Stephanie Karst from All Pacific Travel Concept (APTC), why she was excited that they are using TourConnect.  Stephanie said, “We are excited to use TourConnect because this will make contracting so much more efficient, and because it will allow us to include more products and suppliers in our database.”

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Aug 03
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TourConnect: Born From Bonza Bike Tours

By Research & Insights, Suppliers, Tour Operators & Agents, TourConnect Team
TourConnect, like many companies, was born out of the frustration of it’s founder. After beginning my career in IT consulting, I started Bonza Bike Tours in 2004 as a great way for visitors to explore Sydney. As Bonza grew, we began working with more and more ITO’s and wholesalers. While the sales they brought in were fantastic, the administration was overwhelming. I quickly realized that in order for me not to lose my mind (and to ensure I had plenty of time to hit the beach after work!), I would have to find a better way to manage our contracts.

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