How to navigate a change in reservation system: a buyer’s guide

The guide is designed to help travel companies navigate the increasingly complex process of selecting a new reservation system.

With many travel companies now ready to commit to long-term solutions, there is a growing shift toward upgrading reservation systems and careful planning is crucial to the success. The demand from travellers for more complex itineraries and diverse options highlights the need for stronger connectivity and flexible sales tools.

To remain competitive and efficient, adopting advanced, scalable systems is essential, making a buyer’s guide to navigate the process invaluable.

With 60% of companies failing to make a decision after starting the process, intuitive has drawn on their 20 years of experience in delivering successful migrations to offer practical insights and actionable advice for businesses looking to change their reservation system.

The guide walks travel companies through the key stages of the process, from gathering essential business information and setting strategic drivers for change to evaluating potential technology partners.

"We understand that selecting a new reservation system is a significant project, often undertaken only once every 10-15 years," said Andy Keeley, Commercial Director at intuitive.

"This guide is designed to give Tour Operators and Online Travel Agents the confidence and knowledge they need to make informed decisions, ensuring they choose the right partner for their long-term goals. We believe this process efficiently strikes the right balance between strategic objectives and key functional requirements."

Key Highlights of the buyer’s guide:

• Clear steps: A straightforward, step-by-step process for selecting a technology partner, from internal alignment to final contract negotiation
• Strategic focus: Practical advice on how to identify and capture key business information, ensuring technology solutions align with long-term goals
• RFP template: Helps create a focused RFP that gives technology suppliers invaluable insight into their business and requirements
• Supplier evaluation criteria: Detailed insights on what to look for in a technology provider, including culture, commercial models and delivery capabilities
• Proven success: With experience in over 60 system implementations, intuitive offers insights into what works and common pitfalls to avoid