b'FOGHORNFOCUS: TECHNOLOGYticketing software that can be used with a number of partners and tracking multiple advertising and marketing promotions simultaneously to measure an adKey features and options of members or social media campaigns success.ticketing/reservation systems for the Distribution channel management is a hot button for Charleston Harbor Tours.U.S. Passenger Vessel Industry:Since our marketing is changing with the advent of distributors like Viator, Get-YourGuide and others, understanding sales by channel is very importantBASIC ONLINE BOOKING to understand profi tability, Scribner explained. For example, if we sell throughREQUIREMENTSTrip Advisor they pay us 78 percent (22 percent discount) and sell at the same priceCloud-basedwe would sell at. Clearly, if all your businessor a large percentage of itgoesBackup system includedthrough Trip Advisor, you are seeing margin degradation. Mobile App CompatibleYochum weighed in saying, Yes, I agree that we dont want all of ourPayment Optionsinventory to go through an online travel agent (OTA) channel, but the overwhelm- Credit card/Debit Card compatibleing international reach that they have is often unattainable by smaller operators.Apple Pay/Google Pay CapabilityThey are only paying commission on guaranteed bookings and not on every click- Cash through as they would with a Google Adwords campaign.We have found youInventory Systemcan create different inventories and limit how many tickets any OTA can sell if youReal-Time Capacity Utilization wish.There are also creative ways to set your retail price with OTA making theCapability includedAbility to Assess Non-Internet commission less of a hit on the margin.Bookings with Online BookingsNot surprisingly, reporting and analytics rise to the top of must havesReal-Time Bookingbecause as Yochum said, This is important for pinpointing where your sales are coming from and areas that may need improvement.In addition, this data helpsUser-Friendly Interfaceoperators to better focus marketing spending for maximum results.Easy-to-use/fast booking capabilityOne-screen booking capabilityFinally, integration with the operations internal processes was deemedShopping cart optionnecessary with software that works with other systems (such as accounting packages) as well as helping to track specifi c customer needs. Some examples thatCustomer SupportEase of use for customer bookingsScribner offered are special needs/ADA requirements, dietary issues, and specialFAQ Pageannouncements. Yochum believes that a system that allows the operator to haveRefunding optionsthis information available makes a big difference to customers. This allows for theCOMPLEX ONLINE BOOKING best customer service possible leading to good reviews on social media, word-of- SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTSmouth referrals, and repeat customers. n SMS and Email Automation optionsCapability to set automatic text and/or email receipts/con rmations/reminders/updatesLanguage and Currency SettingsAbility to translate languagesAbility to convert currenciesEmail Customizationattention to detail Capability to customize emails from operation to customersIntegration with 3rd Party SoftwareCapable of integration with third party systems, i.e. POS systems, Rating Portals, etcDetailed Sales ReportsBookings Sales Revenue by Trip/DayCustomizable Report capabilitySales Reporting in Excel/Accounting SoftwareVoucher & Promo Code ManagementAbility to Work with PartnersAble to Track Promo CodesDistribution Channel Managementwww.beurteaux.com Online Travel Agent/OTA Capability10SEPTEMBER 2020FOGHORN'