What is DMC software?
DMC software is a tool used by destination management companies (DMCs) to manage and coordinate the travel services they provide.
DMCs manage travel arrangements and experiences for individuals and groups, particularly for corporate clientele. These are usually local companies that take care of everything – hotels, transfers, tours, activities and other travel-related services – using their in-depth knowledge of the area to craft personalized itineraries tailored to the needs and preferences of their customers.
What is DMC software used for? It is designed to do everything you want from destination management software: itinerary planning, accounting, reporting and analytics, supplier/partner/customer communication and, most importantly, for hotels, reservation management.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at DMC software, to find out how a hotel could access the large number of guests that DMCs need to find accommodation for.
Why use DMC software as part of your hotel strategy?
DMCs represent an incredible opportunity for hotels. They tend to run trips for groups, so if you can build a relationship with a DMC, you could gain a significant number of bookings. They also cater primarily to business travelers, so these group bookings can help fill your hotel midweek and during the low season.
Many destination management software offer built-in booking options, allowing DMCs to book hotels directly through the tool. Savvy hotels will ensure they are listed in DMC travel software, to capture these valuable bookings.
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How does DMC software work?
DMC software for hotels works by listing your property in the DMC software. When a DMC searches for accommodations for its clients, your hotel is listed as an option and reservations can often be made directly within the tool.
Integrate DMC reservation software with existing hotel systems
A hotel generally cannot connect directly to the DMC software. In order to be listed as a booking option in DMC travel software solutions, a hotel will typically need to connect with an intermediary like Tourplan, which aggregates accommodation options for DMC and tour operators.
You therefore need to ensure that your hotel systems can integrate seamlessly with solutions from leading tour operators such as Tourplan, so you can capitalize on the opportunities presented by DMCs.
DMC Software Solutions Best Practices
Beyond hotel booking, how might a destination management company use a DMC tool? Here’s how successful DMCs are using these purpose-built solutions.
Streamline group bookings and events
The best DMC software allows DMCs to streamline group bookings and manage room blocks effortlessly. By integrating event management tools, the DMC can seamlessly coordinate all events that may be part of the itinerary – a feature that is particularly valuable for conferences and business travel, but also for weddings and others private receptions.
Create unforgettable trips with personalized service
Success in destination management relies on understanding and satisfying customer preferences. The best DMC software will help a DMC do just that, capturing data that paints a picture of each customer’s wants and needs and facilitating communication between the customer and the company.
Fuel revenue growth and optimize distribution channels
This is the important point for any hotel looking to attract DMC companies. The best DMC tools will present the user with hotel options that they can book within the tool. This means that by ensuring you are presented as an option, through an intermediary like Tourplan, you can gain valuable bookings to maximize occupancy and revenue.
Improve operational efficiency and free staff from tedious tasks
The best DMC software solutions will make it easier for staff to book, manage and coordinate customer itineraries, while streamlining communication with suppliers, partners and customers. This allows DMCs to boost their operational efficiencyand empowers employees to move from labor-intensive administration to delivering premium customer experiences.
Harness the power of data analytics to make smarter decisions
Smooth, memorable and unique customer experiences are the bread and butter of DMCs, and the right DMC tool will help create and deliver them, using data analysis to build a picture of what each customer wants. The best tools will also help a DMC optimize pricing, increase operational efficiency, and refine marketing campaigns.
Choosing the Best DMC Software for Your Hotel
As a hotel, you will not choose a DMC software solution per se, because you are not a DMC. But you will choose if and how you appear as a reservation option in DMC tools.
The key is to make sure you’ve presented yourself as a booking option with travel management solutions that aggregate hotels for DMCs to book.
Take Tourplan, for example: a software solution designed specifically for tour operators and DMCs. In addition to operational, accounting and quoting tools, it also offers DMCs a comprehensive list of hotels they can book for their clients.
SiteMinder is a Tourplan partner. So, as a SiteMinder user, you can instantly, easily and seamlessly connect to Tourplan and ensure that your hotel is presented as an option every time a DMC seeks to book a hotel on behalf of its clients .