Cairns - Cairns Beaches - Palm Cove - Port Douglas - Travel Related Resources
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Online bookings are so common these days that most people would not want to have it any other way. One contributing reason for this is that the standard AAA Star rating system helps provide confidence in the product - An official AAA star rating means that you are pretty certain of the standard of accommodation that you will get.
More important, however, is the growing confidence in online transactions and the fierce competition in the tourism market which ensures that unreliable operators will be weeded out very quickly.
- Property ratings
Star ratings are used to describe the standard of accommodation as assessed by AAA Tourism, the national tourism body of Australian Auto Clubs.
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star properties offer clean and comfortable accommodation.In general, self catering apartments feature cooking facilities in accordance with certain standards. Laundry facilities will be located either in the apartment or in a guest laundry. Most apartments are only serviced after 7 days, and do not provide hotel facilities such as room service, mini bars or porterage.
- Some thoughts about online holiday & accommodation bookings
Traditional travel agents are fighting a losing battle. Commissions are difficult to come by because airlines and other tourism operators are less prepared to pay for their services. In addition, travellers have full control of their own destiny. A wealth of information is available online, so anyone with internet access and some basic skills can research travel destinations and make their own bookings - fully informed and at their convenience.
Australians are also getting used to transacting online, and in the last couple of years we have seen a tremendous improvement in people's acceptance. Tourism products such as flights, car-hire, insurance and accommodation are right at the forefront of this trend due to the nature of what we sell, non-physical products with instant online confirmation.
Hotels and resorts are happy with the trend of booking online, because automated selling means they spend less time bringing people to the resort, and more time providing a great holiday experience.
The typical booking process works like this:
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STEP 1 - Basic research from the convenience of your home or, (even more likely) by using the office computer.
STEP 2 - Arrange transport (book flight online or decide to use own car).
STEP 3 - Book accommodation online. Pay deposit and receive instant confirmation.
STEP 4- At your own convenience, make some basic plans for the holiday. Organise transfers if required (most resorts will do it for you if you send them an email). Tours are most frequently booked at the resort Tour Desk, but then again, short-stay travellers may prefer to do it in advance.
STEP 5- Start packing!
This way travellers are free to do anything they like! In particular, you are free to take advantage of individual deals on transport or accommodation, without the restrictions imposed by package deals or travel agents.
Does it matter who you book through? Yes and no. At the outset there is very little difference between the various offers. (Although you may wish to compare quotes before booking through some of the large international groups that also operate in Australia). The simplest and safest process, in our opinion, is to book via a website such as www.broadbeach.net.au where you effectively book direct with the resort and receive instant confirmation. You will obviously get a good deal when going direct, but another important advantage is that you deal direct with the resort if something goes wrong.
Oh - one more thing - it is surprising to see one online operator claiming to be the "official website for the Gold Coast Tourist Information Centre", because we don't know what is official about it!
- Why internet bookings are here to stay
We searched the internet to find simple quotes that support our views on online accommodation bookings:
We are extremely happy with the bookings we have received since the [online booking] engine went live.
BD, Daydream Island Resort: "Splendidly simple, convenient and a great cost cutter - all my favourite things. What a seamless solution!
Brendan - NSWWe are so confident in our products that we offer our customers an unconditional 90 Day Money Back Guarantee.
Roamfree Sales - software provider, QldELRes provides customers with the facility to view rates, availability and reserve their accommodation directly from the property’s website, immediately increasing your online distribution and sales.
First Quarter Worldwide Hotel Revenue Up 12.9% from Electronic Channels.
TravelCLICK"From the moment I decided to book, I have been very impressed with [your] online service.
GH, USA