Ibis rolls out reservations system in Rotorua i-SITE
![Frontline staff [L-R] Helen Beckett and Tysha Ranclaud at Rotorua i-SITE are now able to book tours in real-time while customers wait.](photos/600-Helen Beckett and Tysha Ranclaud.jpg)
Queenstown-based tourism reservation software developer IBIS Technology has successfully migrated the Rotorua i-SITE, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious regional visitor information and booking centres, onto its Agent Reservations Software.
The new IBIS system recently went live, providing frontline agents with real-time reservation bookings between themselves and operators, ticketing, instant product updates, accurate reporting and sales tracking, as well as providing integration with their existing accounts package.
IBIS Technology’s portfolio already services some of the largest i-SITEs in the country, including centres run by Tourism Auckland and Positively Wellington.
IBIS Technology business manager Julie Johnston said it was IBIS’ extensive experience in the i-SITE market plus ‘ease of use’ of their software that successfully won them the Rotorua bid.
“Due to the flexibility, comprehensive functionality and real-time capability of the software, we are proud to say that our technology currently powers 80% of New Zealand’s i-SITE network,” she said.
“We’re very pleased we were able to meet the needs of Rotorua i-SITE also.”
Rotorua Visitor Centre and i-SITE manager Graham Brownrigg said i-SITE agents needed a simple, online system that ensured more valuable sales were converted more quickly.
“With 24 staff in the centre, many operators online and hundreds of visitors coming in every day who want instant bookings, it’s crucial for business that we have fast and efficient real-time reservations,” he said.
“Not only does IBIS have proven experience, but they provided on the ground training and support during the transition ensuring a successful and smooth roll-out.”
If, for example, a frontline agent at an i-SITE wants to book a tour with activity operator Rotorua Canopy Tours, also powered by IBIS , this can be done immediately online, with the tour booked and reference details issued for a waiting client, eliminating the need for phone calls and three-way availability conversations.
“We’re very pleased with the results, including how IBIS has integrated with our accounting software, and the after-sales support they have provided,” said Mr Brownrigg.
Ms Johnston said this style of real-time online booking was the future for agents and operators, a combined vision that was driving IBIS’ ongoing research and development work.
“Last year we launched our customer advocate programme, where we meet our top nation-wide clients to get their feedback and listen to what features would improve their business.
“As a result, we’re excited to announce that we’ve introduced dynamic resizing for tablets and smartphones into our FIT booking website module, and are working to include this across all IBIS products.”
Ms Johnston said there were a number of cheap software options popping up in the market.
“But when it comes to the complexities of package or multiple bookings and data security online, experience counts,” she said.
“We offer a full real-time online system, excellent technical customer support with remote access, are customisable, import and export data across different platforms, and are working to integrate with third party online booking channels.”
IBIS also offers a free web-based, real-time online booking service for Agents called EasyTicket, which is used by hundreds of business of all sizes all over New Zealand.
Further information: Julie Johnston, julie@ibis.co.nz, www.ibis.co.nz, +64 3 441 4431