FAQ
Question: What exactly is Book Tropical Australia?
Book Tropical Australia is a joint venture between TTNQ and V3, a WA-based company who supply e-Business Support Services in the form of sophisticated and collaborative commerce-based management products. Quote from V3 website (www.v3leisure.com):
“The V3 Travel System presents a comprehensive range of management technology products for businesses in the tourism sector, supported by some of the best tourism IT specialists in the world. Whether a National Tourism Organisation, Distributor, Supply Partner or individual business, V3 Travel System’s open platform and fully integrated nature revolutionises the way tourism products are managed and marketed. The revolutionary keystone of the V3 Travel System is the synchronised availability and booking inventory system that delivers efficient ‘real time’ distribution and sale of tourism inventory.”
Currently, V3 has a partnership agreement in all states and territories across Australia, including Tourism S.A., Tourism Tasmania and Tourism Gold Coast all of whom use the system.
Question: How will a consumer know that I have an online booking facility?
There are several ways that consumers can use this facility. A “Book Now” button can be placed on your own website by your web developer, websites that are involved in Book Tropical Australia (BTA) such as www.tropicalaustralia.com, will also display a “Book Now” button on your page listing.
Question: How will I know when I receive a booking? (Do I need to be on the internet all the time?)
On receiving an online booking, you will receive an email and/or an optional SMS message directly to your mobile phone. The booking will also display on the status screen in your BTA system when you log in. Alternatively you can utilise the “MyWebsite” module as your product homepage. You do not need to be on the internet all the time, but you will need to check your email regularly.
Question: What does it mean for my existing distribution relations (i.e. ITO’s, wholesalers, and online distributors)?
At the moment, it does not affect those relationships at all. In time, there might be some benefits, where ITO’s and wholesalers will be able to access your inventory directly.
Question: How can I try out new packages with BTA?
Loading new accommodation/hire offers and tours is easy and instant, this way you are able to test out and market a new package to your online consumers before going to the expense of printing and distributing a brochure.
Question: Who loads my business information on BTA? How long will it take to load?
During the initial training session, you will be working on your own business, not a test training business. The basic configuration is completed by V3 based on information you provide about you business during the setup process. Your inventory is then loaded as part of the training process after the setup has been completed. The average training session takes between 2-3 hours.
Question: If I have special rates for weekends and special conditions, can these be handled in the system?
Yes, if you have a minimum stay of 2 nights over a weekend and the price is different for each night, you enter this information and the system will automatically calculate the price for the consumer. If you have a special for a certain month, you simply setup a season and allocate the price for that season.
Question: If I have hire facilities in our business can I sell these online?
Yes, the system has the ability for you to sell accommodation, tours, function space and tickets for events.
Question: Can I continue to use my current reservation system and just use BTA to receive online bookings?
Yes, you can continue to use your current reservation system. 0n receipt of an online booking via BTA, you will need to enter the booking into your existing system. A number of the more popular reservation systems have already been integrated with the BTA system such as ResPax and RMS with new systems being constantly added.
Question: What kind of computer system do I need?
To operate BTA, you need a PC/Laptop which needs to meet the following minimum requirements:
- MS Windows XP with SP2
- Internet Explorer 6 or above
- 1.7 GHz Pentium 3
- 1 Gb Ram
- 1Gb Free Space
- Internet Connection via ADSL/broadband
- Microsoft 1.1 Net Framework must be installed
Question: Do I need a broadband connection to manage BTA?
No, we have many operators who are using dial-up access; however Broadband is strongly recommended.
Question: I am away from the office on a regular basis. Can I have the software on my laptop and the office computer?
Yes, you can choose whether to load BTA on a laptop or PC. Additional licenses are available, should you wish to run BTA on more than one machine.
Question: Can I access my BTA program from an Internet café?
No, it is only accessible from the computer(s) that it is installed on.
Question: I use an accounting software package. Can I transfer my financial details from BTA, or will I have to manually load them again?
BTA does have the functionality to export to MYOB.
Question: I have a merchant facility for credit card transactions, is this suitable for the online environment?
No. The online merchant facility is different to the merchant facility you would have for taking manual credit card payments. The online merchant facility allows funds from on-line bookings to be placed directly into your bank account. You will require an Online Merchant Service account and a bank account for receipt of funds. TTNQ and V3 have negotiated reduced fees for BTA enabled operators and the BTA help desk can assist you with the set-up of an Online Merchant Service Facility (OMSF). You may also consider contacting your banking provider to source details of set-up and fees.
Questions: How are the commissions paid to the distributors?
Commissions and fees are debited from your bank account once a month. A report is sent to you prior to this happening so that you are aware of the amounts which will be debited.
Question: Do I have to enter a contract to use BTA?
No, you can use the system for as long or as short as you like, you just need to notify the BTA Help Desk (or TTNQ) in writing (email) if you decide you do not wish to continue using the system.
Question: If I have tours which I tailor make to suit the consumer will I be able to do this with BTA?
No. In the on-line environment, consumers would be purchasing a set tourism product with set costs and departure dates. Consumers who wish to have tailor customised tours will still be required to contact you directly for your personalised expertise.
Question: If I have tours which require a minimum number of passengers to operate, will I be able to sell these via the Internet?
No. In the on-line environment, set departures would need to be guaranteed. Consumers will still continue to contact you direct for those specialised tours which you may run which require a minimum number of passengers to operate.
Question: If I have a tour with different inclusions, for example one with all meals included and one which does not, can BTA cater for these differences?
Yes, you are able to set up your tours with the many price options which you have available for your consumer.
Question: Will there be some sort of contractual arrangement with V3 to ensure the rights and responsibilities of both parties are upheld (keeping in mind that TTNQ has a responsibility to all members / operators buying into the system)?
TTNQ have negotiated this with V3, covering issues such as, responsibility of V3 to ensure smooth-running of software, definition and terms of negotiated commission or fixed payment.