Inventory and Distribution The following information was presented by Karl Winter at the March 2001 Network at Whistler. SkiTops Inventory and Distribution Presentation Ideas for Today and Tomorrow Scope and Goals Present some of the distribution challenges we face on a daily basis Enable tour operators easy access to inventory and availability. Provide multiple distribution channels for suppliers. Present ideas related to inventory distribution and attach the estimated cost and implementation time for each idea. Inventory Definitions Create a universal set of inventory configuration definitions covering all lodging configurations. For example a 2bedroom/2bathroom condo would be placed in one category and a 1bedroom/loft/2bathroom would be placed into another category. The definitions can be created through an outside source or by a team consisting of lodging companies and ski tour operators Web Page Property Descriptions Web page template used by lodging vendors to describe a property and property amenities. Page is linked to each SkiTops tour Operator’s website and provides consistent descriptions of properties The Template does not contain: Lodging rates Lodging phone numbers Lodging website address Lodging booking engine From the template, the user returns to the tour company’s website. This template is located in a SkiTops master library location. This large undertaking can be costly for each SkiTops tour operator but offers additional properties Once completed library can be maintained by Supplier Members at a low cost Single update location Multiple marketing locations Offer as a member benefit. SkiTops Business to Business Website Include: Updated contact information for tour operators and Supplier Members Phone numbers for – Group reservations | FIT reservations | administration website | email information Link to the lodging property website if an online booking engine is available for SkiTops tour operators. SkiTops Room Block Create one block of inventory for SkiTops use Some tour operators may find it so attractive they will eliminate their current block The inventory configuration (unit type) would be at the discretion of the property management companies. Universal policies across management companies. Cost: None to very expensive if a booking engine is used. Duration: Can be completed quickly or take months to complete. SkiTops Pricing and Inventory Database All SkiTops members have access to the database. The database “Issues and Guarantees” all rates and dates. Allies members submit rates and dates to a bureau that maintains the database Includes lodging rates, lift ticket rates, auto rates The bureau distributes rates and dates to the tour operators or the data is resident in a database and is viewed online by the tour companies. Transactions are booked against the availability. Project Costs Inventory Definitions | Less than $10,001 Website Templates | Less than $10,001 B to B Website enhancements | Less than $10,001 SkiTops Room block | No cost for the low tech version Pricing and Inventory Database | Start-up could run into the millions of dollar Project Duration With the exception of the pricing and inventory database, the duration of each task is less than 181 days. These projects can rollout independently of one another. Distribution Challenges Limiting the inventory available to wholesalers. - Tour operators market the property on the web 24/7 - Printed material offer your property 24/7 - Tour operator reservation agents promote the property each day Lodging property offices closed on Saturday in late .August / early September Poorly trained staff at properties and at tour companies. Especially true in September Booking Fees Limiting how lodging reservations are accepted. - We will only accept a faxed request. - New booking engines could be more efficient by better design Hold time beyond 2 minutes is excessive Internet pricing and discounts. - 10% off direct booking and property does not protect the tour operator channel, distribution, pricing, integrity. Property management company questions why we do not book the property Run of House - Can be scary to tour operator agents. Especially true if the inventory covers a wide geographic area Central reservations pricing Some pricing and Inventory only offered to central reservations - This includes special sales - The client found the tour operator, tour operator suggests the resort, a special offering exists through central reservations is not available to the tour company. Initial pricing is not in line with lodging occupancy Especially true for early/late season Pricing reductions come too late for tour operators to effectively quote what is now distressed inventory. Solutions Many Solutions to challenges cost - $0.00 Initial Pricing - $0.00 Central reservation issues - $0.00 Run of House - $0.00 Hold time- more staff will cost - $$$ How requests are accepted - $0.00 Better training - $0.00 Internets discounts - $$$ Limiting Inventory - $0.00 Open res center in late August - $$$ Return to Partnership Program P.O. Box 191981 Sacramento California, U.S.A. 95819 Email to: SkiTops.com The Network | General Members | Supplier Members Submit Forms | Sales Tools | Members Home About SkiTops | Specials | Find a Package | Press Releases | Site Home