The Prince Edward Island Central Reservation System
In the past, only tourism operators could book rooms and activities for inquiring customers. Visitor Information Centres, our Call Centre, online tourism retailers and resellers were not able to make direct bookings. Every year, Tourism PEI was losing business to its competitors whose direct selling capability was becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Since January 2009, Tourism PEI has offered one central booking system that can be accessed and used to book directly by all participating partners.
Although being young of age, this Central Reservation System will be able to sell the PEI tourism product anywhere, anytime through any channel:
- The Call Centre is now making reservations
- The Visitor Information Centres and Destination Centres will be able to book rooms right at their desks
- Visitors are now able to book rooms and activities over the Internet.
- PEI packages will be able to be sold through online travel retainers such as Expedia or Travelocity.
- Affiliate partnerships will offer online reservations to any partnering website.
In addition to online bookings done through Tourism PEI properties,the increased distribution through the operators own websites will increase traffic and direct bookings.
An important benefit of being able to close the online sale is that we can better measure the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.
The Central Reservation System is covering not only accommodations but also activities, tours and attractions. Soon, all PEI tourism product will be combined through a complete online packaging system.
What do operators have to do to be part of it?
- Sign up your account with BookPEI Technical Support (Tel: 1-866-213-7521, email: bookpei@gov.pe.ca)
What Rules govern the Reservation System?
- For 2011 the BookPEI Fees will be $100 for 1-4 units per license number and $150 for 5+ units per licence number. First Time users of BookPEI get one-year FREE.
- Operators have the right to limit the involvement with the central reservation system (placing two of five rooms on the system), however operators cannot adjust their involvement selectively according to the season.
- Tourism PEI will monitor the following activities: False advertising of price, false indication of vacancy, false reporting of cancellations. In case of three separate incidences within 12 months, the listing will be removed from the search and booking capacity for one month.
