Online Booking and Reservation System Frequently Asked Questions                                  

1. What is it?

An online reservation system is a user friendly means for consumers and website visitors to book and pay for accommodations or other tourism products or services immediately, in real time over the internet.

2. Why has Tourism Kingston decided to invest in an online reservation system?

Industry leaders have reiterated the need for an online central reservation system which can offer packages to consumers.  Tourism Kingston also recognizes the need for an online reservation system to remain competitive with other destinations already offering such systems.  It will also provide us with data about leisure travel to Kingston which historically has been a challenge to measure.

3. What is the duration of the initial contract?

The duration of the initial contract is two years.

4. How is the project being funded?

Implementation of the Online Reservation System is being funded by Tourism Kingston and by commission fees paid by participating businesses.

5. How does the reservation system work?

A booking engine, also known as a "widget" will be installed on Tourism Kingston's website that will enable website visitors to easily search for and purchase accommodations and other tourism products and services as they are researching their vacation. Each participating business will also receive a booking widget on their website for visitors to their business's website.

6. Is the reservation system just for booking accommodations?

No. Once fully operational, the reservation system will also present the opportunity to offer, and enable the immediate booking and purchasing of other tourism experiences such as Attractions, Golf Courses, Festivals & Events, Restaurants, Shopping and Retail Services, Spas or Tours.

7. Who is providing the service?

Meridian Reservation Systems Inc. will be the supplier.

8. Why was Meridian Reservation Systems selected?

Meridian's system is unique in that they allow for the option to build and sell packages.   Other systems which were reviewed did not provide this functionality.  Our partners and industry research has identified packages as a key component in increasing the visitors' length of stay and overall spend. 

9. When will the reservation system be operational?

It is anticipated that the reservation system will be launched and be ready to accept live reservations by the end of February 2011, and will be fully operational in time for the 2011 tourism season.

10. Who can participate?

 Any tourism business, large or small, year-round or seasonal can participate.  The reservation system will enable website visitors to create their own customized vacation packages by booking their accommodations and combining it with various other tourism offerings such as Attractions, Golf Courses, Festivals & Events, Restaurants, Shopping and Retail Services,Spas or Tours.

11. What are the benefits?

The benefits of the reservation system for the tourism industry are significant. Once fully operational, the system will:

• Allow online booking of accommodations or experiences in real time, via the internet.
• Generate new business and increases tourism revenues.
• Provide an online presence for smaller businesses.
• Enable smaller or seasonal operators to present their product in a standardized format and compete on a level playing field with bigger branded or franchised operators.
• Engage industry in e-commerce & e-marketing through technology utilization.
• Instantly convert a casual website visitor to an actual visitor and immediate sale.
• Provide a means to easily present and offer potential visitors more reasons come to Kingston and to stay longer once they are here.
• Provide opportunity to create customized packages, value-added experiences or special offers.
• Improve market competitiveness of Kingston's tourism businesses versus other competing regions.
• Provide a state of the art on-line market-place for potential visitors.
• Enable cross-sector partnering and packaging of accommodations with other tourism products and services.
• System can be used by accommodators as an inventory management system.

12. What are the features and functions?

The system not only allows for the booking of accommodations, but will also present the opportunity to offer and enable the immediate booking of other tourism experiences such as an artist's studio tour or a spa treatment. Consumers will be able to create their own customized packages from a menu of tourism offerings.
Participating retailers will be able to offer vouchers and coupons on-line to consumers, as they are booking their accommodations. This will help drive new business to the retailer as well as provide a value added component for the visitor.

The system will enable visitors to reserve seats or purchase tickets for theatre performances, gated festivals or events, and other attractions having admission charges. Pre-arranged centralized packages will also be offered for sale to consumers that will enable and encourage partnering and cross promotion between two or more tourism businesses. The system can also be used to reserve golf tee times or golf carts, make dining reservations, or book rental equipment such as bicycles, boats or canoes, for instance.

13. What is required for businesses to participate?

Businesses wishing to participate must have an Internet connection. Either high speed or dial-up internet are acceptable. A condition of participation requires that participants sign an agreement to continue participating in the reservation system for the entire duration of the contract(two years). Participants are also required to pay a 10% commission fee.  Additionally, businesses must provide Meridian with detailed information on their businesses' product or services to be included in the reservation system, as well as digital photographs of rooms and facilities.

14. Do I need to already have a website for my business to participate?

No. A micro-website will be created for all participating businesses. Those businesses with existing websites will also have a link to a booking widget installed directly on their website.

15. Is computer programming knowledge necessary?

No. Website or computer programming knowledge is not necessary, although some basic computer knowledge and skills are beneficial.

16. Will training be provided?

Yes. Meridian provides extensive user training which allows users regardless of size or scope the opportunity to utilize technology to their advantage. Three hour training sessions will be arranged so that similar properties or businesses can train together. A maximum of ten participants are trained at once. Ongoing user support will also be provided by Meridian. For more info, click HERE.

17. How much will it cost to participate?

To help garner maximum participation, the system is being partially subsidized through funding provided by Tourism Kingston. Participating businesses will be charged a 10% commission fee.

18.  Are there any transaction fees?

Yes. The consumer will be charged a 10% fee (capped at $5.00) per transaction.

18. How do I register to be listed on the reservation system?

Tourism sector businesses and organizations wishing to participate on the online reservation system project are invited to complete and return the necessary forms and submit payment to Tourism Kingston.  Agreement and data entry forms will be available by mid-October.

19.  Who is responsible for customer service issues related to the sytsem?

Tourism Kingston will handle customer service issues related to the online reservation system and bookings.  Tourism Kingston will handle bookings, refunds and cancellations.