How is booking being added to visitvictoria.com?

TXA-powered live product searching and booking functionality is being added to visitvictoria.com. Users will be able to search Victorian accommodation for availability and pricing and book online, getting instant confirmation and a guaranteed booking. 

TXA-powered tour and event bookings on visitvictoria.com are planned for Q2 2010.

How have accommodation listings on visitvictoria.com changed due to the introduction of online booking? Will I need to join Tourism Exchange Australia to maintain my listing?

No. You will not have to join TXA to maintain your product listing on visitvictoria.com.

However, accommodation listings for products that are available for sale through TXA will feature live pricing and availability alongside the product information. Users will be able to book online through visitvictoria directly from this listing.

This same booking functionality will be made available to tours, attractions, events and festivals in late 2009.

Do I have to join Tourism Exchange Australia to have a ‘Book Now’ button on visitvictoria.com?

No. Accommodation providers will still be able to link to their own booking engines from their visitvictoria.com listing by adding their booking URL to their listing.

What are the requirements for ‘Book Now’ links to non-TXA booking systems?

Booking buttons must link to a web page where a user can:

• Book a product for a particular date
• Securely provide payment online (via Credit Card, or payment service like Pay Pal) if prepayment or deposit is required for a confirmed booking.
• Contact the property for more information if needed.
• Online bookings must be confirmed to the user within 24-hours.
• Providing an booking enquiry email address is not sufficient as the only method of online booking. Online bookings must be completed via web forms.
• Products and rates available to users at the Booking URL must match those listed on visitvictoria.com. (If the operator has provided pricing and product details on their visitvictoria.com listing).

How much commission is charged on VisitVictoria.com?

Tourism Victoria will not charge any distribution commission for bookings made through visitvictoria.com or visitmelbourne.com for Victorian tourism operators who have a listing on the website.