Features and Costs for Your Travel Web Platform Development

The demand for efficient and captivating travel websites and portals has never been higher. The global online travel market size is projected to grow by $1,835.6 Bn in 2030.

 

Yet, amidst the excitement of building a travel website lies a daunting challenge: how to build a travel portal without stumbling into costly mistakes that devour both time and resources.

 

For businesses venturing into the travel platform development, the path to success is fraught with complexities. From conceptualization to execution, each phase demands meticulous planning and strategic decision-making to ensure a seamless user experience and sustainable growth.

 

However, without a clear understanding of the real costs involved, even the most well-intentioned projects can falter, leading to missed opportunities and financial setbacks.

 

In this article, we delve deep into the heart of travel portal development, shedding light on:

 

• essential travel website components 
• intricacies of budgeting and resource allocation
• real project cost calculations.

 

The Onix team has considerable experience building travel software solutions. Among our works is developing the Travelbid, a travel booking system that counts 14K+ service providers and adds 5K new users monthly. 

 

Moreover, our team built a travel web platform MisterB&B that reached 1 million accommodations in 200 countries.

 

So, knowing the ins and outs of creating travel websites, we will reveal tourism portal development costs using our project as an example.

Example of a travel booking platform designed by Onix

Understanding the Key Components of a Travel Website Development

Before diving into the costs, it's essential to understand the key components that make up an online travel web portal in its development stage. These components include:

 

User interfaces for all parties

 

1. Administrator interface.

 

The administrator interface is designed for OTA administrators and system administrators responsible for managing the overall operations and functionality of the travel platform.

 

Key features of the administrator interface include:

 

• System configuration. Tools for configuring system settings, including pricing rules, availability rules, currency settings, and language settings.

 

• User management. Management of user accounts, permissions, and roles within the system, including administrators, travel agents, and support staff.

 

• Content management. Management of content such as travel packages, deals, promotions, and marketing materials.

 

• Reporting and analytics. Access to reports and analytics dashboards providing insights into key performance metrics, booking trends, revenue generation, and customer behavior.

 

• Payment processing. Tools for managing payment processing, including integration with payment gateways, processing refunds, and managing transactions.

 

2. Travel agent interface.

The travel agent interface is tailored to meet the needs of travel agents and agencies who assist customers with planning and booking travel arrangements.

 

Key features of the travel agent interface include:

 

• Dashboard. A centralized dashboard providing an overview of bookings, commissions, and client interactions.

 

• Booking management. Tools for managing bookings, including searching for available inventory, making reservations, modifying bookings, and canceling reservations.

 

• Commission tracking. Tracking of commissions earned on bookings, including real-time commission calculations and reporting.

 

• Client management. Features for managing client profiles, preferences, booking history, and communication history.

 

• Collaboration tools. Collaboration features facilitating communication and collaboration among team members, including shared calendars, notes, and tasks.

 

3. Traveler interface.

The traveler interface is designed to provide a seamless and intuitive booking experience for customers seeking to plan and book their trips. 

 

Key features of the traveler interface include:

 

• Search functionality. A user-friendly search interface allows travelers to search for flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities based on their preferences, such as destination, dates, budget, and preferences.

 

• Booking process. An easy-to-navigate booking process with clear steps for selecting travel options, entering passenger details, and making payments securely.

 

• Interactive maps. Integration of interactive maps to help travelers visualize destinations, nearby attractions, and hotel locations.

 

• Personalized recommendations. Utilization of algorithms to provide personalized recommendations based on past bookings, preferences, and browsing history.

 

• Reviews and ratings. Integration of reviews and ratings from other travelers to help users make informed decisions about accommodations, activities, and destinations.

 

• Mobile compatibility. Mobile-responsive design ensuring a seamless booking experience across devices, including smartphones and tablets.

 

• Customer support. Access to customer support channels such as live chat, email, and phone for assistance with bookings, changes, and inquiries.

 

 

Payment gateway

The payment gateway acts as a bridge between the travel website and various financial institutions, enabling the processing of payments for booking flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, and other travel services.

 

Here are the key features of a payment gateway for travel:

 

• Secure payment processing. A payment gateway ensures the security of online transactions by encrypting sensitive financial information such as credit card details, personal identification numbers, and authentication tokens.

 

• Multiple payment methods. A payment gateway supports a variety of payment methods to accommodate diverse customer preferences and regional payment systems. 

 

It typically accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.), debit cards, bank transfers, digital wallets (e.g., PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay), and alternative payment methods (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) depending on the OTA's target market and customer base.

 

For example, for TravelBid.com, Onix’s experts integrated Stripe and PayPal. 

 

For MisterB&B, a travel booking platform for renting LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, we integrated Stripe, Paypal, Payoneer, and Adyen payment systems that allow users to accept payments and send payouts securely online.

 

• Automated payment processing. Payment gateways automate the payment processing workflow, reducing manual intervention and streamlining the booking process for customers and travel agents.

 

Once a payment is authorized and verified, the payment gateway communicates with the OTA's backend systems to update booking records, generate confirmation emails, and allocate inventory accordingly.

 

• Transaction reporting and settlement. Payment gateways provide comprehensive reporting and settlement functionalities to track transaction activity, reconcile payments, and manage financial records.

 

 

Booking engines

Booking engines are software platforms or modules integrated into a travel website or application that allow users to search, browse, and book travel services such as flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, and activities.

 

Pro tip! 

 

The Onix team can integrate the booking engine into your travel solution.

 

Key features of booking engines include:

 

• Search functionality. Booking engines enable users to search for travel services based on criteria such as destination, dates, preferences, and budget. These advanced search filters and sorting options help users find relevant options quickly.

 

For example, for the travel booking website Misterb&b, the Onix team built a search engine that allows quick search within a 2M+ listings database using various filters.

Example of search functionality built by Onix

 

• Real-time availability. This ensures that users see up-to-date information on flight schedules, hotel room availability, and tour availability when making bookings.

 

• Dynamic pricing. Booking engines calculate and display dynamic pricing based on demand, availability, seasonality, and user preferences. They may offer promotional discounts, package deals, and personalized recommendations to encourage bookings.

 

• Secure booking process. Booking engines facilitate a secure booking process, allowing users to enter payment details, confirm bookings, and receive instant confirmation emails or tickets.

 

Read also: Overview of online travel fraud and means of its prevention

 

• Reporting and analytics. Booking engines provide reporting and analytics tools that allow OTAs to track booking metrics, analyze user behavior, and measure the performance of marketing campaigns.

 

Third-party APIs

Third-party APIs are interfaces provided by external service providers, travel suppliers, and technology partners that allow OTAs to access and integrate travel inventory, content, and functionalities into their own platforms.

 

Some common types of third-party APIs used in travel websites include:

 

• Global distribution systems (GDS). GDS APIs provide access to a vast inventory of flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel services aggregated from airlines, hotel chains, and other suppliers worldwide. They allow OTAs to search, book, and manage travel inventory in real-time.

 

• Hotel aggregators. Hotel aggregator APIs aggregate hotel inventory from multiple suppliers and online travel wholesalers, providing OTAs with a wide selection of hotel options and competitive pricing. They offer real-time availability, room descriptions, photos, and reviews.

 

• Airline APIs. They allow OTAs to access flight schedules, pricing, availability, and booking functionalities directly from airlines' reservation systems. They enable OTAs to offer comprehensive flight options, including low-cost carriers and charter flights.

 

• Car rental APIs. Car rental APIs provide access to rental car inventory from major car rental companies and local suppliers. They offer features such as vehicle availability, pricing, rental terms, and booking management capabilities.

Example of car rental page designed by the Onix team

 

• Tour and activity APIs. Tour and activity APIs offer access to various tours, activities, excursions, and attractions in various destinations worldwide. They enable OTAs to offer curated experiences, sightseeing tours, adventure activities, and event tickets to travelers.

 

Content management system (CMS)

CMS plays a vital role in managing and organizing various content related to travel services and offerings. It is the backbone of the OTA's website, enabling administrators to create, edit, publish, and manage content efficiently.

 

Here's an overview of the key features and functionalities of a CMS in an online travel web platform:

 

• Dynamic content creation. A CMS allows administrators to create and publish dynamic content such as travel packages, deals, destination guides, blog posts, and customer reviews. It provides user-friendly interfaces and content editors that simplify adding text, images, videos, and multimedia elements.

 

• Content organization and structure. A well-structured CMS enables administrators to organize content hierarchically, categorize it based on topics, destinations, or types of services, and create taxonomies for easy navigation. This ensures users can quickly find relevant information on the OTA's website.

 

• Integration with travel inventory. Many CMS platforms offer integration capabilities with Global Distribution Systems (GDS), travel suppliers, and third-party APIs to access a wide range of travel inventory such as flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, and activities. This integration lets administrators display real-time availability, pricing, and booking options directly on the OTA's website.

 

• SEO optimization. Administrators can optimize meta tags, titles, descriptions, and URLs, implement schema markup, and generate XML sitemaps to improve the travel website visibility and ranking in search engine results.

 

It’s possible to start a travel business online without a proper CMS. 

 

For example, MisterB&B ran without a CMS for several years. 

 

However, after the Onix team added the Guides, Events, and Blog sections to the website, we witnessed a significant increase in the number of users and sales.

A travel booking website built by Onix

 

Travel Website Development Cost Breakdown

So, how to develop a travel website and how much will it cost?

 

One can calculate the cost of travel software development by multiplying the time required to deliver the necessary functionalities by the man/hour rate.

 

Here’s Onix’s rough estimate of a mid-range OTA project.

However, it can only give you an idea of what to expect because each business and each project is unique. The cost of travel website development can vary based on complexity, features, design, and functionality.

 

Below, our experts prepared a breakdown of the basic travel website development costs to consider:

 

Note: Please note that the travel website development cost provided below are approximate and can vary based on various factors such as the complexity of your project, specific requirements, choice of vendors or service providers, geographic location, and market rates.

 

Website design and layout

 

• Custom website design: $1,000 - $5,000

 

This includes creating a visually appealing, user-friendly design tailored to your brand and target audience.

 

• Responsive design for mobile devices: $500 - $1,500

 

Ensures your website is optimized for viewing on various screen sizes, including smartphones and tablets.

 

Booking engine integration

 

• Basic integration: $1,000 - $5,000

 

Integration of a booking engine into your website to enable users to search, browse, and book travel services seamlessly.

 

• Custom features and enhancements: $500 - $3,000

 

Additional costs for implementing custom features, such as advanced search filters, booking calendars, and real-time availability updates.

 

Search functionality and filters

 

• Basic search functionality: $500 - $2,000

 

Implementation of search functionality to allow users to find travel options based on destination, dates, and preferences.

 

• Advanced search filters: $200 - $1,000

 

Customization of search filters to include options such as price range, amenities, and travel preferences.

 

Payment gateway integration

 

• Payment gateway setup: $500 - $2,000

 

Integration of a secure payment gateway to facilitate online transactions and process payments securely.

 

Responsive design and mobile optimization

 

• Responsive design optimization: $500 - $2,000

 

Optimization of your website's design and layout to ensure a seamless user experience across desktop and mobile devices.

 

• Mobile app development (optional): $5,000 - $20,000+

 

Development of a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android platforms to offer additional convenience and functionality to users.

 

 

Maintenance and support

 

• Website maintenance: $500 - $2,000 per year

 

Ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure your website's stability, security, and performance, including software updates, security patches, and backups.

 

• Technical support: $200 - $1,000 per month

 

Access to technical support services for troubleshooting issues, resolving bugs, and assisting users and administrators.

 

Below, we share various prices based on different travel software types. It's important to note that these figures provide a sample estimate of costs.

Travel website development costs

 

It's important to note that these figures provide a sample estimate of costs. After reviewing the estimated cost, reach out for a proposal, enabling us to align on the best strategy and provide you with an accurate quote to create a travel website.

 

 

Additional Cost Considerations When Building an Online Travel Platform

How to make a travel website without stumbling into unexpected costly expenses? It's simple. You just need to be prepared. We recommend anticipating and budgeting for additional expenses that may arise throughout the development process and beyond.

 

Drawing from our expertise, we can outline additional cost factors to consider while developing an online travel website platform:

 

Unexpected costs

Despite careful planning, unexpected expenses can arise during the development phase. It's prudent to allocate a contingency budget of around 10-20% of the total project cost to cover unforeseen expenses such as additional development requirements, technology upgrades, or changes in project scope.

 

Scalability requirements

As the OTA grows and attracts more users, scalability becomes a priority. Scaling infrastructure, upgrading server capacity, and optimizing performance to handle increased traffic and transactions may incur unexpected costs.

 

Extra features to stand out

Incorporating interactive, user-friendly features into your travel site is essential to stand out in the competitive landscape. These functionalities not only improve user experience but also increase engagement and competitiveness.

 

Below, our experts share some key features to consider integrating.

 

VR and AR experience:

 

• Virtual destination tours.  Users can explore landmarks, attractions, and cultural sites in 360-degree immersive environments, gaining a preview of their potential travel destinations.

 

 

• Interactive hotel and room previews. This immersive experience provides a realistic preview of room layouts, amenities, and views, helping travelers make more informed booking decisions.

 

• Virtual travel experiences. OTAs can offer virtual travel experiences to unique destinations or events, allowing users to participate in virtual tours, cultural experiences, and adventure activities from their homes.

 

• AR-enabled booking process. Users can visualize and customize their travel itineraries using AR overlays. This interactive booking experience enhances user engagement and satisfaction.

 

• AR-based marketing campaigns. OTAs can leverage AR technology for marketing campaigns, allowing users to interact with virtual travel experiences and promotions.

 

• Augmented navigation. Travelers can use AR-enabled mobile apps to receive real-time directions, discover points of interest, and navigate unfamiliar destinations more easily.

 

Read Also: Use Cases of AR/VR in the Travel Industry

 

ML algorithms:

 

• Natural language processing for customer support. OTAs can deploy chatbots to handle common inquiries, provide travel recommendations, and assist users with booking-related tasks, improving customer service efficiency and responsiveness.

 

• Personalized recommendations. By understanding individual preferences, OTAs can suggest relevant destinations, accommodations, and activities tailored to each user's interests.

 

• Dynamic pricing optimization. OTAs can use dynamic pricing algorithms to adjust prices dynamically based on demand, availability, and customer segmentation, maximizing revenue and competitiveness.

 

• Predictive analytics for demand forecasting. ML models can forecast future travel demand by analyzing historical booking patterns, seasonality, and external factors such as holidays, events, and weather conditions.

 

Gamification:

 

• Reward points and loyalty programs. Implementing reward points and loyalty programs where users earn points for bookings, reviews, and referrals, incentivizing repeat bookings and fostering loyalty.

 

• Travel challenges and milestones. Creating travel challenges and milestones where users can earn badges, levels, or virtual rewards for completing specific actions or achieving travel-related goals.

 

• Interactive quizzes and trivia. Users can test their knowledge, compete with friends, and earn rewards or discounts for correct answers, making the booking process more engaging and educational.

 

• Social challenges and competitions. Organizing social challenges and competitions where users share photos, videos, or travel stories on social media platforms. 

 

Partnership and affiliate programs

Consider investing in partnership and affiliate programs to expand your OTA's reach and acquire new customers. Partnering with airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other travel providers can result in mutual benefits and revenue-sharing opportunities, but it may involve upfront costs or commission payments.

 

Ongoing maintenance and updates

Once your OTA is live, ongoing maintenance and updates are essential to ensure smooth operation, security, and performance. Budgeting for regular software updates, security patches, server maintenance, and website backups helps prevent downtime and security vulnerabilities.

 

Onix’s Travel Platform Development Experience: Costs Included

The Onix team built TravelBid.com, a booking platform designed for travelers ​​in Cyprus. Its UVP was the ability to easily book deals and personalized offers that wouldn’t be found anywhere else.

 

Simultaneously, local travel and hospitality businesses can offer special deals when the demand is low without publishing prices below market average on popular booking engines like Booking.com or Expedia.

 

To build a travel website platform, we provided the following solutions:

 

• develop interfaces for two categories of users: travel and hospitality services booking portal and interface for vendors;

 

• provide a search engine that allows quick search within a listings database using various filters;

 

• build a mobile-friendly front-end;

 

• ensure real-time messaging;

 

• integrate the Stripe and Paypal payment systems to allow users to accept payments and send payouts online securely. 

 

• create a streamlined and convenient user flow, a delightful clean UI design, and a unique logo for TravelBid.

Design of a travel website platform made by the Onix team

 

Below, our experts provide a breakdown of a mid-range travel website development cost based on TravelBid.

 

Task	Development time	Approximate development costs
Preparatory stage (requirements solicitation, analysis, documentation, architecture, and DB planning, etc.)	40-80	$1400-2800
UX/UI design (research and prototyping)	160-200	$5600-7000
Customer-facing features development   Registration/Log-in Search Results Listing details Booking form Payment User profile Messaging Support Blog	250-300	$8700-10500
Back-office software development (vendors’ interface mirroring the customers’ + admin panel for the platform owner)	250-300	$8700-10500
Project management and QA activities (+15%-30% to the website development time)	75-180	$2250-5400
Total	775-1,160	$26,650-36,200

 

TravelBid was launched in June 2022. 

 

Currently, the platform counts 14K+ service providers and adds 5K new users monthly. The platform's development continues as the client works to expand the business to other countries.

 

 

Summing Up

Throughout this article, we've navigated the intricacies of travel website functionality, shedding light on the true costs and potential pitfalls that lie in wait.

 

So, now you know how to build a travel website without making expensive errors that consume significant time and resources.

 

As you start travel website development, remember you don't have to navigate this path alone. Our wealth of experience and proven methodologies stand ready to guide you toward success, saving you valuable time and resources along the way.

 

At whatever stage you are with your travel website or mobile application development, please contact Onix if you need a consultation or assistance. We will be happy to help!

 

FAQ

 

What factors influence the price when building a travel website?

 

• the number and technical complexity of its features

 

• app architecture solutions

 

• website design requirements

 

• technology stack

 

• integration of licensed APIs and third-party services

 

• the number and qualifications of specialists on the development team

 

• their salaries or hourly rates

 

• their location

 

• the type of contract with the developers

 

How can I get an accurate cost estimate for my travel platform development?

To get an accurate cost estimate, it's advisable to consult with experienced developers or development agencies.

 

Providing detailed project specifications and discussing specific features and functionalities desired for the travel web platform will help obtain a more precise estimate. Share your travel app idea with us, and our experts will calculate your app development costs.

 

How long does it take to develop a travel website portal?

The development timeline depends on the project's complexity and features. A basic travel platform may take a few months, while a more complex one with advanced features could take several months or even longer.

 

How much does it cost to create a travel website?

A basic online travel website development budget starts at around $70K when outsourced to Eastern Europe, Latin America, or South Asia. Each element expanding the services and improving the customer experience will increase the cost. The minimum budget for an Expedia-like web application will start at $100K.