Booking Engine
A Booking Engine is a software tool that hotels use on their websites to let guests make reservations directly. Think of it as an online front desk clerk that works 24/7, allowing guests to check room availability, see prices, and make reservations instantly. It's different from using booking websites like Expedia because it's the hotel's own system. Hotels like having booking engines because they don't have to pay commission fees to third-party websites, and they can manage their rooms and prices more easily. Similar terms you might see are "reservation system" or "hotel booking software."
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Booking Engine that increased direct reservations by 45%
Managed integration of Property Management System with Booking Engine to streamline reservations
Trained staff on using Hotel Booking System and Booking Engine features
Optimized Online Reservation System to improve conversion rates
Typical job title: "Booking Engine Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Booking Engine Managers
Online Communities
Industry Resources
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a strategy to increase direct bookings through the booking engine?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should include discussion of pricing strategies, website optimization, marketing campaigns, and analysis of booking patterns to maximize direct reservations while reducing dependency on online travel agencies.
Q: How do you handle integration between booking engines and other hotel systems?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how booking engines connect with property management systems, channel managers, and payment processors, including troubleshooting common issues and ensuring smooth data flow.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you manage rate parity across different booking channels?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to maintain consistent pricing across the hotel's booking engine and third-party websites, including strategies for special offers and promotions.
Q: What metrics do you track to measure booking engine performance?
Expected Answer: Should mention conversion rates, abandonment rates, average booking value, and how to use this data to improve the booking process and increase revenue.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic features of a hotel booking engine?
Expected Answer: Should describe core functions like real-time availability, secure payments, room type display, and basic reporting capabilities.
Q: How do you handle common customer booking issues?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic troubleshooting for common problems like payment errors, reservation modifications, and booking confirmations.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic booking engine operations
- Customer service for online reservations
- Simple rate updates and availability management
- Basic reporting and analytics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Rate strategy implementation
- System integration management
- Performance tracking and optimization
- Staff training on booking systems
Senior (5+ years)
- Revenue optimization strategies
- Multi-property booking management
- Distribution channel strategy
- System vendor selection and negotiation
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of hotel operations or guest experience
- Lack of knowledge about online distribution channels
- Poor understanding of revenue management principles
- No experience with hotel management software
