Modern electronic booking and reservation systems in the hotel business
Authors: Flinta Natalia 
Published: August 2023

The article examines the peculiarities of the implementation of information technologies in the hotel enterprise. It was established that the use of modern information technologies becomes a means of competitive struggle in the hotel business. The guest service process begins with his contact with the reservation service, which forms the first impression of the hotel. Therefore, the quality of the provided hotel services plays a major role in increasing the rating among accommodation establishments and in attracting new customers. However, the majority of accommodation facilities do not have a sufficient level of equipment for customer service using automated systems, the accommodation facility's own mobile applications and various modules with the effect of partial contactless and quick service. The terms «hotel reservation system» and «reservation system» are often used interchangeably in the hospitality industry, but they are actually different things. A hotel reservation system, or CRS, is the central hub where booking information is stored from all booking channels, whether by phone, OTA, GDS, sales force or online booking system. A website booking engine, called an Internet Booking Engine (IBE), is software that allows guests to make reservations directly from the hotel's website.

Today, most hotels have switched to a digital reservation system, while a significant number of small hotels, hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and rental companies still use manual processes. This puts them at a disadvantage compared to their more technologically advanced competitors. It was determined that electronic reservation and reservation systems are the most important sales channels for the hotel enterprise.

A general review of electronic booking and reservation systems in hotels was conducted. A mobile application is a new innovative idea for hotels, which helps to improve the process of booking rooms in accommodation facilities. The application allows the client to choose a language convenient for him, which will greatly simplify the process. There are many free mobile applications that also excel in modern automated booking systems. Mobile services on Android and IOS will give accommodation establishments several serious advantages over competitors, and customers will quickly search for personal orders on them.

Booking (App Store, Google Play) is the most popular search program and accommodation reservation. Its feature is free booking and the possibility to pay for accommodation directly upon check-in.

HotelsCombined (App Store, Google Play) – an application with extensive information on prices for hostels and hotels of higher categories on various booking services.

Hostelworld (App Store, Google Play) is a convenient service for booking accommodation (hotels, rooms, apartments).

Airbnb (App Store, Google Play) is a server for renting a separate apartment or apartment.

HotelsGuy – this reservation system application is suitable for tourists who want to save on accommodation; is popular among young people in many countries of the world.

Current hotel automation systems were analyzed and the most popular advantages of reservation systems were determined. Each hotel has its own standards of operation of the reservation service, but the goal is the same - to maximize the loading of the room fund. Modern computer technologies make it possible to make reservations very quickly and automatically enable the employee making the reservation to receive timely and comprehensive information about the guest, his tastes, habits, and preferences. Room reservation is quite often of decisive importance for choosing a particular hotel. With this in mind, all stages are important in the booking process.