June 20, 2016 TnH Global

roomsXMl: the robust and dependable supplier of hotel rooms

The idea behind the conception of roomsXML has been to become the preferred supplier of hotel rooms. To achieve this avowed goal, roomsXML right from the beginning has been focused on the accommodation segment.

Since its inception, roomsXML had only two priorities: first, product innovation and the second: after-sales support. “By focusing on these two features, to the best of our abilities, we have ensured our growth. I don’t see a much change in this strategy. You will be surprised to note, that we have a very limited ‘sales’ team,” said Prakash Bang, MD, roomsXML.

Speaking about the success of his company since its inception, Bang said, “The industry’s typical milestones are sales and market share. Thankfully, we are never after these numbers. In our kind of line, the numbers can multiply many times over by just offering credit and discounting.” He added, “Probably, we are the only ones around who don’t offer credit unless backed by a deposit or a bank guarantee. Thanks to our volumes, the pricing we offer is sharp, but we never claim to be the cheapest in the marketplace. A business has to earn a fair profit to be able to sustain and offer efficient service that is so very essential for a B2B like ours.”

Band said that roomsXML has been growing at over 50% YOY for the last so many years. “I don’t know whether that’s a good milestone; but we are happy and so are our travel agents! I wish we could introduce a milestone to measure and quantify the ‘happiness’ levels of our travel agents. Everything would then target around that – to increase the level by another X percent!” said Bang.

Over the last few years roomsXML has introduced 11 features that were unique in the industry. Many of the features are yet to be emulated by other systems in the marketplace. “De-duplication of inventory and naming of the rooms as hotels call them have been our all-time best. The innovations in 2016 are under the hat for now – suffice to say that the travel agents will be delighted with the features as they are bound to make travel agents more efficient and will allow them book hotel rooms with greater confidence,” said Bang.

roomsXML has emerged as key partner of travel agents by empowering them with technology and comprehensive accommodation feed. “The idea behind roomsXML was simple – to become the preferred supplier of hotel rooms. For that to happen, we had no option but to focus on the accommodation segment. By choosing a niche area, it was possible to put all our energies and resources in making roomsXML what it is today – robust, therefore dependable,” said Bang.

“The idea behind roomsXML was simple – to become the preferred supplier of hotel rooms. For that to happen, we had no option but to focus on the accommodation segment. By choosing a niche area, it was possible to put all our energies and resources in making roomsXML what it is today – robust, therefore dependable,”

roomsXML has also aligned with some of the world’s best travel technologies companies that can help travel agents to build their own brand – cost effectively and quickly. “While the accommodation feed is provided by roomsXML, other travel products like flights, car hire, cruises, site-seeing, etc. can be pulled from other suppliers / vendors. Of course, the travel agents have the liberty of switching our inventory off, if they find that they are not up to the mark!” said Bang. roomsXML works directly with travel agents. It doesn’t have any GSAs. “By doing away with the layer, we ensure that our prices remain sharp and the after sales support punctual. To put it simply, I do believe, that we are travel agent’s best bet when it comes to booking hotel rooms & apartments. This may sound like a sales pitch, but I take this opportunity to urge travel agents to try us out. It won’t cost them anything, save for a happy experience,” added Bang.

As regards its markets, Bang said right now, roomsXML has its offices in USA, UK, UAE, Australia and India. These are essentially its source markets. “Though it is easy to enter into other markets, it is important for us to be able to support the growth. Our after-sales service is regarded as an industry standard. We wouldn’t want to compromise on that. Sustainable growth is what we strongly believe in. Like I said earlier on, we are not in the numbers game,” said Bang. To a question that “what is the USP of your company,” Band said, “To quantify, we have 11 USPs. More are being added periodically!”