FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2024
Media Contact:
Chantel Ropp
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Tourism Exchange USA
Tourism Exchange USA Officially Launches the National Travel Trade Portal
SARASOTA, Florida – Tourism Exchange USA is excited to announce the official launch of the National Travel Trade Portal (NTTP), an innovative B2B platform designed to connect both domestic and international travel trade professionals with a wide variety of U.S. tourism products that haven’t been easily available previously. The Portal’s launch is a step toward increasing access to products in smaller communities beyond gateway markets that are often underserved by traditional travel trade contracting processes.
The NTTP simplifies booking by providing buyers with access to real-time availability and commissionable rates for accommodations, tours, and activities—without the need for new API connections or lengthy individual supplier contracting negotiations. The portal offers seamless connectivity between international travel buyers and U.S. suppliers, ensuring more diverse products are bookable across global markets.
“Our goal with the Trade Portal is to provide more access to unique products from small and mid-sized communities across the country,” said Nate Huff, President of Tourism Exchange USA. “This platform empowers smaller and offline travel businesses to connect with international buyers, allowing them to share memorable experiences and drive economic growth in regions that haven’t been easy to book for travel trade professionals.”
For the 17 state DMOs already working with the Exchange, the NTTP offers a compelling opportunity to connect inspirational brand marketing and travel trade sales efforts with actual bookable product.
“It’s those unique southern food tours, local bourbon tasting experiences and family-owned accommodations that make Kentucky and the South compelling destinations for international travelers,” said Mike Mangeot, Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Tourism and Immediate Past Chairman of Travel South USA, a group of 12 states that market the Southern United States globally. “For years we’ve been trying to make these experiences available to our travel trade partners around the world and now we have a way to make that happen. It’s a game-changer for us and other southern destinations.”
The NTTP’s launch was initially planned for earlier this year, but following a limited beta, a number of transaction management features were enhanced based on feedback from buyers and suppliers.
“We’re trying to develop a marketplace that will create new value for both buyers and suppliers,” said Patrick Rodgers, Director of Product at Tourism Exchange USA. “It’s easy to use for the travel trade and gives them access to product they might not find elsewhere. And for businesses, once they’re connected to the Exchange, there’s no additional work to share rates and availability with travel trade around the world. It’s a win-win by increasing the reach and visibility of authentic, off-the-beaten-path products that consumers want right now.”
The NTTP rollout is happening in phases, starting with a soft launch this month for early adopters followed by an expanded “grand opening” to increase visibility. While the platform has a variety of products available today, it is just a small preview of how the offerings will continue to grow. More products are being added regularly as Tourism Exchange USA continues to develop partnerships with DMOs and associations across the U.S.
For more information on how to register for an account or to connect as a supplier, visit https://tourismexchangeusa.com/trade-portal/.
Key Features of the National Travel Trade Portal:
- A one-stop, B2B marketplace offering commissionable rates on U.S. tourism products.
- Simplified booking processes, removing the need for individual contracting or API development.
- Dynamic inventory management for suppliers and on-account bookings for buyers.
- Focus on smaller communities, helping to showcase diverse U.S. suppliers and destinations.
- Aggregated invoicing to ease international transaction processes.
Key Benefits for Buyers:
- Convenience: The NTTP offers access to a broad range of commissionable U.S. tourism products, from accommodations to specialized tours, all within one platform. This eliminates the need for multiple API connections or contracting with individual suppliers, streamlining the booking process.
- On-Account Bookings: Buyers can make bookings without upfront payments and receive aggregated invoices after the travel date, minimizing international transaction costs and administrative burden.
- Diverse Offerings: Access to authentic, off-the-beaten-path tourism products helps distributors refresh itineraries with unique experiences, adding value for their clients without extra operational costs.
Key Benefits for Suppliers:
- Expanded Global Reach: The NTTP allows U.S. tourism suppliers—especially those from smaller and offline destinations—to easily distribute their products to international travel trade professionals, without the high costs of traditional wholesale contracting or business development.
- Cost-Effective Sales Channel: With lower commissions (12% for accommodations, 15% for tours and activities) compared to traditional wholesalers (25%-30%) and OTAs (20%-25%), the NTTP offers a more affordable way for suppliers to reach new markets and grow revenue.
- Dynamic Rates and Availability: Suppliers can seamlessly manage their inventory and adjust rates in real-time, ensuring their product is always up-to-date and visible to global buyers. For those without a connected booking system, Tourism Exchange USA provides a free tool for managing availability.
About Tourism Exchange USA
Tourism Exchange USA is an innovative marketplace designed to facilitate the exchange of live inventory and content between suppliers and distributors in the global travel industry. Its goal is to increase incremental international visitation, spend, and market share to grow the nation’s travel economy.
###