Most people are familiar with online travel sites that allow you to book hotels directly (often at cheaper rates than through a travel agent, or even if you contact the hotels directly).

So how do the online travel websites manage their accomodation stock? For example, are they somehow connected in to each hotels room management system and thereby able to see whether rooms are available?

OR

Do the hotels offer up a block of rooms to each of the online travel sites for them to exclusively sell?

If someone works in the hotel industry, perhaps they might know.

One of the limitations of traveling to Africa is the slow pace with which its travel industry has in embracing the use of technology. Many would be travels today are more comfortable on making a payment by use of a credit card for the following reasons

1. At the top of the list is the fact that i can pay for it now look for the money and 30 days later refund the credit card company.

2. It is less cumbersome as traditional methods of payment require one to go the bank and transfer the money while a credit card payment can be done from my home or desk-top

3.It is thus much easier and faster to finalise the transaction.

4. I can then say it cost less in terms of time and money as opposed to traditional ways since you do not have to queue at the bank, burn fuel to get there and then make phone call follow-ups.

5. Credit card payment is today a much safer way of transacting since a third party ‘the merchant’s involved. It is for this reason that a number of African organisations are quickly taking up this idea of enabling credit card processing on their website and acquire a competitive edge against those who have not yet done the same.

A few websites in Kenya, Egypt and South Africa are already offering holiday makers an easier way of booking their accommodation and saving time spend calling hotels and agents to get bookings.