For Travel Agents (TA) wanting to provide online reservations / instant confirmation on their web site/s there are different options available as explained below.

Agent-Key is for Travel Agents who want to set up a website to sell accommodation on the 'wholesale' or 'online travel agent' business model. That is guests pay either a deposit or the full amount to the travel website operator at the time of booking. The guest 'booking contract' is with the travel website operator. The guest confirmation email comes from the travel website operator.

Portalkey reservation software is suitable for any travel website promoting hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, condos, guest houses, etc.   Guests find your travel portal website, choose their preferred accommodation, check availability on Portalkey, and confirm their reservation instantly. Guests pay the property direct.  The guest 'booking contract' is with the accommodation provider.

Portalkey is designed for Travel Website Operators who do NOT want to collect payment from guests. it empowers the TA with central control to track reservations, and receive commission if required.

With both options above, the TA must have agreement with the hotels they list.   The TA will be updating rates at least once a year and have to deal with customer support issues.  If the TA does not have an agreement they should consider becoming an affiliate partner with a large On Line Travel Agent who offer such programs. These are called partner programs and frequently refered to within the industry as extranet affiliate program.   World Choice Travel and  Agoda are 2 of the biggest providers. For more information about these programs contact these TAs direct.  For more information about  click here.