TED Frequently Asked Questions
What is TED? Who is TED?
What is the Open Booking Exchange (OBX)?
Who is V3?
How much will it cost to sell my products through TED?
What are the benefits of TED for tourism operators?
Why do I need to be 'e-commerce enabled' and what does this mean?
Where can I find out more about getting connected through TED?
How do I receive payments for bookings received through TED?
How will a consumer know that I have an online booking facility?
Do I need to be online when the customer makes a booking through the OBX?
Do I need broadband Internet?
How will I know if the OBX will work with my current property management system?
What if my current reservation system is not integrated to the OBX?
Can a double booking occur through the OBX?
Will I still be able to distribute my product through traditional channels?
I manage my inventory through a channel management system – will these by connected through the OBX?
How will Tourism NT assist me to get connected through TED?
What if I know very little about computers and doing business online – can I still get involved?
What is a distributor?
I am thinking about becoming a distributor of Northern Territory product, what do I need to do?
What are the benefits of V3’s Open Booking Exchange platform for distribution partners?
Can I sell a package through the Open Booking Exchange?
Will the Northern Territory Visitor Information Centres be able to connect through TED and the OBX?
Can wholesalers access product through the Open Booking Exchange?
Do I need to be connected to the OBX to sell my product through TravelNT.com?
Can a consumer see my product sold through different suppliers on TravelNT.com?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tourism e-Distribution? Who is TED?
Tourism e-Distribution (TED) is an initiative of Tourism NT aimed at creating more opportunities for Territory operators to market their tourism product online, in real time, all the time. By 2012, we hope to have all our operators benefiting from the marketing opportunities of having an online booking system connected to TED.
TED uses open booking exchange technology which connects tourism businesses to distributors and consumers around the world. TED aims to help you reach more consumers online, through as many distribution channels as possible. ...Back to FAQ
What is the Open Booking Exchange (OBX)?
The Open Booking Exchange (OBX) is a technology solution used by TED to connect Territory operators’ booking engines to a wide range of online distributors, whilst instantly reconciling inventory. The OBX manages the connections between a distributor’s online presence and a supplier’s e-commerce enabled point of sale.
The OBX allows an online distributor to access product information and inventory from a supplier (either you or your third-party supplier) and present it to the consumer in real time. ...Back to FAQ
Who is V3?
V3 is the Technology partner with TED providing the open booking platform for the Northern Territory tourism industry. V3 has implemented and will maintain its Open Booking Exchange (OBX) technology for the TED program, allowing you to present your products to consumers through as many online distribution channels as you choose.
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How much will it cost to sell my products through TED?
There is a 2.8% commission charged to completed bookings that come through V3’s Open Booking Exchange. If no booking is made, no cost is incurred. The connection fee for the OBX is charged on the gross amount at the end of each month by direct debit to your nominated bank account. In addition to the cost of the OBX connection, individual distributors will have their own pricing and commission model in order to distribute through their channel. You have the opportunity to view a distributor’s terms and conditions (including commission rates) before you select them as a distributor of your product, and you can opt in or out of these agreements at any time. If you are using a property management system, or some other front-of-house system, there will be costs associated with this for each operator to determine. ...Back to FAQ
What are the benefits of TED for tourism operators?
TED gives tourism operators the ability to be seen more widely and bought more quickly in the global tourism market. TED delivers Northern Territory product information to consumers when and how they want it.
By using the open booking exchange technology, TED gives operators control over business decision-making. You select which distributors you wish to book your product; you can decide to stop participating with distributor/s at any time; you can customise prices for different distributors; and always remain in control of your own inventory.
The OBX also allows you to view a distributor’s Terms and Conditions and commercial terms before agreeing to the contract so you can simply opt in (or out) of distribution channels with the click of a mouse.
TED is designed to significantly reduce the time spent on trying to manage multiple distribution channels. It is also designed to remove the requirement for tourism businesses to manage multiple allotments or allocations.
With a low cost of implementation TED opens up opportunities for small accommodation suppliers, tour, attraction, hire and event operators to be booked online. ...Back to FAQ
Why do I need to be 'e-commerce enabled' and what does this mean?
If you want your tourism products to be seen and booked online through the TED open booking exchange technology, your business must be 'e-commerce enabled'. This means that you are able to commit real-time availability of your products and allow a consumer to make a booking and instantly transact funds online.
There a range of ways you can get your tourism business e-commerce enabled and we encourage you to contact us to find out how your business can get online. ...Back to FAQ
Where can I find out more about getting connected through TED?
Tourism NT and V3 will provide individual help desk support over the telephone and by email to all Northern Territory tourism industry operators wanting to know more about getting connected through TED.
For general enquiries on TED and the learning and development opportunities offered by Tourism Northern Territory, contact Ian Crawshaw at the TED Help Desk on (08) 8999 3819 or ian.crawshaw@nt.gov.au
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How do I receive payments for bookings received through TED?
Each distributor sets the payment method for each of its suppliers when selling via the Open Booking Exchange.
The distributor has two payment options:
• Direct – at the time of booking the full booking amount is deposited directly into the product supplier’s bank account. The OBX will then direct debit the distributor’s fee monthly from your account and pay the distributor.
• On Account – where the product supplier is required to submit an invoice to the distributor in order to receive payment.
As a supplier, you will be able to read each distributor’s payment method in their Terms and Conditions available through the Open Booking Exchange before you decide to opt-in with them. ...Back to FAQ
How does a consumer know that I have an online booking facility?
For most operators, your starting point is a Book Now page on your own website. Consumer bookings will be made directly into your reservation system through the OBX. When consumers go to a distributor website, they can book your product in real time through that site’s own booking pages. How your product is presented depends on what the online distributor wants the customer experience to be. Each distribution channel – such as TravelNT.com or an operator's own website – will have a unique look and way of presenting the booking process to the consumer.
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Do I need to be online when the customer makes a booking through the OBX?
The OBX allows purchases to occur online and in real time. This happens instantly and automatically – there is no need for you to be personally online for this to occur, although your inventory and booking point must be available in real time for a booking to be made. Through the OBX the customer will receive immediate confirmation of the booking, you will receive payment instantly and your inventory will be automatically updated.
Many systems can even automatically send you a text message the moment a booking are made, so no matter where you are, you will always be kept up to date. ...Back to FAQ
Do I need broadband Internet?
Broadband is ideal for businesses distributing product through TED’s open booking exchange. However, it is possible to operate with a dial-up or satellite internet connection, or through a third-party intermediary. ...Back to FAQ
How will I know if the OBX will work with my current property management system?
There are currently several property management systems already connected to the Open Booking Exchange: RMS, Fidelio, Respax, Frontdesk, Seatem and JBS. If your business currently operates one of these systems then you are e-commerce enabled and have the functionality to connect your products to the Open Booking Exchange. This list is constantly growing as new systems sign up to the OBX. Call the TED Help Desk on RING 1300 266 582 for more information on getting connected. ...Back to FAQ
What if my current reservation system is not integrated to the OBX?
If you are currently using an established property management system or wholesaler and they are not currently integrated to the OBX, you are encouraged to contact your system supplier and request that they integrate. For systems that are interested in integrating to TED, they should contact Stephen Wells at V3 on (02) 9227 3903 or email swells@v3leisure.com ...Back to FAQ
Can a double booking occur through the OBX?
No. The OBX goes to the source of the inventory which is live and in real time. Every distributor can see all availability at the same time. The confirmed credit card transaction locks the room or tour place away and if someone is trying to book the same room or tour, the booking will not go through. Even if someone comes to the front door of your business, if you are using a front-of-house reservation system, then the booking will be reflected instantly. ...Back to FAQ
Will I still be able to distribute my product through traditional channels?
Yes, the traditional channels for distribution will still be available to you. Tourism NT will continue to work with traditional distributors to ensure Territory tourism products are available through the widest range of channels. ...Back to FAQ
I manage my inventory through a channel management system – will these by connected through the OBX?
The channel management systems SiteMinder and Channel Manager are currently in the process of being integrated to the OBX. Once this process is complete, tourism operators managing their inventory through these channels will be able to allocate inventory and be visible and bookable online and in real time. More Channels are coming online all the time. ...Back to FAQ
How will Tourism NT assist me to get connected through TED?
Tourism NT is offering long-term support to the tourism industry to assist them to become e-commerce enabled and to ensure visitors can search and book Territory products online. The TED Help Desk is available from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday on (08) 89993819 or ian.crawshaw@nt.gov.au Our Industry Video E-Kit is a series of short tutorial videos which quickly and simply explain how taking your business online and connecting with open Booking technology will benefit your business. View the Video E-Kit here. ...Back to FAQ
What if I know very little about computers and doing business online – can I still get involved?
Tourism Northern Territory recognises that everyone is at a different stage with this. We strongly recommend the Tourism E-Kit as a first point of referral for those wanting to get the basics of doing business online.
Once you have reviewed this material, you may decide to get online yourself and connect to the OBX, or you may choose to have someone else hold your inventory and distribute on your behalf. ...Back to FAQ
What is a distributor?
A distributor is a consumer-facing business owned either by the private sector or government, that provides content (including product) or a pathway to making a booking or both. ...Back to FAQ
I am thinking about becoming a distributor of Northern Territory product, what do I need to do?
In the first instance, you need to contact Tourism NT and discuss how you present Northern Territory product to market. If you are considering digital distribution, Tourism NT will work with you to facilitate your connectivity to the TED open booking exchange system. If you’re looking at other means of distribution, Tourism NT will be able to work with you to determine which model best suits your business needs. Connecting you to Northern Territory product is just one of the ways Tourism NT can support your business. Through a customised approach Tourism NT can develop a partnership plan that lets your business maximise the selling potential of the Territory. To talk to Tourism Northern Territory about becoming a distributor of Northern Territory product, contact the TED Help Desk on (08) 8999 3819 or email ian.crawshaw@nt.gov.au ...Back to FAQ
What are the benefits of V3’s Open Booking Exchange platform for distribution partners?
The Open Booking Exchange (OBX) allows a distributor to display, and the consumer to book, live product in real time. The OBX allows you to offer the best price to their consumers all of the time and exchange a range of products including accommodation, tours, attractions and events. You can also set your terms and conditions and commission rates through the OBX, which can be opted in and out of through a simple online process. ...Back to FAQ
Can I sell a package through the Open Booking Exchange?
Yes. The package will form a part of the inventory held in your property management system or the inventory you have accessed from your supplier. The customer does not build a dynamic package but rather they will buy a packaged solution that you have presented to them through your website or online distributor. ...Back to FAQ
Will the Northern Territory Visitor Information Centres be able to connect through TED and the OBX?
Yes. A number of Northern Territory visitor centres are already connected through presenting their operators to the market using Bookeasy, a TED connected channel manager. Visitor centres are an important distribution channel for tourism operators that do not want to connect themselves, but want to use the centre as a third-party distributor.
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Can wholesalers access product through the Open Booking Exchange?
Yes. Wholesalers are accessing product through the OBX and distributing through their channels. Rather than relying on allotment, the OBX allows wholesalers to access product in real time. ...Back to FAQ
Do I need to be connected to the OBX to sell my product through TravelNT.com?
No. But if you are connected to the Open Booking Exchange, and you select TravelNT.com as one of your distributors, you will be able to participate in special Tourism NT online campaigns. ...Back to FAQ
Can a consumer see my product sold through different suppliers on TravelNT.com?
Yes. A consumer can see your product for sale through your nominated suppliers if they have selected TravelNT.com as a distribution channel. Consumers are very sophisticated in their buying behaviour and will determine who to purchase your product based on a number of considerations including the inclusions, exclusions, terms and conditions and of course, price. ...Back to FAQ