A Central Reservations Office (CRO) is a centralized reservation center that handles bookings for a travel company, such as a hotel brand, cruise line, or tour operator.
Instead of contacting an individual property or location, travel advisors and travelers can work with the CRO to make, modify, or cancel reservations.
What Does a CRO Do?
A Central Reservations Office may assist with:
- Making new reservations.
- Modifying existing bookings.
- Processing cancellations.
- Answering questions about availability.
- Providing rate and promotion information.
- Assisting with special requests.
Many travel suppliers use a CRO to ensure reservations are handled consistently across their brands or properties.
When Would a Travel Advisor Contact a CRO?
Travel advisors may work with a CRO when they need assistance with a reservation that cannot be completed online or requires additional support.
For example, an advisor might contact a CRO to:
- Verify availability.
- Request a special accommodation.
- Modify a reservation.
- Resolve a booking issue.
- Ask questions about rates or promotions.
Why Is It Important to Understand?
While many bookings can be completed through supplier booking portals, knowing when and how to work with a Central Reservations Office can help travel advisors resolve issues more efficiently and better serve their clients.
Building strong relationships with supplier support teams is an important part of providing excellent customer service.
How Careers on Vacation® Helps Students Learn Supplier Systems
At Wanderlust Campus, Careers on Vacation® students learn how to work with suppliers throughout the booking process.
Throughout the comprehensive 12-week certification program and business mastermind, students gain an understanding of supplier systems, reservation processes, client communication, and industry terminology so they can confidently manage travel bookings.
Build Confidence Working With Suppliers
Understanding what a Central Reservations Office does helps travel advisors navigate supplier relationships more effectively.
The more familiar you become with industry terminology and reservation systems, the more confidently you can serve your clients and resolve booking questions when they arise.
