Understanding block bookings

Block Bookings represent commitments with Tour Operators to secure specified levels of occupancy on itineraries that have a fixed structure (Property / Accommodation Type), incorporating multiple properties and recur at regular intervals with set arrival and departure dates. It is accommodation space that has been allocated (reserved) for a specific agent before reservations have been made. Reservations are then drawn down from that allocated number of rooms.

A Block Template provides a mechanism for automatically generating multiple allocation itineraries with a fixed structure, recurring at regular intervals.

How Block bookings differ from Allocations

In ResRequest, Block Bookings are a form of Allocation. The key difference is that:

• Block Allocations represent itineraries (stays at multiple Properties / Accommodations) and draw down and expiry occurs simultaneously for all items on the itinerary. Allocations created in this way are known as Block Allocations.
• On a Block Allocation, all items within an Allocation Departure expire fully on the same day. This is different from a standard Allocation, where each Allocation Item expires individually and incrementally, day by day, in the case of ‘lead time’ expiry.
• A reservation drawing down from an Allocation Departure has to draw down against the entire itinerary (all Allocation Items within the Departure).

How Block Bookings differ from Blocked Rooms

Blocking rooms refers to the stock being blocked off from the availability calendar (via the business structure) so that the rooms cannot be booked. This is usually done when a room is closed for maintenance or refurbishment. In comparison, Block bookings are drawdowns from allocated itineraries which are set for specific agents.

Get to know some useful terminology to reinforce your knowledge and understanding of Block Bookings.

• Block Template
  This is a header record and template from which multiple recurring Allocations can be generated. It has a name, e.g. “Serengeti Circuit” and other attributes, such as the agent who owns the Block. It does not hold space.
• Block period
  A date range during which a template itinerary is applicable at regularly recurring intervals.
• Block Itinerary
  This is the set of Block Items that constitute the template itinerary applicable to a Block Period.
• Block Item
  One leg of the itinerary, i.e. a duration of stay at one Property / Accommodation from the group of Properties / Accommodations.