VISIT FLORIDA Launches JackRabbit Systems BookDirect Mobile Application

Travelers Can Now Search Real-time Rates and Availability From Mobile Devices

SANTA FE, N.M.--()--JackRabbit Systems, Inc., a developer of custom search engines for the travel industry, has launched its first statewide mobile application for Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) partners with VISIT FLORIDA. The mobile application enables DMOs to leverage JackRabbit’s BookDirectTM search engine technology on mobile devices, making real-time rates and availability accessible to customers on the go.

JackRabbit’s state-of-the-art mobile technology allows DMOs to offer direct bookings to travelers through their smartphones and tablets. Depending on the features a DMO has chosen to implement, upon visiting the DMO mobile site from their device, travelers can choose to search for lodgings, events or special offers by selecting desired dates. After comparing rates, they then have the option to click for more details or call to complete the booking directly with the service provider. The map function of the BookDirect mobile application also allows travelers to view the closest hotels, events and deals while they are on their journey – all in real time. It is the only mobile application available to DMOs that facilitates real time bookings with the lodgings, events and activities in their destination area.

“Now, as families travel down a highway, they can use their mobile device to view rates and availability from nearby lodging properties. The content is updated in real time, so consumers know the closest properties to them,” says Andrew Van Luchene, CEO of JackRabbit Systems, “Making a booking is as easy as clicking to call the front desk of the property right from the mobile website and then clicking the map to get directions from your current location.”

The BookDirect mobile application is now available throughout Florida, benefiting all lodging providers and travelers in the area. Using this mobile technology sends the most referrals to the lodging properties by directly connecting travelers with the front desk of a hotel. Additionally, BookDirect mobile provides the best customer experience by eliminating middleman costs that traditionally exists when booking with OTAs.

“JackRabbit’s BookDirect mobile application gives VISITFLORIDA.com users real-time information on rates and availability.” Jill Stewart, Marketing Operations Manager, VISIT FLORIDA. “With the implementation of this technology statewide, consumers have a new way to visit Florida.”

About JackRabbit Systems and BookDirect

In just 4 years, JackRabbit Systems has become the tourism and travel industry’s preferred choice for the development of custom travel search engines for destination and travel portal websites. JackRabbit's innovative BookDirect™ search engine helps over 1 million satisfied consumers each month directly book their stay and tickets within hundreds of destinations through city and state tourism organization (DMO) websites. BookDirect™ provides DMOs with the tools to create a better, more engaged online guest experience while generating the greatest financial return for travel service providers with increased bookings. By eliminating online travel agents and other costly middlemen, BookDirect™ allows consumers to search DMO websites for real-time rates and availability, and exclusively drives website visitors to book directly with local lodging and event providers. For more information, visit www.JackRabbitSystems.com.

Contacts

JackRabbit Systems
Julie Werman, +1 312 397 6088
julie.werman@ogilvy.com

Contacts

JackRabbit Systems
Julie Werman, +1 312 397 6088
julie.werman@ogilvy.com