8 Smart Questions to Ask During a Travel Software Demo

Choosing the right software as a travel advisor can shape the trajectory of your entire business. Beyond flashy features and sleek interfaces, you’re looking for a partner who understands your goals, supports your growth, and is built to endure the evolving travel landscape. Asking the right questions during a demo helps cut through the noise and uncover what really matters.

1. Is your company profitable and how is it funded?

Profitability indicates stability. A software company that isn’t burning through investor cash or chasing fast exits is more likely to provide consistent pricing, focused product development, and long-term support. You want a tech partner that’s accountable to customers, not venture capital.

2. What markets or customer types are you serving?

Ask who their platform is really built for. If they’re serving enterprise agencies or airline consortia, your small business needs might take a back seat. Look for a solution built with independent advisors and boutique agencies in mind.

3. How long have you been operating, and who are your strategic partners?

Longevity matters. Ask about their track record, industry relationships, and whether they’ve integrated with trusted tools like Airbnb, Tripadvisor, or Privatetour.com. A mature company with strategic alliances signals reliability and credibility.

4. What type of travel businesses stay with you long-term?

Great software is sticky. Ask them to share success stories of travel advisors who scaled from part-time bookings to full-scale operations. Have users gone from $10K in annual bookings to over $1M? These examples show real ROI.

5. What does customer support really look like?

A responsive team matters more than bells and whistles. Who answers the call when something breaks? Look for live chat, dedicated account managers, or onboarding specialists—not just a help center and chatbot.

6. How often do you update your platform and what drives those updates?

Frequent updates based on user feedback show a product that evolves with your needs. Ask if they have a public product roadmap or if updates are driven by real travel advisor feedback.

7. How do you ensure data privacy and security?

In an age of breaches and compliance laws like GDPR, data protection is non-negotiable. Ask about their encryption protocols, user permissions, and compliance certifications.

8. What happens if I want to leave?

Transparency includes offboarding. Ask how your data is handled, how exports work, and whether there are exit fees. A good partner won’t trap you—they’ll earn your loyalty.

Final Thought: You’re not just buying software. You’re choosing a partner who should empower, support, and grow with you. Use these eight smart questions to find out who’s truly built for the long haul.