Everything you need to know about choosing the right CRM for your travel agency. Compare features, pricing, and discover why all-in-one platforms are changing the game.
The travel industry has undergone a seismic shift. Between changing consumer expectations, the rise of online booking platforms, and the need for seamless multi-channel communication, travel agencies face more pressure than ever to operate efficiently while delivering exceptional service.
At the heart of this challenge lies your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. But here's the thing – choosing the wrong CRM can cost you thousands in lost productivity, missed opportunities, and frustrated clients. Choosing the right one can transform your business.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what you need to know about travel agency CRM systems in 2025, how the major players stack up, and why the future of travel agency software might look very different from what you're using today.
Before we dive into specific platforms, it's crucial to understand why generic CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot often fall short for travel businesses.
Travel agencies have unique requirements that mainstream CRMs simply weren't designed to handle:
A generic CRM would require extensive (and expensive) customisation to handle even half of these requirements. That's why purpose-built travel CRM systems exist.
Based on our research across hundreds of travel agencies, here are the non-negotiable features your CRM should include:
Let's examine the leading travel CRM platforms in the market today. We'll be honest about both strengths and limitations.
Best for: Established agencies with existing Trams infrastructure
ClientBase has been a staple in the travel industry for decades. As part of the Sabre family, it offers deep integration with GDS systems and a familiar interface for agencies already using Trams back-office.
Strengths:
Limitations:
Pricing: Starts around £25/month per user (contact for enterprise pricing)
Best for: Agencies focused on stunning itinerary presentations
Travefy has carved out a niche with its beautiful, client-facing itinerary builder. If impressing clients with gorgeous trip presentations is your priority, Travefy delivers.
Strengths:
Limitations:
Pricing: Starts at around £30/month for basic plan
Best for: Solo advisors and small agencies wanting simplicity
Travel Joy offers a clean, modern interface that's particularly appealing to newer travel advisors who want to get up and running quickly.
Strengths:
Limitations:
Pricing: Starts at around £35/month
Here's what most travel agency software comparisons won't tell you: the real cost isn't just your CRM subscription – it's the total tech stack you need to run your business effectively.
Most travel CRMs handle contact management and bookings reasonably well. But running a modern travel agency requires much more:
Total monthly cost: £200-320+ per user
And that's before you factor in:
This is where the travel software landscape is evolving rapidly. A new generation of platforms is emerging that combines CRM, booking, finance, communications, and marketing into a single unified system.
SimpTrav represents this new breed of travel agency software – built from the ground up to eliminate the need for a patchwork of different tools.
At £99/month for the Professional tier (which includes most features), SimpTrav can replace:
Potential savings: 52-68% compared to multiple tools
With so many options, how do you choose the right platform for your agency? Here's a decision framework:
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, several trends will shape travel agency software:
Expect to see AI-powered features like:
Direct API connections with more suppliers, reducing manual data entry and enabling real-time pricing and availability.
As more agents work remotely, mobile-first design becomes essential – not just responsive websites, but native apps with full functionality.
The separation between CRM and communication tools is disappearing. Future platforms will have seamless voice, video, chat, and email built in.
Client portals will become more sophisticated, allowing customers to view itineraries, make payments, upload documents, and communicate with their agent – all from one place.
If you're evaluating CRM options for your travel agency, we recommend:
The right CRM isn't just software – it's the foundation of your client relationships and business growth. Take the time to choose wisely.
Get a personalised demo and see why travel agencies are switching to all-in-one platforms.
Book Your Free DemoSee how SimpTrav can save you 52-68% compared to piecing together multiple tools.
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