Visit Scotland
VisitScotland & LovetoEscape
As of June 2013 VisitScotland has chosen to integrate with LovetoEscape's market leading online booking and payment system.
What does this mean for you?
It means your own pricing and availability will display on your VisitScotland.com web listing directly from your LovetoEscape Booking calendar, and the visitor will be able to book your cottage online instantly.
Your availability will be searchable and bookable on VisitScotland.com, via VisitScotland contact centre and Information centres and via your LovetoEscape listing.
Your accommodation will benefit from exposure to the 14 million annual visitors who use VisitScotland.com and 2-3 million annual visitors who use LovetoEscape.com
Please see the FAQs below for further details on the LovetoEscape Web Booking Engine, including how to add your LovetoEscape booking system to your VisitScotland web listing.
If you have any questions about the LovetoEscape Booking Engine, you can contact our support team and we will be happy to help or answer any queries. Please contact us on 01786 871246.
Frequently Asked Questions about our Web Booking Engine, for VisitScotland customers
Does your product offer a booking engine for my sector?
Yes, we offer a booking engine for all types of self catering, B&Bs, guest houses, hotels, even caravans and campsites.
For self catering accommodation (holiday cottages, holiday apartments, chalets, holiday lodges etc.), we can also take bookings and secure payments 24/7 with our automated system. ALTERNATIVELY, you can approve your booking requests before accepting payment. (On your approval the holiday maker will receive booking confirmation via email with a built-in payment button for online payment). There is no need for you to have a merchant services account, we will process payments from guests wishing to stay in your accommodation, and you will be informed every step of the way as it all happens.
Do you charge a setup fee?
There is NO set-up fee, and the use of the booking engine comes as a FREE add-on to our Premium Listing package. We are offering those listing with Visit Scotland a 50% discount with our Premium Listing package (£90+VAT rather than the list price of £180+VAT). As a Scottish Company integrating with Visit Scotland we are pleased to provide this at the discounted rate.
So what do you get for the package?
As well as advertising, the Premium Listing package also provides a powerful online calendar, email management, and integrated online booking and payment facility to complement all the other benefits and features we have available. The system has an on-board quality assurance score showing you how to get the very best out of your listing to help maximise bookings and payments. Please note your Premium listing will also feature on our mobile version of the site together with our iPhone and Android apps, (which we have built in to this package).
Do you charge an annual fee or any other fees?
Yes, the Premium Listing Package is an annual payment subscription, however we are offering to those listing with Visit Scotland a 50% discount (£90+VAT rather than the list price of £180+VAT). As a Scottish Company integrating with Visit Scotland we will keep the annual renewal subscription for Visit Scotland listings at the discounted rate. We have one comprehensive and powerful package, the Premium Listing package.
What are rates of commission (if any)?
Bookings can be processed FREE, however we charge an extremely competitive 5%+VAT for credit \ debit card based bookings.
Do I need to host my website with you?
No, however as we also provide a marketing platform (in the form of the Premium Listing package), you will have self publishing content management, including photo gallery, map location, special offer functionality, and a myriad of other features that will help you to be found by our internal search engines, and the major external search engines such as Google. Please note your Premium listing will also feature on our mobile version of the site together with our iPhone and Android apps, (which we have built in to this package).
Do you insert the booking system code in to my website, or do you send the code to me to deal with?
Yes, you can easily insert a few lines of code that we supply for your website. This allows holiday makers to view availability and book and pay online from your website, VisitScotland and LovetoEscape. It can be done in minutes! The code is available whether or not you wish to participate in the online payment system, it is designed to help you maximise your bookings as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Is there a charge for this?
No, we do not make any charge for the supply of this code.
Can the system accept secure payment via major credit cards?
Yes, we accept all major debit and credit cards, which we do securely through Worldpay. Uniquely you do not need to set up Paypal accounts or a merchant services account, we do all the payment transaction services for you, and transfer the booking payments directly to you. What is important about the LovetoEscape booking and payment system is that it is fully integrated with your calendar (automatic updates on bookings), and your reporting systems (keeping track of payments made, payments due, automated overdue reminders to holiday makers, and much much more).
What customer support do you offer (phone/email) and what are the operating hours for support?
We provide direct assistance by phone. Just call us on 01786 871 246 (normal office hours), or you can email us if you prefer. We will be very pleased to contact you at a time that best suits you if you wish us to call you back, just let us know. We prefer to speak directly to our customers and are ready and waiting for you.
How long is the contract?
There is an annual subscription of the Premium Listing package, however you can turn on and off all or any of the features, including online payments as you wish.
If I am not a member or don’t have a Premium listing on LovetoEscape, what should I do?
All you need to do is register with us in 4 easy steps, start adding your new LovetoEscape accommodation listing and online booking engine and upgrade to become a Premium member.
You can contact our support team and we will be happy to help or answer any questions you might have. Please contact us on 01786 871246.
How do I link my LovetoEscape Web Booking Engine (i.e. availability calendar) with my VisitScotland listing?
Step 1: Find your unique Accommodation ID on LovetoEscape:
- Log in to your LovetoEscape.com account
- Go to ‘Listings’
- Then click on ‘Edit Listing’
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In the Overview tab you will find your accommodation ID.
(Each listing has their own accommodation ID)
Step 2: Add your LovetoEscape Booking Engine to your VisitScotland web listing:
- Log in to your VisitScotland.com account (click on 'Extranet' at the bottom of VisitScotland.com)
- Choose ‘Edit details’ from the left hand menu
- Select ‘Misc’ tab
- Select Lovetoescape from the ‘Type’ Menu
- Enter your LovetoEscape accommodation ID.
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Click OK or Apply
"It's a great facility for busy accommodation owners and holiday makers. I have been using LovetoEscape's online payment facility for a couple of weeks and think it's a great facility for busy accommodation owners and holiday makers. I am now fully booked for August 2013 through online payments. I am pleased all my guests have taken the cancellation insurance as it is a great product!"
Sue Berits, East Lodge Owner, Stirlingshire