TRAVELLING Frogs is the catchy name of the newly-launched holiday accommodation online booking service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Developed by Newcastle-based couple Mark Cavanough and Samantha Alford, Travelling Frogs hopes to successfully take on the big multi-national names such as Stayz and Airbnb who currently dominate the industry.
“We are the only Australian owned and operated online booking service available for local tourist operators,” Mr Cavanough said.
“And we hope our service will provide a better option for the local industry and hopefully see the tourist accommodation industry grow in regional areas like the Hunter Valley.”
Mr Cavanough said Travelling Frogs, launched in February, will focus on regional Australian properties and already has three members in the Hunter.
“It’s an alternative solution for operators than having to use overseas based companies,” he said.
The main difference between Travelling Frogs and the other services is the fact they don’t charge commission.
Rather Travelling Frogs charges a yearly membership fee currently set at $97 per year.
The other online services charge commission on the rents charged ranging from 6-15 per cent for those booking the accommodation plus 3 per cent to the owner of accommodation, according to Mr Cavanough.
“That commission would be better staying locally and growing the business for the owner and that’s our business model,” he said.
Since the launch Travelling Frogs has attracted 48 members with 90 properties listed.
“We are all about the mum and dad operators in the short term holiday rental market,” Mr Cavanough said.
And where did the catchy name come from – eating a red frog while working on the concept.