In short: a booking app needs a catalog, availability, online payment and a customer account. The real work is often on the team side: scheduling, confirmations, last-minute changes. Depending on these internal tools, the project ranges from €5,000 to €15,000 to over €40,000.
Why build your own booking app
Having your own booking app means no longer paying a commission on every booking and keeping the relationship with your customers. That’s what led Hurghada For You, a tour operator on the Red Sea, to launch its app: travelers book and pay directly, and the agency knows its customers.
The features of a booking app
- Catalog: listings with photos, price, duration and what’s included.
- Availability: dates, time slots, number of spots left.
- Step-by-step booking: choice, participants, details, payment.
- Payment: card, PayPal, or payment on site depending on your business.
- Customer account: bookings, documents, messaging and notifications.
- Languages and currencies: essential if your customers come from abroad.
The team side: scheduling, tracking and admin panel
A booking app is also judged by what it simplifies for the team. At Hurghada For You, three tools share the same real-time database: the customer app, a PRO app for the field team with driver tracking, and a web CRM to manage trips, hotels and accounting.
Every change (pickup time, driver, cancellation) is automatically sent as a notification to the customer and to the team’s WhatsApp group. This kind of automation is what saves time every day.
Booking app or booking website: which to choose?
A booking website is enough when your customers book once and don’t come back often. An app makes sense when they book regularly, or when they need their bookings on site: tickets, schedules, messaging with the team. Many projects start with a custom website with booking, then add the app.
How much does a booking app cost?
| Scope | Usual range |
|---|---|
| Customer app with catalog, booking, payment and a simple admin panel | €5,000 to €15,000 |
| Several user roles (customer, team), notifications, several languages | €15,000 to €40,000 |
| Several connected apps, CRM, automations like Hurghada For You | Over €40,000 |
The line items are detailed in our article on mobile app development cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can a booking app replace a platform like Booking.com or GetYourGuide?
It can complement it, then take a growing share of your bookings. Platforms bring in customers, your app keeps them coming back without a commission.
Which payment methods should you offer?
Bank cards at the very least. Hurghada For You offers PayPal and cash payment, because that’s what its customers ask for. The right choice depends on your business.
Can the app handle several languages?
Yes. The Hurghada For You app is available in 7 languages, with localized App Store listings and a choice of currency.
Do you need an admin panel?
Yes, at the very least to manage the catalog, availability and bookings. It can be simple at first and grow later.
Can the app connect to our existing tools?
Yes, for example a calendar, an invoicing tool or WhatsApp. These connections are decided during scoping, because they weigh on the budget.