PHP Development: 3rd Party Bookings Integration for VisitBude

I was approached by Tourist Information Centre to integrate a 3rd party bookings system into their existing system, as a part of the website’s revamp, whilst still allowing staff at Bude TIC to continue adding/modifying new pages to the website without interfering with the booking system.

Using the 3rd Party API documentation, I set about creating a bespoke WordPress plugin to interact with the booking data from their system, using PHP as the programming language. This allowed me to develop a page showing which of the accommodations in the system were available to book, for both online and telephone/offline bookings. After a booking has been selected, the data is then passed back up to their system with the parameters  arrival date, departure date and many others for them to process the booking. All this is done seamlessly between Bude TIC and the 3rd Party company. I then created a bespoke availability calendar using the data from the 3rd Party system to make it easier for the pupil when searching for a booking.

The main issue with this project was understanding how WordPress would retrieve its data from the 3rd party system when viewing an individual accommodation. The solution involved mapping accommodation entities in the 3rd party system, to the accommodations posts created in WordPress. This in turn allows accommodations to be created in the booking system, enabling staff at Bude TIC to link it to an accommodation post within WordPress.

Whilst developing the plugin, I made sure all programming standards and practices as set out by WordPress were used. This ensures any future updates to the core of WordPress does not affect the website.

For all your cornwall software development needs, get in touch by telephone or drop me a line to start discussing.

Working with Dean has been an integral part of the re-design, branding and continuous marketing of Bude and developments to the VisitBude website.  He is consistently able to take our brief and work his magic in creating a strong, impactful result that has seen positive feedback from locals and visitors to the area. We continue to work with Dean on numerous projects and value his input when required.
Mark - Director, Bude Area Tourist Board Ltd.

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Testimonials

Dean recently created an excellent animated logo for my website, Bude & Beyond (www.budeandbeyond.co.uk). What I never realised at the outset was how much time, effort, discussion, creativity and dedication goes into producing a logo. After an initial discussion, Dean created many versions, in different colour schemes and formats, which he also animated. He sought appropriate feedback and went the extra mile to ensure that the colours and design were absolutely spot on. I was very impressed at his determination to get it right and to re-create and adapt until both he and I were both very happy with the final result.

So, I’d say Dean’s major strength is communication. I’m not IT-focused, but I appreciate a good-looking website/logo, so it really helps that he is able to discuss ideas in a friendly and accessible way, without over-use of jargon. He explains things well, and will interpret ideas in a client-focused way. He is extremely responsive, so wait times are very short. He listens to his client and creates ideas based on what he hears/understands. He checks all along the way (wording, colours, images, positioning) and will ask: what if we try this? He is also very open to constructive comments. Therefore, he provides plenty of guided choice.

I’m rather proud to now have a Dean Wronowski animated logo already in use on my social media and ready for my website (currently undergoing a major revamp). Dean’s designs are his trademark. Fresh, colourful and lively, they always try to encompass the nature of the product he is working with.

He is a remarkable talent which Bude is fortunate to have

Dawn Robinson - Bude and Beyond