Final Year Project
Final Year Project
Chapter One...............................................................................................................................1
Introduction................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background.......................................................................................................................1
1.2 Existing System................................................................................................................2
1.3 The Objective...................................................................................................................2
1.4 Statement of the Problem.................................................................................................3
1.5 Overview..........................................................................................................................4
1.6 Significance of the Project................................................................................................4
1.7 Methodology.....................................................................................................................5
1.7.1 Project Discovery.......................................................................................................5
1.7.2 System Design...........................................................................................................5
1.7.3 Development..............................................................................................................5
1.7.4 Testing and Quality Assurance..................................................................................5
1.7.5 Deployment and Support...........................................................................................5
1.8 Scope and Limitation........................................................................................................6
1.8.1 Scope..........................................................................................................................6
1.8.2 Limitations.................................................................................................................6
Chapter Two...............................................................................................................................7
Literature Review.......................................................................................................................7
2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................7
2.2 Overview of Existing Systems.........................................................................................7
2.3 Technology Trends in Hospitality....................................................................................8
2.4 User Experience in Online Booking.................................................................................9
2.5 Security Concerns.............................................................................................................9
Chapter Three...........................................................................................................................10
System Design and Implementation.........................................................................................10
3.1 System Requirements.................................................................................................10
3.1.2 Non-Functional Requirements.................................................................................11
3.2 System Architecture.......................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Overview..................................................................................................................12
3.2.2 Database Design......................................................................................................13
3.2.3 User Interface...........................................................................................................14
3.2.4 Identifying Use Cases..............................................................................................14
Steps for Identifying Use Cases....................................................................................14
Use Cases for Guests.....................................................................................................14
Use Cases for Admins...................................................................................................15
3.3 Development Process.....................................................................................................16
3.4 Implementation Details..................................................................................................16
3.4.1 Frontend Technologies............................................................................................16
3.4.2 Backend Technologies.............................................................................................17
3.4.3 Database...................................................................................................................17
3.4.4 Payment Processing.................................................................................................17
Chapter 4..................................................................................................................................17
Testing and Evaluation.............................................................................................................18
4.1 Testing Strategies...........................................................................................................18
4.1.1 Unit Testing.............................................................................................................18
4.1.2 Integration Testing...................................................................................................18
4.1.3 User Acceptance Testing (UAT).............................................................................18
4.1.4 Performance Testing................................................................................................18
4.1.5 Security Testing.......................................................................................................18
4.2 Results and Analysis.......................................................................................................18
4.3 User Feedback................................................................................................................19
4.4 Conclusion and Future Work..........................................................................................19
4.4.1 Conclusion...............................................................................................................20
4.4.2 Future Work.................................................................................................................20
Reference..................................................................................................................................20
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background
A hotel booking system is a software application designed to streamline the reservation
process for hotels and other accommodation providers. These systems allow guests to book
rooms online, manage availability, and facilitate payment processing, making them essential
tools in the modern hospitality industry. By integrating various functionalities such as online
booking engines, channel management, and property management systems (PMS), hotels can
optimize their operations, reduce errors, and enhance the overall guest experience. The
importance of hotel booking systems has grown significantly with the rise of digital
technology and changing consumer behaviours. Travellers increasingly prefer to make
reservations online, which necessitates that hotels adopt efficient booking systems to remain
competitive. These systems not only improve customer satisfaction through seamless booking
experiences but also enable hoteliers to maximize revenue by managing inventory effectively
across multiple online travel agencies (OTAs) and direct bookings. Current trends in hotel
booking systems include mobile optimization, integration with other services like customer
relationship management (CRM) tools, and personalized guest experiences driven by data
analytics. As more travellers use smartphones for bookings, having a mobile-friendly
interface is crucial. Additionally, the ability to analyses guest preferences allows hotels to
tailor their offerings, fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat business. For your project in
Ethiopia, focusing on these innovative aspects could provide valuable insights into
developing a robust hotel booking system that meets local market needs.
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1.4 Statement of the Problem
The hospitality industry faces significant challenges in managing hotel bookings effectively,
particularly in an increasingly digital landscape. Many hotels still rely on outdated manual
processes for reservations, leading to inefficiencies such as overbooking, miscommunication,
and a lack of real-time data management. Without a robust hotel booking system, hotels
struggle to maintain accurate inventory levels across various distribution channels, which can
harm their reputation and result in lost revenue opportunities. This situation highlights the
necessity for a comprehensive solution that integrates seamlessly with existing technologies
while providing an intuitive user experience for both guests and hotel staff. Another critical
issue is the growing demand for online booking capabilities among travellers. As more guests
prefer to book accommodations through digital platforms, hotels that lack an effective online
booking system risk losing potential customers to competitors who offer a streamlined
reservation process. The absence of features such as mobile optimization, multi-currency
support, and personalized guest experiences further exacerbates this problem. Consequently,
hotels must adapt to these changing consumer expectations by implementing modern booking
systems that enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Lastly, security concerns
related to online transactions pose a significant challenge for hotel operators. With increasing
incidents of data breaches and cyber-attacks, it is crucial for hotels to adopt secure payment
processing systems that protect sensitive guest information. A failure to address these
security issues can lead to a loss of customer trust and potential legal repercussions.
Therefore, developing a hotel booking system that not only provides a seamless user
experience but also prioritizes data security is essential for addressing the current challenges
faced by the hospitality industry.
1.5 Overview
A hotel booking system is a crucial tool for the hospitality industry, enabling hotels to
manage reservations and streamline operations effectively. This online platform allows guests
to make secure reservations directly through the hotel’s website, enhancing convenience and
accessibility. With features such as real-time availability checks, instant booking
confirmations, and payment processing, these systems improve the overall guest experience
while optimizing hotel management processes. By automating day-to-day operations, hotels
can increase bookings and revenue while reducing the risk of overbooking and manual errors.
Modern hotel booking systems often integrate with various distribution channels, including
online travel agencies (OTAs) and social media platforms, allowing hotels to reach a broader
audience. This integration ensures that room rates and availability are consistently updated
across all platforms, facilitating smoother operations. Key functionalities typically include
reservation management, channel management, back-office management, and detailed
reporting capabilities. These features enable hoteliers to monitor performance metrics and
make informed decisions to enhance their marketing strategies. Moreover, advanced hotel
booking systems offer additional functionalities such as multi-currency support, multi-
language options, and customizable booking experiences. These enhancements cater to a
diverse clientele and improve user engagement by allowing guests to personalize their stays
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with add-ons like room upgrades or special requests. As the demand for online bookings
continues to grow, implementing an effective hotel booking system becomes essential for
hotels looking to thrive in a competitive market.
1.7 Methodology
Our methodology for developing a hotel booking system consists of several straightforward
phases to ensure an effective solution. These phases include project discovery, design,
development, testing, and deployment.
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1.7.1 Project Discovery
Requirement Gathering: We will engage with stakeholders to understand the features needed
for both guests and hotel staff. This phase will also involve analysing existing systems and
studying competitors to identify gaps and opportunities.
Market Research: Our team will conduct research on the target market to learn about user
preferences and behaviours, which will help us design a system that meets customer needs.
1.7.3 Development
Technology Selection: We will select the appropriate technologies for both the front-end and
back-end of the system, ensuring they are secure, scalable, and suitable for our requirements.
Implementation: Our team will develop the system in stages, making sure essential features
such as room availability checks, booking management, and payment processing work
seamlessly together.
By following this methodology, our group aims to develop a hotel booking system that is
efficient, user-friendly, and aligned with the needs of both guests and hotel operators.
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1.8 Scope and Limitation
1.8.1 Scope
The scope of our hotel booking system project includes the following key features and
functionalities:
User Registration and Login: Guests will be able to create accounts, log in, and manage
their bookings.
Room Availability Search: The system will allow users to search for available rooms based
on their travel dates and preferences.
Booking Management: Users can book rooms, view their reservations, and make
modifications or cancellations as needed.
Payment Processing: The system will integrate secure payment gateways to facilitate online
payments for bookings.
Admin Dashboard: Hotel staff will have access to a management dashboard to oversee
bookings, update room availability, and manage guest information.
Reporting and Analytics: The system will generate reports on occupancy rates, revenue, and
guest demographics to assist in decision-making.
1.8.2 Limitations
While the hotel booking system aims to provide a comprehensive solution, there are several
limitations to consider:
Internet Dependency: The online booking system requires a stable internet connection for
both guests and hotel staff to access real-time data and functionalities.
Initial Setup Costs: Implementing the system may involve significant initial costs for
software development, hardware, and training for staff.
Integration Challenges: Integrating with existing Property Management Systems (PMS) or
third-party services may present technical challenges that could delay deployment.
User Adoption: There may be resistance from staff or guests who are accustomed to
traditional booking methods, requiring additional training and support.
Security Risks: Although measures will be taken to secure sensitive data, there is always a
risk of cyber threats that could compromise user information.
By clearly defining the scope and acknowledging the limitations of the project, we aim to
create a hotel booking system that effectively meets user needs while being aware of potential
challenges that may arise during development and implementation.
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Chapter Two
Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
Online Hotel Reservations are becoming popular method for booking hotel rooms. Travelers
can book rooms from home via their home computer by using online security to protect their
privacy and financial information and by using several online travel agents to compare prices
and facilities at different hotels. Prior to the internet, travellers could write, telephone the
hotel directly or use a travel agent to make a reservation. The hotel booking industry is
experiencing a profound transformation driven by rapid technological advancements and
changing consumer behaviours. As travellers increasingly turn to digital platforms for their
accommodation needs, the importance of effective hotel booking systems becomes
paramount. This literature review explores the current landscape of hotel booking systems,
focusing on their features, limitations, emerging technology trends, user experience factors,
and security concerns. By synthesizing findings from various studies and industry reports,
this chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technology shapes the
future of hospitality and the implications for hotel management. The hospitality industry is
undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements that enhance
operational efficiency and improve guest experiences. This literature review examines the
current state of hotel booking systems, emerging technology trends, factors influencing user
experience, and security concerns associated with online reservations. By analysing these
components, we aim to understand how technology shapes the future of hospitality and the
implications for hotel management. [1]
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Payment Processing Options: Secure payment gateways are integral to modern hotel
booking systems. They provide multiple payment options, including credit cards,
digital wallets (like Telebirr and Mobile Banking), and sometimes even
cryptocurrency. Ensuring secure transactions is vital for building customer trust
Despite these advancements, existing systems face limitations. Many hotels struggle with
integrating their booking systems with other essential software such as Property Management
Systems (PMS). This lack of integration can lead to discrepancies in data and inefficient
operations. Furthermore, some systems may lack customization options, making it difficult
for hotels to tailor the software to their specific needs or branding requirements.
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2.4 User Experience in Online Booking
User experience (UX) is a critical factor influencing guest satisfaction in online booking
processes. Research indicates that a positive UX directly correlates with higher conversion
rates and customer loyalty. Key elements affecting UX include:
Intuitive Navigation: An intuitive navigation structure allows users to find
information quickly and easily. Successful booking systems prioritize minimizing the
number of clicks required to complete a reservation.
Speed and Performance: The loading speed of a booking site significantly impacts
user experience. Studies show that even a one-second delay can lead to increased
abandonment rates during the booking process. Therefore, optimizing website
performance is crucial for retaining potential customers.
Mobile Responsiveness: As more travellers use mobile devices for bookings,
ensuring that websites are responsive across various screen sizes is essential for
enhancing user satisfaction.
Customer Support Features: Providing easy access to customer support through live
chat or help centers can improve user confidence during the booking process. Guests
appreciate knowing they can get assistance if needed. [4]
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Chapter Three
The design of a hotel booking system requires careful consideration of both functional and
non-functional requirements to ensure that it meets the needs of users effectively.
Functional requirements specify what the system should do. For a hotel booking system,
these include:
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4. Payment Processing:
a. The system must support secure payment processing through various methods
(Tele Birr, Mobile Banking).
b. Users should receive receipts for their transactions.
5. Admin Dashboard:
a. Hotel staff should have access to a management dashboard to view bookings,
manage room inventory, and generate reports.
b. The dashboard should allow staff to update room rates and availability.
6. User Reviews and Ratings:
a. Guests should be able to leave reviews and ratings for their stays.
b. The system should display average ratings for each room or hotel.
Non-functional requirements define how the system performs its functions. Key non-
functional requirements include:
1. Performance:
a. The system should handle at least 500 concurrent users without performance
degradation.
b. Page load times should not exceed 10 seconds.
2. Security:
a. User data must be encrypted both in transit and at rest.
b. The system must comply with relevant data protection regulations (e.g.,
GDPR).
3. Usability:
a. The user interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate for users of all
technical levels.
b. Help documentation should be available for users.
4. Scalability:
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a. The system architecture should allow for easy scaling to accommodate
increased traffic during peak seasons.
5. Availability:
a. The system should have an uptime of at least 99.5%, ensuring that users can
access it at all times.
3.2.1 Overview
1. Presentation Layer: This layer includes the user interface that interacts with users
(both guests and hotel staff). It is responsible for displaying information and
collecting user input.
2. Business Logic Layer: This layer contains the core functionality of the application,
including processing user requests, managing bookings, handling payments, and
enforcing business rules.
3. Data Access Layer: This layer interacts with the database to perform CRUD (Create,
Read, Update, Delete) operations on data related to users, bookings, rooms, and
reviews.
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3.2.2 Database Design
Users Table: Stores user information such as user ID, name, email, password
(hashed), and role (guest or admin).
Rooms Table: Contains room details including room ID, type, rate, availability
status, and description.
Bookings Table: Records booking information such as booking ID, user ID, room ID,
check-in/check-out dates, total cost, and payment status.
Reviews Table: Stores guest reviews including review ID, user ID, room ID, rating,
comment, and date of review.
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3.2.3 User Interface
The user interface is designed to be responsive and accessible across devices (desktop and
mobile). Key components include:
Search Rooms: Guests can search for available rooms based on criteria such as
check-in/check-out dates, number of guests, and room type.
Make Booking: Guests can reserve a room by providing necessary details and
completing payment.
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Cancel Booking: Guests have the option to cancel an existing reservation.
View Booking History: Guests can view their past bookings to keep track of their
travel history.
Leave Reviews: Guests can provide feedback on their stay at the hotel.
Use Cases for Admins
The following use cases have been identified for administrators managing the hotel booking
system:
Manage Rooms: Admins can add, update, or remove room listings from the
system.
View Bookings: Admins can access and manage current bookings made by guests.
Update Rates: Admins can modify room rates based on demand or promotional
strategies.
Generate Reports: Admins can create reports related to occupancy, revenue, and
guest feedback.
Post Vlog: the admin can post anything about the hotel.
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3.3 Development Process
The development process for the hotel booking system follows the Agile methodology:
3.4.3 Database
MySQL: Relational database management systems used to store application data
securely.
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Chapter 4
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4.1.5 Security Testing
Security testing was performed to identify vulnerabilities within the application. This
included penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to ensure that user data is protected
and that the application complies with relevant security standards.
Unit Testing:
A total of 100 unit tests were executed, with a success rate of 95%. The tests
identified minor bugs in data validation logic, which were promptly resolved.
Integration Testing:
Integration tests confirmed that all modules communicate effectively, with no
significant issues reported during API interactions. The integration of payment
processing was successfully validated.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT):
Feedback from UAT sessions indicated a high level of satisfaction among users
regarding the system's usability. Users appreciated the intuitive interface but
suggested enhancements for mobile responsiveness.
Performance Testing:
The system successfully handled up to 500 concurrent users with an average response
time of under 2 seconds. However, some performance degradation was observed
when exceeding this threshold, indicating a need for further optimization.
Security Testing:
Security assessments revealed no critical vulnerabilities, although some areas for
improvement were identified regarding password management and data encryption
practices.
Usability:
Users found the interface intuitive and easy to navigate, with clear instructions for
each step of the booking process.
Suggestions for improvement included enhancing mobile layout designs and
providing more detailed error messages during form submissions.
Functionality:
Users appreciated features such as room search filters and booking management tools
but expressed interest in additional functionalities like loyalty programs or
promotional discounts.
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The ability to leave reviews was positively received, contributing to user engagement.
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Reference
[1] U. Kushwaha, R. Kushwha, R. Bagri, U. Ahirwar, S. Singh Chandel,
and U. Singh Kushwaha, “HOTEL BOOKING WEBSITE,” Article in
International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering
Technology and Science, 2024, doi: 10.56726/IRJMETS54944.
[2] Shine Colcol, “Hotel Reservation System: Software Guide for 2024,”
https://www.siteminder.com/r/hotel-reservation-system/.
[3] K. Ahmad and A. Gandhi, “Hotel BookingIntentions: ALiterature Review,” GLIMS
Journal of Management Review and Transformation, Dec. 2023, doi:
10.1177/jmrt.231197918.
[4] Ö. Üyesi et al., “Otellerin Rezervasyon Motorlarının Trip Advisor’daki Etkinliği:
Hatay Örneği.”
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