Attract High-Value Guests with Expedia Members Only Promotions

Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia provide a reliable source of bookings, bringing more visibility to your property than you could reach alone. While many travelers prefer to book direct, others choose to use trusted OTA sites to compare prices and book travel because of the convenience and perks OTAs offer, including loyalty programs. Expedia […]

5 Ways to Increase Direct Bookings

Online Reservations

Online travel agencies (OTAs) are here to stay. And that’s okay; when used well, they can be an extremely valuable marketing tool. But no matter how successful your partnerships with OTAs are, you should never neglect opportunities to boost direct bookings. With the lowest cost of acquisition (no hefty commissions required), these reservations are just too […]

Is it Crystal Clear? How to Prevent and Manage Cancellations and No-Shows

Cancellation Policy

It’s happened to every hotelier. The afternoon begins well, the transition between check-out and check-in is proceeding, rooms are being cleaned, last minute details arranged, special requests organized, and you’ve even personally handwritten a welcome note to leave on the desk of a high-profile guest. Then, the phone rings or the hours tick by. There’s been a […]

4 Considerations for Choosing the Right OTAs

OTA

Online travel agencies (OTAs) have taken the hospitality industry by storm. What began as a platform for selling excess inventory when demand was low, has grown to dominate the entire booking landscape. Today, the majority of reservations worldwide are made via these online platforms, which makes OTAs an essential component of all lodging operators’ distribution […]

11 Practical Ways to Increase Direct Bookings

Increasing Revenue

In an OTA-dominated online hotel market, every property strives for more direct bookings. While OTAs and traditional travel agents are effective for increasing occupancy and exposure, direct bookings boast the lowest cost of acquisition and are better for a hotel’s bottom line. Here are 11 practical ways lodging operators can tip the scales in favor […]

Peak Season Prep: An Independent Hotelier’s Checklist

Summer Checklist

As we head into summer in the Northern Hemisphere, many properties around the world are gearing up for peak season. Preparing for a wave of summer vacationers (or winter adventurers in the Southern Hemisphere) can both excite and intimidate lodging providers. On one hand, occupancy and revenue are up (yay!), on the other, the pressure […]

5 Ways to Turn OTA Lookers into Direct Bookers

Billboard Effect

There’s no denying that OTAs pack a powerful punch when it comes to online bookings. OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia have a potent arsenal of cutting-edge technology and massive marketing budgets behind their very successful distribution strategies; they boast online omnipresence with global consumer reach and seamless online bookings. While lodging operators understandably begrudge OTA […]