Running a hotel means finding ways to attract more guests. One of the best ways to do that is by listing your property on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). These websites allow people to quickly book rooms at your hotel from anywhere in the world. However, not all OTAs are the same, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your hotel's success.
In this article, we'll explore the best online travel agencies for hotels and explain how they can help you increase bookings.
An Online Travel Agency (OTA) is a website where people can book flights, hotels, and other travel services. OTAs are an excellent way for hotels to get more visibility and attract more guests. Instead of relying on people finding your hotel directly, OTAs help you reach a wider audience. They show your hotel to travelers searching for places to stay in your city or region.
An Online Travel Agency (OTA) is a website where people can book flights, hotels, and other travel services. OTAs are an excellent way for hotels to get more visibility and attract more guests. Instead of relying on people finding your hotel directly, OTAs help you reach a wider audience. They show your hotel to travelers searching for places to stay in your city or region.
What to Look for in the Best Online Travel Agency?
Choosing the best online travel agency for your hotel depends on several factors. Here are some key things to consider-
- Fees: OTAs usually charge a commission, which means they take a percentage of each booking. The fee varies from 10% to 30%, so knowing how much an OTA charges is essential.
- Audience Reach: Some OTAs are better for certain regions or types of travelers. Make sure the OTA you choose reaches the audience you're targeting.
- Ease of Use: Handling an OTA should be easy for you and your guests. A simple platform will make managing bookings easier.
- Support: Check if the OTA provides good customer support and integrates well with your property management system (PMS).
Top-rated Online Travel Agencies for Hotels
Here's a list of online travel agencies that can help increase your hotel's visibility and bookings:
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the world's biggest online travel agencies (OTAs). It lists millions of hotels, motels, and other types of accommodations. With over 1.5 million room nights booked every day, your hotel can gain massive exposure by listing here.
Key Features:
- Huge Audience: Booking.com has millions of users worldwide, so your hotel can attract international travelers.
- User-Friendly: The platform is easy to use for both hotel managers and guests, making booking and managing reservations simple.
- Flexible Policies: Guests often choose Booking.com because of its flexible cancellation policies, allowing guests more freedom.
- Helpful Tools: It provides advanced tools to manage rates, promotions, and reviews, which can help increase hotel visibility and revenue.
- Mobile App: The mobile app is widely used, allowing travelers to easily find and book your hotel from anywhere.
Expedia
Expedia is a well-known OTA that offers more than just hotel bookings. It combines flights, car rentals, and vacation packages, making it appealing to travelers looking for complete travel solutions. If your hotel wants to offer these extras, Expedia is a good option.
Key Features:
- Travel Packages: It lets travelers book complete packages, such as flights and hotels together, making it easier for them to plan trips. This can result in more bookings for your hotel.
- Strong Global Presence: Expedia is especially strong in North America and Europe, so it’s great if your hotel wants to attract guests from these regions.
- Special Promotions: The platform offers promotions and discounts that can help hotels increase their bookings, especially during slow seasons.
- Trusted Platform: Expedia is a well-known name in the travel industry, which can add credibility to your hotel when listed on the platform.
Airbnb
Airbnb started as a platform for renting out local homes but has expanded to include hotels, boutique stays, and unique experiences. It’s especially good for small hotels that offer something special, like bed-and-breakfasts or vacation rentals.
Key Features:
- Low Fees: Airbnb charges a lower commission (3% to 5%) compared to other OTAs, making it a cheaper option for independent hotels and small properties.
- Unique Experience Focus: The platform is known for offering unique and authentic stays, which attracts travelers looking for a more personal experience. This makes it ideal for boutique hotels and small, independently owned properties.
- Direct Communication: Hotels can communicate directly with guests before they arrive, which helps in creating personalized stays and improving guest satisfaction.
- Less Corporate Competition: Since many big hotel chains are less active on Airbnb, smaller hotels have a better chance to stand out and attract guests.
- Flexible Listing Options: Hotels can list different room types or properties, catering to different types of guests (solo travelers to large families)
Agoda
Agoda is one of the most popular OTAs in Asia. It’s a great platform if your hotel is located in the area that attracts Asian tourists. It is also known for offering affordable stays, which makes it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Key Features:
- Strong in Asia: Agoda is especially popular in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, making it a good option for hotels looking to attract tourists from these regions.
- Lower Commission Rates: Compared to other OTAs, Agoda charges lower fees, which can help hotels keep more of their revenue.
- Targeted Promotions: The platform offers deals and promotions aimed at Asian travelers, which can increase bookings for hotels in tourist hotspots.
- Variety of Payment Methods: Agoda supports many different payment options, including local methods used in Asia, making it easier for travelers to book rooms.
- Language Support: The platform offers multiple languages, helping hotels attract guests from various countries in Asia.
Trip.com
Trip.com is the leading OTA in China. It’s the go-to platform for Chinese tourists and is perfect for hotels that want to attract this growing market. The platform also offers full travel packages, making it easy for Chinese travelers to book entire trips.
Key Features:
- Largest in China: Trip.com is the biggest OTA in China, giving hotels excellent exposure to Chinese travelers.
- Mobile-Friendly: Trip.com has a very popular mobile app, which is widely used in China for making bookings, especially by younger travelers.
- Comprehensive Travel Services: The platform offers flight, hotel, and car rental booking, making it easier for Chinese travelers to plan entire trips.
- Marketing and Promotions: Hotels can use Trip.com’s marketing tools to target Chinese tourists, including special promotions that appear on the app.
- Language and Payment Options: The platform supports Mandarin and offers payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay, which are commonly used in China.
MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip is the leading OTA in India. It is widely used by Indian travelers for both domestic and international travel. MakeMyTrip offers a variety of services such as flight bookings, hotel stays, and holiday packages, making it a popular choice for Indian tourists.
Key Features:
- Largest in India: MakeMyTrip is the most popular travel site in India, giving hotels excellent exposure to Indian travelers.
- Wide Reach Across India: The platform helps hotels attract travelers from all parts of India, including smaller cities and rural areas.
- Deals and Promotions: MakeMyTrip frequently offers special deals and discounts, which can help hotels get more bookings, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Easy Payment Methods: The platform supports popular Indian payment options like UPI, Netbanking, and wallets, making it convenient for local travelers.
- Custom Marketing Options: Hotels can use MakeMyTrip’s marketing packages to increase their visibility, such as featuring their property in top search results.
Why Should You List Your Hotel on Multiple OTAs?
Don't limit yourself to just one OTA. Listing your hotel on multiple OTAs can help you reach different types of travelers and increase your chances of getting more bookings. Here's why this strategy works:
- More Visibility: Each OTA has its audience. Being on several platforms means more people will see your hotel.
- Different Features: Some OTAs specialize in last-minute bookings, while others offer packages. By using multiple OTAs, you cover more ground.
Other Good Online Travel Agencies to Consider
While big & popular OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia are great, other good online travel agencies can help boost your bookings. Here's a list of additional OTAs you should consider:
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is an online booking platform specifically designed for hostels and budget accommodations. It allows travelers to search, compare, and book affordable stays at hostels worldwide, focusing on budget-conscious backpackers and young travelers. It is popular in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, South America, and everywhere else where hostel and backpacking culture is popular.
HRS (Hotel Reservation Service)
HRS (Hotel Reservation Service) is used by travelers to find places to stay for vacations or business trips. HRS is popular with both business travelers and tourists. It helps businesses manage their travel plans by offering special rates and easy booking tools for companies. People like HRS because it gives many choices and makes booking a hotel quick and easy.
Orbitz
Part of the Expedia Group, Orbitz is a very popular online travel agency in the United States and Canada, where many travelers use it to book flights, hotels, and vacation packages. It is especially favoured by people planning trips within North America and those looking for deals on travel to international destinations.
Known for its "Name Your Price" deals, Priceline is good for attracting budget-conscious travelers.
Benefits of partnering with Top-Rated Online Travel Agencies
Partnering with top-rated online travel agencies can bring multiple benefits to your hotel:
- Increase Bookings: OTAs have large audiences, so listing your hotel there can boost your bookings.
- Reach More Travelers: OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia have a global reach, which is great for getting international guests.
- Free Marketing: OTAs spend a lot on digital marketing, so your hotel gets more exposure without extra effort.
- Flexible Pricing: Many OTAs let you adjust rates easily so you can respond quickly to demand.
How to Pick the Best Online Travel Agency for Your Hotel?
Choosing the best online travel agency depends on your hotel's goals and target market. Here's a simple process to help you decide:
- Know Your Audience: If most of your guests are from Europe, focus on OTAs like Booking.com. If you target Asian travelers, Agoda or Trip.com might be better.
- Check the Fees: Calculate each OTA's commission fees and see how much they'll take from each booking.
- Test the Platform: Ensure the OTA integrates well with your systems and is easily managed.
Make the Most of Your OTA Strategy
Choosing the best OTAs for your hotel is one of the most important decisions you can make to increase bookings. By using multiple platforms and finding the ones that align with your hotel's needs, you'll be able to reach more guests and fill more rooms. Whether you choose a giant like Booking.com or a niche player like Hostelworld, a smart OTA strategy can lead to your hotel's success.
Read Also: A Hotelier’s Guide on Online Travel Agencies 2024 - Hotelogix
