Learn about direct bookings, their benefits for hotels, and strategies to increase them.
A direct booking occurs when a guest reserves a hotel room directly through the hotel's own channels, such as its official website, phone, or walk-in. Unlike bookings made through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), direct bookings do not incur third-party commissions, leading to higher revenue for the hotel.
Maximizing direct bookings is a primary goal for most hotels because it significantly improves profitability by eliminating OTA commission fees and allows for direct guest communication and relationship building. For example, a hotel can offer exclusive perks like free breakfast or a room upgrade only to guests who book directly, encouraging repeat business and enhancing the guest experience from the outset.
Related terms
- OTA
- OTA commission
- Booking engine
- Conversion rate
