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Visibility is key in the hotel industry, and being present on online booking sites, also known as OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), can be decisive in maintaining a high occupancy rate. These platforms act as global showcases, connecting your hotel or hostel to millions of potential guests looking for accommodation in various destinations.
In this article, we explore the importance of the main OTAs, why they are essential to your business's success, and how to ensure your hotel's presence on them to maximize bookings.
What are OTAs and why are they important?
OTAs are online platforms that connect travelers with hotels, inns, resorts, and other types of accommodation. They offer an easy-to-use interface where guests can compare prices, read reviews, and book directly.
Why are they important?
- Global visibility: OTAs have an international reach, allowing your hotel to be seen by travelers from different countries.
- Ease for the guest: They offer simple and secure booking processes, which makes it easier for the customer to finalize the purchase.
- Credibility: Renowned sites such as Booking.com and Expedia are recognized for offering a reliable user experience, which increases trust in your brand.
List of Top Booking Sites
A. Booking.com
One of the largest and most popular booking sites in the world, Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to hostels and vacation rentals. The site is known for its large user base and intuitive interface.
- Why be there?
Booking.com is one of the OTAs with the highest number of bookings in the world. A presence on this platform can significantly increase your hotel's occupancy rate and visibility.
B. Expedia
Another market giant, Expedia is a multifunctional platform that offers travel packages, flights, car rental, and, of course, hotel bookings. It mainly serves the North American market, but also has a strong global presence.
- Why be there?
Expedia allows your hotel to be found by a diverse audience looking for convenience and complete travel packages, especially for business travelers.
C. Airbnb
Originally aimed at alternative accommodation such as rooms and apartments, Airbnb has expanded its offerings to include boutique hotels and guesthouses. The platform is popular with travelers looking for a unique and personalized experience.
- Why be there?
Being on Airbnb helps attract an audience that values authenticity and local experiences. For guesthouses and boutique hotels, it's an excellent way to attract new customers.
D. Hoteis.com
Part of the Expedia group, Hoteis.com offers a platform focused exclusively on accommodation. It is widely used by frequent travelers because it offers loyalty programs that reward guests with free nights after a certain number of stays.
- Why be there?
The platform allows you to attract travelers looking to accumulate benefits and rewards for their stays, encouraging them to return to your establishment.
E. Trivago
Although Trivago is not a traditional OTA, it is one of the largest hotel price comparators. The site directs travelers to other OTAs or directly to the hotel's website.
- Why be there?
Being on Trivago ensures that your hotel is found by travelers comparing prices on various platforms, increasing the chances of conversion.
F. Agoda
Very popular in the Asian market, Agoda offers a wide range of accommodations all over the world, but with a strong customer base in Asia. It also offers an easy-to-use interface and a variety of payment options.
- Why be there?
If your hotel wants to attract more Asian tourists, being on Agoda is essential for increasing visibility in this growing market.
G. Trip.com
Another platform focused on the Asian market, Trip.com is widely used by travelers from China and other countries in the region. It offers complete travel packages, including accommodation, flights and sightseeing tours.
- Why be there?
Like Agoda, Trip.com is an excellent way of attracting Asian tourists, especially Chinese, who are increasingly traveling abroad.
H. Google Hotel Ads
Google Hotel Ads allow hotels to be displayed directly in Google searches. When someone searches for “hotels in [destination]”, your hotel booking options can appear in the top positions.
- Why be present?
Google is the world's leading search engine, and being present in hotel-related searches can be extremely valuable for capturing direct bookings.
Benefits of Being Present on Several OTAs
A. Increased Visibility
Each OTA offers a platform to expose your hotel to a wide audience, allowing you to attract more guests from different regions and profiles.
B. Market diversification
Being on several platforms allows your hotel to reach different market segments. While Airbnb can attract travelers looking for local experiences, Booking.com can bring in those looking for convenience and security.
C. Higher Occupancy and Reduced Empty Periods
By having a presence on several OTAs, you can better fill periods of low demand, ensuring a more stable occupancy throughout the year.
D. Improved Online Reputation
OTAs allow guests to leave reviews and notes after their stay. A hotel with positive reviews on several platforms can build a solid reputation, attracting even more bookings.
How to Manage Presence on Multiple OTAs
Although being on several OTAs brings many benefits, manually managing all the platforms can be a difficult task and prone to errors, such as overbooking or rate disparity.
Solution: Use a Channel Manager
A Channel Manager is a tool that automates the process of managing rates and availability on several OTAs, allowing you to update everything on a single dashboard and avoid manual errors.
Advantages of a Channel Manager:
- Automatic synchronization of rates and availability.
- Avoids overbooking and price differences.
- Saves time by reducing manual work.
Simplify your hotel management now! Click here and find out how Erbon's PMS can transform your operation.
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