Contents
BUYERS GUIDE
Channel Management Software for Hoteliers & Hosts
BUYERS GUIDE
Choosing the Right Booking Engine
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At the end of the day, success boils down to one key metric: rooms sold.
Your distribution strategy is the backbone of how you sell those rooms effectively, ensuring you reach the right guests through the right channels.
For The Bliss, this meant a balanced approach with a mix of global and local booking channels in the Netherlands while prioritizing direct bookings for cost efficiency and building stronger guest relationships.
Top European Booking Channels of 2024: Insights from RoomRaccoon's Booking Channel Report.
5 tips to build the perfect booking channel mix
- Choose booking channels that align with your goals
The right channels depend on your target audience. For example, The Bliss focused on attracting international corporate executives while also appealing to local travelers. Different channels cater to different objectives, so it’s crucial to align your strategy with your business goals.
Need help deciding? Check out our guide for key criteria to consider when selecting booking channels for your property.
- Expand beyond a single channel with the right tools
Without a channel manager—or if you’re using one that adds extra commissions—you might limit yourself to just one or two booking channels to save time and reduce costs. However, this can lead to overbookings, restricted distribution, and missed revenue opportunities.
Investing in the right tools not only maximizes your visibility but also helps you optimize operations and boost your revenue potential.
- Give them a reason to book directly
Your absolute focus should be converting that website visitor into a paying guest. How? By offering more value than the OTAs. Think direct booking discounts (5%, 10%)—it’s usually cheaper than paying OTA commissions anyway. After their stay, send a follow-up email with an incentive to book directly next time. And don’t forget to sweeten the deal with irresistible add-ons and package offers.
Guests expect something extra when they make the effort to check out your website instead of booking through an OTA. Don’t disappoint them—give them every reason to book with you directly.
- Make the booking process as quick and easy as possible
When guests arrive on your website, make sure the first thing they see is a prominent, irresistible call to action encouraging them to book directly. Place this CTA strategically across all pages for maximum visibility. Also, minimize required details at booking—save them for online check-in. A seamless process boosts conversions and keeps guests engaged.
Discover the must-have features of a high-converting booking engine.
- Team up with Google to win more direct bookings
Half of The Bliss's bookings were direct bookings—not just through organic marketing but by listing on Google Hotels. This powerful booking platform provides the visibility needed to compete with OTAs dominating search results. Best of all, it directs interested travelers to your integrated booking engine, giving you full control over guest relationships and data.
With Google Hotels, you only pay for completed guest stays, making it a low-risk, high-reward booking channel.
