Introduction
OTA platforms like Booking.com and Expedia play an important role in hotel visibility—but their commissions can quickly erode profitability. In 2025, rising operational costs make it more important than ever for hotels to shift bookings toward direct channels. Here are five actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
1. Promote Direct-Only Offers on Your Website
Guests choose OTAs for convenience, not because they expect better prices. If you clearly advertise perks on your website, many will book directly.
Examples of Direct-Only Incentives:
- Free welcome drink
- Early check-in / late check-out
- Free parking
- Best Rate Guarantee
- Loyalty discount for returning guests
These small benefits often cost the hotel less than a single OTA commission.
2. Create a Fast, Mobile-Optimized Website
Over 60% of hotel searches happen on mobile devices. If your website is slow or poorly structured, guests will return to Booking.com to finalize their reservation.
Key website improvements:
- Load time under 3 seconds
- Simple booking widget
- High-quality photos
- Clear room descriptions and amenities
A website that works like an OTA—fast, clean, simple—wins more direct reservations.
3. Improve Your Google Business Profile
Many guests discover hotels on Google before even reaching Booking.com. A strong profile can redirect traffic straight to your site.
Optimize by:
- Uploading fresh photos
- Responding to reviews
- Posting monthly updates
- Adding booking links
- Keeping rates synchronized
This allows you to capture demand before it reaches the OTAs.
4. Build Your Email & Remarketing Funnel
The most cost-effective way to reduce OTA reliance is to encourage repeat guests to book direct next time.
How to build a strong funnel:
- Collect guest emails at check-in
- Send automated pre-arrival and post-stay emails
- Offer loyalty codes for future stays
- Run remarketing ads targeted at website visitors
Returning guests should never return through an OTA.
5. Review & Negotiate Your OTA Contracts
Many hoteliers forget they can actually negotiate. Small improvements to your agreement can produce significant savings.
You can negotiate for:
- Lower commission tiers
- Reduced visibility fees
- Short-term promos instead of long-term commitments
- Fewer preferred program restrictions
Even a 2–3% reduction makes a huge impact over a year.
Conclusion
Reducing OTA costs doesn’t mean cutting OTAs out—it means creating a balanced distribution strategy that maximizes profit. Start with your website, build direct incentives, sharpen your Google presence, and make sure your loyal guests come straight to you.