Why Direct Bookings Are Critical
OTAs (Booking.com, Expedia, etc.) charge commissions of 15-25% on every booking. For a hotel with average revenue of €200,000, that means €30,000-€50,000 per year in commissions alone.
1. Build Your Own Booking Engine
Instead of relying exclusively on OTAs, invest in your own booking system on your website.
Advantages:
- Zero commissions on every booking
- Full control over the guest experience
- Data ownership — you know your guests
2. Offer Best Price Guarantee
Make sure the price on your website is always the best. Use:
- Exclusive discounts for direct bookings
- Free extras (breakfast, late checkout, upgrade)
- Loyalty programs for returning guests
3. Implement Hotel SEO
Make sure you appear in the top positions when someone searches "hotel in Santorini". Key steps:
- Update your Google My Business profile
- Ask for reviews from satisfied guests
- Use local keywords on your website
4. Use Social Media Strategically
Instagram and Facebook are valuable tools for hotels:
- Post attractive photos of rooms and facilities
- Create stories with offers
- Use Instagram Reels for virtual tours
5. Email Marketing & Retargeting
Keep your guests engaged:
- Newsletter with seasonal offers
- Retargeting ads for website visitors
- Post-stay emails for repeat bookings
Conclusion
Increasing direct bookings doesn't require a massive budget. It requires strategy, consistency, and the right tools. Nifty O.E. can help you at every step.