Direct bookings vs Booking & OTAs: is your own site worth it?
OTAs bring visibility but charge a commission on every booking. An own site with direct booking recovers margin over time.
What OTAs cost
Platforms charge significant per-booking commissions. At volume, that far exceeds the cost of an own site with maintenance.
When an own site pays off
Past a certain volume, what you pay in commissions in a year covers the site and its subscription — and the rest is margin.
It is not all-or-nothing
The most effective approach is to coexist: use OTAs for discovery and your site to convert direct bookings from people who already know you.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave Booking?
No. The strategy is to reduce dependence, not cut overnight. OTAs remain useful for reach.
How do I get people to book direct?
A fast, clear site with a simple booking request, social proof and, ideally, a small incentive for booking direct.
Do I need a booking engine?
To start, a direct booking request is enough. A full engine makes sense at higher volume.
A note from ArqWeb
This guide organises checks and decisions for a common situation. Implementation depends on the website, access and systems involved. We can assess your situation if you need help applying these steps.
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