Hotel Website vs OTA: Why Direct Enquiries Matter for Rajasthan Properties
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) charge 18% to 25% commission on every room reservation. Here is why establishing your own direct web presence is essential for long-term hospitality profitability.
1. The Commission Bleed
When a guest books a room through an OTA, your property loses nearly a quarter of the total transaction value. If your hotel averages 150 room nights a month at ₹3,000/night:
Total Revenue: ₹4,50,000
OTA Commission (20%): ₹90,000 lost per month
Total Revenue: ₹4,50,000
Direct Website Commission: ₹0 (100% retained)
2. Guest Relationship & Direct Re-Booking
OTAs mask guest phone numbers and email addresses, preventing you from developing direct guest relationships. With a direct website, guests communicate via WhatsApp or phone, allowing your team to:
- Upsell higher category suites directly
- Offer custom destination wedding and banquet packages
- Send festival season offers directly to past guests
- Eliminate third-party cancellation dispute headaches
Real Example: Hotel SK Grand
Learn how Hotel SK Grand in Jaipur uses its official website to capture direct tourist enquiries.
Read Hotel SK Grand Case Study →Frequently Asked Questions
Should hotels stop listing on OTAs entirely?
No. OTAs (like MakeMyTrip, Agoda, Booking.com) are valuable for top-of-funnel billboard visibility. However, smart hotels use OTAs for initial discovery while driving repeat guests, corporate travelers, and local event bookings directly to their own website.
Can hotels offer lower prices on their official website than on OTAs?
Yes. You can provide exclusive direct booking perks such as complimentary breakfast, free late check-out, room upgrades, or direct discount vouchers that reward guests for booking through your website.