In the hyper-connected world of hospitality, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) have become indispensable allies for hotels aiming to boost visibility and secure more bookings. OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, MakeMyTrip, and Agoda dominate the online booking landscape with their wide reach, user trust, and streamlined user experience. For hoteliers, this creates a powerful opportunity to increase occupancy and revenue — but only when approached strategically.
This blog post explores actionable strategies, emerging trends, and product-based solutions to help hoteliers generate maximum bookings from OTAs, all while maintaining control over pricing, reputation, and brand identity.
Why Should Hotels Rely on OTAs?
OTAs have reshaped how guests find and book accommodations. According to a 2024 Phocuswright report, 73% of online hotel bookings globally are now made through OTAs.
Here’s why they’re so effective:
For Guests:
- Convenience: Travelers can compare prices, amenities, and availability on a single screen.
- Trustworthy Reviews: OTAs showcase user-generated ratings and feedback.
- Secure & Seamless Booking: Trusted platforms with flexible payment options make the process smooth.
For Hotels:
- Wider Reach: OTAs help reach travelers across global markets, including regions you might not be able to access through direct channels.
- Improved Discoverability: Your hotel shows up in filtered searches (location, amenities, ratings).
- Cost-Effective Visibility: You pay only on bookings (via commissions), avoiding upfront marketing costs.
Popular OTAs by Region
Choosing the right OTA based on your guest demographics can make all the difference. Here’s a quick guide:
Understanding your target markets and traveler behavior will help tailor your listings to the most relevant platforms.
How Do OTAs Work? Understanding Commission Models
- Merchant Model In this model, the OTA collects payment from the guest at the time of booking. Your hotel receives the payment later, usually after the guest checks out. You offer rooms at a discounted or wholesale rate, and the OTA adds a markup to sell them at a profit.
- Agency Model Here, the guest pays your hotel directly during check-in or check-out. After the stay is completed, you pay the OTA a pre-agreed commission (typically between 10–25%) for generating the booking.
Each model has its pros and cons. The merchant model may increase your exposure on the OTA, but the agency model gives you direct guest relationships.
7 Proven Tips to Maximize OTA Bookings
Identify Your Ideal Guest and Match with the Right OTA
Not all OTAs serve the same type of travelers. Define your guest personas—families, solo travelers, or corporate guests—and align with platforms popular in their regions.
Example: Agoda and Trip.com are great for millennial travelers in Southeast Asia, while Booking.com is ideal for European markets.
List Your Hotel on Multiple OTAs
The more OTAs you’re on, the higher your chances of being discovered. Properties listed on 5 or more OTAs generate 40% more bookings than those on fewer platforms.
Pro Tip: Combine OTA visibility with a strong direct booking strategy to retain more profit.
Create a Visually Appealing and Informative Profile
First impressions matter—use high-resolution images and clear, benefit-focused descriptions. Highlight your rooms, amenities, local attractions, and unique offerings to stand out in a crowded market. Craft descriptions that speak to emotions, like: “Wake up to ocean views and start your day with an organic breakfast on the terrace.”
Focus on Guest Reviews and Reputation Management
OTA rankings are heavily influenced by guest feedback. Encourage reviews, respond promptly, and turn negative experiences into opportunities to show care and professionalism. Use reputation management tools that integrate with OTAs to monitor and respond to feedback seamlessly.
Use a Hotel PMS + Channel Manager Integration
Automate rate and inventory updates across all your OTAs to save time and eliminate errors. A robust PMS with channel manager integration ensures real-time syncing and consistent availability.
Example: Hotelogix PMS + AxisRooms Channel Manager allows centralized control of 50+ OTAs, helping you increase revenue and streamline operations effortlessly.
To maximize your performance on OTAs, price competitiveness is crucial. AxisRooms’ Rate Intelligence Tool empowers hoteliers with real-time competitor rate insights across OTAs, helping you dynamically adjust pricing based on demand, seasonality, and market trends.
It ensures your listings are always optimally priced—neither overpriced nor undercut—so you can win the booking without sacrificing profit.With automated parity checks, AxisRooms helps avoid undercutting between your own OTAs, which can negatively affect your rankings and trust.
Collaborate with Your OTA Market Managers
OTA-assigned market managers offer tailored strategies based on your property’s performance and regional travel trends. They help you craft special offers, optimize your listings, and run targeted promotions. Regular collaboration ensures better OTA visibility and more relevant traffic to your property.
Promotions and Loyalty Campaigns
Boost bookings by leveraging OTA features like limited-time deals, geo-targeted discounts, and loyalty rewards. These not only attract more bookings but also help your listing rank higher on OTA platforms. Offer perks like early check-in, free upgrades, or exclusive discounts to drive guest interest and repeat stays.
What’s Trending in OTA Booking Strategies (2025 Edition)
Stay ahead with these current trends:
Mobile-first Optimization - As of early 2025, 61% of all OTA hotel bookings are made on mobile devices.
AI-driven Personalization - OTAs are increasingly using AI to match users with hotels based on preferences, past behavior, and reviews. Make sure your listings are detailed enough to rank higher in personalized recommendations.
Sustainability Filters - Guests now search for eco-certified or green properties. Highlight sustainable practices in your OTA profile: solar power, reduced plastic usage, waste management, etc. 60% of global travelers prefer eco-friendly hotels.
Voice Search Optimization - With voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home influencing travel decisions, ensure your listings are simple, keyword-rich, and voice-search friendly.
Final Thoughts: Set Your OTA Strategy Up for Success
Maximizing OTA bookings isn't about being on every platform — it's about being strategic, consistent, and tech-enabled. The goal is to increase visibility, drive more bookings, and enhance guest trust without sacrificing profit margins.
Start by identifying the right OTAs based on your target audience. Don’t rely on a single platform—listing on multiple OTAs can significantly boost your reach. Make sure your listings are compelling, with high-quality visuals and clear descriptions that highlight your property’s unique selling points.
Keep your online reputation strong by encouraging reviews and responding to feedback regularly. A positive review score plays a big role in OTA rankings.
Most importantly, automate operations with a powerful Hotel PMS and Channel Manager integration. Tools like Hotelogix PMS, paired with AxisRooms Channel Manager and Rate Intelligence Tool, help you update rates and availability across OTAs in real time, eliminate manual errors, monitor pricing trends, and manage bookings from one dashboard.
Stay updated on OTA trends, collaborate with market managers, and leverage promotional campaigns to stay ahead. When done right, OTAs can become a high-performing channel that consistently fills your rooms and grows your revenue.