Latest / Virtual GM - A Hotel Management Podcast
🎧 Season 4, Episode 8: The Direct Booking Myth
Are OTAs Really the Enemy?
“Book direct” has become a battle cry in independent hospitality—but should eliminating OTAs really be the goal? Cody & Meagan challenge the idea that every OTA booking is bad and every direct booking is automatically good, breaking down acquisition costs, visibility, conversion, repeat guests, website experience, and how independent hotels can use OTAs strategically.
🔹 Why Hotels Hate OTAs — Commissions, guest ownership, cancellation policies, communication limitations, rate parity, and dependence are real concerns. But what's the alternative cost of acquiring that…
The skinny
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