Benefits of Booking Direct
International Book Direct day this year is 5th February 2020. This means that hospitality owners from all around the world come together to promote the #bookdirect message and explain to potential guests the benefits of why they should be booking direct with the owner, rather than booking through an Online Travel Agent (OTA) such as Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, Tripadvisor etc.
The Truth about Online Travel Agents
Online travel agents can be very convenient to book through. However, did you realise that they charge property owners for every booking – up to 20% in some cases.
Also, some online travel agents charge a service fee to you the guest as well e.g Airbnb, and Homeaway. This could be up to 30% more in commissions and fees than booking with the property direct.
Online travel agents have also been found to be misleading customers. Competition and Markets Authority in the U.K. have found that online travel agents are often giving inferior positions to hotels and properties in search results if the property quotes a cheaper price on their own website.
The U.K. regulator says it has been investigating since 2018 after it became concerned that OTA’s were using pressure tactics and reported that “giving a false impression of a room’s popularity or not displaying the full cost of a room upfront could mislead people, stop them finding the best deal and potentially break consumer protection law”.
Why do accommodation providers use Online Travel Agents?
Online Travel Agents have huge advertising budgets and therefore can reach a greater amount of people
Most will have a wide selection of options to compare
We understand that some customers prefer to book all their accommodation through one site for convenience
We understand that some customers feel more reassured as they are booking through a large company. However, the online travel agents will not protect you any more than booking direct with the property. In fact you will often get a better customer service experience by booking direct with the property as they will take time out to make sure your stay goes as planned.
Why Book Direct?
Best price guarantee
Usually will not find a lower price anywhere else, so you save money! Many owners increase their direct booking prices for OTA’s by a certain percentage to offset all or part of the commissions.
Extras for free
You can often get a few extras for free to make your stay even more special e.g. early check ins / late check ins / late check out for free, or a welcome treat of sort sort
Exclusive Special Offers
Owners sometimes publish discount codes and offers that are only valid when you #bookdirect on their website. You can sign up to our VIP Email List to receive these, and watch out for them on our Facebook page
Personalised Booking, tailored to you
Do you have a specific need during your holiday that you need help with? For example, you need a baby sitting service during your stay, or a guest has an anniversary or birthday they are celebrating while on your holiday. Are you arriving late in the evening when the shops are closed and need some initial supplies to tide you over? Your host / property owner can work with you to help meet your needs and make your stay extra special!
Direct contact with the owner
This means you can ask any question before you book, to ensure that you are booking the right property for your holiday. The property owner is the best person to tell you about the area, and the accommodation. You often cannot get a lot of this information through the online travel agents
The owners have the best local knowledge!
We are your free destination guide! We know the best areas to eat, visit, how to save money and time and make the most out of your holiday. By #BookingDirect you ensure that you make the most out of this service and knowledge!
Some properties are not available on the Online travel agents or are not submitted to their calendar searches for the most sought after periods of the year.
If you only look on the online travel agents you will be missing out on some of the best properties and deals!
The best way to Book Direct
1. Search on the Online travel agents
Why? As a large number of properties do advertise on the online travel agents to gain the reach. However, then search for the property you like with Google / Facebook. You should be able to find their direct website, and you could save anywhere between 5% up to 25%!
2. Search on Google
Search for example for holiday homes in xxxx, holiday apartment in xxxx. Then ignore the large Online Travel Agent advertisements, and look at the direct websites.
3. Check out the Bookdirect Map
We are part of a group of worldwide property owners that have joined together to help spread the message of #BookDirect. All the properties are listed on a map so you can choose exactly where you would like to stay, what kind of accommodation. The map is growing every day with more properties coming on board!
4. Facebook groups
There are many Facebook groups that have a large amount of owners that advertise. Search for terms such as Holiday Rentals, Holidays Direct. Then add a post asking for your specific requirements – be surprised at how many enthusiastic owners can fulfil your requirements!
5. How to stay safe
Visit the owners website, talk to them directly, either by telephone, chat, message, or by email, make sure the email address is connected to the website, check that the owner sounds as if they know about the property and the area, and make your booking direct with the owner! Check out these top 10 tips for staying safe by the Telegraph.
If you are unsure, always pick up the phone to the owner, or send them a message through their Facebook page / website. Hospitality owners are a friendly bunch and we are here for you to have the best stay possible!