Direct Booking Strategies

Industry target is 40–60% direct bookings. Most independent hotels in India and UAE currently sit at 20–35%. Shifting 10% of bookings from OTA to direct saves approximately ₹2–4 lakh annually for a 50-room hotel at average OTA commission rates.

Google Free Booking Links (FBL) are available to all hotels. You need a Google Business Profile, a booking engine that integrates with Google (SiteMinder, Cloudbeds, Little Hotelier all support this), and rate parity with your OTA listings. Setup typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Yes — when properly communicated. A BRG increases direct bookings by 8–15% on average, particularly when combined with exclusive direct-channel perks (free breakfast, early check-in, flexible cancellation). The key is prominent placement on your website and booking engine.