The new OTA landscape: beyond Airbnb and Booking

In a constantly evolving travel market, with over 4.7 billion internet users and an online travel sector surpassing $1.1 trillion in 2023, visibility is power. How can you achieve it? By diversifying your presence on OTAs (Online Travel Agencies).

Using multiple platforms not only maximizes your bookings but also reduces risks, improves your margins, and allows you to reach customer segments you may not have even considered. With the integration of a Channel Manager, you can do it all effortlessly.

The new OTA landscape: beyond Airbnb and Booking

Many property managers still rely exclusively on giants like Airbnb or Booking.com. However, the OTA ecosystem is much broader, varied, and strategic. There are more than 45 relevant OTAs, each with its own approach, market, and user profile.

Segmentation by traveler type:

• ** Mainstream / Generalist:**
• Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, HomeToGo, Trip.com, Google Vacation Rentals...
• ** High-end / Luxury:**
• Plum Guide, Top Villas, The Quintess Collection, Altovita, Luxury Escapes...
• ** Families:**
• Kid&Coe, HouseStay, Smiling House...
• ** Adventure or Budget:**
• Hostelworld, Clickstay, Glamping Hub, Cuddlynest, Muchosol...
• ** Corporate & Extended Stays:**
• Nestpick, HousingAnywhere, StayOne...

Which type of OTA is ideal for your property?

Here’s a visual guide to understanding the differences:

• ** High-Volume OTAs (consistent bookings):**
• Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia, Agoda.
• Ideal for ensuring occupancy, although with standard commissions (≈15%).
• ** Luxury OTAs (fewer bookings, higher revenue per stay):**
• Plum Guide, The Quintess Collection, Altovita, Top Villas, OneFineStay.
• Perfect for villas, premium accommodations, or exclusive locations.
• ** Corporate / Medium-Long Stay OTAs:**
• Nestpick, HousingAnywhere.
• Great opportunity if you manage urban apartments or properties for digital nomads.
• ** Family or Specialized OTAs:**
• Kid & Coe (families with children), Glamping Hub (outdoor accommodations), Hostelworld (young travelers), The Dyrt (camping and nature).
• Ideal for themed properties or rural/natural destinations.

Global Visibility: OTAs by Region

** Region**

Relevant OTAs

Europe

Holidu, Muchosol, Smiling House, Cuddlynest

Asia

Agoda, Rakuten Stay, Trip.com

North America

Hopper, Vrbo, Zumper, Whimstay

Russia / CIS

Ostrovok.ru

India

MakeMyTrip

If you own properties in multiple destinations, this information gives you a competitive edge.

** Why use a Channel Manager for OTAs?**

A Channel Manager allows you to:

• Automate reservations and availability in real-time.
• Reduce overbookings and manual errors.
• Synchronize dynamic pricing based on demand or events.
• Segment promotions according to guest type or season.
• Access alternative channels with unexpected booking potential.

All of this translates into more revenue with less effort.

Where is the ROI?

OTAs like Airbnb, Booking, Expedia, or Vrbo handle high volumes, but they also charge standard commissions (≈15%). On the other hand, luxury or corporate OTAs may have lower booking volumes but offer higher rates, leading to greater revenue per reservation.

**Recommended Strategy:** Combine high-volume channels with high-profitability channels.

Where are your guests?

Geographical diversification is also key:

• Asia-Pacific: Agoda, Rakuten Stay, MakeMyTrip.
• Europe: Holidu, Muchosol, Smiling House.
• USA: Hopper, Zumper, Vrbo.
• Russia / CIS: Ostrovok.ru.

By diversifying by region, you mitigate political, economic, or seasonal risks while taking advantage of the uneven global tourism recovery.

Conclusion: OTA Strategy = Diversification + Technology

The future of travel distribution is smart and diversified. Technology enables you to connect with multiple OTAs without increasing your operational burden. A good Channel Manager turns that complexity into efficiency.

Ready to multiply your bookings and minimize your risks? Start connecting your properties to new markets today!