Author: 5yb3l10

Online Travel Agencies, also known as OTAs, are booking portals dedicated to the sale of services related to the tourism sector.

The most important and recognized OTAs gather information on properties of all types on their platforms: hotels, rural houses, hostels, etc. In this way, Internet users can directly choose dates and destinations, compare the prices and reviews of each establishment, and filter their searches according to their own criteria (location, price, reviews, services, etc.).

How do they work

OTAs act as intermediaries between the final guest and the service and accommodation providers, and only manage to earn money when a reservation is made.

They normally apply a commission of between 10% and 25% of the sale price. Although the commissions may seem very high. However, it should not be forgotten that OTAs provide providers with a secure platform to achieve more visibility and more sales of their products and services.

Benefits of advertising your accommodation on OTAs

International visibility. Advertising your accommodation in online travel agencies allows you to have an international reach. It eliminates geographical barriers and allows reaching users from all corners of the planet, given its international reach.

Generation of web traffic. OTAs manage to generate a large volume of web traffic, thanks to their investments in SEO and Marketing. Indirectly, you will enjoy the great investments in communication from the OTAs, which will drive a lot of traffic, for free, to your ad.

Confidence. This is the other great advantage of OTAs. Online travel agencies transmit confidence to users that what is advertised on these sites corresponds to reality. Lots of photos and descriptions, detailed services and, above all, hundreds of guest reviews.

Google has developed many tools that allow you to boost exposure through booking engines. Here we bring you 3 of them.

Increase the visibility of free booking links

Google already made it easy to book online by including booking links in Google Maps search; Now, to simplify this task for both travelers and hoteliers, the option to filter and book in a single click will also be displayed in the general search. By viewing the results metrics we will be able to know the number of users who have reached the booking page through this tool; in this way it is possible to assess adjustments that allow impacting more travelers.

Share rates and accommodation availability instantly

Without any kind of prior technical knowledge, displaying the rates and availability of accommodation reservations is as simple as including this data in the Hotel’s Google MyBusiness profile: the information tab displayed on Google Maps. Traditionally, this display mode only showed the location and URL of the hotel. With this new tool, potential guests will be able to obtain complete information that will allow them to access the hotel’s website with the firm intention of making a reservation.

Highlight on Google what makes your hotel special

It is unquestionable that the needs and priorities of today’s traveler have changed compared to 2019: the hotel’s hygiene conditions, reservation flexibility and other conditions are some of the factors most valued by guests.

Google MyBusiness listings now support late-breaking updates that let the user know what’s new and in turn make it easier for the hotelier to quickly adapt to change.

Focusing on these key aspects, both in the online image and in the hotel’s characteristics, helps to strengthen the sector and stay alert to new trends that could once again revolutionize the tourism sector.

In the case of tourist apartments, it is essential that this type of housing also have specific benefits. Although some are different from those of traditional rentals, the fact of offering an apartment in perfect condition is a symbol of quality, making guests feel at home and wanting to return in the future.

In the case of wanting to have the best guarantees, a good idea is always to go to professionals who know how to manage this type of rental, helping the owners to do all the paperwork without them having to worry about anything.

What to have in the bedroom?
It is one of the most important rooms in this type of apartment and you have to take good care of it. In this sense, a good impression will be made if the bed of clothes is clean and scented. In addition, it is always advisable to leave additional sheets and blankets, in order to offer the guest the most pleasant rest.

And in the kitchen?
The kitchen of a holiday apartment must have the basics, such as cutlery, glasses and plates of different sizes, pots and pans, as well as other utensils that can help to cook better. It is also recommended to add extras such as microwaves, toasters or coffee makers.

As for the bathroom
Room that has to be spotless and perfectly disinfected, among the amenities that cannot be missing in the bathroom are soaps, shampoos and gels. It is also important to put a mat, as well as toilet paper and other typical products in this room. If a small first-aid kit is also added, it will be more than valued.

Air conditioning and other extras
Finally, the holiday apartment must be perfectly air-conditioned, being able to enjoy the ideal temperature inside the house, regardless of the time in which the rental was carried out. Therefore, it is important that it has a heating and air conditioning system.

A common misconception is that technology replaces human labor. The reality, however, is that technology is not a supplement or substitute for human labor, but is designed to be a complement to human labor.

As a professional in the hotel sector, you must keep in mind that the most important thing for any guest is their time. The implementation of technology that increases the efficiency of the reservation process translates directly into saving time for the guest, which in turn increases their satisfaction.

Hotel technology also makes it possible to eliminate the necessary information exchange and verification process, creating time and space for a real and meaningful human exchange with your guests. This offers convenience, cost savings and convenience to all. An investment in upgrading your hotel’s technology is an investment in improving the customer experience.

There are many ways to incorporate technology into your hotel. Online reservations, virtual tours, online check-in and automated check-out, keyless entry, etc. In addition to technology that saves time and costs, hosting providers should also consider implementing energy-saving technology.

You also have to keep in mind that technology is not only applicable to the front desk of your business; It’s also very useful in the back office: from hotel and employee management to reporting and analytics, you can use technology to drive your business to a higher level of efficiency.

The guest experience is a delicate balance between employees, time and opportunity. Technology can help create a good balance!