Online Travel Agencies in Hotel Booking: A Practical Guide for Hoteliers
If you run a hotel, chances are you’ve heard the term OTA in hotel booking more times than you can count. But what does it actually mean, and why have OTAs become so important for hotels today?
Simply put, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are platforms where guests search, compare, and book hotels online. For hoteliers, OTAs act like digital marketplaces that showcase your property to thousands, sometimes millions, of travelers worldwide. Many guests may never find your hotel otherwise.
In this guide, we’ll explain what OTA means in hotel booking, discuss the best OTAs for hotels, and show how you can manage your OTA listings without the usual hassle.
What is OTA in Hotel Booking?
An OTA in hotel booking is an online platform where travelers can view hotel details, photos, prices, reviews, and make instant bookings. Instead of relying only on walk-ins, phone calls, or direct enquiries, OTAs keep your hotel visible and bookable 24/7.
Think of OTAs as your hotel’s virtual storefront on the world’s biggest travel websites. Even when you’re asleep, OTAs continue selling your rooms.
Best OTAs for Hotels
Not every OTA works the same way. Some are stronger in domestic markets, while others attract international travelers. Here are some of the best OTAs for hotels that most hoteliers should consider:
Goibibo & MakeMyTrip (GoMMT)
Essential for Indian hotels, with strong reach among both domestic and international travelers.
Agoda
Very popular across Asia, especially for budget and mid-range hotels.
Booking.com
One of the largest OTAs globally. A strong Booking.com listing can bring consistent bookings from Europe and other international markets.
Expedia Group
Includes brands like Hotels.com and Orbitz. Excellent for attracting travelers from the US and global markets.
Airbnb
Not limited to homestays anymore. Many boutique hotels and small properties perform very well here.
Trip.com (Ctrip)
Strong presence in China and other Asian countries.
Cleartrip
Popular in India and the Middle East.
The right mix of OTAs depends on your hotel’s location, target guests, and room category.
Why OTAs Are Important for Hotels
Many hoteliers worry about OTA commissions, but the benefits usually outweigh the cost. Here’s why OTAs in hotels are almost unavoidable today:
Better Visibility
Most guests start their hotel search on OTAs before visiting individual hotel websites.
Guest Trust
Verified listings, reviews, and secure payments make guests feel confident while booking.
Consistent Bookings
Even during off-season or weekdays, OTAs help generate steady occupancy.
Global Reach
Your hotel becomes visible to international travelers sitting thousands of kilometers away.
Most OTAs charge around 15-20% commission per booking. While this may seem high, it’s best viewed as a marketing cost that delivers guaranteed visibility and bookings.
How MHM Simplifies OTA Listings for Hotels
Creating and managing OTA listings can be time-consuming. Documentation, verification, room setup, photos, pricing - it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s where MHM Software steps in.
We offer free OTA listing services to all our clients.
- We handle OTA verification and paperwork
- We upload hotel details, room categories, photos, and pricing
- We ensure your hotel goes live on major OTAs
- And yes, it’s 100% complimentary
You focus on running your hotel. We take care of the technical work.
Manage All OTAs in One Place with a Channel Manager
Once your hotel is listed on multiple OTAs, managing them manually becomes risky. Updating rates or inventory on each portal separately can lead to mistakes and overbookings.
With MHM’s Hotel Channel Manager, you can:
- Update prices and inventory once and sync them across all OTAs
- Avoid overbookings and last-minute cancellations
- Save time and focus on guest experience and revenue growth
Final Thoughts
Today, OTAs in hotel booking are no longer optional. They are a critical part of hotel distribution. Smart hoteliers use OTAs for visibility and combine them with direct bookings to maximize revenue.
With MHM (MiniHotelMan) Software, you don’t have to worry about OTA listings or managing multiple platforms. We handle the listings free of cost and provide a powerful Channel Manager to keep everything under control.
If you’re looking to increase bookings without added stress, let MHM (MiniHotelMan) set up and manage your OTA presence the right way.