Direct vs OTA Booking Savings Calculator
See how much extra profit your hotel makes each year by moving some bookings from OTAs to your own website.
What are direct bookings worth?
Every booking that moves from an OTA to your own website saves the OTA commission and the GST charged on it, minus the smaller cost of your booking engine, payment gateway and marketing. Because commission is paid on every night, even a modest shift adds up quickly. This direct vs OTA savings calculator shows the yearly profit from moving part of your business direct.
How to win more direct bookings
- A fast, mobile-friendly booking engine on your website.
- A clear best-rate promise plus a small direct-only perk (breakfast, late checkout).
- Google Hotel Ads and a strong Google Business Profile — see our Google Hotel Ads guide.
- Capture repeat guests with WhatsApp and email, and keep rate parity.
OTAs remain valuable for visibility; the goal is a healthier mix, not zero OTAs. Read our full guide on increasing direct bookings.
Frequently asked questions
What share of bookings should be direct?
It varies by hotel type and market. Many independent hotels aim to grow direct share steadily each year while keeping OTAs for reach; track it monthly and set realistic targets.
Do direct bookings cost anything?
Yes — booking engine fees, payment gateway charges and marketing. They are usually far lower than OTA commission, which is why direct business improves profit.
Will offering lower direct rates break OTA parity?
Many OTA contracts restrict publicly lower rates. Hotels often keep the same rate and add value instead, such as breakfast or flexible cancellation. Check your contracts.
Want a revenue expert to check your numbers?
Get a free OTA, pricing and reputation audit from Revgrow360 — no obligation.