Knowledge base
OTA (Online Travel Agency)
An OTA is an online travel platform, such as Booking.com, Airbnb or Expedia, where guests compare and book accommodation.
What is an OTA?
OTA stands for Online Travel Agency: an online platform where travellers search for, compare and book accommodation. Well-known examples include Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia.
Advantages and disadvantages
An advantage is broad reach and extra visibility, especially outside the high season.
A disadvantage is that OTAs usually charge commission on each booking.
Combining OTAs with direct bookings
Many accommodation providers use OTAs for reach while encouraging direct bookings through their own website, where no intermediary commission applies. A channel manager keeps availability consistent across channels.
Related terms
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