With the rise of digital platforms, listing your Airbnb or hotel on Online Travel Agents (OTAs) has become a game-changer for property owners. Whether you're a new host or a seasoned investor, OTAs offer an excellent way to maximize your returns in the hospitality sector. From targeting local travelers to international guests, these OTAs provide a significant boost to your property’s visibility. Here are 12 OTAs to help you increase your bookings and even learn how to invest in real estate for profit through short-term rentals.
1. Booking dotcom
As one of the world’s most popular OTAs, Booking.com gives your property unparalleled visibility. Whether it’s a hotel or an Airbnb-style vacation rental, this house hunting website caters to millions of travelers looking for stays worldwide.
Why Use It:
- Commission-based platform; no upfront costs.
- Access to a global audience.
- Excellent customer support and property management tools.
2. Airbnb
Airbnb is a well-known property listing website that connects you with travelers seeking unique and homely accommodations. While it started as a platform for personal home rentals, it has expanded to include boutique hotels and vacation rentals.
Why Use It:
- Strong community of over 150 million users.
- Perfect for unique, experience-driven stays.
- Airbnb Experiences helps you offer more than just a room—sell experiences to your guests!
3. Expedia
Expedia is a travel giant, and listing your property here opens up visibility across multiple sites like Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Travelocity. As one of the top OTAs globally, it’s a key player in the property listing website market.
Why Use It:
- Exposure to millions of travelers.
- Easy integration with its family of travel sites.
- Great for properties looking for international visitors.
4. Vrbo
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is another excellent option for property owners. Targeting families and group travelers, Vrbo is ideal for those who want to turn their Airbnb into a profitable investment—helping you understand how to invest in real estate for profit through long-term vacation rentals.
Why Use It:
- Appeals to families and group vacationers.
- Simple and transparent commission structure.
- High-traffic platform within the Expedia Group.
5. Agoda
Agoda is gaining traction across multiple regions, especially in Asia. It’s a house hunting website that gives you access to travelers looking for affordable stays, making it a great option for budget-friendly Airbnb properties or small hotels.
Why Use It:
- Popular across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Offers deals and promotions to attract travelers.
- Flexible booking options and low commission fees.
6. TripAdvisor
More than just a review platform, TripAdvisor allows property owners to list their hotels and vacation rentals directly. Its influence on traveler decisions makes it a valuable property listing website for building credibility and attracting bookings.
Why Use It:
- Trusted by millions of travelers.
- Combines reviews with booking capabilities.
- High visibility for properties with good ratings.
7. Hotels dotcom
Hotels.com, part of the Expedia Group, offers a broad range of accommodations from hotels to vacation rentals. It’s an excellent platform for Airbnb hosts and hoteliers looking to optimize their listings and increase bookings.
Why Use It:
- Strong presence in North America and Europe.
- Multiple promotional tools to increase visibility.
- Great for business and leisure travelers.
8. Travelocity
Travelocity’s bundled vacation packages make it a popular choice for travelers looking to book accommodations alongside flights and car rentals. Listing on this OTA gives your Airbnb or hotel extra exposure, especially for travelers searching for complete vacation experiences.
Why Use It:
- Ideal for travelers seeking vacation bundles.
- Access to a loyal user base in North America.
- Simple dashboard for property management.
9. Orbitz
Known for serving the American market, Orbitz is a go-to for U.S. travelers. Like Expedia and Hotels.com, it offers various accommodation types and works well for property owners targeting the North American audience.
Why Use It:
- Great for targeting U.S.-based customers.
- Integrated within the Expedia Group, offering maximum reach.
- Orbitz Rewards program encourages repeat bookings.
10. Hostelworld
If your Airbnb or hotel caters to budget-conscious travelers or backpackers, Hostelworld is the perfect platform. It specializes in budget stays and hostels, making it a great house hunting website for younger travelers and those seeking affordable options.
Why Use It:
- Specializes in budget and hostel-type properties.
- Access to a niche audience of budget travelers.
- Competitive pricing models and low commission rates.
11. Kayak
Kayak, often known for its flight comparison tool, also offers hotel and vacation rental listings. It’s a property listing website that aggregates prices from different OTAs, ensuring that travelers find the best deals for your property.
Why Use It:
- Meta-search engine that offers wide exposure.
- Helps travelers find deals, attracting budget-conscious guests.
- Large user base actively looking for deals.
12. Trip dotcom
Trip.com, especially popular in Asia, provides a solid platform for hoteliers and Airbnb hosts to attract international travelers. If you’re keen on growing your bookings from Asian tourists, this OTA can be a valuable asset.
Why Use It:
- Strong in the Chinese and Asian markets.
- Global reach with a focus on Asian travelers.
- Expanding internationally, making it a future growth platform.
Conclusion
Using OTAs to market your Airbnb or hotel is a proven strategy to boost bookings and profits. Whether you're a real estate investor looking to learn how to invest in real estate for profit through short-term rentals or a property owner seeking to list on a reliable house hunting website or property listing website, these 12 OTAs provide the tools and reach you need to succeed.