In July 2024, Spain’s National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) imposed a €413.24 million fine on Booking.com for abusing its dominant position in the online hotel booking market (La CNMC multa a Booking.com con 413,24 millones por abusar de su posición de dominio durante los últimos 5 años | Centro Europeo del Consumidor en […]

Spain Travel Insights: Barcelona vs. Mallorca – Should You Book Direct? Spain is one of Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations, with vibrant cities, sun-drenched beaches, and world-class hospitality. But when planning your next trip, the question remains: Should you book directly with the hotel or through an Online Travel Agent (OTA) like Booking.com? Only recently […]

Today we’re heading to one of the most beloved travel destinations in the world—France. With its romantic cities, world-class ski resorts, and glamorous beaches, it’s no wonder millions flock here year-round. But when it comes to booking your hotel, is it smarter to book directly with the hotel or through an Online Travel Agent (OTA) […]

Dubai: A City of Luxury and Extravagance Dubai, renowned for its wealth, grandeur, and record-breaking skyscrapers, has cemented itself as a global hub of luxury hospitality. As of 2023, Dubai boasts 157 five-star hotels, making it one of the most opulent travel destinations in the world. Among these, the Burj Al Arab stands out—not only […]

Overall Findings: Direct Booking vs. Online Travel Agent Booking in Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a dream destination for many travellers, with its historic charm, rich culture, and breath-taking architecture. But when it comes to booking your stay, is it better to book directly with the hotel or through an Online Travel Agent (OTA) like […]

Overall Findings: Direct Booking vs. Booking.com in Austria Our research covered 83 hotel bookings across Austria, carefully comparing prices between direct hotel websites and Online Travel Agents (OTAs) like Booking.com. We examined 65 bookings in mountain villages (for a full 7-night stay wherever possible) and 18 bookings in cities (for a shorter weekend stay). Every […]

The battle between direct bookings and OTAs is one of the most important topics in the hotel industry today. Travelers often assume that OTAs (like Bookingcom and Expedia) offer the best deals, but our latest research challenges that belief. We analysed 30 destinations across 15 countries, comparing direct booking prices with OTA prices. The results? Direct bookings often offer the best deal—especially in Europe. However, in some regions, OTAs still dominate.

The Italian Competition Authority’s (AGCM) recent acceptance of Booking.com’s changes to its "Preferred Partner" and "Preferred Plus" programs is another landmark moment for hoteliers. These programs, designed to enhance visibility on Booking.com, required participating properties to maintain "competitive pricing" on the platform, effectively tying their hands when setting rates on other sales channels. However, AGCM’s intervention has changed the game, granting hotels more autonomy and ensuring greater transparency.

Suggestions that the DMA could compel Booking.com as Gatekeeper to include direct booking links to hotels' own websites on their platform, sound like a dream come true for hotels. However, a closer examination reveals that this expectations may have been overly optimistic.

BookBetterDirect Direct Bookings Distribution Forecast Shows OTAs Rising by 10% in 2031.