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.

In an unprecedented move, NYC more or less bans Airbnb hosting, by limiting guests to two and requiring the host to be present during stays. New fines enforced.

So you’re going on a holiday and want to book a great hotel or an apartment? Do yourself a favour: don’t use a site like Booking.com.