The Truth about Online Travel Agents
Online travel agents can be very convenient to book through
However did you realise that they charge property owners for every booking – up to 20% in some cases.
Also, online travel agents have been found to be misleading customers.
Competition and Markets Authority in the U.K. have found that online travel agents are often giving inferior positions to hotels and properties in search results if the property quotes a cheaper price on their own website.
The U.K. regulator says it has been investigating since 2018 after it became concerned that OTAs were using pressure tactics and reported that “giving a false impression of a room’s popularity or not displaying the full cost of a room upfront could mislead people, stop them finding the best deal and potentially break consumer protection law”.
Why do accommodation providers use Online Travel Agents?
The best way to Book Direct
1. Search on the Online travel agents
Why? As a large number of properties do advertise on the online travel agents to gain the reach. However, then search for the property you like online with eg Google / Facebook. You should be able to find their direct website, and you should save anywhere between 5% up to 30%!
2. Search on Google
Search for example for holiday homes in xxxx, holiday apartment in xxxx. Then ignore the large Online Travel Agent advertisements, and look at the direct websites.
3. Facebook groups
There are many Facebook groups that have a large amount of owners that advertise. Search for terms such as Holiday Rentals, Holidays Direct. Then add a post asking for your specific requirements – be surprised at how many enthusiastic owners can fulfill your requirements!
5. How to stay safe
Visit the owners website, talk to them directly, either by telephone, chat, message, or by email, make sure the email address is connected to the website, check that the owner sound as if they know about the property and the area, and make your booking direct with the owner.
If you are unsure, always pick up the phone to the owner, or send them a message through their Facebook page / website. We are a friendly bunch and we are here for you to have the best holiday possible!
Online travel agents can be very convenient to book through
However did you realise that they charge property owners for every booking – up to 20% in some cases.
Also, online travel agents have been found to be misleading customers.
Competition and Markets Authority in the U.K. have found that online travel agents are often giving inferior positions to hotels and properties in search results if the property quotes a cheaper price on their own website.
The U.K. regulator says it has been investigating since 2018 after it became concerned that OTAs were using pressure tactics and reported that “giving a false impression of a room’s popularity or not displaying the full cost of a room upfront could mislead people, stop them finding the best deal and potentially break consumer protection law”.
Why do accommodation providers use Online Travel Agents?
- Online Travel Agents have large advertising budgets and therefore can reach a greater amount of people
- We understand that some customers prefer to book all their accommodation through one site for convenience
- We understand that some customers feel more reassured as they are booking through a large company.
- However, the online travel agents will not protect you any more than booking direct with the property. In fact you will get a better customer service experience by booking direct with the property as they will take time out to make sure your stay goes as planned.
- Best price guarantee
- We guarantee that you will not find a lower price anywhere else, so you save money!
- Extras for free
- We can offer you a few extras for free to make your stay even more special eg early check ins / late check ins / late check out for free, a welcome treat of sort sort.
- Direct contact with the owner
- This means you can ask any question before you book, to ensure that you are booking the right property for your holiday. The property owner is the best person to tell you about the area, and the accommodation. You cannot get a lot of this information through the online travel agents
- The owners have the best local knowledge!
- We are your free destination guide! We know the best areas to eat, visit, how to save money and time and make the most out of your holiday. By booking direct you ensure that you make the most out of this service and knowledge!
- Some properties are not available on the Online travel agents.
The best way to Book Direct
1. Search on the Online travel agents
Why? As a large number of properties do advertise on the online travel agents to gain the reach. However, then search for the property you like online with eg Google / Facebook. You should be able to find their direct website, and you should save anywhere between 5% up to 30%!
2. Search on Google
Search for example for holiday homes in xxxx, holiday apartment in xxxx. Then ignore the large Online Travel Agent advertisements, and look at the direct websites.
3. Facebook groups
There are many Facebook groups that have a large amount of owners that advertise. Search for terms such as Holiday Rentals, Holidays Direct. Then add a post asking for your specific requirements – be surprised at how many enthusiastic owners can fulfill your requirements!
5. How to stay safe
Visit the owners website, talk to them directly, either by telephone, chat, message, or by email, make sure the email address is connected to the website, check that the owner sound as if they know about the property and the area, and make your booking direct with the owner.
If you are unsure, always pick up the phone to the owner, or send them a message through their Facebook page / website. We are a friendly bunch and we are here for you to have the best holiday possible!