Direct Booking
Direct Booking is when guests make hotel reservations directly through the hotel's own website or booking system, instead of using third-party websites like Expedia or Booking.com. Hotels prefer direct bookings because they don't have to pay commission fees to booking sites and can build better relationships with their guests. This approach helps hotels save money, collect guest data, and offer personalized service. It's a key strategy in modern hotel management that shows up often in job descriptions for hotel sales and marketing positions.
Examples in Resumes
Increased Direct Booking revenue by 45% through implementing a new hotel website and loyalty program
Managed Direct Bookings and reduced dependency on third-party booking sites by 30%
Created marketing campaigns to drive Direct Booking rates and improve profit margins
Typical job title: "Direct Booking Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Direct Booking Managers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a strategy to increase direct bookings for a boutique hotel?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should include creating a competitive pricing strategy, developing a user-friendly website, implementing a loyalty program, using email marketing, and maintaining rate parity across channels while offering exclusive direct booking benefits.
Q: How do you measure the success of a direct booking program?
Expected Answer: Should discuss key metrics like direct booking ratio, cost of acquisition, website conversion rate, revenue per booking, and guest lifetime value compared to third-party bookings.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What strategies would you use to compete with Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)?
Expected Answer: Should mention offering best price guarantees, exclusive packages, special perks for direct bookers, targeted email marketing, and leveraging guest data for personalized offers.
Q: How would you handle overbooking situations with direct bookings?
Expected Answer: Should explain priorities for protecting direct bookings, communication strategies with guests, and procedures for arranging alternative accommodations if needed.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main benefits of direct bookings for hotels?
Expected Answer: Should mention lower costs due to no commission fees, better guest relationships, access to customer data, and ability to communicate directly with guests.
Q: How would you encourage a guest to book directly next time instead of through an OTA?
Expected Answer: Should discuss offering loyalty programs, highlighting exclusive direct booking benefits, collecting guest contact information, and following up with personalized offers.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of booking systems
- Customer service skills
- Knowledge of hotel operations
- Basic marketing concepts
Mid (2-5 years)
- Revenue management understanding
- Marketing campaign management
- Website optimization
- Competitive analysis
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning
- Distribution channel management
- Data analysis and reporting
- Team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of hotel distribution channels
- Lack of experience with booking systems
- Poor knowledge of revenue management principles
- No experience with digital marketing or website optimization
Related Terms
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