Short answer: every booking that comes through an online travel portal costs a commission, and the customer's next booking often goes back through the portal too. Your own booking website and app does not replace portals for new customers, but it lets repeat and referred customers book you directly โ with no commission and with their data staying in your business.
Online travel agencies (OTAs) and aggregator apps are useful: they bring customers who have never heard of you. The problem is what happens next. The same customer books again through the portal, you pay commission again, and the portal shows them your competitors alongside you.
A Worked Example
The numbers below are illustrative only. Commission rates vary by portal, category and contract, so replace them with your own.
| Example | Value |
|---|---|
| Bookings per month through portals | 100 |
| Average booking value | โน10,000 |
| Example commission rate | 15% |
| Commission paid per month | โน1,50,000 |
| If 30% of these are repeat/referred customers who book direct instead | โน45,000 saved per month |
| Saved per year in this example | โน5,40,000 |
Even if your numbers are a fraction of these, the saving from moving repeat customers to direct booking usually covers the one-time cost of your own platform quickly.
Portal Listing vs Own Booking Platform
| Portal / OTA listing | Own website and app | |
|---|---|---|
| Commission per booking | Yes | No |
| Who owns the customer | The portal | You |
| Competitors shown next to you | Yes | No |
| Brings brand-new customers | Yes | Through SEO, ads and referrals |
| Repeat bookings | Often go back to the portal | Come straight to you |
How to Move Customers to Direct Booking
- 1.Keep your portal listings for discovery โ do not switch them off
- 2.After each trip, send the customer your app link and a thank-you message on WhatsApp
- 3.Offer a small benefit for booking direct next time, such as a free transfer or upgrade
- 4.Put your website and app on visiting cards, invoices and vehicle stickers
- 5.Ask happy customers for Google reviews that mention your brand name
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stop listing on portals?
No. Portals are useful for new customers. The goal is to stop paying commission on customers who already know you.
Is it allowed to invite portal customers to book direct?
Check your portal contract. Many restrict contacting customers about the booking made through them; marketing to your own past customers and walk-ins is usually your own decision.
๐ธ Paying too much portal commission? Message us on WhatsApp to see your own booking website and app in action.
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