Every year hoteliers around the world wait for top distribution channels to ensure their strategy is aligned to where the market is heading.
Global hotel technology giant, STAAH, has revealed the top channels across its network of more than 19,000 properties. Booking.com, Agoda and Traveloka continue to hold the top three positions, bringing in the highest revenue for partner hotels. Expedia and STAAH SwiftBook also remain among the top five distribution channels globally.
“Travellers showed a continued openness to book directly with hotels in 2023, despite OTAs regaining ground. Hence STAAH maintaining its strong position at number five,” says Tarun Joukani, Director – STAAH. “In Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, direct bookings via STAAH SwiftBook are even stronger at number two and three.”
As business bookings post Covid resume and continually grow, GDS has returned into the top 10 channel with STAAH GDS at the number nine spot globally. WebBeds, a global online marketplace for the travel trade, also entered the top 10 list for the first time representing the strong demand from business travel segment.
Airbnb as an online channel has climbed up one spot in the top 10 list as more traditional hotel businesses adopt Airbnb as a channel over recent years, signifying the continued convergence of the hotel and short-term rental industries.
Regionally, Booking.com holds the top spot in both Australia and New Zealand, followed by Expedia and STAAH SwiftBook. Go-MMT maintains its top position in India, followed by Booking.com and Agoda. Regional online channels haven’t lost their sheen with Travelguru (India), Traveloka (SE Asia), hotelbeds (SE Asia) and tiket.com (SE Asia) being local online channels that make the top list. In the United Kingdom, pitchup, a platform to book campsites, rose by four spots to number five.
According to the STAAH data, representing 19,000+ properties across 90 countries and 350+ integrations, accommodation providers across the board show holistic commerce strategy aimed to attract the right guest, at the right time.
“New and established online channels are making the distribution mix, allowing accommodation providers to be booked according to evolving season and updated traveller preferences that span multiple channels,” says Tarun.