Hot off the press – SiteMinder’s highly anticipated top booking channels for 2019

Every year, SiteMinder releases the top booking channels in key markets across the globe. This year’s lists include 20 markets spanning the United Kingdom to South Africa to Thailand. Booking.com, Expedia Group, and encouragingly for hoteliers, direct bookings topped the list in the United Kingdom.

Here are 6 things we learned from the top booking channels for hotels:

Investment in direct bookings is paying off

Within 14 of the 20 tourism destinations included in the lists, direct bookings either climbed the list from the previous year or maintained their position among the top five spots. This is the third consecutive year that hotel websites have held the third spot in the UK top booking channels.

The wholesaler market is worth investing in

The appearance of WebBeds brands in half of this year’s top 12 lists – the UK included – highlights this, such as JacTravel, totalstay, Destinations of the World and Sunhotels.

Spontaneous bookers show no signs of slowing down

The debut of Lastminute.com, highlights that hotels need to be prepared to accommodate guests with short booking lead times throughout the year.

Airbnb is on the rise

The debut of Airbnb in six markets within Europe, Africa and the Americas, less than two years after launching its first global hotel technology partnership with SiteMinder to support traditional hospitality providers shows its increasing importance for hoteliers is clear.

Agoda is swiftly climbing the ranks

Asia-headquartered Agoda has made leaps across the EMEA region, securing a top 12 position on every list except Portugal, and even achieving ‘high riser’ status in France and Italy.

A diversified distribution strategy is key

The top 12 channels contributed to over 89% of the total revenue made by all hotel booking revenue makers for SiteMinder’s hotel customers in the respective markets in 2019. By listing your property on multiple online travel agents (OTAs), you can reach different traveller segments and increase your bookings.

To see the full list for the UK, please visit the SiteMinder website here. Free consultations are available to hoteliers who wish to get more from the top-ranking revenue makers.