Introduction
Many hotel owners in India believe that having a website is unnecessary since they get bookings through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia. While OTAs are valuable, relying on them entirely can limit your revenue and control over your business. In this article, we’ll explore why having a hotel website is essential, even if you’re already using OTAs, with a special focus on the Indian hospitality industry, particularly Sikkim, a fast-growing tourist hotspot.
1. Reduce OTA Commission Costs
OTAs charge a 15-25% commission per booking. If your hotel makes ₹10,00,000 per month through OTAs, you’re paying anywhere from ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 in commission fees alone. Over a year, that’s a loss of ₹18-30 lakhs! A website allows you to accept direct bookings, saving you a significant amount in commission fees.
2. Gain More Direct Bookings
A well-designed website with an easy booking system encourages guests to book directly. Travelers often research hotels before booking on OTAs. If your hotel has a website, you can capture direct bookings before they go back to an OTA. This is particularly important in tourist destinations like Goa, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala, where travelers prefer to check the hotel’s credibility before booking.
Special Case: Sikkim’s Growing Tourism Sector
With Sikkim attracting both domestic and international tourists for its pristine landscapes, monasteries, and adventure tourism, hotels can benefit greatly from having a direct booking system. Many travelers looking for stays in Gangtok, Pelling, Lachen, and Lachung search for accommodations online before finalizing their plans. A hotel website ensures they can book directly with local hospitality providers instead of third-party aggregators.
3. Improve Your Google Search Visibility
Many travelers search for hotels on Google before making a decision. If your hotel doesn’t have a website, you’re missing out on organic searches like:
- “Best hotels in Gangtok”
- “Luxury resorts in Goa”
- “Affordable stays in Manali”
- “Eco-friendly hotels in Kerala” With proper SEO optimization, your website can appear on Google, leading to more direct traffic and bookings. In Sikkim, where boutique stays, eco-resorts, and homestays are in high demand, having an optimized website can significantly boost your online presence.
4. Full Control Over Your Brand & Pricing
When your hotel is listed on OTAs, they control:
- How your hotel appears online
- Your pricing (discounts and promotions)
- Which customer reviews are highlighted With your own website, you can present your brand exactly how you want, showcase your best rooms, and set competitive pricing without OTA restrictions.
5. Enhance Guest Trust & Professionalism
A hotel without a website may appear less credible. Guests trust hotels with an official website where they can:
- See real photos and videos
- Read direct guest testimonials
- Learn about special offers
- Contact the hotel directly for inquiries Having a website adds legitimacy and builds confidence in potential guests, especially in regions like Sikkim, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, where tourism plays a crucial role in the economy.
6. Promote Exclusive Offers & Discounts
Through your website, you can offer special deals that are unavailable on OTAs, such as:
- 10% off for direct bookings
- Free breakfast for website bookings
- Early check-in for direct guests These incentives encourage guests to book directly, saving you money on OTA commissions. This is especially useful for Sikkim hotels looking to attract long-stay travelers, honeymooners, or adventure enthusiasts visiting the state.
7. Better Customer Engagement
A website allows you to: ✅ Answer guest queries via WhatsApp integration ✅ Collect email addresses for future promotions ✅ Share updates on events, packages, and new offers ✅ Get direct guest feedback without OTA interference This direct communication improves guest experience and builds loyalty. Sikkim’s seasonal tourism fluctuations make it crucial for hotels to keep their customers engaged year-round through digital communication.
8. Work Alongside OTAs, Not Against Them
Having a website doesn’t mean you need to leave OTAs. Instead, you can use both to maximize revenue:
- Continue listing on OTAs for visibility.
- Use your website to drive repeat customers and encourage direct bookings.
- Show a ‘Book Direct & Save’ message to educate guests on why direct booking benefits them.
Conclusion
While OTAs help you get bookings, they shouldn’t be your only strategy. A hotel website gives you control, reduces costs, and builds trust with guests. By investing in a professional website, you can increase direct bookings, improve profit margins, and create a strong online presence.
Sikkim’s hospitality industry is evolving—don’t get left behind! 🚀
If you own a hotel in Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla, or anywhere in India, now is the time to build your own website and take control of your business. Contact us today and let’s create a website that boosts your bookings and saves you money!
