Hotel sales

Armin Gögele
last updated on
10 March 2023

Definition: What is hotel distribution?

Hotel distribution refers to the process of selling and selling hotel rooms to potential guests. This includes various channels such as direct bookings on the hotel website, bookings through travel agents, and online distribution channels such as OTAs (online travel agents). The goal of hotel distribution is to maximize hotel occupancy and increase profitability by using the right channels and strategies to market hotel rooms and reduce reliance on OTAs.

The benefits of direct distribution in the hotel industry

  • Higher profit margin for the hotel
  • Direct guest communication and improved guest loyalty
  • Strengthening of own hotel brand by increasing reach

Potential challenges in hotel distribution

  • Complexity of the online and offline sales landscape (example: which online channels make sense and which less)
  • Dependencies, costs and fees of the OTAs
  • Availability management in the hotel to be able to organize more bookings

The most important questions about hotel distirbution

How can I reduce dependence on OTAs?

One way to reduce dependency on OTAs is to specifically promote direct bookings, for example through a user-friendly website, attractive offers and clear positioning of your own brand. In addition, cooperations with online marketing agencies can help to address a broader target group and attract new guests.

How can I increase my direct bookings?

Hoteliers can increase the number of their direct bookings through a user-friendly hotel website and activity on social media channels. To do this, it is worth investing in online marketing measures so that more potential guests become aware of the hotel.

How can hotels effectively manage marketing and sales methods?

Hotels can effectively manage marketing and sales methods by setting clear goals, knowing their target group and targeting them with advertising measures, and regularly measuring and optimizing marketing activities. Close collaboration between marketing and sales teams and clear communication about goals and strategies are very important.

Book your Hotel Marketing Consultation:

15-Minute Expert Session - Free & without Obligation

Play
Getting started is that simple.
Discover the value of our expert consultation - concise, insightful, and free of obligation.
  • Exclusive one-on-one video call — free of charge, with no obligations
  • In-depth assessment of your current digital marketing setup
  • How to leverage guest data to drive direct revenue growth
  • Proven strategies to boost occupancy and booking performance
Schedule free consultation
Send request

Best Practices, Know-how and Success Stories: Read more articles

Marketing Real Talk #1: ROI or ROAS in Online Marketing – What's the Real Difference?

Read article
Video ansehen
by David Weitlaner
August 2025

Marketing Real Talk: The new series for more clarity in Hotel Marketing

Read article
Video ansehen
by Joachim Leiter
August 2025

Seamless Connection to Oracle Opera Cloud: New PMS Interface Available

Read article
Video ansehen
by Peter Putzer
July 2025

Simple, Intuitive, Successful: voucher Marketing For Hotels

Read article
Video ansehen
by Matthias Ebner
May 2025

Avoid These Mistakes in Hotel Marketing to Save Costs and Maximize Success

Read article
Video ansehen
by Joachim Leiter
January 2025