Cutting OTA commission and streamlining online check-in aren't separate initiatives: they're two sides of the same strategy to reclaim margin and take control of the guest experience. A commission-free direct booking engine and a digital arrival process can reduce distribution costs and free up reception time.
Why cutting OTA commission should be a priority for your hotel
OTAs bring visibility, but every booking that comes through Booking, Expedia or Airbnb carries a commission of between 15% and 25%. With operating costs on the rise, that percentage eats directly into your profitability. Reducing that reliance doesn't mean dropping OTAs altogether, but rather rebalancing your channel mix so direct bookings carry more weight.
The key is to offer a convincing alternative: a commission-free booking engine on your own website, with clear pricing and a booking experience as smooth as any OTA's. If guests find the same availability and competitive rates on your direct channel, the commission no longer makes sense to them.
Online check-in: the lever for loyalty and time savings
Online check-in doesn't just cut queues at reception, it's also a chance to capture data and sell extras before arrival. By digitalising this process, guests feel more self-sufficient and reception staff can focus on higher-value tasks such as upselling or personalised service.
What's more, a well-implemented online check-in reinforces the perception of modernity and efficiency. Today's travellers appreciate avoiding queues and paperwork, and a frictionless arrival process translates into better reviews and a greater likelihood of booking direct in future.
Integrated digital payments: less friction, more conversions
Secure, frictionless online payment is essential for direct sales to work. If you force guests to give card details over the phone or pay at reception, you're putting barriers in the way of conversion. Digital payments integrated into the booking engine and online check-in let you take payment upfront, reduce no-shows and improve cash flow.
Avirato integrates digital payments natively, so direct bookings are completed in seconds and the hotel has full control of the payment, with no middlemen.
How to start cutting OTA commission with Avirato
Avirato's platform combines a cloud PMS, channel manager, commission-free booking engine, online check-in and integrated payments in a single solution. This lets you:
- Sell direct without commission from your website, with an engine optimised for conversion.
- Automate online check-in, sending instructions and forms before arrival.
- Take payment upfront with an integrated payment gateway, reducing cancellations and no-shows.
- Centralise operations in a single dashboard, avoiding availability errors across channels.
By reducing friction in both direct sales and arrival, you don't just save on commission, you also improve the overall guest experience, which translates into more repeat bookings and a better online reputation.
Key figures: the impact of cutting OTA commission
| Indicator | With OTA reliance | With optimised direct sales |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution cost per booking | 15% - 25% commission | 0% on the direct channel |
| Check-in time | 5-10 minutes in person | 2-3 minutes with online check-in |
| No-shows | More frequent without prepayment | Reduced with advance payment |
| Guest data | Limited by the OTA | Full control and complete profile |
These qualitative figures show why the combined strategy of direct sales and online check-in is a winner. It's not just about saving on commission, it's about rebuilding a direct relationship with the guest.
Optimise your online check-in to win more direct bookings
For online check-in to be effective, it needs to be simple and integrated with your PMS. Avirato lets you customise pre-arrival forms, send automatic reminders and offer upsells during the process, such as late check-out or parking. Every digital interaction is an opportunity to increase the value of the stay and encourage future direct bookings.
What's more, by collecting guest data in advance, you can segment your database for email marketing campaigns, something that's far more limited with OTA bookings.
Conclusion: a joined-up strategy for your profitability
Cutting OTA commission and digitalising check-in aren't passing trends, they're structural needs for the industry. Hotels that combine a direct booking engine, integrated payments and online check-in gain in margin, efficiency and loyalty. Avirato gives you all these tools in a single platform, designed to help you take back control of your business.
If you're ready to move towards more profitable, guest-focused management, we invite you to request a free Avirato demo and see how our solution can help you cut commission and automate your operations.
Frequently asked questions
How can I cut OTA commission without losing visibility?
You can keep your presence on OTAs while boosting direct sales with a commission-free booking engine on your website. Strategies such as offering exclusive rates, direct booking perks and a simple payment process help you win more direct bookings.
Does online check-in really reduce work at reception?
Yes, online check-in automates data collection, sending instructions and upfront payment, which cuts the time spent on reception duties and lets staff focus on higher-value tasks.
What are the advantages of integrating digital payments into online check-in?
Integrating digital payments lets you take payment upfront, reduce no-shows, improve cash flow and offer a frictionless guest experience, which increases satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat bookings.
Does Avirato include a commission-free booking engine?
Yes, Avirato offers an integrated booking engine that lets you sell directly from your website without paying commission to third parties, helping you increase your margin per booking.
Can I customise online check-in with Avirato?
Avirato lets you customise online check-in forms, add upsells and send automated communications, adapting to the needs of each property.