Many owners of holiday apartments, houses and villas feel that online tourist agencies (OTAs) are a safer option for managing bookings. The belief is that these platforms offer better security and that guests trust OTAs more than a direct booking website. While it’s understandable that security is a priority, building your own direct booking website can be just as safe and reliable, if not more so. Let’s explore why.
Direct control over security
When using OTAs, you hand over control of your property’s bookings and security to a third party. While this can feel secure, it also means you’re limited by the agency’s policies and data management practices. Building a direct booking website allows you to be in full control of how your guests’ information is handled. A capable web desinger can easily integrate robust security features like SSL certificates to encrypt data and secure online transactions.
Trust through transparency
A common concern is that guests may not trust direct booking websites as much as established OTAs. But this is often a misconception. Building trust with potential guests is about transparency and professionalism. Your website can showcase reviews, use a secure payment gateway (like PayPal or Stripe) and provide clear terms and conditions for bookings.
Guests appreciate direct communication with property owners and a well-designed direct booking website can provide that personal connection that OTAs often lack. Include detailed property descriptions, high-quality photos and local insights to make your site feel trustworthy and engaging.
Security features on modern website platforms
One of the biggest concerns for property owners is ensuring that a direct booking website can be secure enough to protect against fraud or hacking. Fortunately, modern website platforms come with comprehensive security options. Here are some key features you can implement:
SSL Certificates: This encrypts all data transfers between the website and its users, ensuring secure communication.
Automatic Backups: Regular backups help keep your data safe in case of technical issues.
Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to the backend of your website to prevent unauthorized access.
Trusted Payment Processors: Integrate well-known, secure payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal, which offer strong security measures and build trust with guests.
These features make your direct booking website as secure as, if not more secure than, OTAs. Plus, you get the benefit of overseeing everything yourself.
OTAs aren’t free from risk
It’s important to remember that even OTAs are not immune to security risks. Data breaches have affected large booking platforms in the past, meaning even though you aren’t handling the data, it could still be exposed. By creating a direct booking website, you reduce reliance on a third-party platform and gain more control over your guest information.
Long-term financial and operational benefits
Beyond security concerns, relying solely on OTAs can eat into your profits. Most OTAs charge a significant commission on each booking—typically 15-20%. Over time, this adds up. A direct booking website allows you to eliminate these fees and create a more sustainable, long-term business model. You’ll have the flexibility to offer discounts, promotions, or personalized packages that benefit both you and your guests without the middleman taking a cut.
This added control also means you can provide a better booking experience, leading to repeat guests and direct customer loyalty—something OTAs can’t guarantee.
