Today, if you want to rent an apartment and reach millions of tourists around the world, you necessarily need to be present on the main tourist portals (OTA - Online Travel Agency), but what are the differences in costs and commissions and which are the ones that are best for you? Let's find out together!
AIRBNB
Airbnb is the most famous and largest site in terms of users and listings, for vacation rentals.
Costs and Commissions:
AIRBNB
Airbnb is the most famous and largest site in terms of users and listings, for vacation rentals.
Costs and Commissions:
- GUEST: Up to a maximum of 14.2% of the total booking
- HOST: From 3 to 5% of the total booking depending on the cancellation terms chosen (Flexible - Moderate - Strict). Starting from December 2020, in case of using a Channel Manager, therefore for larger and more structured properties, the commission for the guest is eliminated and a total of 15% is applied to the Host.
Pros:
- The most complete and well-known site for tourist rentals of holiday homes
- Costs for owners are generally lower than other portals
- Ease of contact with guests
- Renting portions of a house
Against:
- Very high competition due to the large number of ads
BOOKING
The world's leading operator in the online booking of tourist accommodation.
Costs and Commissions:
- GUEST: There are no costs for the guest
- HOST: From 15 to 20% of the total booking depending on the geographical area
Pros:
- Visibility! Booking.com network is the largest online presence
- Professional management tools
Against:
- Dynamic and variable prices due to the numerous promotions offered
- Instant bookings not refusable
- High Host Commission which tends to increase if you want to promote your listing
VRBO
Formerly known as HomeAway, it became part of the Expedia group in 2015
Costs and Commissions:
- GUEST: From 6 to 12% of the total booking
- HOST: 8% of the total booking. Otherwise you can only pay the annual subscription of €229 (In addition to 3% as a cost for each transaction)
Pros:
- Possibility of reaching Northern European and non-European users in visibility
- Very efficient customer service
Against:
- Medium/high target
- Not very widespread in Italy
Being present on these three giants will allow your ad to have maximum visibility online, but the thorny issue of commissions remains critical, after all it is money "given" to the portals. Those who have their own website or an active social page know well that it is difficult to find something more appreciated than a direct booking, but we will talk about this in the next article! In the meantime, do you need help to manage all the bureaucratic part of your bookings? Discover the necessary documents that will allow you to quickly resolve all the legal issues relating to your business ( Rental Agreement, Privacy Policy, Guest Card Data Collection, Income and Expense Manager... ). Furthermore, if you want to give a personalized touch to your holiday home or B&B, see our selection of Courtesy Kits to best welcome your guests: Click here >
