Want to grow your business, spend more time interacting with guests and less time manually updating room availability and prices across all of your distribution channels? In that case, you might want to consider putting a channel management solution in place.
What is a hotel channel manager?
A hotel channel manager is a piece of software that links distribution channels like online travel agencies with hotel reservation systems (also known as property management systems, or PMS) (OTAs). The flow of information reduces the possibility of overbooking, manages pricing parity, and overall makes it simpler to offer rooms for sale online by changing prices and availability as well as recovering bookings. A channel manager is beneficial for all hotels, including chains, small inns, large independent establishments, and guesthouses.
Does your property need a channel manager?
Yes, to answer briefly. Working in the hotel industry is enjoyable since it requires interaction with people rather than technology. A channel management software solution could be right for you if you’re spending hours each day on routine activities and worrying about overbooking your rooms.
Which is the best hotel channel manager for your property?
An essential business choice is choosing a channel manager. To assist you in choosing the best service, we’ve developed a list of the various factors you should think about.
1. Integration with your Property Management System
It is recommended that you look for a channel manager that can sync with your property management system (PMS) in both directions. As a result, you won’t need to manually enter reservation information into your internal systems because bookings are managed automatically.
When connecting to your PMS, certain channel manager software lags. Before choosing, be careful to learn how long this should take, depending on the size of your property and the frequency of your reservations.
2. Connections to your key OTA channels
Does the channel manager have connections to the key platforms for delivering your message to your audience, taking into account your distribution strategy and the target groups you’d like to reach? Does it link to a wide variety of channels so you may modify your distribution plan in the future to draw in various sorts of visitors? Does it work with the channels you already have?
Consider the features that each channel management offers. For instance, many OTAs offer software and tools to pull through your information, but not all channel managers may support them.
3. Cost
There are several different pricing models available for channel managers. Some are paid on an hourly basis, while others charge a monthly cost based on the size of the room. Some have increased their prices for channel setup and addition. Some need a minimum time commitment upon registering. Think carefully about which channel manager is ideal for you based on your needs and budget.
4. Analytics and reporting
Choosing a channel manager that offers thorough analytics and reporting capabilities is important in today’s industry. You can improve your revenue plan and distribution strategy the more knowledge you have about your booking volume, revenue, and competition.
6. Centralized content management
Can you centrally update your deals, facilities, places of interest, and photos? Using this tool will save you time and encourage visitors to book your rooms by helping you maintain your listings current and consistent across all of your channels.
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Online Travel Agents (OTAs) you can connect to with a Channel Manager
No matter the size of your property, there is a massive opportunity for you to reach and attract guests all over the world. SiteMinder allows you to connect to 100s of Online Travel Agents (OTAs), including:
- Airbnb
- Agoda
- Pitchup
- Hostelworld
- Hotels Combined
- Lastminute.com
- Secret Escapes
- Mr and Mrs Smith
- Pitchup
- TXGB
- Tripadvisor
Any Questions?
Get in touch with us about using Inn Style’s Property Management System, Integrated Booking Engine and Channel Manager or book a demo to see how they all work together.