How OTAs and Channel Managers Can Work Together for Smarter Hotel Distribution

The global hotel industry is projected to reach $1.21 trillion by 2027, yet many properties struggle with fragmented distribution strategies that lead to pricing mismatches, overbookings, and lost revenue.

According to research by Statista:

• 95% of hotels use at least one OTA to drive bookings, yet 70% of independent hotels report high dependency on OTAs for revenue.
• 40% of hotels report revenue loss due to rate inconsistencies across OTAs and channel managers.
• Hotels using fully integrated channel managers see a 25% increase in revenue by eliminating manual pricing errors.

Despite these numbers, disconnects between OTAs and channel managers continue to create operational inefficiencies and revenue leaks. Let’s examine how these two systems can work together to streamline hotel distribution.

The Role of Channel Managers in Hotel Distribution

A channel manager is a distribution tool that synchronizes room rates, availability, and inventory across multiple OTAs, wholesalers, and direct booking channels.

Key functions include:

• Automated rate updates – Adjust pricing across all connected platforms in real time.
• Availability synchronization – Prevent overbookings by updating room inventory instantly.
• Multi-channel distribution – Hotels can manage bookings across OTAs, bedbanks, and GDS platforms from a single system.

Without proper OTA integration, even the most advanced channel manager can’t prevent booking errors and pricing mismatches.

Common Challenges in OTA & Channel Manager Integration

Hotels that lack proper OTA integration often experience:

• Rate disparities across platforms – Prices may be inconsistent due to delayed updates.
• Lost bookings from overallocations – Slow inventory updates lead to double bookings.
• High operational costs – Manual management requires additional staff time and resources.

For hotels and travel partners, automation and direct API integrations are the solution.

How Bakuun Streamlines OTA & Channel Manager Integrations

Bakuun offers a centralized distribution solution that:

✔️ Ensures real-time data updates – Availability and rates are updated instantly across OTAs.
✔️ Improves revenue optimization – Hotels can implement dynamic pricing strategies.
✔️ Reduces integration costs – A single API connects multiple OTAs without expensive development.

With Bakuun’s B-Aggregate, hotels, OTAs, and channel managers work together more efficiently.

Key Takeaways for Hotels & Travel Partners

• Automated rate updates reduce pricing discrepancies across platforms.
• Real-time inventory sync prevents overbookings and lost revenue.
• Integrated OTA and channel management increases efficiency and improves revenue optimization.

By ensuring seamless OTA connectivity, hotels can increase profitability and avoid costly distribution mistakes.

Conclusion: The Future of OTA & Channel Manager Collaboration

Hotel distribution is evolving, and manual processes are no longer sustainable.

• OTAs and channel managers must work together to reduce friction and improve guest experience.
• Hotels that adopt automated, API-driven integrations will stay ahead of the competition.

By investing in smart technology, hotels can maximize revenue while minimizing operational risks.

Discover Smarter OTA & Channel Manager Integrations

Bakuun’s B-Aggregate simplifies connectivity, allowing hotels to manage distribution efficiently without technical headaches.