https://www.listennotes.com/e/64237caeba07458bbd064b888406732c

Welcome to episode 271 of the STR Daily podcast powered by Boostly, the industry's first aid driven show for short term rental professionals. I'm Bob, your host, bringing you the latest news, trends and insights in travel, AI and hospitality. Whether you're a host, property manager or industry expert, this podcast is your go to source for staying ahead in the fast moving world of short term rentals. Our mission to equip you with actionable strategies and updates so you can navigate the industry with confidence. Hit that subscribe button and never miss an upload in today's episode. First up, hotels are facing a growing challenge with secondary online travel agencies or non major OTAs undercutting their published rates. Originally, hotels relied on big players like Expedia and booking.com then pivoted towards direct bookings through brand websites. But now there's been a shift back to OTAs and the emergence of smaller, lesser known platforms has created fresh headaches. These secondary OTAs often resell rooms at lower prices sourced through wholesalers or loosely managed affiliate networks, leaving hotels struggling to maintain rate parity and protect their margins. Meanwhile, Agoda is taking a very different approach to customer loyalty. CEO Omri Morgenstern says it's not about points or perks, it's all about price. Agoda's loyalty program is intentionally simple. Show customers the lowest price and they'll keep coming back. This strategy relies heavily on speed, agility and a hyper local focus. Agoda also leans into AI to scan millions of listings and ensure competitive pricing at scale. For Agoda, the bet isn't on flashy rewards, but on being the most reliable, affordable choice for travelers, proving that sometimes simplicity really is the ultimate strategy. If you need help boosting your direct bookings, check out the Boostly website and if you'd like a shout out on the podcast, leave a review. We love hearing from our listeners and your feedback helps us improve. Also, don't forget to share this podcast with your industry peers. Tag Boostly UK on social media when you do and we'll be sure to share it too. Thanks for tuning in. And remember, book Direct.