Mark Simpson argues that direct bookings have increased because hosts became more attentive after the pandemic and because OTAs (online travel agencies) changed cancellation policies and, at times, closed availability—forcing travelers (e.g., healthcare workers, business guests, relocating people) to find and book properties directly.
My personal opinion, the reason why direct bookings are up is a is a number of factors. Number one, hosts. Just like everybody that's on this chat team, Boostly members and other hosts from around the world are paying more attention to it on the back of the pandemic. Obviously, we all know what happened in 2020 with OTAs canceling our policies and making it easier for guests to cancel. Plus as well, it got to a point in the pandemic, especially in the UK where the OTAs had closed off any availability on their calendar. So if people were traveling, whether it is a healthcare professional or a business guest, or somebody that was in relocation like I was, you had to find the property and book direct.
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