How to Attract More Direct Bookings for Your Hotel or Airbnb in Greece 🛎️

Greek hoteliers and Airbnb hosts increasingly realize the impact of high OTA (Online Travel Agency) fees—sometimes reaching 15–25%. Direct bookings not only increase margins but empower you with valuable guest data and loyalty. Here’s how you can stand out.

1. Build a High-Converting, Mobile-Friendly Website

• Speed & Responsiveness: Slow sites lose bookings—fast-loading, mobile-optimized design is essential.

• Clear CTAs: Prominent “Book Now” buttons above the fold boost conversions.

• SEO Basics: Target “best hotel in Mykonos” or “family Airbnb near Athens center” to boost search visibility.

• Trust Signals: Embed guest reviews, virtual tours, and professional photos to build confidence 

2. Offer a Best-Rate Guarantee

Promote exclusive rates on your site. Save 10% compared to OTAs, free upgrades or welcome amenities create a clear incentive to book direct .

3. Incentivize Direct Rebookings

Train staff to offer returning-guest perks: personalized promo codes, complimentary breakfast, or room upgrades. Make them feel seen—and keep them coming back .

4. Use Email Marketing & Retargeting

Collect emails at check-in and send targeted offers during off-seasons. Retarget website visitors with ads on Facebook or Google for uncompleted bookings.

5. Leverage Social Proof & User-Generated Content (UGC)

Highlight real guest photos and reviews on your website and social channels. UGC builds trust and authenticity 

6. Optimize Local SEO

Claim your Google Business Profile and include geo-targeted keywords. Local visibility—like “seaside boutique hotel Crete”—drives valuable traffic 

7. Bundle Packages & Loyalty Programs

Create exclusive deals (e.g., romantic getaway, family fun, wellness packages). Loyalty programs reward guests with points and perks for future stays 

By improving your website, offers, communications, and loyalty, you can significantly reduce OTA reliance and grow a sustainable, profitable guest base. Hotel Boost is here to help you execute every step.