Top travel booking distribution channels identified in Spain

The guide The Great Book of OTAs: The Hotelier’s Guide to the Most Widely Distributed Channels presents data and trends from Cloudbeds, as well as a comprehensive directory of top online travel agencies (OTAs) around the world.

Cloudbeds data reveals that Booking.com is the most important distribution channel in Spain, followed by Airbnb and Hostelworld. Airbnb's popularity has skyrocketed around the world in recent years. More and more hotel businesses are adopting Airbnb as part of their channel mix, which means the continued convergence of the hospitality and short-term rental sectors. Keytel, which is part of the Barcelona-based Hotusa Group, is also listed at number seven, demonstrating the region's good results.

The 10 OTAs that generate the most income in Spain:

1.           Booking.com

2.           Airbnb

3.           Hostelworld

4.           Expedia

5.           Hotelbeds

6.           Agoda

7.           Keytel

8.           Dorms.com

9.           Hostelsclub

10.         HRS

“Online travel agencies exist to generate more opportunities for accommodation businesses by connecting them with travelers,” said Sebastien Leitner, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Cloudbeds. “Our data from recent years has shown that modern hosting companies need a comprehensive distribution strategy that includes both OTAs and solutions designed to drive direct bookings. Combined, the visibility and marketing spend of major OTAs position an accommodation to win even more bookings, including direct ones.”

Over the past year, the company has worked to diversify its offering and help hosting companies build a strong channel mix by introducing new solutions designed to drive more direct bookings while strengthening their partnerships with major OTAs. Cloudbeds was recognized as Airbnb's Preferred Software Partner, premier Booking.com Partner, and Expedia Group Preferred Connectivity Partner in 2022, enabling Cloudbeds properties the best possible access and connectivity to these critical distribution channels.

For travel insurers seeking to boost their reach and engage with new distribution channels for their products, this research is certainly of value.