Does it matter how many channels you connect to?
YES! The more channels, the better.
More channels = more online visibility = potentially more bookings!
Why do you need to be connected to OTA's?
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) support your property's credibility as these agencies are trusted and familiar to potential guests.
Potential guests use OTAs to research and review properties. Once a property is chosen, most bookers will try to find the property's own website.
This is usually in search of a cheaper rate or deal, as opposed to commission-based rates on OTAs.
If you are not on any OTAs, the chance of guests finding your property is significantly reduced.
Channel connectivity is a core function of a channel manager.
The more connected channels = the more sites to update!
With NightsBridge as your channel manager, all connected OTAs, booking sites and channels that your property is listed on, are kept up-to-date with your updated rates and availability.
How do more channels promote more direct bookings?
The Billboard Effect!
This is when guests find your property on the OTAs, and then go to your own website to get more information, or see if they can find a better deal. Once they get to your website, they will hopefully "Book Now".
Cornell University, which was involved in the study for the billboard effect with Expedia, found that 65% of guests who book on the property's website, had visited an OTA prior to booking with the property.
That is how more channels = more direct bookings.
Additional reading on the Billboard effect
Here are some links with extra info on the billboard effect: