A booking engine is an online system that enables guests to make reservations directly on a
hotel’s website, forming the core of direct distribution.
Why it matters:
A strong booking engine reduces reliance on OTAs, improves margins, and gives hotels control
over guest data.
Practical use:
Hotels optimize booking engine design, speed, and mobile usability to increase conversion rates.
Real-life examples:
Poor mobile performance of the booking engine causes guests to abandon direct booking and
complete reservations on an OTA instead.
