Type of project: OTA CONTENT OPTIMIZATION
OTA Content Strategy and Rate Parity Assurance
ABOUT THE CLIENT
Düsseldorf-based Lindner Hotels AG operates 33 hotels and resorts in seven European countries, including 23 properties in Germany. With a portfolio ranging from spa and sport resorts to city and conference hotels, Lindner is among Germany’s leading hotel chains. Numerous successful projects and regular quality assurance as well as distribution training sessions build the base for Lindner’s long-lasting working relationship with h2c.
CLIENTS’ OPINION
Our hotel display is impacted by frequent OTA extranet and OTA layout changes and therefore requires a high amount of content updates and loading of additional content. In order to keep our content fresh, we commissioned h2c to analyze and optimize our static and dynamic content displayed on OTAs and online tour operator sites. H2c’s checks identified key content issues which were corrected immediately by our team. We were fully satisfied with h2c’s clear recommendations and the entire OTA optimization process.
Monika Sand, Corporate Manager Revenue
OBJECTIVE
Lindner Hotels & Resorts commissioned h2c to check and optimize static (i.e., descriptions and images) and dynamic content (rates) displayed on OTA and online tour operator sites. The project goal was to ensure correctness and completeness of hotel information, resulting in more bookings and improved guest satisfaction.
CHALLENGES
- Given the rapid OTA site developments, Lindner Hotels & Resorts lacks the resources to monitor all indirect sales channels. Incorrect or missing information on intermediary channels can lead to wrong expectations and consequently result in guest complaints.
- Even though rates and availability are updated automatically, third party (OTA) price offers must be reviewed regularly. Rate disparity can result in direct (IBE) booking losses.
- With ongoing hotel renovations and new facilities being added, content implementation is never a one-time task. Checks and updates are required on a regular basis.
WORK
- Monthly static OTA and tour operator content checks per hotel, including photos, hotel descriptions and critical booking criteria
- Monthly dynamic OTA and brand website content checks, including rates, rate inclusions and booking conditions
- Recommendations for content alignments in consultation with Lindner Hotels & Resorts
- Final check of implemented changes throughout all channels
RESULTS
- Rate parity is fully maintained across online channels.
- Correct presentation of booking conditions, creating more confidence in the brand and the website as a direct booking channel.
- Complete and optimized hotel content, improving the guests’ search experience.
- Updated hotel information avoids wrong expectations, thus avoiding negative guest reviews.
- More content marketing awareness among Lindner employees.
