Hotel Distribution for Small Hotels: 4 Effective Methods To Try

Small and independent hotels may operate differently from larger chains, but that doesn't mean they can't thrive in today's competitive travel landscape. 
 

In this article, we'll explore how small hoteliers can enhance their business by becoming part of our TravelTech ecosystem at Hotelbeds. Whether you're already familiar with our offerings or just getting started, we're here to show you how we can support your growth. 
 

So, read on to discover why improving your distribution strategy is crucial and how Hotelbeds can be your game-changing partner.
 

Why Small Hoteliers Need to Improve Their Distribution Strategy

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest challenges for small hotels is to become visible to potential guests and to compete with large chains, which typically have strong brand positioning. However, this doesn't mean you can't carve out a niche for yourself if you're a small or independent hotelier.
 

A typical strategy is to reduce your prices to become more attractive. In the long run, however, this isn't the best initiative to implement. It's also possible that you rely on a single distribution channel, such as an OTA (Online Travel Agency), but this isn't recommended either. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket.
 

The key is to combine technology with marketing tactics, and to think outside the box. In this article, we'll cover how you can benefit from expanding your distribution channels by joining Hotelbeds.
 

Hotelbeds can be a game-changing partner for your small or independent property. Even if you lack an expansive sales team, channel managers, or marketing teams, we provide tech solutions to maximise your visibility, reach and revenue in the markets you're interested in. Want to learn more? Keep reading!
 

How Can Small and Independent Hotels Maximise Their Distribution Strategy?

Joining Hotelbeds offers many benefits. Discover some of them below. 

Access to 66,000+ Potential Partners

Building strategic partnerships with other industry players is crucial for your business. Expanding your network can enhance your property's visibility and distribution. This network can include tourism boards, travel agencies, airlines, tour operators, and more.
 

However, building these relationships can be time-consuming, especially for small hoteliers. Then, how can you boost your visibility to stand out from competitors like large chains?
 

Hotelbeds can help you to address this issue.
 

One of the main advantages of working with us, is that you don’t need to work individually with every player. We ensure that travel agencies and other wholesalers in relevant regions get to know you and include you in their travel packages. By partnering with us, your property can benefit from increased visibility without spending a lot of time and effort. We do it for you: simply tell us what markets you are interested in entering, and we'll place you in front of the right customers, at the right time.
 

Upon registration, you'll be assigned a personal Account Manager. They'll help you to manage market demand, distribute your rooms, and establish relationships with partners.
 

For instance, if you aim to enter the Canadian market, you won't have to individually approach Canadian travel agencies. With Hotelbeds, you gain immediate access to over 66,000 travel distributors, streamlining the process and giving you greater control over distribution throughout the year.
 

Reduced Cancellation Rates

Empty rooms mean less revenue, which is especially critical for small and independent hotels, since every booking counts. High cancellation rates can be frustrating for you.
 

But don’t worry: we’ve got you covered here, too!
 

Hotelbeds are proud to provide long-haul, high-value guests who rarely cancel last-minute. These guests often come from overseas, invest significant time and money on their trips, and are more likely to keep their bookings. 
 

Manage Your Property with Our Powerful Partner Extranet

Hotelbeds boasts one of the travel industry's most powerful extranets. This all-in-one hotel management tool offers real-time autonomy for various tasks:
 

• Manage your rates, availability and bookings: View and change your availability across rate and room types. Also, quickly update your availability and prices across multiple rates and room types, all in one easy process.
   

• Upload and update your hotel content: Get access to an intuitive content manager with a user-friendly interface to maximise the quality of your content.
   

• View reports and get access to a global dashboard with a snapshot of today’s arrivals, bookings and cancellations, as well as competitor comparisons.
   

• See finance information: Including the status of your invoices, Hotelbeds contracts, etc.
   

• Find main points of contact with relevant departments to help you.
   

Furthermore, the more details you provide about your property and rooms, the better the tool will perform and benefit you. For example, if you have sustainable initiatives, make sure you highlight them. Sustainable tourism is a current industry trend, and we want to help you communicate your efforts in this matter.
 

In addition, integrating our partner extranet with your channel manager improves rate optimisation. You can project rates and availability for key campaigns several months or years in advance without additional tools. Hotelbeds is compatible with most channel manager options, including Cloudbeds, HiRUM, and RoomCloud.
 

See how our Partner Extranet benefits hoteliers like you: 'I'm very happy with Hotelbeds Partner Extranet. Compared to other extranets I use, yours is a step ahead. There is a functionality that I find very easy to use, which is the tabulator for editing availability and prices. On other platforms, I can’t tabulate when I want to upload rates.' - Lucas Zori, owner of Hostal Aravaca Garden.

Better Data Management

Leveraging business data can seem challenging, but it's essential for making informed decisions. While larger hotels often have dedicated data analysts, smaller and independent properties may lack this resource.
 

At Hotelbeds, we prioritise data and help you harness your data lake. We offer data forecasting to identify demand trends and customer origins quickly. By joining us, you'll be able to turn data into actionable insights from the first day.
 

As a bonus, find below a free copy of our guide 'Understanding Hotel Distribution Channels', where we unlock everything you need to know about distribution channels, their advantages, drawbacks, and considerations for defining your hotel's distribution strategy. Download it now!