Booking.com and Expedia are the most popular OTAs in the region. Direct bookings via STAAH SwiftBook also in top 3.
Global hotel technology giant, STAAH, has revealed the top online channels across its network of properties in Australia, New Zealand, and rest of Oceania region. Booking.com retained the top spot across the region as the most popular online booking platform. In New Zealand, Expedia took the second spot, and direct bookings via STAAH SwiftBook was in the third spot. For Australia, direct bookings were even stronger, at number two spot, and Expedia at number three.
Top Online Channels 2023 Australia
Airbnb gained a spot and ranked at number four in New Zealand but dropped two spots to number six in Australia. Agoda gained a spot and stands at number five in Australia. Returning backpackers after more visa categories have been opened reflects on the rise in position by Hostelworld to number four.
Tourplan showed a massive jump in New Zealand, up by five spots to fifth position. Agoda dropped by two spots to number six and Hostelworld fell to number ten in New Zealand.
“Travellers showed a strong preference to book directly with hotels in 2023, despite OTAs regaining ground. STAAH booking engine at number two and three spots in New Zealand and Australia reflects this trends,” says Kevin Tatem Regional Head APAC – STAAH.
Kevin adds that direct bookings growth is fuelled by guests seeing greater value on this channel. “STAAH’s advanced features that ensure the hotel website remains competitive, combined with smart packaging and promotions by hoteliers makes direct bookings an attractive proposition.”
Kevin emphasizes the growing trend of both domestic and international travel in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, highlighting a significant preference among travelers for exploring destinations within these regions.
“Equally inbound tourism is on the rise. Properties adopting a holistic revenue strategy are well places to attract the right guests, at the right time.”
“New and established online channels are making the distribution mix, allowing accommodation providers to be booked according to evolving season and updated traveller preferences that span multiple channels,” says Kevin.
In Oceania, the growth in corporate bookings resulted in GDS returning to the top 10 online booking channel list. STAAH GDS was at number nine in New Zealand and number seven spot in Australia. WebBeds was at number ten in Australia and number seven in New Zealand.
About STAAH
STAAH is a New Zealand-based technology company that specialises in cloud-based channel management and booking engine for accommodation providers helping them maximise their online revenue. Founded by Gavin Jeddo in 2008, a pioneer in the field of distribution technology, STAAH’s industry-leading technology powers a property’s distribution through online travel agencies (OTA) and direct bookings. STAAH partners with over 19000+ properties across 90 countries through its operations in New Zealand, Australia, India, UAE, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Middle East, UK and Europe.