by editorial office, chd

Online bookings are increasing rapidly: The German hoteliers, too, recorded above-average increases in room reservations via internet, CRS and GDS in the previous year. For almost 73 percent of hoteliers, the number of bookings over the hotels’ own websites rose strongly, sometimes very strongly. This is shown by a recent study conducted by the international market research institute CHD Expert among 221 hotel businesses across Germany, which we have obtained in advance. For around 81 percent of respondents, the number of reservations by means of booking portals rose just as strongly, with 58 percent showing increases of bookings by CRS and GDS.

Around 20 percent of hotels obtain up to ten percent of their bookings via electronic means. About every tenth hotel generates a quarter of all room sales via Internet & Co. And: Twelve percent of hotels aquire as much as half of their reservations by means of electronic booking. The number of hotels increasingly relying on internet returns is growing steadily.

The topic on online bookings is growing more important. Over 78 percent of hoteliers are strongly anticipating a rise in reservations over their own websites in the course of this year. Increases in bookings through portals are expected by a still significant 70 percent of respondents. Only a few (2% and 4.1%, respectively) are expecting a decrease in booking over their own websites or through booking portals.

In terms of booking portals, HRS.de is clearly topping the list. For 59 percent of respondents, the service provider, based in Cologne, generated the most bookings during the previous year. For comparison: For around 17 percent of hoteliers, booking.com was the most importand external provider of revenue, for around 8 percent it was hotel.de. Other booking portals, such as hotels.com, venere.com and others are only playing a minor role, but do still contribute to business.