Definition
An online intermediary, such as Booking.com or Expedia, that markets hotel rooms and takes reservations from travellers. Hotels typically pay a commission for bookings made through an OTA. OTAs can extend a property's reach, while direct bookings give the hotel a direct guest relationship and avoid OTA commission.
Related Terms
CTAClosed to Arrival
A stay control that blocks new check-ins on a specific date while allowing guests already in-house to continue their stay. Hotels use CTA during high-demand periods to prioritise longer stays and maximise revenue—for example, closing arrivals on Saturday to capture more valuable Friday-Saturday bookings rather than Saturday-only stays.
Learn more →CTDClosed to Departure
A stay control that prevents guests from checking out on a specific date, requiring them to extend their stay through that date. CTD is used to fill gaps in occupancy—for example, if Tuesday shows low demand, closing departures ensures guests checking in Monday must stay through Tuesday, improving overall occupancy patterns.
Learn more →Direct Booking
A reservation made directly with the hotel — on its own website, by phone, by email or at the front desk — rather than through an online travel agency (OTA) or another intermediary. Direct bookings carry no OTA commission and give the hotel the guest's contact details and relationship, which makes them valuable for repeat stays and upselling. Hotels usually encourage them with added value and member rates rather than by undercutting the prices shown on OTAs.
Learn more →LOSLength of Stay
The total number of nights a guest stays during a single visit. Average LOS varies significantly by segment and destination—resort guests may average 5-7 nights while city business hotels see 1.5-2 nights. Understanding your LOS patterns helps optimise pricing strategies and apply appropriate stay controls during high-demand periods.
Learn more →Put these ideas to work at your hotel
Sigma Revenue helps hotels improve their key metrics through data-driven revenue management.