Preferred Partner Program Booking.com Yay or Nay?

Summary

In this video, Robert from Occupancy Boost provides an in-depth overview of Booking.com's Preferred Partner Program, explaining the eligibility requirements, benefits, and costs. The program is designed to help top-performing hotels gain more visibility, leading to increased bookings. Hotels must meet high review scores, competitive pricing, and performance criteria to join. The program offers up to 65% more views and 20% more bookings but requires a 3% increase in commission fees. Robert advises that the program is particularly beneficial for hotels in competitive markets, though less impactful for those in areas with fewer competitors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Only the top 30% of hotels on Booking.com are eligible to join the Preferred Partner Program.
• 😀 Hotels in the Preferred Partner Program get a 'thumbs up' symbol next to their listing, signaling excellence and boosting visibility.
• 😀 The program claims to increase your hotel's views by 65% and reservations by 20%.
• 😀 A key requirement for eligibility is a review score of at least 7.0 on Booking.com.
• 😀 Competitive pricing across platforms (like Expedia and your own website) is crucial for program eligibility.
• 😀 The Preferred Partner Program comes with an extra 3% commission fee, bringing the total to 18% for participating properties.
• 😀 The program helps increase your hotel’s ranking in search results, especially in highly competitive cities.
• 😀 Hotels can opt-out of the program at any time if they decide it doesn’t work for them.
• 😀 It is recommended to stay in the program for at least a month to assess its effectiveness.
• 😀 Smaller hotels in less competitive locations may not see much benefit from the program due to already high search rankings.
• 😀 The program is best suited for hotels in large cities with many competitors, as it helps them stand out in a crowded market.

Q & A

What is the Booking.com Preferred Partner Program?

The Preferred Partner Program is a program on Booking.com that helps the top 30% of properties gain increased visibility, more bookings, and better positioning in search results. It offers a 'thumbs up' icon on listings, signifying high service standards and excellent review scores.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Preferred Partner Program?

To be eligible for the Preferred Partner Program, properties must meet three criteria: 1) A review score of at least 7.0, 2) Competitive pricing consistent across all platforms (Booking.com, your website, and other OTAs like Expedia), and 3) A good performance score based on pricing consistency and reviews.

How does the Preferred Partner Program benefit a property?

The program boosts the visibility of participating properties by moving them higher in search results, claiming up to 65% more views and 20% more bookings. The 'thumbs up' icon also helps signal quality, making the property more attractive to potential customers.

How much does it cost to join the Preferred Partner Program?

Joining the Preferred Partner Program costs an additional 3% commission on all bookings made through Booking.com. For example, if your normal commission rate is 15%, you would pay 18% as a Preferred Partner.

Can properties opt out of the Preferred Partner Program once they join?

Yes, properties can opt out of the Preferred Partner Program at any time. However, it is recommended that properties stay in the program for at least a month to assess whether it improves their bookings.

Is the Preferred Partner Program beneficial for all types of properties?

The program is particularly beneficial for properties in highly competitive cities with many listings, as it helps them gain better visibility. For properties in small towns or locations with few competitors, the program may not provide as much benefit.

What does the 'thumbs up' icon on a listing signify?

The 'thumbs up' icon indicates that the property is part of the Preferred Partner Program and has met Booking.com's standards for excellent service and review scores.

How does the pricing of a property affect eligibility for the Preferred Partner Program?

Booking.com requires properties to maintain competitive pricing across all platforms, including OTAs and their own websites. If the pricing on Booking.com differs significantly from other platforms, it may affect eligibility for the program.

What kind of review score is required to join the Preferred Partner Program?

Booking.com requires properties to have a review score of at least 7.0 to be eligible for the Preferred Partner Program.

Can smaller properties or those in less competitive locations benefit from the Preferred Partner Program?

Smaller properties or those in less competitive areas might not benefit as much from the Preferred Partner Program. The program is designed to help properties stand out in competitive markets, where being higher in search results can make a significant difference.