How to get more direct bookings from your tourism website
For many resorts, eco-lodges, and tour operators, the biggest challenge isn’t getting found - it’s getting booked. With so many potential guests browsing across Booking.com, Google, Instagram, and your own website, the question becomes:
How do you turn those browsers into direct bookings—without relying entirely on OTAs or agents?
Here are the key ways your website can help you reduce commissions, increase conversions, and make sure guests book directly with you.
1. Make your value clear, fast
Most visitors will judge your site within seconds. If your homepage doesn’t immediately communicate:
What you offer
Where you are
Why you’re special
...they’ll bounce.
Use a strong headline, compelling images, and a quick value proposition. Don’t make them hunt for answers.
2. Use booking tools that keep guests on-site
Too many tourism websites bury their booking options or send visitors away to third-party links.
A better approach:
Use embedded booking tools
Make the “Book Now” button visible on every page
Keep the process short and mobile-friendly
If guests can book easily, they will.
3. Build trust with design and content
Guests won’t book if your site feels dated, slow, or broken—especially on mobile.
Focus on:
Clean, modern design (no clutter or broken links)
High-quality photos (especially of rooms, experiences, and people)
Genuine guest reviews
A clear About page that shows who you are
Trust = confidence. Confidence = bookings.
4. Optimise for mobile, ALWAYS
Over 70% of your visitors are likely on their phones.
That means:
Fast loading
Easy-to-tap buttons
No pinching or horizontal scrolling
Forms that work on all devices
A beautiful desktop site is useless if the mobile version can’t convert.
5. Make contact easy for those who aren’t ready to book
Not every guest is ready to click “Book Now.” Some need to ask questions or make a custom request.
Give them:
A contact form that’s simple and visible
A WhatsApp or Messenger link
Clear contact info on every page
Some of your best guests come from quick conversations.
Final thought
The best booking engine in the world won’t help if your website turns guests away before they even use it.
At Beachfront Studio, we design custom websites that reflect the beauty of your destination—and make it easy for guests to book directly with you. Want to reduce your OTA fees and grow your direct bookings?
