The True Cost of OTAs
Why 15% commissions are only the beginning
This analysis breaks down every hidden OTA fee and shows the upside of direct bookings for Italian vacation rentals.
Key Findings
Plenty of revenue is left on the table when relying on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.
15%
Average OTA Commission
Percentage of gross booking value paid to OTAs.
€1,500
Lost per €10k
Typical cash lost on every €10k worth of bookings.
30%
Conversion Boost
What hosts gain when switching to direct.
Commission Breakdown by Platform
A side-by-side comparison of Booking.com, Airbnb and Vrbo fees.
Booking.com
15%
Base Commission
Payment & Ops Fees
Guest & Service Fees
Up to 20%
Total Cost
Reduced Profitability
Net Impact
Airbnb
14%
Base Commission
Service & Marketing Fees
Guest & Service Fees
Up to 18%
Total Cost
Lower Margins
Net Impact
Vrbo
16%
Base Commission
Service Fees
Guest & Service Fees
Up to 22%
Total Cost
Shrinking Revenue
Net Impact
How Much Revenue Do You Lose?
Three common booking values and their impact over a year.
€5,000
Avg. Booking Value
OTA Commission€750
Direct Booking Profit€5,000
Yearly Loss€9,000
€10,000
Avg. Booking Value
OTA Commission€1,500
Direct Booking Profit€10,000
Yearly Loss€18,000
€15,000
Avg. Booking Value
OTA Commission€2,250
Direct Booking Profit€15,000
Yearly Loss€27,000
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