For many hotels and furnished apartments in Madinah, online travel agencies are the biggest source of guests — and the biggest cost. At 15–25% commission, a property earning SAR 100,000 a month through these platforms pays roughly SAR 180,000–300,000 a year for the privilege.
You don’t need to leave the platforms. You need a second channel that you own, so repeat guests, referrals and people who find you on Google can book with you directly.
Why guests still book through platforms
- They can’t find a way to book on your own website
- Your website doesn’t show live prices or availability
- They don’t trust paying you directly
- The platform is simply the first result they see
Each of these has a fix.
1. Add a real booking engine to your website
A contact form isn’t a booking engine. Guests want to pick dates, see the price and pay securely in one flow — in Arabic, English and ideally the languages of your main pilgrim markets.
2. Match or beat the platform price
Offer something small that only direct guests get: a better rate, free airport transfer, late checkout or breakfast. Mention it clearly on your site and in your WhatsApp replies.
3. Own your Google presence
When people search your property’s name, your website should appear above the platforms. A complete Google Business Profile with a booking link and strong reviews helps you take that first click back.
4. Turn every guest into a direct guest next time
Collect WhatsApp numbers at check-in (with permission) and send a thank-you message after checkout with a direct-booking offer for their next Umrah or visit.
5. Build trust at the payment step
Show your commercial registration, secure payment logos, clear cancellation terms and real reviews near the “Book” button. Confirm every booking instantly on WhatsApp.
What a realistic result looks like
Moving even a portion of bookings to your own channel makes a noticeable difference to your margin. Our commission calculator shows the numbers for your property in seconds.
Want a second pair of eyes? Request a free audit and we’ll send you a written report on your website, Google Maps listing and social accounts — with the three fixes that will bring customers fastest.