How do I get more direct bookings instead of paying OTA fees?

Start with the three leaks

Almost every park losing bookings to OTAs leaks in the same three places. The booking path is hidden or phone-only, so a guest who finds the park's own site cannot act on it. Rates context is missing, so the guest leaves to compare on a platform that shows prices. And there is no proof near the decision: no reviews beside the button, no photos that answer what the sites actually look like. Fix those three before spending anything on traffic, because traffic poured into a leaking site just books through the OTA anyway.

Make direct the better deal without breaking rate parity

Keep your rates consistent across channels and win on everything around the rate. A direct guest can get clearer site details, flexible policies shown upfront, and perks that cost you nothing, like early check-in or first pick of available sites. Travelers prefer booking direct when the experience earns it; they default to the OTA only when your site makes direct harder than it should be.

Keep the OTAs, change their job

Leaving the OTAs entirely is usually the wrong move. They are discovery channels with reach your park cannot match alone, and a new guest has to find you somewhere. The goal is a division of labor: the OTA introduces the guest, your website and Google profile win the booking, and your follow-up wins the return stay. Measure the mix monthly, direct share against platform share, and work on the trend rather than demanding an overnight flip.

Win the between-stays booking too

The cheapest direct booking is the repeat one. A guest who booked direct last season can be emailed before your booking window opens, at no commission. That only compounds if the first booking, or at least the guest's contact details, belongs to you, which is the long-term reason the mix matters. Our full guide walks through the fee math and the owned-website path step by step.

I am Jack Magri, founder of Magrify. I build park websites for exactly this shift. Message me through the contact page and I will show you where your own site is leaking bookings, free, before you decide anything.