Stop Paying OTA Fees on Repeat Guests: How In-Property Smart Screens Drive Direct Bookings

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New industry data confirms what many short-term rental operators have quietly suspected: a huge amount of revenue is leaking back to online travel agencies (OTAs) from guests who have already stayed with you before. According to a recent article, short-term rental operators are collectively paying more than $1 billion per year in OTA commissions on repeat guests, largely because those returning customers continue to book through platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com rather than directly with the operator.

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The Cost of Repeat Guest Leakage

The data highlights a stubborn truth: while many operators succeed in earning repeat bookings and building loyalty, a majority of those guests still rebook through OTAs, causing operators to pay commission again and again on customers they’ve already acquired. This phenomenon — called repeat guest leakage — isn’t just a theoretical problem; it’s a measurable drain on profitability.

What’s particularly striking about these findings is that where a guest books their first stay tends to influence where they rebook. Guests who book direct are significantly more likely to book direct again — but those acquired through an OTA are likely to stay with that platform unless something changes.

This insight reinforces a simple but powerful truth: the booking channel shapes guest habits — and operators who want to keep more revenue must intervene in that habit loop.

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The Opportunity — and Challenge — of Direct Bookings

Everyone in the vacation rental space knows the value of direct bookings — fewer fees, more control, full data ownership, deeper customer relationships, and higher lifetime value per guest. Direct bookings can reduce dependency on third-party platforms, help operators build their own brand equity, and ultimately lead to stronger guest loyalty over time.

But here’s the catch: even when guests already love your property and have stayed with you before, most never think to look for your direct website or special booking link on their own. They go back to the OTA because that’s what they remember.

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Why Traditional Methods Fall Short

Many operators try to nudge guests toward direct bookings with email or maybe text messages. But these tactics are often not effective for most guests. Messages are lost among an overflowing inbox, and only the group organizer receives these communications. If there are 6, 10 or 20 people in the property, think of the multiplier you get when all those guests see the book direct offer! It may not be the original group organizer that rebooks, but instead a splinter group for your next reservation.

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How the AIPEX Virtual Concierge Solves This Problem

AIPEX Virtual Concierge isn’t just another direct-booking tool — it’s the only method that captures guest attention where they’re most engaged: during their stay with digital signage in the property.

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Here’s how AIPEX closes the awareness gap and drives direct bookings like nothing else:

🎯 1. Visible, Eye-Catching Messaging Inside the Property

AIPEX displays clear messaging — in colorful, high-impact visual formats — on guest-facing screens during their stay. That means every guest sees:

• How much they could save by booking direct next time
• Exclusive perks or loyalty benefits available only through direct booking
• A recognizable brand message tied to your property

Not just the group organizer — ALL guests get the message in an engaging way while they’re already emotionally connected to your property.

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📣 2. Timing Is Everything

In addition to the digital signage, the AIPEX checkout flow (where guests tap the screen to check out) specifically asks if the guest would like to rebook. This is extremely effective.

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💡 3. Personalized and Brand-Focused

AIPEX also lets you reinforce your brand identity with tailored messages that tie into your guest experience — Holiday promotions, loyalty tiers, or personalized thank-you and save-10% direct offers.

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📈 4. Drives Repeat Business AND Keeps More Revenue

By catching guest attention while they’re experiencing your space, AIPEX doesn’t just inform — it motivates. That leads to:

• Higher direct booking rates on repeat stays
• Reduced dependency on OTAs
• More revenue retained within your business

Unlike emails or static website badges, in-stay visuals reach every guest at the right moment — which is why AIPEX is uniquely effective at reducing repeat guest leakage.

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Conclusion

Hosts are all in the same boat - you only need to look at google searches to see the pain:

“how to get vacation rental guests to book direct next time”

“reduce OTA repeat bookings get guests to rebook direct”

“direct booking strategies for short-term rental hosts”

“how to convert Airbnb guests to direct bookings”

“best ways to get str guests to rebook direct on their next stay instead of using an ota”

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The good news is that options are available, and in-property devices are one of the best.

OTAs are essential for discovery. There’s no denying that platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo bring volume and visibility. But when it comes to retaining customers and keeping revenue, structure matters.

You can invest thousands in guest experience, amenities, and service — yet still lose millions in fees if guests keep returning through OTAs without ever being encouraged to book direct. The recent analysis shows this cost clearly.

AIPEX Virtual Concierge solves that problem at the point of highest engagement — the guest’s stay itself — turning every guest into a potential direct booking advocate for their next visit.

It’s time to stop leaking revenue and start seizing every direct-booking opportunity. With AIPEX, your message gets seen — by every guest — at exactly the right time.

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