Why Commission-Free Booking Platforms Are the Future of HospitalityThe hospitality industry is evolving, and as costs increase, hotels are actively seeking alternatives to the high commission rates charged by traditional Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). While OTAs such as MakeMyTrip, Booking.com, and Agoda have historically been go-to booking solutions, their steep commission fees—often ranging from 10% to 20%—have left hotels with slim profit margins. Compounding this issue, OTAs frequently delay payments to hotels, holding onto earnings for weeks or even months. This delay strains cash flow and can impact a hotel's ability to manage operations effectively.
To address these challenges, ZookStay is introducing a new way forward in the hospitality industry: a commission-free booking platform, set to launch soon. By providing hotels with a platform that lets them keep 100% of their booking revenue, ZookStay aims to support hotels’ profitability while enhancing the guest experience.
Most OTAs operate on a commission-based model, taking a significant percentage of revenue from every booking. For smaller hotels especially, these fees can eat into earnings and lead to increased room rates, making it challenging to stay competitive. Additionally, OTAs often delay payouts, causing operational bottlenecks that make it harder for hotels to cover everyday expenses, pay staff, and invest in service improvements.This delay not only affects hotel operations but can also lead to a lower-quality guest experience, as hotels are forced to cut costs in other areas.
ZookStay is the only platform offering a commission-free booking model, allowing hotels to retain 100% of the booking revenue. This commission-free approach means that hotels can avoid inflating room prices to offset OTA fees, resulting in more competitive pricing for guests. ZookStay empowers hotels to earn more from every booking, directly benefiting their bottom line without passing extra costs onto travelers.
Beyond eliminating commissions, ZookStay addresses another critical issue: cash flow. Instead of holding onto hotel earnings, ZookStay commits to a payout within three days of receiving payment from guests. This immediate access to funds allows hotels to efficiently manage day-to-day expenses, maintain smooth operations, and ensure a high-quality experience for guests.
To further support independent and smaller hotels, ZookStay will also offer free website creation services for properties without an online presence. A dedicated website can help smaller hotels attract direct bookings, establish brand identity, and build relationships with guests—all essential in a market dominated by large hotel chains. By providing this service at no cost, ZookStay levels the playing field, empowering smaller hotels to thrive alongside larger competitors.
ZookStay’s upcoming launch marks an important shift in the hospitality industry. By allowing hotels to keep their entire booking revenue, ZookStay is creating a model that supports hotel profitability and enhances guest experiences. Commission-free booking is more than a financial benefit—it represents a more sustainable, guest-centered, and fair approach to hospitality.
As ZookStay prepares for its official launch, hotels and travelers alike can look forward to a fresh alternative in booking platforms—one that prioritizes fair pricing, fast payouts, and the success of hotels. By choosing a commission-free platform, hotels can reclaim control over their revenue, improve operations, and offer competitive rates that benefit guests.
In a world where the hospitality industry is often burdened by high OTA fees, ZookStay’s commission-free platform is paving the way for a fairer, more balanced future for both hotels and travelers. Stay tuned for the launch of ZookStay, and be part of the movement transforming hospitality for the better.
