1. Defend your own name first
Search your property name. If an OTA advertisement sits above your own site, you are paying commission on guests who already chose you. A small brand campaign, often under USD 100 a month for an independent property, usually fixes this within days.
2. Give a real reason to book direct
'Best rate guaranteed' is invisible because every hotel says it. Free airport pickup, a guaranteed early check-in, a free upgrade when available, or dinner on the first night all cost less than commission and are concrete enough to change a decision.
3. Shorten the booking path
- Rates visible before the guest has to enter dates
- Fewer than four steps from room page to confirmation
- Booking engine styled to look like your own site
- A WhatsApp option for guests who would rather ask a question first
4. Fix mobile speed
Most Sri Lanka trip research happens on a phone, often on mobile data. If your homepage takes over four seconds, a meaningful share of visitors never see it. Compressing images and removing unused scripts usually gets you most of the way.
5. Mail your past guests
Guests who have already stayed convert several times better than strangers. Two emails a year — one low-season offer, one seasonal update — will out-earn a lot of paid advertising.
6. Ask for reviews systematically
Rating affects both map visibility and the rate guests accept. A request at checkout, every guest, every time, beats any occasional campaign.
7. Measure net, not gross
Compare cost per direct booking against the commission you would otherwise have paid. That single comparison tells you whether the programme is working.