Direct booking vs OTA commission calculator.
Compare the OTA commission you pay with the variable and fixed costs of a modelled shift to direct bookings—using your own park, campsite or accommodation figures.
- OTA cost
- Commission on the modelled booking revenue
- Direct cost
- Variable costs plus allocated annual fixed costs
- Difference
- Revenue retained after those distribution costs
It does not assume an OTA booking can automatically be replaced. The shift is a scenario you choose.
Enter the channel numbers you can verify.
The example starts with an 18% OTA rate. Replace every field with figures from your own agreements and accounts.
Completed bookings in the OTA cohort you want to model.
The average gross value for that cohort, not the nightly rate.
Use the blended effective rate shown in your OTA statements.
A planning scenario, not a forecast that demand will move.
Payment, marketing or other costs that scale with shifted revenue.
Fixed costs allocated to this scenario, such as software or campaigns.
Estimated annual difference.
More revenue retained in this model. This is a cost comparison, not a demand or revenue forecast.
- Current annual OTA commission
- £37,800
- OTA commission avoided
- £7,560
- Direct costs in the model
- £2,460
- Shifted bookings each year
- 120
- Difference per shifted booking
- £43
With these fixed costs, the model breaks even at a variable direct cost of 15.1% of shifted revenue.
Current mix compared with the modelled mix.
| Measure | Current mix | Modelled mix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual gross revenue | £210,000 | £210,000 |
| OTA commission | £37,800 | £30,240 |
| Direct costs allocated | £0 | £2,460 |
| Revenue retained after modelled costs | £172,200 | £177,300 |
Three calculations, kept visible.
The result is deliberately simple enough to recreate in a spreadsheet. Every output traces back to the six inputs above.
- 1. Current OTA commission
Annual OTA revenue × commission rate
The starting distribution cost for the OTA booking cohort.
- 2. Modelled direct cost
Shifted revenue × variable rate + fixed cost
The cost allocated to the bookings tested as direct.
- 3. Annual difference
Commission avoided − modelled direct cost
A cost difference, assuming booking volume and value stay equal.
A positive result is not a booking forecast.
The calculator isolates selected distribution costs. The commercial decision still depends on whether your direct channel can win and convert demand without reducing booking value or increasing another cost.
- Demand is not transferred automatically
- OTAs can create discovery and conversion. Test what portion of demand your own channel can genuinely retain.
- Compare like with like
- Use the same revenue basis, time period, cancellation treatment and cost allocation in both scenarios.
- Include the complete direct cost
- Account for payment, software, marketing, discounts and operating work where they differ materially.
- Validate against accounts
- Reconcile the model with OTA statements, booking-source reporting and finance records before acting.
Track source, booking value and conversion before changing the mix.
Keydesk Direct gives guests a direct reservation route using live availability and prices. Keydesk currently does not connect to OTAs, and this calculator does not claim otherwise.
See the direct booking engine- Booking source
- Separate website, phone, walk-in and external-channel demand.
- Gross booking value
- Compare the complete booking rather than only a nightly rate.
- Acquisition cost
- Attach variable and allocated fixed costs consistently.
- Conversion evidence
- Measure whether direct visits become completed reservations.
Direct booking and OTA commission FAQ.
How is OTA commission calculated?
For the simple model used here, OTA commission equals the gross booking revenue attributed to the OTA multiplied by the blended commission rate. Your agreement may define the commissionable amount differently, so reconcile the model with an actual OTA statement.
What OTA commission rate should I enter?
Use the effective rate from your own contract and statements. Divide commission paid by the relevant commissionable booking revenue for a representative period, checking whether promotions, payment charges or programme fees sit inside or outside that figure.
Are direct bookings commission-free?
Direct bookings avoid OTA commission, but they are not cost-free. Relevant costs can include card processing, booking software, website work, paid media, metasearch, discounts, staff time, cancellations and guest-service activity. Include the costs that change between the two scenarios.
Does the calculator predict how many bookings will move direct?
No. The channel-shift percentage is a scenario input, not a forecast. The calculator assumes the modelled bookings still happen at the same average gross value so you can isolate distribution costs. Test demand, conversion and price effects separately.
Should I include VAT or other taxes?
Use the same revenue basis used by the relevant contract and accounts. The calculator does not automatically remove VAT, local taxes or non-commissionable items. Ask your accountant how to compare the figures consistently for your business.
Does Keydesk currently connect to OTAs?
Not yet. Keydesk currently focuses on booking-office and direct website reservations. The calculator is an independent planning tool and does not imply that OTA connections or automatic channel switching are currently available in Keydesk.
Bring the channel numbers. Explore a clearer direct route.
Share your current booking mix and direct-booking workflow. We’ll assess how the current Keydesk product fits—without presenting roadmap connections as live features.
- No calculator signup required
- Operator-controlled scenario inputs
- Transparent current product scope
Be first to hear when beta opens. No spam. Just occasional updates as we build.