Two British hoteliers are taking on global online travel agents with a new campaign encouraging travellers to book direct.
Simon and Wendy Bennett, who own Augill Castle in Kirkby Stephen, have waged a ‘Fair Booking Movement’ calling for British travellers not to book with the global players that monopolise the industry and instead book direct with hotels to keep business and money within the UK.
Global OTAs take around 25% commission from accommodation providers and do not always pay tax in the UK, with the Bennetts saying more money for providers will mean more will be able to stay open for tourists to experience something different.
The pair has launched a new website for UK independent hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs at bestroomsdirect.com and called on British accommodation providers to get behind the campaign.
“To avoid a future choice limited to faceless, bland, corporate hotel chains, it is imperative that Britain’s independent hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs come together to raise awareness of the importance of direct booking and we are trying to harness this strength in numbers with Best Rooms Direct. Global booking sites are monopolising the travel industry, taking a huge slice of our income and making it even harder for tourism businesses to stay afloat,” said Wendy.
“Britain prides itself on its individuality, history and character and its wealth of brilliant independent businesses contributes hugely to that. We’re asking consumers and businesses across Britain to support our Fair Booking Movement and help to retain individual places to stay,” she added.
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