How Safara 360 Delivers 0% Commission Demand

Sounds great in theory, but how does it work?

Hotels on the Safara 360 platform do NOT pay commissions for bookings generated through the Safara App. However, hotels that are not on Safara 360 continue to pay standard OTA commissions for demand.

Safara 360 is built exclusively for independent hotels. By design, it rewards independents by giving them access to commission-free demand, while large chains still pay under the legacy commission model. This is the foundation of the guest demand platform invention: a model built to shift power back to independent hotels. By eliminating commission fees and layering on tools that help independents compete, Safara 360 creates a level playing field in a landscape dominated by big brands.

Sick of playing tug-of-war with OTAs in a never-ending battle to wrest demand back through direct channels? Safara 360 helps directly solve this problem. It’s an incremental direct demand channel that can, over time, help drive down your OTA reliance and maximize your control of the guest relationship.

What types of guests are booking on Safara?

Safara’s audience skews Millennial and Gen Z — travelers who value boutique design, unique stays, and seamless tech. They’re not just browsing; they’re booking premium properties and spending more.

• High spenders: Average first booking in 2024 was nearly $1,000 per trip
• Frequent travelers: On average, they make five hotel bookings each year
• Motivated by curation: Drawn to personalized recommendations, curated hotel collections, and exclusive value

For hotels, this means you’re reaching travelers with both the intent and the budget to book high-end stays.

How does Safara increases hotel visibility?

Safara integrates your availability, rates, inventory, and content with guest insights from the App. That data allows us to showcase your hotel more effectively and prioritize it for the right customers in in-app search results — increasing visibility and the likelihood of being booked.

And visibility doesn’t stop in-app. Safara amplifies your property across our social channels (100,000+ total followers) and weekly newsletter, where we feature curated recommendations, best-of lists, and destination guides that highlight standout properties. The result: impressions and awareness that drive travelers directly to you.

By pairing data-driven placement with editorial-style marketing, Safara extends your reach beyond traditional distribution channels, capturing demand you’d likely miss otherwise.

How does Safara fit with my strategy to drive direct bookings?

Safara is built to augment, not compete with, your direct booking strategy. Think of it as an additional revenue stream: you keep your direct bookings intact, while Safara brings incremental demand at 0% commission — all without disrupting your guest experience.‍

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