Tips on How to Become a Booking.com Preferred Partner

Are you a property manager or host who's dedicated to taking your accommodations to the next level? Do you want to boost your property's visibility, increase your booking rates, and carve out a distinctive presence in the highly competitive world of vacation rentals? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, Booking.com has an invaluable solution tailored just for you: the Preferred Partner Program.

In this blog, we’ll delve into:

• What is the Preferred Partner Program on Booking.com?
• What are the requirements to become a Booking.com Partner?
• Benefits of the Preferred Partner Program
• How to maintain Preferred Partner Status
• Does Booking.com offer commission for its Partner Program?

What Is the Preferred Partner Program On Booking.com?

The Booking.com Preferred Partner Program is a prestigious recognition and rewards initiative that has been meticulously crafted to acknowledge and applaud property managers and hosts who consistently go the extra mile in providing exceptional guest experiences. It's essentially Booking.com's way of acknowledging your unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch service and ensuring your property emerges as a shining star amidst the countless listings on the platform.

What Are The Requirements to Become A Booking.com Partner?

Certain prerequisites must be met to gain access to the coveted Preferred Partner Program. These criteria are thoughtfully curated to ensure that only properties that consistently deliver outstanding service and maintain high standards are granted this exclusive status. Here are the key requirements:

1. Performance Score

Your performance score is a blend of your expected annual bookings and the demand for your property among travelers. To qualify, your performance score should reach a minimum threshold of 70%.

2. Review Score

The review score reflects how guests rate your property on a scale of 1 to 10 after their stay. Your property must maintain a review score of at least 7 to be eligible for the program. This score underscores the quality of your property and the exceptional guest experiences it provides.

3. External Price Competitiveness

Booking.com assesses the competitiveness of your prices on its platform compared to other websites. To secure a spot in the program, your pricing should be deemed 'competitive' according to Booking.com's private criteria.

Benefits Of The Preferred Partner Program

Being a part of the Preferred Partner Program is not just a badge; it's a gateway to an array of helpful advantages that can profoundly enhance your property's performance:

Increased Visibility

Your property enjoys privileged placement in search results, ensuring that it catches the eye of potential guests. This results in higher booking rates and increased exposure.

Exclusive Marketing

As a Preferred Partner, you may gain access to exclusive marketing opportunities. Booking.com may promote your property through special offers, advertising campaigns, or other promotional initiatives, further amplifying your property's visibility.

Dedicated Support

You can access a dedicated support team poised to assist you with any challenges, inquiries, or optimization efforts. This level of personalized support can be a game-changer in ensuring a seamless guest experience.

Early Access to New Features

Booking.com continually introduces new features and tools for its partners. Preferred Partners often get a head start in adopting these innovations, giving them a competitive edge and the ability to stay ahead of industry trends.

Preferred Partner Badge

Displaying the esteemed Preferred Partner badge prominently on your property listing is more than just a symbol; it's a seal of trust and excellence. It instills confidence in potential guests, encouraging more bookings.

How To Maintain Preferred Partner Status

Earning the Preferred Partner status is indeed an achievement, but it's important to understand that it's not a one-time accomplishment. To retain this prestigious status, a continued commitment to excellence is paramount.

With that in mind, Booking.com evaluates your eligibility for the Preferred Partner Programme on a quarterly basis, approximately every 90 days. You can conveniently monitor your status independently at any time through the extranet. Simply click on the "Opportunities" tab and then navigate to the "Preferred Partner Programme" section.

Furthermore, you can anticipate receiving regular updates from us on how to maintain your program membership. These updates will include valuable insights on potential enhancements you can implement and the timeframe available for making these improvements.

Does Booking.com Offer Commission For Its Partner Program?

Yes, Booking.com charges a commission for its Partner Program. The commission fee is typically a percentage of the booking amount for each reservation made through the Booking.com platform. The commission rate can vary based on your specific agreement and the terms you negotiated with Booking.com.

While a commission is associated with the Partner Program, many hosts and property managers find the benefits, including increased visibility and access to a wider audience, to be well worth the cost. Reviewing your agreement with Booking.com to understand the commission structure applicable to your property is important.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, becoming a Booking.com Preferred Partner can be a transformative step forward for property managers and hosts. It not only provides a competitive edge but also offers access to invaluable resources and support.

By consistently meeting the program's requirements and prioritizing exceptional guest experiences, you can unlock the doors to this prestigious program and elevate your success in the dynamic world of accommodations. Whether you're a newcomer to the platform or an experienced host, these insights can empower you to maximize your potential on Booking.com and achieve new heights in the hospitality industry.