No, not all hotels are listed on every Online Travel Agency (OTA) such as Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, or Agoda. While these platforms offer broad visibility, many properties—especially smaller or boutique options—choose selective listing strategies depending on their business model, location, and market dynamics.
This is especially true in destinations like Harbour Island, where many accommodations are independently owned and operate on a more curated or exclusive model. Some hotels Harbour Island has to offer might only be found through their own official websites or through specialized platforms like Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet Hotels, or even private membership sites that cater to luxury travelers. These hotels often prefer direct bookings to avoid hefty OTA commission fees, which typically range between 15% to 25%.
Additionally, listing on multiple OTAs can be a logistical challenge for smaller establishments with limited staff. Managing availability, reservations, and pricing across several platforms can increase the risk of double bookings and operational errors. As a result, some properties opt to appear on just one OTA—or none at all—favoring a personalized booking experience and higher profit margins.
Another factor is the level of competition. In large, hotel-saturated markets like New York or Las Vegas, the sheer number of listings makes visibility difficult, even for properties that do join OTAs. But in more intimate destinations like Harbour Island, the smaller pool of accommodations makes it easier for unique or boutique stays to stand out—especially when following local Harbour Island tips for targeted marketing or direct guest engagement.
If you're trying to ensure you’ve explored all your options when planning a trip, don’t rely solely on major OTAs. Instead, combine your search with direct website visits, TripAdvisor comparisons, or even reaching out to local tourism boards. When it comes to hotels Harbour Island travelers often miss, these strategies can uncover hidden gems or better deals that larger platforms simply don’t show. Leveraging insider Harbour Island tips—such as searching niche directories or following local social media pages—can also help you discover exclusive offers and availability that aren't widely advertised.
