ONDA GDS hits ₩40B in transaction volume in 2018, plus the launch of our new vacation rental booking management system!
#1. ONDA GDS Surpasses ₩40B in Annual Transaction Volume
You know that dead-simple service that connects your empty rooms to multiple OTA channels, handles registration, sales, and settlement all in one place? That's ONDA's vacancy sales agency service (GDS).
In 2018, ONDA GDS hit ₩40 billion in total transaction volume. We launched GDS in April 2017 and crossed ₩10B in just eight months. Now, one year later, we've grown 4x. We were thrilled to share that milestone back then—and we're even more proud to share this one now. This incredible performance wouldn't have been possible without our partners who trust and believe in ONDA.
Since launch, we've iterated relentlessly based on your feedback. As of January 2019, here's where we stand: 20+ integrated channels (including new partnerships with WeMakePrice, SSG.COM, Yeogi Eottae, and DAILYHOTEL), 16,000 properties (2,000 hotels, 6,000 motels, 7,000 vacation rentals, 1,000 guesthouses), and 3.11 million bookings processed.
Thank you to every partner who's been part of ONDA's growth. We'll keep working hard in 2019 to earn your continued support. Wishing you all a prosperous New Year!
#2. New Vacation Rental Booking Management System Launch & Updates
In June 2018, we launched our vacation rental booking management system. Since then, we've been shipping updates regularly to help you run smoother operations and drive more revenue.
Like any newborn product, it had rough edges. But thanks to your candid feedback and support, the system has matured quickly.
Here are the major updates since launch:
We're also continuously working on system stability, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
Beyond vacation rentals, we're advancing our guesthouse/hostel booking system and hotel extranet as well. Expect more from ONDA in the months ahead. If you run into issues or have suggestions, please reach out to our service team anytime. We're listening.
#3. T Port Year-End Party — ONDA Approaches Its 3rd Anniversary
Ever heard of T Port? That's the company behind ONDA, your integrated booking management platform—and the publisher of this magazine, MAGAZINE ON.
Last December, we held T Port's year-end party near Seongsu, Seoul. The team came dressed to theme, enjoyed great food, watched surprise video messages, and laughed through the night. Highlights included a ₩10,000 gift exchange and writing New Year's wishes on paper airplanes, which we folded and flew across the room. The energy was infectious.
To everyone at T Port who worked tirelessly in 2018 to build ONDA: thank you. We're committed to shaping a better tomorrow for Korea's hospitality industry in 2019—and beyond.
#4. ONDA Training & Regional Seminars — Taking a Break to Rebuild
Until now, ONDA has offered free monthly training sessions in Seoul and bi-monthly regional seminars to help partners get the most out of our platform. Sessions covered industry trends, hospitality fundamentals, ONDA system walkthroughs, and basic marketing.
We're grateful for the positive feedback, but we also see room to do better. Starting in 2019, we're pausing regular training and seminars to redesign the curriculum from the ground up.
Seoul training sessions will align with product development cycles, and regional seminars will shift to twice a year. We'll announce updated schedules on the ONDA website and social channels.
Thank you for your patience. When we return, you can expect sharper content and more actionable insights.
#5. MAGAZINE ON Turns Two
Feels like just yesterday we celebrated MAGAZINE ON's first birthday. Now we're at two years—and this is our 25th issue.
Under the tagline "The Right Read for Hospitality Professionals," MAGAZINE ON has been Korea's only dedicated hospitality industry publication. Each month, we've delivered trends, operator interviews, deep dives, and useful tips.
Over the past year, we've grown. We launched print editions (Spring and Summer compilations), added long-running series, and ran giveaways like free property photography and free consultations. We've interviewed operators, analyzed market shifts, and shared insider knowledge.
The MAGAZINE ON team is committed to leveling up. We're here to support everyone in Korea's hospitality industry with honest, valuable information. Thank you for subscribing, reading, and cheering us on—both online and in print.
