---
title: "9 Types of Online Accommodation Sales Channels You Need to Know"
description: "ONDA distributes over 4,000 rooms per day across more than 50 different online sales channels. Each channel has its own characteristics, and a property that performs well on one platform may not do as well on another."
published: 2024-02-28T00:00:00+00:00
author: "ONDA 편집팀"
category: "Insights"
image: "https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65ded58b607c35716f5822d0_8.jpg"
canonical: https://global.onda.me/en/blog?slug=9gaji-onrain-sugbag-panmae-caeneol-jongryureul-alaboja
locale: en
---
# 9 Types of Online Accommodation Sales Channels You Need to Know

ONDA distributes over 4,000 rooms per day across more than 50 different online sales channels. Each channel has its own characteristics, and a property that performs well on one platform may not do as well on another.

That's why ONDA partners should take a close look at which channels align with their property and make the most of them.

Let's break down the nine major categories of accommodation sales channels in Korea.

### **1. Domestic OTAs (Online Travel Agencies)**

OTAs specialize in selling travel-related services online — accommodations, flights, car rentals, and more.

In Korea, Interpark was the first to sell travel products online back in 1999. Today, Yanolja, Yeogi Eottae, and MyRealTrip are the country's leading OTAs.

Because these platforms are dedicated to travel, they're usually the first — and most obvious — choice when it comes to selling rooms. For customers, they're the go-to place to book stays.

### **2. Global OTAs (Online Travel Agencies)**

The big names here are Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda.

Initially, Korean travelers used these platforms mainly for overseas trips. But as they grew more comfortable with the interface, they started booking domestic stays through them too. That trend is accelerating. In other words, global OTAs are becoming just as critical as domestic ones.

Airbnb, best known for vacation rentals, can also be considered a global OTA in the broader sense.

![](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65ded581f07a330f00bca266_9.jpg)

### **3. Metasearch**

Metasearch engines let users compare prices across multiple OTAs and hotel websites in one place. Think of it like Naver Shopping, where you can see product listings from different stores sorted by price. After finding the best rate, users click through to the provider's site to complete the booking.

Popular global metasearch platforms include Trivago and Kayak. In Korea, 11st and Naver Hotels are key players.

### **4. Search Engines & Portals**

Did you know you can sell rooms through search engines and portals via ONDA? A surprising number of bookings happen directly on platforms like Naver and Google. These platforms integrate with map services, making it easy for users to explore accommodations in a specific area visually.

Naver and Google are so well-known we'll skip the deep dive 🙂

### **5. eCommerce Platforms**

eCommerce platforms are general online shopping malls — the most familiar format for consumers. Think Coupang, TMON, and Gmarket. "Wait, you can book hotels on shopping sites?" You'd be surprised. ONDA's internal data shows a huge volume of accommodation bookings happening on eCommerce platforms.

It makes sense. These are the online destinations consumers visit most frequently, and the sheer volume of traffic means accommodation sales ride that wave.

### **6. Vertical Commerce**

Unlike broad eCommerce platforms, vertical commerce sites focus on a specific niche or category. Think platforms built for families with kids or pet owners. Overseas, there are even surf-focused booking platforms tied to specific leisure activities.

For accommodation providers, vertical platforms are a way to reach hyper-targeted customers. If your property has a clear theme, this is your stage. Read more about vertical commerce [here](https://www.onda.me/blog/dog-and-kid-pensions-vertical-travel-services?utm_source=stibee&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter-2024_02_27).

### **7. Closed Marketplaces**

These are private platforms accessible only to members or users who meet specific criteria.

A good example is the Korea Teachers Credit Union marketplace, where ONDA supplies inventory. Many companies also run internal employee-only portals as part of their corporate benefits program.

Sales volume is naturally lower than open platforms. But the upside? Customers often book using unused welfare points, making it easier to justify premium stays. Plus, companies sometimes run large-scale coupon campaigns tied to employee benefits, creating seasonal sales spikes.

### **8. Booking Engines**

A booking engine is software that lets guests book directly through a property's official website. You might also hear it called a "website booking widget."

It allows consumers to transact directly with the accommodation provider — no platform middleman required.

For operators who actively engage customers through social media, email marketing, or other direct channels, a booking engine is essential.

ONDA provides this as a default feature for partners. The big advantage? No platform commission (though credit card processing fees still apply).

### **9. Super Apps**

You've probably seen headlines like "Platform X is evolving into a super app!" A super app is one that offers multiple services under one roof — finance, ticketing, shopping, games, and more.

Last year, ONDA started supplying accommodation to Socar and TMAP. Both started as mobility services (car-sharing and navigation) and are now expanding into full-fledged super apps in the mobility space.
