Enjoy Clean Beaches? Book Direct to Support Local Tourism

Our culture is consumed with protecting, saving and recycling.  But when it comes to travel we tend to opt for the easy way out and use an OTA, online travel agency.   Companies such as laterooms or booking.com are used to help us find a place to stay however little do people know the no fees advertised and posted on these sites are completely misleading.  Guests do not pay a fee in most instances but the accommodation provider does.  From 15% on up the accommodation provider must pay a commission inclusive of VAT for each and every booking.   Sadly this money paid in commission is not only taken out of the local economy it is also taken out of the country.  Money that could be circulated to keep local beaches clean, support wildlife and promote vibrant local events is instead sent to offshore tax havens for the benefit of the few.

As the general public's awareness level grows marketers are realizing they can capitalize on peoples conscious with altruistic pitches from the likes of fairbookinguk.com and book-direct.com.   These booking sites promise a 'better deal' meaning a lower commission, typically 10%, from accommodation providers and require minimum donations of .50p per booking to a local good cause.  

Best deal for you & a better deal for locals

Their messages sound sincere but the methods these marketers are employing are insulting and will ultimately back fire as people realise the commissions are money still being taken out of the local economy and a token donation of only .50p is all that is left to support local culture and heritage.  It will take more than catchy slogans on green backdrops to change the world but if we follow their message and avoid their methods maybe we can.

A revolution in ethical direct bookings

Lets not wonder why the locals don't keep their beaches clean or struggle to maintain transportation services.   Write to your local politicians before it's too late and explain how something as simple as teaching people that booking direct can support local tourism.  If we can appreciate the reasoning behind green energy, carbon footprints, and proper tire inflation clearly we can help people understand that money kept locally creates a better visitor experience for everyone.    

For additional information and similar points of view visit: Facebook group; Book Direct to Support Local Tourism.