UK / US: Online hospitality training platform Boostly and property management system Hostfully have joined forces to connect the latter’s live booking engine with the former’s WordPress websites, create a smoother booking process for guests, and generate more money for hosts or property owners.
In what is being described as a “groundbreaking step in the right direction” for the short-term rental industry, the two companies say that the collaboration will ensure that the “Book Direct Revolution” is being placed at the heart of booking processes, particularly from the perspective of direct booking advocates.
While an API [application programming interface] allows two applications to communicate with one another to access data, the partnership between Hostfully and Boostly will work in a similar way, with guests being able to have an undisturbed booking experience on a WordPress website. They add that this will eliminate the need for guests to visit a third-party platform or OTA [online travel agency].
Boostly offers a WordPress solution alongside Hostfully’s booking engine: it will sync live booking rates, booking availability, and property information onto one direct platform. Ultimately, the websites are designed to serve as a competitive replacement for ‘traditional’ booking websites for a fraction of the cost– and with the presence of 100 per cent control.
David Jacoby, co-founder and president of Hostfully, said: “Mark Simpson is one of the most well-respected thought leaders in the vacation rental industry. Hostfully was proud to be Boostly’s first podcast sponsor many years ago, and we are now thrilled that our relationship has expanded.
“Combining award-winning property management software with the most beautiful websites in the industry is a recipe for success for property managers,” he added.
Until now, most hosts had only been able to list properties on third-party platforms [e.g. Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking Holdings] or use plugins [software add-ons], but Boostly founder Mark Simpson was keen to point our that the solutions are neither smooth nor efficient for website hosts, and generally provide a laboured booking experience for guests.
Simpson – who recently launched The Book Direct Playbook – said: “The goal has always been to turn more lookers into bookers – and this is exactly what we’re doing [successfully] by partnering with Hostfully. The company already boasts seamless software and epic booking engines; however, by integrating with Boostly’s WordPress websites, Hostfully will provide a bonafide solution for all their members.
“Not only will these websites guarantee more direct bookings, but it’ll also make the booking process much simpler – which is exactly what we collectively want for the industry, as well as visibility for smaller short-term rental business owners, in a noisy world, dominated by OTAs. Here’s to a more efficient, profitable, and ethical business–what could be more exciting?” he added.
To date, Boostly – which claims to be “the only accredited training company in the short-term rental industry” – has built over 700 WordPress websites and helped more than 1000 property owners generate more direct bookings. By joining forces with Boostly, Hostfully wants to present an even more compelling website offering that will draw in members who are keen to gain more control and greater profits.
The Boostly online academy was originally set up to give hosts tools, tactics and training to boost their profits through direct bookings with actionable advice.
