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Technology

Channel Manager

Software that synchronizes a hotel's rates, availability, and inventory across multiple booking channels in real-time.

Definition

A channel manager is hotel technology that automatically distributes and synchronizes room rates, availability, and inventory across multiple online booking channels. It connects to OTAs (like Booking.com, Expedia), GDS systems, metasearch engines, and the hotel's direct booking engine. When a booking is made on any channel, the channel manager instantly updates availability across all connected platforms, preventing overbooking.

Why It Matters

Without a channel manager, hotels would need to manually update rates and availability on each booking platform - a time-consuming process prone to errors and overbookings. Channel managers automate this distribution, saving hours of work while ensuring consistent pricing and real-time inventory accuracy. They're essential for any hotel selling rooms on multiple channels.

Best Practices

  • 1Choose a channel manager that integrates with your PMS
  • 2Set up automatic rate rules for dynamic pricing
  • 3Connect all your distribution channels for full synchronization
  • 4Monitor the dashboard for booking patterns and channel performance
  • 5Keep your channel manager credentials secure

How Opally Helps

Opally works alongside your channel manager by connecting to your PMS. While the channel manager handles rate distribution, Opally handles guest communication - pulling real-time availability and rates from your PMS to answer booking inquiries accurately.

Related Terms

See Also

PMSOTARate ParityInventory ManagementTwo-way Integration

Explore More Terms

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What is a Channel Manager? Hotel Distribution Technology Explained