Preferred Partner Program on Booking.com
The Preferred Partner Program is designed to increase visibility and boost bookings for top-performing listings on Booking.com. By joining the program, listings can experience a significant increase in search views and reservations. However, participation requires meeting specific criteria and agreeing to a slightly higher channel fee.
Benefits of the Preferred Partner Program
- Increased Visibility: Listings in the program appear more prominently in search results.
- Higher Booking Rates: Participants typically see a 65% increase in search views and 20% more bookings.
- Flexible Enrollment: Eligible listings can opt in or out at any time.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Preferred Partner Program, listings must meet the following performance standards:
1. Sales Performance Score (SPS)
- Only the top 30% performing listings in a given location (UFI) are eligible.
- The SPS is calculated automatically based on factors like:
- Commission percentage paid
- Minimum room availability
- Booking conversion rates
- Cancellation ratios
2. Review Performance Score (RPS)
- Listings must maintain a review score of 7 or higher based on guest feedback on Booking.com.
Ongoing Requirements for Preferred Partners
Once enrolled, properties must maintain their status by:
- Continuing to meet performance criteria (SPS and RPS requirements).
- Ensuring rate and availability parity where required.
- Complying with Booking.com’s policies on pricing transparency and fair competition.
Commission Structure
- Listings in Preferred Partner program pay a higher commission percentage (typically 18%) than standard listings.
- If you exit the program, the standard commission rate applies again.
Opting In and Out
- Eligible listings can opt in at any time.
- Exiting the program is also allowed at any time.
- Re-enrollment may be subject to a waiting period if the program was misused.
Program Termination
- By Property Managers: Listings may leave the program at any time with immediate effect.
- By Booking.com: The channel can terminate a listing’s participation with a 30-day notice.
- Due to Non-Compliance: If your listing fails to meet the program’s standards, you will have 14 days to address the issue before being removed.