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How to create an OTA account

Updated over a week ago

In this article, you'll learn how to create an account directly on the most popular OTAs: Booking.com, Airbnb, and Expedia. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your distribution, here's how to get set up on each platform.

📌 Minimum Listing Requirements (All OTAs)

Before you start on any platform, make sure you have:

  • 🏠 A property to list (hotel, apartment, B&B, etc.)

  • 📍 Exact address of the property

  • 📸 High-quality photos of rooms and amenities

  • 📝 A detailed description and house rules

  • 💳 A valid payout method (bank account or PayPal)

  • 📆 Availability calendar and nightly pricing

How to create an account on Booking.com

If you want to list your property on Booking.com, here’s how to get started step by step:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sign up on Booking.com

  • Click on "List your property"

  • Enter your email address and click "Get Started"

  • Create a password for your account

2. Add your property details

  • Choose your property type (Hotel, Apartment, B&B, etc.)

  • Enter the property name and address

  • Specify number of rooms and capacity

  • Select bed types and extra sleeping options

3. Set up pricing and availability

  • Enter your nightly prices

  • Choose your cancellation policies

  • Set your availability calendar

4. Upload photos and write your description

  • Upload high-quality images of rooms, bathrooms, and facilities

  • Write a descriptive and attractive listing

5. Set your payment preferences

  • Choose if guests pay online via Booking.com or at your property

  • Enter your bank account details for payouts

6. Verify your property

  • Booking.com may send a verification code by post (can take 7–10 days)

  • You may also need to provide ID documents

7. Final review and go live

  • Booking.com will review your submission

  • Once approved, your listing will be published and bookable!

📌 Note

If your property is in a remote location, address verification via post is often required and will delay your listing going live.

⚠️ Warning

Don't advertise the property elsewhere (e.g., social media) until your Booking.com listing is officially live—early bookings may not be honoured.

⏳ How long does it take?

  • Fastest case: 24–48 hours

  • With address verification: 7–10 days

  • With additional checks: Up to several weeks

How to create an account on Airbnb

If you want to list your property and start hosting on Airbnb, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sign up on Airbnb

  • Click “Get Started” or “Become a Host”

  • Sign up using:

    • Email

    • Google, Apple, or Facebook account

  • Enter your personal details (name, phone number, and profile picture)

  • Verify your identity (Airbnb may ask for ID, like a passport or driver’s license)

2. Create your listing

  • Select what type of property you are listing (Entire home, private room, shared space)

  • Enter your property location (exact address)

  • Choose the number of rooms, beds, and bathrooms

  • Describe the amenities (WiFi, kitchen, pool, etc.)

3. Upload photos and write a description

  • Add high-quality photos of your property (Airbnb recommends at least 10)

  • Write an attractive description of your space

  • Set your house rules (pets allowed, smoking policy, etc.)

4. Set pricing and availability

  • Choose your pricing strategy (manual pricing or Airbnb’s Smart Pricing)

  • Set minimum and maximum stay lengths

  • Adjust your availability calendar

5. Set up payment and cancellation policies

  • Choose how guests will book:

    • Instant Book (guests book immediately)

    • Request to Book (you approve bookings manually)

  • Set your cancellation policy (Flexible, Moderate, or Strict)

  • Enter your bank details to receive payouts

6. Verify and publish your listing

  • Airbnb may review your listing before it goes live

  • Once approved, your listing goes live and you can start receiving guests!

📌 Note

Airbnb recommends uploading at least 10 high-quality photos to boost listing visibility.

⚠️ Warning

Be sure to follow local laws and registration rules—Airbnb may ask for permits depending on your area.

⏳ How long does it take?

  • Fastest case: 30 minutes to 24 hours

  • With identity verification: 1–3 days

  • With additional checks: Up to a week

How to create an account on Expedia

If you want to list your hotel, vacation rental, or other property on Expedia, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sign up on Expedia Partner Central

  • Click "List Your Property"

  • Choose your property type:

    • Hotel or Resort

    • Vacation Rental (Apartment, House, B&B, etc.)

    • Other types (hostel, boutique hotel, etc.)

  • Enter your email address & create a password

  • Provide contact details (name, phone number, business info)

2. Add your property details

  • Enter your property name and address

  • Choose the number of rooms or units

  • Select the type of property (luxury, budget, boutique, etc.)

  • Describe the amenities (WiFi, parking, pool, breakfast, etc.)

3. Upload photos and write a description

  • Add high-quality photos of your property, rooms, and common areas

  • Write a detailed and engaging description

  • Set your house rules and policies

4. Set pricing and availability

  • Choose your pricing strategy (manual pricing or Expedia’s dynamic pricing tools)

  • Set base rates per night & any extra charges

  • Adjust your availability calendar

5. Set payment and cancellation policies

  • Choose how guests will pay:

    • Through Expedia (Expedia Virtual Card - EVC)

    • Directly to you (guest pays at check-in)

  • Enter your bank details to receive payouts

  • Select your cancellation policy (Flexible, Moderate, or Strict)

6. Verification and approval

  • Expedia may request verification documents, such as:

    • Business registration or licences

    • Ownership documents

    • Photo ID or passport

  • Once approved, your listing goes live and is visible across Expedia’s network!

📌 Note

Expedia Group listings may also appear on affiliated sites like Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Travelocity.

⚠️ Warning

Approval may be delayed if submitted documents are blurry or inconsistent—make sure everything is clearly legible and up to date.

⏳ How long does it take?

  • Fastest case: 48 hours

  • With address/ownership verification: 5–10 days

  • With legal/licensing requirements: Up to several weeks

📌 Note

The setup process for other OTAs may vary. To explore which platforms you can connect to via Amenitiz, check out our full list here: How to connect to an OTA via XML .




FAQs

Can I create accounts on multiple OTAs?

Yes! Most hoteliers list on multiple platforms to maximise their visibility. Just make sure you can manage the calendars and availability to avoid double bookings.

Do I need a business license to register?

It depends on the country and platform. Booking.com and Expedia often require official registration; Airbnb is more flexible but still expects local compliance.

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