online travel agency
A website or app that lets travelers search, compare and book flights, hotels and other travel services directly.
Definition
An online travel agency, often shortened to OTA, is a digital marketplace for travel. It lists inventory from many suppliers, usually earning a commission on bookings. Customers benefit from comparison and convenience; suppliers gain reach but pay fees and may lose some direct customer contact. Terms for cancellations and customer service can vary, and the booking is sometimes fulfilled by the supplier rather than the platform, so read the conditions. Compare the final price including fees against booking directly, and check the cancellation terms of the specific room or fare chosen.
In a sentence
The hotel listed rooms on an online travel agency and its own website.
Cancellation rules differed between the online travel agency and the hotel.
