Wix.com unveils ‘commission-free’ booking engine

Global cloud-based web development firm Wix.com is entering the hotel and accommodation area with a ‘commission-free’ booking engine.

Global cloud-based web development firm Wix.com is entering the hotel and accommodation area with a ‘commission-free’ booking engine.

The Tel Aviv-based company’s WixHotels is aimed at hoteliers and bed and breakfast accommodation owners.

The company claims hotel owners were previously limited in their options to take and manage bookings to either integrating expensive and complex booking systems or offering rooms via third party booking websites at a sizeable commission per transaction.

The new initiative helps build and maintain room inventory complete with pricing, booking and payment management capabilities.

WixHotels is also fully optimised for taking bookings via mobile devices.

Company co-founder and chief executive Avishai Abrahami said: “Wix offers a robust and comprehensive platform for all business owners.

“Our new strategy lets us build on this solid foundation by adding more layers and enhancements that cater to the specific needs of each industry.

“WixHotels is the first release designed for a specific vertical. It frees hotel owners from relying on third party vendors who charge commission, turns a hotel website into an engine for driving growth and creates a hub for managing all aspects of a hospitality business.”