How to choose a channel manager for campsites

A channel manager is the system that handles the online distribution of an accommodation facility. When a booking arrives, it updates availability and, in the most comprehensive integrations, prices and restrictions on connected portals as well, reducing the risk of double bookings.

Without a synchronization system, the facility must manually update availability and calendars on each portal, requiring a considerable amount of time, especially during the high season.

Selection criteria for a campsite

• Connections with camping industry portals: It is important to check whether integrations are available with the portals actually used by the facility, such as Pitchup, Camping.info, ACSI, Eurocampings or other specialized operators. Many channel managers are designed primarily for hotels and may not support all portals dedicated to open-air tourism.
• Update speed: API integrations can update data almost in real time. Synchronization via iCal calendar, on the other hand, depends on how frequently each portal reads the feed and may take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
• Two-way integration: A complete channel manager does not merely send availability: it receives bookings from portals and automatically updates the property management system. It is therefore important to distinguish a genuine two-way API integration from simple calendar synchronization.
• Support in English: Support in English can simplify initial setup, portal connections and the resolution of any operational issues.
• Costs: Costs may include a monthly fee, a commission on managed bookings, or a combination of the two models. Prices and terms depend on the provider, the number of portals and the required features.

Integrated channel manager or external synchronization

OVVO Camping does not currently include a native channel manager with direct two-way API connections to all portals.

Availability synchronization takes place via standard iCal/ICS feeds with portals that support this format. Compatibility and update methods depend on the individual portal and the type of facility or accommodation published.

With iCal synchronization, it is generally possible to exchange occupied dates and reduce the risk of overlaps. However, prices, restrictions, rates, number of guests or other advanced information are not normally synchronized in real time.

The update frequency is not directly controlled by OVVO Camping: it depends on how often the external portal imports the calendar. The update may therefore take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours and should not be considered real time.

For facilities that require two-way API connections to specific portals, the feasibility of a customized integration can be assessed based on:

• the requested portal;
• the availability of APIs;
• the access conditions imposed by the portal;
• the facility's volumes;
• the features to be synchronized.