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Boost Bookings With A Long-Term Distribution Strategy On Expedia!

Written by Hotel Link | Sep 25, 2025 10:34:20 AM

Did you know that 25% of Expedia Group travelers are willing to book more than a year in advance for their trips? This figure highlights a growing trend: travelers want to plan ahead and secure peace of mind for their journeys. To help hotels capture this opportunity, Expedia encourages partners to implement the Last Day Inventory (LDI) strategy - making rooms and rates available up to 12 months (or more) in advance. This is a strategic distribution approach recommended by Expedia to maximize visibility and attract early bookers. Let’s explore how your hotel can benefit from Last Day Inventory on Expedia with Hotel Link!

What is Last Day Inventory?

Last Day Inventory (LDI) is the practice of updating rates and availability at least 12 months in advance. By doing this, hotels can effectively target early bookers - a guest segment known for generating stable revenue with lower cancellation risk.

Key points to remember:

  • LDI is not a separate feature in the system - it’s a strategy your hotel proactively applies.

  • Combine LDI with Early Bird offers to boost appeal and attract even more early bookings.

Why does Expedia encourage hotels to implement LDI?

1. Capture the growing long-term booking trend

According to Expedia Group research, 1 in 4 travelers feel comfortable booking more than a year in advance. This represents a growing market - hotels that take advantage of it gain a competitive edge.

2. Secure stable revenue streams

Early bookings help hotels:

  • Forecast revenue more accurately.

  • Better predict occupancy rates during peak seasons.

  • Reduce dependency on last-minute bookings.

3. Achieve remarkable growth in room nights and revenue

A real-life example comes from Beiman WOW Poshtel (Taiwan). After implementing the 12-month advance booking strategy with Early Bird discounts, the property saw:

  • 150% growth in net room nights

  • 392% increase in revenue

This proves the power of Last Day Inventory when applied strategically.

4. Strengthen competitiveness in a crowded market

While many hotels focus only on short-term bookers, offering long-term availability sets your property apart for travelers who prefer securing their plans well in advance.

How can hotels apply this strategy effectively?

1. Open availability at least 12 months in advance

Ensure your hotel’s rates and room inventory are visible across Expedia Group platforms for the maximum booking window.

2. Combine with Early Bird promotions

A small discount for early bookers not only drives demand but also makes guests feel rewarded for planning ahead.

3. Monitor performance and adjust strategically

Leverage system reports to track key metrics such as booking volume, revenue by segment, and seasonality - then adjust pricing and promotions accordingly.

4. Integrate with your management system

Through your Channel Manager or directly via Hotel Link’s Extranet, you can easily extend rates and availability to Expedia with just a few clicks. This saves time and reduces the risk of data errors.

Learn more: How to Fix Missing Room Types and Optimize Online Presence on Expedia?

Conclusion

Expedia's Last Day Inventory is an effective long-term strategy that helps your hotel get ahead of early booking trends, secure stable revenue, and boost its competitive edge in the market.

If you're looking for a solution to optimize your distribution management and connect directly with Expedia to implement this campaign effectively, contact the Hotel Link team today. We'll help you build a long-term sales strategy to increase revenue and achieve sustainable growth in the competitive tourism industry.