In today’s digital world, booking a trip is as simple as clicking a few buttons on a platform like TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide. But behind that convenience lies a growing issue that’s silently damaging the travel ecosystem: exorbitant OTA commissions that hurt local suppliers, diminish authenticity, and ultimately cost travelers more.
This is not just about numbers—it’s about ethics, sustainability, and the future of meaningful travel.
The Problem with OTA Monopolies
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Viator take 25% to 35% commission on every booking made through their platforms. That’s often more than the total profit margin for small local operators.
For example:
A $2,000 trekking tour booked on an OTA = up to $700 lost to the platform.
This forces many local suppliers into a painful dilemma: raise prices and risk losing customers, or drop prices and lose profit (or even operate at a loss).
The Illusion of Choice
These platforms are dominated by algorithms and paid placements. The highest-ranking listings are often not the best experiences, but those who pay the most to be visible.
Authentic local experiences get buried beneath cookie-cutter tours from large international aggregators, leaving travelers with a false sense of choice and operators struggling to stay visible.
Travelers Lose Too — Here’s How
Booking via OTAs doesn’t just hurt local guides—it also diminishes your travel experience:
- You pay more, often unknowingly.
- You may face miscommunication between platform, reseller, and the actual operator.
- You lose access to personalization and flexibility.
- You miss the chance to build a real connection with the people running your trip.
The Local Cost: Quality, Culture & Livelihood
To survive the squeeze, local operators are often forced to:
- Slash guide pay
- Reduce safety standards
- Skip cultural depth for faster turnaround
It becomes a race to the bottom—one where everyone loses except the platform.
What Can Be Done Instead?
For Travelers:
- Book directly via operator websites. Look for companies like RM Treks with transparent, direct communication.
- Use ethical platforms like Responsible Travel or Fairbnb.
- Read reviews outside OTA ecosystems, like independent blogs, Google Reviews, or travel forums.
For Operators:
- Improve direct website UX and SEO.
- Build loyal repeat clientele.
- Educate customers about the value of booking direct.
Case Study: RM Treks — Our Choice to Say No
At RM Treks, we’ve faced the harsh reality of OTA dominance. When forced to list on platforms like TripAdvisor or Viator, we lose up to 35% of our revenue per booking.
Instead, we’ve chosen to focus on:
- Direct booking only — ensuring lower prices for you and fair wages for our team.
- Building long-term relationships with travelers.
- Delivering premium, personalized adventures in Nepal and beyond.
When you book directly with RM Treks, you’re not just a transaction. You’re a part of something meaningful.
Final Thoughts: A Better Way to Travel in 2025
In the age of algorithm-driven platforms, ethical travel is a conscious choice.
Luxury is no longer about gold taps or marble lobbies—it’s about authenticity, impact, and sustainability.
Let’s rethink the way we travel.
✅ Support local businesses. ✅ Book directly. ✅ Demand value, not just convenience.
Ready to Travel Better?
Explore private treks, luxury adventures, and cultural experiences that are built on fairness and connection.
Contact RM Treks to start planning your ethical Himalayan journey today.