How to audit a hotel’s international distribution

A practical framework for reviewing channels, terms, content, availability and commercial governance.

Executive summary

A useful audit does not count channels. It explains the role each channel plays, the cost and dependency it introduces, and where decision-making power is lost.

1. Build the real map

Capture channel, market, segment, payment model, terms, connectivity and ownership. The objective is to see the full system, not a collection of contracts.

Direct, CRS and IDS
GDS, agency and corporate
Operators and wholesalers
Connectivity and content

2. Assess role and dependency

Every channel should be justified by access, demand or efficiency. High production alone does not demonstrate incrementality or mix quality.

Market reach
Total commercial cost
Inventory control
Concentration risk

3. Turn findings into decisions

The output should be a prioritised agenda with ownership, expected impact, difficulty and review date. Without governance, an audit becomes a document inventory.