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By adopting Dtravel’s direct booking management system, founder Riley Mackillop turned a 98.5% OTA-dependent business into one where 35% of bookings now come directly through their own direct booking website. The switch reduced commissions, increased profitability, and allowed the business to reinvest in sustainability and guest experience.
Location:
Dooralong Valley, Central Coast, NSW, Australia
Founded:
April 2022
Portfolio:
4 accommodations
(12 guests total, expanding to 6 in 2025)
Guest Profile:
Nature lovers, couples on romantic getaways, families, and groups seeking sustainable retreats
Unwind Escapes operates on a historic property once home to a cricket ground by the Primary Club of Australia in the 1970s. Guests come to disconnect from Sydney’s urban rush and reconnect with nature — waking up to kangaroos, open skies, and stillness.
“Our mission is simple: to help people reconnect with nature while running a truly sustainable business.”
With every $350 booking, around $52.50 went straight to Airbnb in fees, and additional costs came from channel management software. The model worked temporarily, but as the business grew, those commissions became a roadblock to sustainable expansion.
The decision to move to Dtravel wasn’t emotional, it was analytical. Riley evaluated every aspect of the platform based on three pillars: technical performance, philosophical alignment, and financial efficiency.
Unwind Escapes’ growth through Dtravel has been both measurable and meaningful:
Financial Highlights
$11,000+ in net earnings from direct bookings after Dtravel fees
33.83% higher gross revenue per direct booking compared to Airbnb
$1,375/month average revenue from direct bookings (single flagship accommodation)
$4,782.58 saved in avoided OTA commissions
By owning the guest relationship, Unwind Escapes delivers consistent, personalized communication under its own brand, from confirmation emails to post-stay offers.
“Absolutely perfect for a little getaway, the dome was magical and peaceful. I couldn’t have asked for anything more — other than a longer stay!”
— Courtney, Direct Booking Guest
“Easy to communicate with the host. Want natural vibes? Come visit. Highly recommended!”
— Daehoon, Direct Booking Guest
“These features have been the biggest drivers behind growing from 1.5% to 35% direct bookings.”
Airbnb Integration – Flawless sync saves hours each week. Manage on Airbnb; Dtravel auto-updates everything.
Branded Communication – Email sequences for confirmation, arrival, reviews, and rebookings enhance brand recall.
WhatsApp Integration – Automated responses for availability, booking links, and activity suggestions.
Custom Booking Engine – Fully branded site that reflects the ethos of Unwind Escapes.
Google Vacation Rentals – Increased exposure without extra fees or management overhead.
Crypto Payments – Appeals to modern, sustainability-minded travelers while eliminating card fees.
“I’m not guessing — I’ve tested this for 18 months.”
Start by integrating, not abandoning.
– Use Dtravel’s Airbnb sync to maintain revenue while introducing direct channels.Automate your systems.
– Build structured email flows, WhatsApp chat automations, and review prompts to scale without added work.Focus on relationships.
– Direct bookings build trust and upsell opportunities, something OTAs can’t offer.Link everywhere.
– Google Maps, Instagram, email signatures, every channel should point to your Dtravel site.Measure everything.
– Track your direct booking percentage, revenue per channel, and fee savings.Stay patient.
– Demand for direct bookings exists — visibility, automation, and trust unlock it. The first 25% comes quickly. The rest comes through consistency.
"Dtravel saves me time and money and allows me to grow my brand sustainably. For me, it’s a no-brainer."
✅ 1.5% → 35% direct bookings in 18 months
✅ $4,782 in OTA commission savings
✅ 33.83% higher gross revenue per booking
✅ Strong repeat guest base + consistent growth
✅ Zero operational disruption thanks to Airbnb sync
