Hospitality Daily Podcast Winning Without OTAs: How Unplugged Achieves 100% Direct Bookings by Creating a Brand Guests Love - Hector Hughes
Aug 4, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, dives deep into their remarkable success in achieving 100% direct bookings without OTAs. He shares innovative strategies for organic growth and creative social media use, emphasizing the importance of building a brand that resonates with guests. Alongside guest experience correspondent Danica Smith, they explore the challenges of nurturing personal connections in a tech-driven world and how digital detox can enhance guest experiences. This is a must-listen for anyone in hospitality!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
100% Direct Bookings Strategy
- Unplugged achieved 100% direct bookings by focusing on organic growth and brand marketing.
- Avoided OTAs due to unique product fit and prioritized building a strong marketing organization.
Divorce Prank Highlights Phone Impact
- Unplugged shared a humorous guest email about a couple divorcing after unplugging together.
- This prank illustrates the impact of phones on relationships while engaging audiences lightheartedly.
Smart Use of Social Media Paradox
- Use social media strategically to inspire people to spend less time on their phones by promoting your mission.
- Balance being pragmatic with creating content that drives organic reach to acquire customers affordably.