Connectivity Strategy

At Ripe, we integrate with a wide range of connectivity partners to ensure travelers can access the best hotel and property options with live rates, availability, and a seamless booking experience. Our approach prioritizes direct connections whenever possible, ensuring properties receive attribution and reservations flow directly into their systems.

In most cases the property is the merchant of record, a better option for both traveler (easier to manage/modify) while reducing fees and such for the property.

We are constantly reviewing and evaluating new connectivity partners to integrate with. If you don't see yours available here, reach out to us.

Optimized Connectivity Flow

To maximize booking performance, conversion and property data integrity, this is our approach to support traveler, property and client:

Live & direct connection. This is the ideal connection we aim for when onboarding new accounts and properties. We already connect with some of the biggest players and are constantly integrating with new ones. In this case we integration directly with the property source through their PMS.
Channel provider - This source allows live availability and rates, with often lower commission & fees for the property or supplier.
GDS - The Global Distribution System was the original provider for rates and availability, globally. It remains a popular distribution method for many suppliers so we have developed a propriety approach to making it a great traveler experience, especially when compared to how it is used on other platforms.
OTA - Online Travel Agency connections are fast, secure and accurate. It comes with higher commission in some cases but also typically offers travelers the lowest and most competitive rates. Additionally, for select Ripe plans the commissions generated are paid back to the client or affiliate, contributing to a new revenue stream, especially helpful for small local events.
Ripe CRS. Using Ripe's in-house Central Reservation System (CRS) we offer the most flexibility for negotiated rates, room blocks and more without it being available on any other site or platform. Suppliers gain direct access to their reservations and remain the merchant of record.
Referrals. When no other option is available to support an ecommerce transaction on our platform, we offer Referrals. These properties show in search results pages and include a property listing page (may be reduced content) like all others, but also include a direct link to the 3rd party site where a property is available for reservations, such as AirBnB or a mom & pop site for their motel, campground or BnB.

Live & Direction Connection (preferred method)

We directly integrate with major Channel Management Systems (e.g., TravelClick, Siteminder), GDS platforms (e.g., Sabre), Property Management Systems (e.g., Streamline, Track, Escapia), and OTAs (e.g., Expedia Partner Solutions). These real-time connections allow:

Live rates and availability for accurate pricing
On-site reservations with proper attribution
Seamless reservation delivery to the property
Includes reservation and conversion rate analytics to show attribution. In other words, you look good for driving results.

Ripe CRS (for self-hosted properties and the most flexibility for rates and room blocks)

For properties managed within our Central Reservation System (CRS), we offer direct booking functionality with real-time inventory management. This ensures:

The highest level of control for rates and availability
A fully integrated booking experience
Increased conversion opportunities
Does not sync directly with the property management system. However an email is sent to the property when a booking is made and they can be exported from your account.
Includes reservation and conversion rate analytics to show attribution. In other words, you look good for driving results.

Referral Link (when live connections aren’t available)

If a direct connection isn’t possible, we still provide visibility through a Referral Link model:

Properties appear in search results with an estimated “lead rate”
Property pages include key details, though content may be limited
A referral link directs travelers to the property’s own website or a third-party booking engine to complete their reservation
Does not include reservation and conversion rate analytics since the traveler is leaving your site.

Why This Matters

This tiered connectivity strategy benefits both properties and travelers by:

Maximizing Exposure – Ensuring all properties, regardless of connectivity type, have visibility
Driving Direct Bookings– Prioritizing live connections and direct Ripe CRS reservations
Maintaining a Smooth Traveler Experience – Offering options that keep travelers engaged and more likely to convert

By structuring our connectivity approach in this way, we create a dynamic marketplace that balances efficiency, flexibility, and performance—helping properties maximize bookings while delivering a seamless traveler experience.