Hotel sourcing

Hotel sourcing refers to the process of finding and securing hotel accommodations for individual travelers or groups, often at negotiated rates. This task is typically handled by travel management companies (TMCs), corporate travel departments (CTDs), or travel managers who need to book rooms for events, business trips, or MICE programs.

The sourcing process includes comparing offers from different properties, negotiating prices, or complimentary amenities like free breakfasts or parking. Travel planners need to confirm availability for block allocations if many rooms are required. For example, during trade shows or large conferences, corporate travel programs often secure hotel blocks to ensure convenience for attending staff.

Hotel sourcing is also common in group travel planning, where organizers must coordinate stays at multiple properties or across various destinations. Central reservation systems (CRSs), request for proposal (RFP) platforms, and travel booking engines help streamline this process for larger organizations.