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[[Category:Getting_Started]]
[[Category:Getting_Started]]
[[Category:Automation]]
[[Category:Automation]]
[[Category:Apps]]
[[Category:Marketplace]]
<div class="heading">Channel Manager</div>
  This page is about the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > CHANNEL MANAGER and explains how the channel manager works.  
  This page is about the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > CHANNEL MANAGER and explains how the channel manager works.  
__TOC__
__TOC__
=Summary=
<div class="summarybox">
'''Two-way API connections''' with all leading OTAs allow you to export prices and availability and import bookings instantly.
We also offer '''content management and listing creation''' with selected OTAs including Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo, as well as many convenience features such as '''reporting, review management and messaging'''.
The  '''iCal import and an iCal export-functions'''  allow  two-way connections via iCal for channels without an API connection.
There is a '''dedicated help page for each channel''' with information on the capabilities of the connection and setup instructions.</div>
= How the Channel Manager works =
= How the Channel Manager works =
The Channel Manager allows individual properties or agencies managing multiple properties to keep inventory up-to-date in real time at our channel partners, allowing hosts to use and get the most out of multiple on-line booking channels without the hassle of constantly signing-in and updating all of them individually each time a booking is made (or cancelled) via one of them.
The Channel Manager keeps inventory up-to-date in real time at our channel partners, allowing hosts to use and get the most out of multiple online booking channels without the hassle of constantly signing-in and updating all of them individually each time a booking is made (or cancelled) via one of them.
 
Two-Way XML connections with Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hostelworld and many more leading OTA`s export prices and inventory and import bookings instantly.


[[File:explainer.gif|center|400px]]
[[File:explainer.gif|center|400px]]
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Lets say your are a B&B and you have 2 double rooms. The inventory in the system is set to 2. This inventory gets exported to the booking channels and your web site. Both your website and the booking channels can sell 2 rooms. If you get a booking on your web site the system automatically reduces the inventory to 1 room. It sends the new inventory information to the booking channels so so only one more room can be sold.
Lets say your are a B&B and you have 2 double rooms. The inventory in the system is set to 2. This inventory gets exported to the booking channels and your web site. Both your website and the booking channels can sell 2 rooms. If you get a booking on your web site the system automatically reduces the inventory to 1 room. It sends the new inventory information to the booking channels so so only one more room can be sold.


It works the same the other way around. If you get another booking through a booking channel this information gets sent to the system. The inventory gets reduced to 0 rooms. Now your rooms are fully booked and both your webdsite and the booking channels will show no availability.  
It works the same the other way around. If you get another booking through a booking channel this information gets sent to the system. The inventory gets reduced to 0 rooms. Now your rooms are fully booked and both your website and the booking channels will show no availability.  


<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>After you activate the channel manger Beds24 will be the master calendar maintaining the live master version of your availability and export this to all the sites, updating them as new bookings are taken.
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>After you activate the channel manger Beds24 will be the master calendar maintaining the live master version of your availability and export this to all the sites, updating them as new bookings are taken.
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== Import existing bookings==
== Import existing bookings==
Before your activate a connection make sure your rates and inventory are set up correctly. The channel manger can only import bookings from the time the connection was activated. If you have previous or other bookings outside the Beds24 system you have these options:
Before your activate a connection make sure your prices and inventory are set up correctly. The channel manger can only import bookings from the time the connection was activated. If you have previous or other bookings outside the Beds24 system you have these options:


*For some channels we can import upcoming bookings. If this is possible you will find information about this in the channel specific set up instructions.
*For some channels we can import upcoming bookings. If this is possible you will find information about this in the channel specific set up instructions.
*To block booked dates go to the CALENDAR in your control panel and change the inventory for the dates you have bookings for.
*To block booked dates go to the CALENDAR in your control panel and change the inventory for the dates you have bookings for.
*If you need the booking details in Beds24 will need to enter the bookings manually. If you are comfortable working with .csv files you can import data into Beds24 using our API (https://api.beds24.com).  
*If you need the booking details in Beds24 will need to enter the bookings manually. If you are comfortable working with .csv files you can import data into Beds24 using our API (https://api.beds24.com).


= Connection types =
= Connection types =
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To use the channel manger you need accounts with the booking channels you want to use and connect them to the channel manager account.  
To use the channel manger you need accounts with the booking channels you want to use and connect them to the channel manager account.  


The process to activate a channel varies, but for most you will need to enter credentials. Some channels, like Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia, require you to initiate the connection yourself in their Extranet and others have an approval process. Go to SETTINGS-> CHANNEL MANAGER. After you have selected the channel you want to set up click on HELP (top right menu) to open specific set up instructions for the channel you wan to use.
The process to activate a channel varies, but for most you will need to enter credentials. Some channels, like Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia, require you to initiate the connection yourself in their Extranet and others have an approval process. Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) -> CHANNEL MANAGER. After you have selected the channel you want to set up click on HELP (top right menu) to open specific set up instructions for the channel you wan to use.


=== Mapping===
=== Mapping===
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<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>  Click on the "View Actual Data" Button to check which prices and availability will send.
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>  Click on the "View Actual Data" Button to check which prices and availability will send.
===Adjust Prices===
You have the option to mark your prices up or down to allow for currency conversion for channel commissions.
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/zje-E0vCsxw</embedvideo>


=== Preferences ===
=== Preferences ===
You can set bulk settings for your Channel Managers in Preferences.
You can set bulk settings for your Channel Managers in Preferences.
*Export Data = 1 or 2 years, if you want to send prices upto 2 years to the Channels, then as long as you have Rates/daily prices setup for the Channel, then you can select the appropriate setting here. Please Note :- we can not send 2 years data for all channels, you can see the specifics in the HELP page for each Channel.
*Export Data = 1 or 2 years, if you want to send prices upto 2 years to the Channels, then as long as you have prices setup for the Channel, then you can select the appropriate setting here. Please Note :- we can not send 2 years data for all channels, you can see the specifics in the HELP page for each Channel.


*Import Channel Collect Payments - If any of your Channels collect payments on your behalf, if you set this = YES, then the details will be imported with the booking.
*Import Channel Collect Payments - If any of your Channels collect payments on your behalf, if you set this = YES, then the details will be imported with the booking.


*Deduce language from country - when the guest enters their country, then we can deduce the 2 character language code that will be used if you have created language based messages to be sent to your guests.  
*Deduce language from country - when the guest enters their country, then we can deduce the 2 character language code that will be used if you have created language based messages to be sent to your guests.


=== Activation===
=== Activation===
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==2-Way synchronization via iCal==
==2-Way synchronization via iCal==
With many channels including Airbnb, VRBO, TripadvisorRentals we offer specially constructed iCal sync option which are 2-way.  
With many channels including Airbnb, VRBO we offer specially constructed iCal sync option which are 2-way.  


For other channels you can use our iCal export to send availability to the calendar and the iCal import to import bookings to Beds24.  
For other channels you can use our iCal export to send availability to the calendar and the iCal import to import bookings to Beds24.  
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=== Do guests receive a confirmation? ===  
=== Do guests receive a confirmation? ===  
The channel confirms the booking with the guest. Beds24 will not sent a confirmation message. If you want to send one as well you can set up an Auto Action Email.
The channel confirms the booking with the guest. Beds24 will not sent a confirmation message. If you want to send one as well you can set up an Auto Action Email. A template is available which you can further customize.  Use the context help (?Icons) in the Auto Action and  on the help page (click on HELP in the top right menu) for further  instructions.


=== How do I modify or cancel a booking?===
=== How do I modify or cancel a booking?===
The channel manger can not send changes to bookings to the channel. Any changes or  cancellations have to be made directly in the channel.  Cancelling a booking in Beds24 will not cancel the booking in the channel and can cause a double booking ('''Exception:''' VRBO/Homeaway XML bookings can be cancelled in Beds24).
The channel manger can not send changes to bookings to the channel. Any changes or  cancellations have to be made directly in the channel.  Cancelling a booking in Beds24 will not cancel the booking in the channel and can cause a double booking ('''Exception:''' VRBO/Homeaway XML bookings can be cancelled in Beds24).


If for some reason you need to make a change in Beds24 and do not want an updat from the channel to override it, you can set "Allow Channel Modifications" = No or "All except room changes. You can either set this globally in SETTINGS-CHANNEL MANAGER or per booking in the  "Details" tab of the booking".
If for some reason you need to make a change in Beds24 and do not want an updat from the channel to override it, you can set "Allow Channel Modifications" = No or "All except room changes. You can either set this globally in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER or per booking in the  "Details" tab of the booking".


If you change a room for a booking from a channel in Beds24 the channel will still treat the booking as if it is in the room the guest booked at the channel.
If you change a room for a booking from a channel in Beds24 the channel will still treat the booking as if it is in the room the guest booked at the channel.


=== How do can I access credit card details?===  
=== How can I access credit card details?===  
Some channels send credit card details. This is how you can [[View_Credit_Card_Details| view credit card details]].
Some channels send credit card details. This is how you can [[View_Credit_Card_Details| view credit card details]].


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*You have linked rates in the channel.
*You have linked rates in the channel.
*Your prices are not set up as you expect.
*Your prices are not set up as you expect.
*The channel manger can not import prices from all channels. If you have set up minimum prices in SETTINGS->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->SETUP the system will use these minimum prices.  
*The channel manger can not import prices from all channels. If you have set up minimum prices in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES->ROOMS->SETUP the system will use these minimum prices.


=== What is pool allotment?===  
=== What is pool allotment?===  
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=== Can I send different availability to channels?===  
=== Can I send different availability to channels?===  
You can [[Channel_with_Custom_Availability|set up virtual rooms]] if you want to send custom availability to one or more channels. For example you may not want to sell via a particular channel at certain times of the year.
Yes. You can limit the availability in  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > CHANNEL INVENTORY.
 
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/VEBJNiVwdqE</embedvideo>


=== What are contracted rooms or base allocation? ===
=== What are contracted rooms or base allocation? ===
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=== Can I send messages to guests in their own language? ===
=== Can I send messages to guests in their own language? ===
Yes, use the setting in Preferences 'Deduce language from country?' this will then enter the value in the Language field in the Mail tab of the booking. If there is no value the 'Default' language set in SETTINGS  >  BOOKING PAGE  > INTERNATIONALIZATION -> BOOKING PAGE LANGUAGE will be used.  
Yes, use the setting in Preferences 'Deduce language from country?' this will then enter the value in the Language field in the Mail tab of the booking. If there is no value the 'Default' language set in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) >  BOOKING PAGE  > INTERNATIONALIZATION -> BOOKING PAGE LANGUAGE will be used.


=== I need to show the booking charges on the guest invoice not the payout amount, how can I do this? ===
=== I need to show the booking charges on the guest invoice not the payout amount, how can I do this? ===
In SETTINGS -> CHANNEL MANAGER scroll down to 'Invoice' and select 'Booking Amount'  
In {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER scroll down to 'Invoice' and select 'Booking Amount'


=== The Channels collect payments on my behalf at the time of booking, how can I see this? ===
=== The Channels collect payments on my behalf at the time of booking, how can I see this? ===
Go to SETTINGS -> CHANNEL MANAGER and set 'Import Channel Collect Payments' = Yes, then the payments will be shown in the Charges and Payments tab of the booking.
Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER and set 'Import Channel Collect Payments' = Yes, then the payments will be shown in the Charges and Payments tab of the booking.


=== How can I stop a Channel moving a booking back to the original room, when I have manually made a change? ===
=== How can I stop a Channel moving a booking back to the original room, when I have manually made a change? ===
If this is for all bookings, then go to Go to SETTINGS -> CHANNEL MANAGER and set 'Allow Channel Modifications' = All except room change' or you can set this per booking in the  "Details" tab of the booking".
If this is for all bookings, then go to Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER and set 'Allow Channel Modifications' = All except room change' or you can set this per booking in the  "Details" tab of the booking".


=== Can I have a different invoice for bookings from a certain channel?===  
=== Can I have a different invoice for bookings from a certain channel?===  
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|-
|-
| [[AAtravel.co.nz]]  ||hotels, motels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals  ||  New Zealand||Global || OTA  ||  || https://www.aa.co.nz
| [[AAtravel.co.nz]]  ||hotels, motels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals  ||  New Zealand||Global || OTA  ||  || https://www.aa.co.nz
|-
| [[Homeaway.com|Abritel]]  ||vacation rentals ||Global  ||Global || OTA||  https://www.homeaway.com/info/about-the-family/ || https://www.homeaway.com
|-
|-
| [[Agoda.com|Agoda]]  ||hotels, motels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals||Global ||Asia || OTA || || https://www.agoda.com
| [[Agoda.com|Agoda]]  ||hotels, motels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals||Global ||Asia || OTA || || https://www.agoda.com
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| [[bookeasy]]  ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping || Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia ||Global  || Destination Management ||  || https://www.bookeasy.com
| [[bookeasy]]  ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping || Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia ||Global  || Destination Management ||  || https://www.bookeasy.com
|-
|-
| [[Hometogo_Mapping|Casamiundo]] || Vacation rentals    ||Worldwide||Wordlwide||OTS ||via Hometogo||'https://www.casamundo.com
| [[Hometogo_Mapping|Casamundo]] || Vacation rentals    ||Worldwide||Worldwide||OTA ||via Hometogo||'https://www.casamundo.com
|-
| [[Ctrip]]  ||hotels||Global ||China || OTA ||  || https://www.ctrip.com
|-
|-
| [[Decoloar]]  ||hotels, resorts, hostels, lodges,  inns ||(Latin America, USA ||Latin America || OTA ||  || https://www.despegar.com
| [[Decoloar]]  ||hotels, resorts, hostels, lodges,  inns ||(Latin America, USA ||Latin America || OTA ||  || https://www.despegar.com
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| [[Despegar]]  ||hotels, resorts, hostels, lodges,  inns ||(Latin America, USA ||Latin America || OTA  || || https://www.despegar.com
| [[Despegar]]  ||hotels, resorts, hostels, lodges,  inns ||(Latin America, USA ||Latin America || OTA  || || https://www.despegar.com
|-
|-
| [[EDreamsODIGEO|EDreams, Odigeo, Opodo]]  ||hotels, resorts, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentalsl||Global ||Global || OTA (Packages) || https://www.edreamsodigeo.com/our-brands/ || https://www.eDreams.com
| [[Dorms.com]]  ||hostels || || ||  OTA  ||  || The connection was set up and is maintained by https://www.dorms.com
|-
| [[EDreamsODIGEO|EDreams, Odigeo, Opodo]]  ||hotels, resorts, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals||Global ||Global || OTA (Packages) || https://www.edreamsodigeo.com/our-brands/ || [https://www.odigeoconnect.com/?utm_source=Connectivity&utm_medium=beds24&utm_campaign=beds24_link https://www.eDreams.com]
|-
|-
| [[Expedia.com|Expedia]]  ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals    || Global||Global || OTA || https://www.expediagroup.com/expedia-brands/ ||  https://www.expedia.com
| [[Expedia.com|Expedia]]  ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals    || Global||Global || OTA || https://www.expediagroup.com/expedia-brands/ ||  https://www.expedia.com
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| [[Google Hotel Ads]]  ||hotels, B&Bs||Global ||Global|| Metasearch Engine ||  || https://ads.google.com/hotels/partners/
| [[Google Hotel Ads]]  ||hotels, B&Bs||Global ||Global|| Metasearch Engine ||  || https://ads.google.com/hotels/partners/
|-
|-
| [[Google for Vacation Rentals]]  ||vacation retnalsl ||Global|| Metasearch Engine ||  || https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/10224602?hl=en
| [[Google for Vacation Rentals]]  ||vacation rentals ||Global|| Metasearch Engine ||  || https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/10224602?hl=en
|-
|-
| [[Guestlink.co.uk]] ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping || UK ||Global  || Destination Management ||  || https://www.guestlink.co.uk
| [[Guestlink.co.uk]] ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping || UK ||Global  || Destination Management ||  || https://www.guestlink.co.uk
|-
|-
| [[Holidaylettings.co.uk]]   ||vacation rentals ||Global  ||Global || OTA ||  || https://holidaylettings.com
 
| [[Holidu%20Smart%20Destinations|Holidu Smart Destinations]] ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping ||Germany, Austria, Switzerland || Global || Destination Management ||  || https://www.holidu.de/hsd
|-
|-
| [[Homeaway.com|Homeaway]]  ||vacation rentals ||Global  ||Global || OTA||  https://www.homeaway.com/info/about-the-family/ || https://www.homeaway.com
| [[Homeaway.com|Homeaway]]  ||vacation rentals ||Global  ||Global || OTA||  https://www.homeaway.com/info/about-the-family/ || https://www.homeaway.com
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| [[LateStays_com|Latestays]]  ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping ||Asia ||Global || OTA ||  || http://www.latestays.com/
| [[LateStays_com|Latestays]]  ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping ||Asia ||Global || OTA ||  || http://www.latestays.com/
|-
|-
| [[Homes & Villas by Marriott International|Marriott]]  ||curated vacation rentals ||Asia ||Global || OTA ||  || https://hvmi.tfaforms.net/91
|-
| [[Expedia.com|Orbitz]]  ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals    || Global||Global || OTA || https://www.expediagroup.com/expedia-brands/ ||  https://www.expedia.com
| [[Expedia.com|Orbitz]]  ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals    || Global||Global || OTA || https://www.expediagroup.com/expedia-brands/ ||  https://www.expedia.com
|-
|-
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| [[Vacation-stay.com|Rakuten]]  ||vacation rentals, hotels||Japan ||Japan || OTA || via Vacation Stay || https://vacation-stay.com/
| [[Vacation-stay.com|Rakuten]]  ||vacation rentals, hotels||Japan ||Japan || OTA || via Vacation Stay || https://vacation-stay.com/
|-
|-
| [[Traumferienwohnungen|Traum-Ferienwohnungen]] || Vacation rentals   ||Europe||German speaking Europe/Europe||OTA || ||traum-ferienwohnungen.de
| [[Homeaway.com|StrayZ]] ||vacation rentals ||Global  ||Global || OTA|| https://www.homeaway.com/info/about-the-family/ || https://www.homeaway.com
|-
|-
| [[Vacation-stay.com|Rakuten]]  ||vacation rentals, hotels||Japan ||Japan || OTA ||  || travel.rakuten.com
 
| [[Traumferienwohnungen|Traum-Ferienwohnungen]] || Vacation rentals    ||Europe||German speaking Europe/Europe||OTA || ||https://traum-ferienwohnungen.de
|-
| [[Vacation-stay.com|Rakuten]]  ||vacation rentals, hotels||Japan ||Japan || OTA ||  || https://travel.rakuten.com
|-
|-
| [[Tablethotels.com|Tablet Hotels]]    ||boutique hotels ||Global ||Global || OTA ||  || https://www.tablethotels.com
| [[Tablethotels.com|Tablet Hotels]]    ||boutique hotels ||Global ||Global || OTA ||  || https://www.tablethotels.com
|-
|-
| [[Tomas]] ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping ||Germany, Austria, Switzerland || Global || Destination Management || || http://www.tomas.travel
| [[Tiket]]   |||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, ||IIndonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan ||Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan || OTA  || || https://tix.tiket.com/register
|-
|-
| [[Travel_com_au|Travel.com.au]]    ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping ||Australia || Australia || OTA ||  || https://www.travel.com.au/
| [[Travel_com_au|Travel.com.au]]    ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping ||Australia || Australia || OTA ||  || https://www.travel.com.au/
|-
|-
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|-
|-
| [[Travia]]    |||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping ||Worldwide ||Worldwide|| Marketplace  || || https://www.godo.is/en/travia/
| [[Travia]]    |||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping ||Worldwide ||Worldwide|| Marketplace  || || https://www.godo.is/en/travia/
|-
| [[Traumferienwohnungen]]    |||vacation rentals||DACH, Europe ||DACH|| OTA enquiries  || || https://www.traum-ferienwohnungen.de/vermieten/
|-
|-
| [[Tripadvisor]]  ||hotels, B&Bs||Global ||Global|| Metasearch Engine ||  || https://www.tripadvisor.com
| [[Tripadvisor]]  ||hotels, B&Bs||Global ||Global|| Metasearch Engine ||  || https://www.tripadvisor.com
|-
|-
| [[Tripadvisor_Rentals|Tripadvisor Rentals]]  ||vacation rentals ||Global ||Global || OTA ||  || https://www.tripadvisor.com/Rentals
| [[Trip|Trip]]  ||hotels||Global ||China || OTA ||  || https://www.trip.com
|-
|-
| [[Trivago]]  ||hotels, B&Bs||Global ||Global|| Metasearch Engine  || || https://www.trivago.com
| [[Trivago]]  ||hotels, B&Bs||Global ||Global|| Metasearch Engine  || || https://www.trivago.com
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| [[Vacation-stay.com|VacationStay]]  ||vacation rentals, hotels||Japan ||Japan || OTA ||  || https://vacation-stay.com/
| [[Vacation-stay.com|VacationStay]]  ||vacation rentals, hotels||Japan ||Japan || OTA ||  || https://vacation-stay.com/
|-
|-
| [[Verwöhnwochenende]]  ||vacation rentals, hotels, B&Bs ||Europe|| Germany||  OTA  ||  || The connection was set up and is maintained by https://www.verwoehnwochenende.de
|-
| [[VisitScotland]] ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping || Scotland ||Global  || Destination Management  || || https://www.visitscotland.co.uk
| [[VisitScotland]] ||hotels, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, camping || Scotland ||Global  || Destination Management  || || https://www.visitscotland.co.uk
|-
|-
Retrieved from "https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php/Category:Channel_Manager"