“Open to arrival” and “closed to arrival” are common terms in the hospitality and travel industries, especially in hotel booking systems like Channel Manager. These terms define whether guests or passengers can check in or start their stay on a specific date.
Open to Arrival (OTA)
When a date is “open to arrival,” guests can start their stay on that date. For example, if a hotel has October 10th as “open to arrival,” guests can check in on that day and stay for their desired duration.
Hotels providers typically keep dates open to arrival to maximise bookings and accommodate guests on various schedules. However, they may adjust availability based on demand, seasonality, or special events.
Closed to Arrival (CTA)
When a date is “closed to arrival,” guests cannot check in or begin their stay on that date, even if they have a valid booking for surrounding dates. A hotel may close certain dates to arrival due to high demand, special events, or operational reasons. For example, a resort may close arrivals on a public holiday to encourage guests to book longer stays, starting before the peak period.
By strategically managing open and closed arrival dates, businesses can control occupancy rates, optimize revenue, and improve operational efficiency. Customers should always check booking policies to avoid confusion when planning their trips
