Supported distribution channels in Cloudbeds PMS

Introduction

Distribution channels are OTAs, metasearch services, booking engines, central reservation systems, and other travel partners where your property can sell inventory outside Cloudbeds PMS. Depending on the connection, the Cloudbeds Channel Manager can send supported rates, availability, and restrictions and receive reservations in Cloudbeds PMS.

This article is a directory and decision guide, not a connection guide. Use it to confirm that Cloudbeds supports the channel you want, identify the type of connection, understand where its setup begins, and open the correct guide or partner contact. After choosing the appropriate path, complete the connection in the linked channel-specific or general connection guide.

Table of contents

• Where this article fits
• Before you choose and connect a channel
• Understand channel and connection types
• Understand the channel directory columns
• Find a supported distribution channel
• Continue with the correct connection path

Where this article fits

Use the Distribution documentation in the sequence that matches where you are in the process. If you already understand the Distribution page and know which channel you want, you can begin with step 2.

1. Understand the Distribution module. Review Channel distribution: Distribution page overview to understand access requirements, the six tabs, and where distribution tasks begin.
2. Choose a supported channel and connection path. Use this directory to identify the channel type, starting point, activation method, and available guide or contact.
3. Complete the connection. Open the dedicated guide listed for the channel or follow Connect a distribution channel to Cloudbeds PMS when the directory points to the general workflow.

Before you choose and connect a channel

Before you start a connection, confirm that your property is active on the channel and that your rooms are already configured in the channel's extranet. Then, review your rates and availability in Cloudbeds PMS because the information may be sent to the channel when the connection is activated.

Understand channel and connection types

The directory includes different kinds of travel partners and connection technologies. These terms help you understand what the channel is and whether specialized setup guidance applies.

• API: A standard channel-manager connection. The rates, availability, restrictions, reservations, and other information supported by the specific channel can sync between the channel and Cloudbeds PMS.
• Calendar-based or iCal: A more limited connection that synchronizes availability. It does not exchange rates, restrictions, or complete reservation information like a standard API connection.
• Metasearch: A service that displays property availability or booking options collected from other sources. The supported setup and information flow depend on the specific provider.
• Booking engine: A booking service through which guests can make reservations. The directory identifies supported booking-engine partners and the applicable connection path.
• CRS or distribution partner: A central reservation system or partner that can distribute property information to other channels. Its activation and setup requirements depend on the provider.

The directory groups channels by the most useful starting path: commonly used OTAs with dedicated guides, channels that support Express Connect, calendar-based channels, and additional supported channels. These groups help you find the correct next action; they are not four equivalent technical channel types.

Understand the channel directory columns

Find a supported distribution channel

The directory is organized into four foldable sections. Expand the section that applies to browse its available channels. After finding your channel, use its row to identify the correct guide, contact, or activation method.

Continue with the correct connection path

The directory identifies where each connection begins; it does not replace the setup instructions. After finding your channel, use the matching path below.

• If the channel has a dedicated guide, open the guide and follow the channel-specific instructions.
• If the channel requires direct activation, enable Cloudbeds as the channel manager in the channel extranet and follow Connect a distribution channel to Cloudbeds PMS to continue the setup.
• If the channel requires activation by request or account management, contact the channel or partner support before completing the setup in Cloudbeds PMS.
• If the channel uses Express Connect, follow Cloudbeds Express Connect for distribution channels to create or connect the listing.
• If the channel is calendar-based, review Calendar-based channels and iCal connections in Cloudbeds PMS before proceeding.

Related articles

Now that you can identify a supported channel and choose the appropriate connection path, review these supporting resources to prepare your room mapping or troubleshoot an active channel connection.

• Room mapping guidelines
• Channel Distribution troubleshooting