
Hi everyone,
In this video, I’ll be sharing an important new update for the Sale OTA course on Udemy, featuring a brand-new automation function recently introduced by Agoda starting in 2026.
In particular, we’ll take a closer look at how to set up automated messaging in Agoda YCS, helping you save time and improve guest communication.
To begin, go to the Manage menu on the Agoda YCS toolbar. From there, you’ll find a new section called Automation.
Inside the Automation section, Agoda now provides two key features:
Message Scheduler
Auto Reply
Let’s start with Message Scheduler.
Within this feature, you’ll see three main automation triggers:
Upon booking confirmation – an automatic message is sent as soon as a new booking is received.
At check-in – the message is sent when the guest arrives.
At checkout – the message is sent after the guest checks out.
For each of these triggers, you can select “Create a new template”, allowing you to design multiple customized message templates.
These templates enable you to proactively communicate with guests instead of waiting for questions. You can prepare messages covering common topics such as:
Check-in and check-out times
Property rules
Nearby tourist attractions
Popular local food and dining options
Once your templates are ready, you simply choose which template should be sent for each automation trigger. From that point on, whenever a guest makes a booking on Agoda, the system will automatically send the selected message for you.
Next is the Auto Reply feature.
This function works in a similar way to Booking.com’s automatic replies. It allows Agoda to automatically respond to frequently asked guest questions, such as:
Check-in and check-out times
Bed and room options
Other commonly requested information
By using Auto Reply, you no longer need to manually answer the same questions repeatedly, which significantly reduces workload and improves response time.
This new automation system is a powerful update from Agoda in 2026, and it’s an essential tool for anyone managing OTA sales professionally.
Case Study: Channel Optimization for Accommodation Property – HANOI CAPSULE STATION HOSTEL
Total beds for sale: 80 beds (including single beds and double beds)
Number of room types: 8 room types, grouped into 4 room categories
Room configuration:
Single Bed in a 4-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 4-Bed Room
Single Bed in a 6-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 6-Bed Room
Single Bed in an 8-Bed Room
Double Bed in an 8-Bed Room
Single Bed in a 12-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 12-Bed Room
OTA platforms currently in use:
Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Ctrip (Trip.com), and Hostelworld
Case Study: Channel Optimization for Accommodation Property – HANOI CAPSULE STATION HOSTEL
Total beds for sale: 80 beds (including single beds and double beds)
Number of room types: 8 room types, grouped into 4 room categories
Room configuration:
Single Bed in a 4-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 4-Bed Room
Single Bed in a 6-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 6-Bed Room
Single Bed in an 8-Bed Room
Double Bed in an 8-Bed Room
Single Bed in a 12-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 12-Bed Room
OTA platforms currently in use:
Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Ctrip (Trip.com), and Hostelworld
Case Study: Channel Optimization for Accommodation Property – HANOI CAPSULE STATION HOSTEL
Total beds for sale: 80 beds (including single beds and double beds)
Number of room types: 8 room types, grouped into 4 room categories
Room configuration:
Single Bed in a 4-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 4-Bed Room
Single Bed in a 6-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 6-Bed Room
Single Bed in an 8-Bed Room
Double Bed in an 8-Bed Room
Single Bed in a 12-Bed Room
Double Bed in a 12-Bed Room
OTA platforms currently in use:
Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Ctrip (Trip.com), and Hostelworld
Learn how to master online room sales with the most comprehensive OTA course available. This course guides you through the full process of building, optimizing, and managing your accommodation listings across major Online Travel Agency (OTA) platforms including Booking, Agoda, Expedia, Airbnb, Traveloka, and Trip com.
You will start by understanding the OTA business model, learning the advantages and limitations of each platform. Then, you’ll gain hands-on skills for registering your property, uploading optimized content, and configuring your rates, availability, and policies. The course also covers promotional strategies like BAR pricing, multi-level discounts, and long-stay offers to help you boost bookings and revenue.
Beyond setup, we dive into day-to-day operations — from managing guest communication, monitoring performance indicators, to contacting support teams. You’ll also explore advanced tools such as channel managers, booking engines, mobile-friendly workflows, and techniques to synchronize your data across multiple platforms effectively.
We’ll also help you navigate common OTA challenges, including dealing with cancellations, optimizing customer reviews, managing overbookings, and improving your visibility on highly competitive platforms.
Whether you're a beginner or a hospitality professional, this step-by-step course will empower you to increase your property's online presence, improve ranking, and maximize revenue from OTAs. By the end of the course, you'll feel confident operating across multiple OTAs and making strategic decisions that drive long-term success.