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Inside Booking.com’s decision to drop small affiliates

🗺 Jun 2, 2025, Booking.com ended thousands of small affiliate partnerships, affecting travel bloggers and content creators, with just 30 days’ notice. This was aimed at reducing costs and fraud, part of Booking Holdings' plan to cut $400M–$450M in expenses. Smaller affiliates were directed to platforms like CJ, Awin, and Affnetmedia. The move led to backlash and a shift to competitors like BookDirect.com and Stay22, with concerns over trust and brand equity.
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How drone storytelling and emotion are reshaping hotel marketing

📷 Jun 2, 2025, hotel marketing undergoes a shift as static images fade in favor of immersive visuals and drone cinematography. Short-form videos on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok now drive engagement and bookings by capturing emotions and atmosphere. Hotels using drone storytelling experience increased direct bookings, focusing on relatability over luxury. This approach is becoming essential for staying relevant in the evolving digital landscape. Explore more at HospitalityNet.
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How Expedia is adapting as AI reshapes travel marketing

🗺 Expedia is transforming travel planning with AI. On June 2, 2025, CMO Jochen Koedijk highlighted AI's role in optimizing the travel journey from inspiration to booking. Collaborations with OpenAI and Microsoft, and innovations like integrating Instagram Reels into travel planning, position Expedia at AI's forefront. Despite potential traffic decreases due to AI search engines, improved conversion rates are expected. Expedia invests in internal AI capabilities to enhance user experience and efficiency.
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Gen Z goes all-in: The rise of all-inclusive travel

🌍 Jun 2, 2025: Gen Z travelers are opting for all-inclusive resorts, influenced by stress reduction (41%), ease of booking (39%), and perceived luxury (38%). 42% view these resorts as their preferred choice, with one-third reporting improved perceptions. Major hotel chains like Hyatt and Marriott are responding by expanding offerings. Social platforms, especially TikTok, enhance the appeal of these resorts among the younger demographic. Access the full Expedia report [here](https://www.expedia.com/unpack-travel-trends/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Unpack-25-Trend-Report_US-EN_B2C.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
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Generative Engine Optimization: The new battleground for hotel visibility

💻 Jun 2, 2025 - As AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s SGE change hotel search behavior, traditional SEO is insufficient. Enter Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), focusing on AI-generated search visibility. Critical differences between GEO and SEO include targeting AI responses over keyword rankings. To remain competitive, hotels must optimize content for AI engines. Early adopters gain an edge as travelers increasingly use AI for personalized advice. Download the guide at Cendyn to learn more.
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Global travel surges past pre-pandemic levels in early 2025

🗺️ May 29, 2025. Q1 2025 saw over 300 million global tourists, a 5% increase from Q1 2024 and 3% above 2019 levels. Europe welcomed 125 million tourists, with Central/Eastern Europe up 8%. Africa grew 16% over 2019, with a 9% YoY rise. Americas increased 2% YoY; South America led with 13%. Middle East rose 1% YoY, up 44% from 2019. Asia and the Pacific surged 12% YoY, with North-East Asia up 23%.
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Wander secures $50M to scale AI-powered luxury rentals

🏡 May 29, 2025, Wander, a luxury short-term rental platform, secured $50 million in Series B funding led by QED Investors and Fifth Wall. With this funding, Wander aims to expand globally and enhance its AI-powered WanderOS. Currently managing over 1,000 properties, the company targets 300,000+ homes worldwide. Past funding includes a $7M seed in 2021 and $20M Series A in 2022. Wander's strategy involves premium rentals and proprietary technology to transform the fragmented market.
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How LGBTQ+ Americans are shaping the future of inclusive tourism

📅 May 29, 2025: According to Expedia’s LGBTQ+ Summer Travel Outlook, nearly one-third of LGBTQ+ Americans spend over $5,000 annually on travel, taking 3+ trips per year. Popular U.S. destinations include Key West, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, while Gran Canaria sees a 125% interest increase. Safety matters to 39%, with over half relying on LGBTQ+ peer recommendations. Almost half prefer 4-star hotels, and over one-third choose 5-star. Opting for June or late August travel is advised.
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The loyalty shift: Why points alone no longer win hotel guests

🛌 May 29, 2025, highlights a shift in hotel loyalty programs. Points-based systems are losing appeal, particularly among younger travelers who prefer immediate, personalized rewards. Trust is eroding due to unfulfilled perks like free breakfasts. Experts suggest hybrid models blending points and emotional engagement. Tech integration remains a challenge, with AI and CRM vital for success. Staypineapple exemplifies this by replacing points with direct perks. Flexibility and human touch are crucial for maintaining relevance. Explore more on PhocusWire.
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Booking.com under fire across Europe

💸 Hotel associations in 26 European countries are initiating damages claims against Booking.com following a significant European Court of Justice ruling on May 29, 2025. The ruling questioned the competitive impact of Booking.com's price parity clauses, originating from a 2006–2016 German case. Despite the ruling, Booking.com maintains these clauses aren’t automatically anti-competitive. HOTREC supports these claims, with a deadline for hotel participation set for July 31. Booking.com was not informed of broad legal action.
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