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Automatic

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Booking.com launches AI-powered tool for hoteliers

📱 The AI Tech Stack Advisor tool, launched on Dec 2, 2024, provides personalized tech assessments for hoteliers, leveraging HotelTechReport's database. It recommends channel managers, revenue systems, upselling, and CRM platforms, offering a "Digital Transformation Score" for benchmarking and progress tracking. The tool benefits Booking.com's connectivity partners by connecting them with hotels seeking to improve their technology. Read more at yahoo!finance.
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How to drive hotel website conversion

📅 On Dec 2, 2024, Juanjo Rodriguez, founder of The Hotels Network, discussed the importance of personalizing guest experiences and utilizing data-driven strategies for boosting direct bookings and overall hotel performance on Hotel Tech Insider. Read more about enhancing hotel website conversion at The Hotels Network.
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US-based travel companies plan layoffs ahead of 2025

🏨 Marriott and Booking.com are slashing budgets and headcount due to reduced leisure travel demand. In November 2024, forecasts for 2025 room revenue growth were cut from 2.6% to 1.8%. Marriott plans to cut expenses by $80-90 million and lay off over 800 employees in Q1. Booking.com's workforce grew by just 3% YoY in Q3, down from 13% the previous year. Vail Resorts aims for $100 million in savings by 2026, reducing its corporate workforce by 14%. Companies are increasingly turning to automation to cut costs.
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Too much data?

🏨 Agoda, on Nov 28, 2024, implements approximately 1,000 concurrent experiments to refine customer experiences and internal processes. Their scientific approach led to increased conversions by providing clearer information on free support, as disclosed by CTO Idan Zalzberg. Zalzberg emphasizes data as a tool to enhance creativity, not hinder it, in the travel technology sector.
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Amadeus reveals its Travel Trends for 2025

🏖️ Amadeus revealed its Travel Trends for 2025 on Nov 28, 2024, forecasting global travel changes alongside Globetrender. Highlighting nostalgic trips, personalized flying via AI and VR, destination hotels as trip focal points, Asia's tourism resurgence, and in-person connections countering digital dating fatigue. Access the full report at Amadeus for detailed insights into these upcoming trends.
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Google to test plain ‘blue link’ results for hotel searches

📣 Google, in response to the Digital Markets Act, is running a "short test" in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia starting November 28, 2024. The tech giant is experimenting with "10 blue links" for travel searches, excluding its own Google Travel links. New search results formats will include "expanded and equally formatted" units to highlight competitors and direct supplier links for various products and services. Additionally, Google plans to introduce more detailed comparison site listings and new ad units. Specific visual examples have not been provided.
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IDeaS unveils the “2025 Predictions Shaping Hospitality”

📌 Global industry leaders indicate changing guest expectations and revenue streams, and increased cloud adoption as of Nov 28, 2024. Hospitality trends include a generational shift, with personalized, sustainable experiences for Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Experiential travel to less crowded spots is key for satisfaction. Online booking tools and dynamic pricing for events are vital for ancillary revenue. AI enhances pricing and revenue management, while cloud-based solutions replace legacy systems for next-gen traveler demands. Full report at IDeaS.
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Google to tweak search results in Europe

📰 Google, on Nov 28, 2024, responds to EU's Digital Markets Act by altering search result displays for platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb in Europe. The act, effective since last year, prevents Google from self-preferencing and addresses Big Tech's market power. Changes come as Google faces an EU probe and complaints of a 30% decrease in direct bookings for some businesses due to previous modifications. New search result layouts will feature unified units for comparison and supplier sites, plus specialized ad units for competitors.
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Amex GBT plans to open CWT’s travel partner network

✈ Amex Global Business Travel proposed measures to the U.K. CMA to address competition concerns regarding its CWT merger on Nov 26, 2024. Commitments include capping fees for large global clients for two years and maintaining or improving service levels. They're also willing to divest some of CWT's clients if necessary. Competitors would gain access to CWT's travel partner network in 90 countries. Full details at [BTN](https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Procurement/Amex-GBT-Proposes-Pricing-Caps-CWT-Network-Opening-as-Deal-Remedies).
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