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Automatic

2928 posts

European tourism reaches new record highs in 2024

🌎 Americans are driving a European tourism boom in 2024, with international tourists projected to spend a record €800 billion—a 37% increase over pre-pandemic levels of €583 billion. Overseas visitor arrivals in Europe have also risen by 6% over 2019, marking a new record. Western European destinations account for 72% of this record spend, while East Asian tourists, particularly Chinese, are contributing to further revenue, though specific figures remain undisclosed.
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Lufthansa adjusts to business travel weakness

✈ Facing a "new reality" of lower corporate travel, Lufthansa, on July 12, 2024, announced plans to reduce costs and scale back future projects. CEO Jens Ritter described the situation as a market normalization with high competition. The airline expects permanent low business travel levels, with increased leisure trips, particularly in summer. This shift has led to difficulties in filling planes, pressuring airlines like Delta Air Lines to issue a financial warning for the upcoming third quarter.
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The future of hotel PMS in an omnichannel world

🏨 On July 12, 2024, the hotel industry acknowledges that an omnichannel Property Management System (PMS) is essential. Modern PMS must integrate with OTAs such as Booking.com and Expedia, hotel direct booking engines, and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to meet the expectations of travelers for a unified experience and drive hotel revenue and operational efficiency.
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Two-thirds of business travelers book outside of travel policy

💲 On Jul 12, 2024, a BCD Travel survey identified a compliance gap in company travel policies. Over two-thirds of business travelers have deviated from set policies, primarily for client meetings or using non-preferred suppliers. Key findings: 20%+ find policies unresponsive or restrictive, 30% desire more booking flexibility, 25% seek higher spending limits and extra airline options, and 20% advocate for improved traveler wellness policies.
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Spain’s tourism demand rises despite overtourism protests

✈ International arrivals to Spain for July and August 2024 have risen by 12% year-over-year. European markets showed notable increases: Italy (+53%), Austria (+23%), and the Netherlands (+23%), along with Brazil (+39%) and the US (+31%). Couples dominate travel groups with a 13% growth. Short stays (+16%) and medium stays (+15%) are on the rise, while long-stay trips grow by 5%. Business travel increased by 3%, and leisure trips, the majority, by 15%.
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Are hotel guests getting more difficult these days?

🔔 On July 11, 2024, an article suggested hospitality leaders train staff for empathy and understanding towards guests, countering the stereotype of increasing rudeness. It emphasized the avoidance of rumination and the recognition of diverse guest personalities, balancing encounters with difficult individuals with those of friendly ones. Full story on [HNN](https://www.costar.com/article/1480099505/are-guests-getting-more-difficult-these-days-or-is-it-just-rosy-retrospection).
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Artificial intelligence guide for hotels

🏨 On July 11, 2024, the hospitality industry widely implements AI to manage guest communication, revenue, reservations, personalization, and pricing. For instance, Visito offers an AI operating system for guest communications, Aiosell provides an automated revenue management system for optimal pricing, and Myma.ai uses AI to enhance guest experiences and operations. More on SiteMinder.
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How Airbnb fails to protect its guests from hidden cameras

👀 Airbnb, under scrutiny for hidden cameras in listings, has sought to downplay thousands of such complaints, with actions like arbitration and nondisclosure agreements. A CNN investigation, published on July 11, 2024, highlights ongoing privacy violations, with video voyeurism often resulting in minor charges. Airbnb insists these incidents are rare and that they respond strongly by removing hosts and listings involved.
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