Posts by author

Mark Lomanno

3 posts
View Post
  • 3 min

AI and the OTAs: Debating the Impact of the Shift in Technology 

📱 GenAI use by travelers is set to increase significantly, with predictions reaching 24% during the upcoming holiday season, up from 16% in 2024 and 8% in 2023. Currently, OTAs handle 20% of U.S. hotel bookings, translating to 325,000 daily room reservations. A debate is ongoing regarding AI's impact on OTAs, with some believing AI will benefit OTAs, while others argue it may weaken them. The outcome will influence future booking dynamics.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 3 min

Corporate/Group Business Dynamics: Understanding Why Both Segments Have Declined in the Demand Mix 

📈 In the last 15 years, U.S. lodging demand shifted from corporate/group to leisure, with leisure now representing 55% of demand. Since 2020, corporate travel has plateaued at 90% of pre-2020 levels, with a 3% drop in 2025 compared to 2024. Group travel, after rebounding to 2019 levels by 2024, declined by 4% in 2025 through mid-September. Friday and Saturday now lead occupancy, reflecting leisure’s rise, while traditional business travel declines.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 3 min

Short-Term Restraint: Understanding the Effect of Federal Policy Changes on Lodging Demand 

💸 Government travel declined significantly in Q1 and Q2 of 2025, with forward bookings down 14% as of May 3 compared to the same period in 2024. The U.S. lodging industry is impacted by federal layoffs and tariffs, affecting demand in major markets like Washington, D.C. Government rate bookings constitute over 3% of hotel demand, with wider impacts through other rate categories. In contrast, leisure travel remains resilient, driven by Americans' persistent travel desires.
View Post
Share