Travel Weekly Group Ltd - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 120

2 min

PKFARE and Stayforlong team up to enhance…

🏖️ PKFARE, a global travel product aggregator, has partnered with European hotel booking platform Stayforlong to provide more competitive rates and a wider range of accommodation options. PKFARE's network includes over 650,000 properties, which Stayforlong will utilize to expand its inventory globally. The partnership leverages PKFARE's advanced algorithms and hotel mapping technology to offer personalized accommodation tailored to travellers' preferences, enhancing Stayforlong's existing portfolio of over 500,000 hotels in 25 countries. Stayforlong, with more than three million users, specializes in extended stays, while PKFARE focuses on flexible booking options and personalized experiences.

2 min

Majority of customer service leaders set to…

📊 In 2025, 85% of customer service leaders plan to explore or pilot customer-facing conversational generative AI (Gen AI), according to a Gartner survey. These leaders assume primary responsibility for AI opportunity identification, roadmap development, and adoption driving. Xabi Zabala of HBX Group highlights Gen AI's transformative impact across industries, especially in the tourism sector, offering enhanced customer experiences, sales, and efficiency. Challenges include knowledge library maintenance and integrating Gen AI with human capabilities for optimal results.

2 min

Travel trade a top influence on consumer…

📱 In a survey of 2,000 UK consumers by Epsilon, 20% are inspired by travel agents and operators, equalling TripAdvisor's influence. Friends and family lead at 46%. Other sources include consumer magazines (17%), TV ads (14%), apps (12%), online forums (11%), and social influencers (11%). Last-minute bookings account for 24%, months in advance for 38%, with variability for 43%. Price is a key factor for 39% seeking deals. Only 7% book holidays in January, challenging beliefs about peak booking times.

1 min

HotelREZ launches new consumer brand Best…

🏨 HotelREZ Hotels and Resorts launches a new B2C platform, Best Loved Hotels, targeting corporate and leisure travellers with curated stays from independent hotels, aparthotels, and hotel groups. The platform, designed to enhance the presence of its partners globally, offers direct booking promotions and a dedicated GDS programme. CEO Mark Lewis emphasizes the reimagined approach to unique, characterful, and heartfelt hospitality experiences for discerning travellers. All HotelREZ distribution customers or consortia affiliate members are featured on the website, presenting a commercial opportunity for hotel partnerships.

1 min

Sports betting boss joins On the Beach as…

🏁 Victoria Self joins On the Beach Group board as an independent non-executive director on February 3, replacing David Kelly who departs January 10 after a nine-year tenure. Self brings over 25 years of experience from senior roles at leading digital and consumer companies, including Entain, comparethemarket.com, and major retailers. The change comes as the company aims to expand its market presence and offerings.

2 min

SIHOT upgrades SIHOT.KIOSK with new…

📱 SIHOT updated SIHOT.KIOSK for hotels with new features to support upselling and enhance user experience. Now, guests can pay for early check-in depending on availability, and walk-ins can book rooms via SIHOT.WEB. Late check-outs are managed by directing guests to reception if they overstay. SIHOT.GO! pre-check-in users can collect key cards from kiosks. The update includes compliance data collection, QR code recognition for group bookings, and aims to reduce Front Desk and Reservations teams' pressure. Carsten Wernet, CEO of SIHOT, highlights revenue generation and better guest experiences through these enhancements.

3 min

91% of hoteliers say budget will cause…

🏨 A new survey indicates that 91% of hoteliers report increased costs post-Autumn Budget, with 60% seeing a rise over 20%. More than a third of BWH Hotels' members anticipate costs climbing by £100,000+, some fear £750,000 hikes. Cost drivers include employer's National Insurance and the National Living and Minimum Wage, leading 83% to cut staff hours, 77% to raise prices, and many to delay maintenance. The industry calls for VAT reduction and business reform, with 79% of hoteliers supporting a VAT cut in hospitality.

4 min

Guest Post: Navigating 2025 – What’s next…

🌍 Solo travel constituted 30% of all 2024 bookings, while couples' travel led with 53%. Top destinations included New York, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, with Europe and Asia, particularly Tokyo, as international hotspots. Gen Z's all-inclusive resort bookings surged, with a 60% increase in Hotels.com searches. JOMO travel's appeal grew, with 62% citing stress reduction, and Detour Destinations saw a rise in interest. Agents favor all-in-one booking platforms, with 18% emphasizing ease of use. AI and live chat transformed customer service, handling thousands of inquiries. Anticipating further growth in 2025, efficiency and technology are pivotal for travel agents' success.

2 min

Inspire Europe launches dedicated cruise…

🎢 Cheshire-based Inspire Europe reported a 400% growth in its cruise business over the past year. To capitalize, they launched a new website featuring 44 cruise lines, dynamic itinerary searches, and real-time availability. The site, developed with Travel Marketing Systems (TMS), includes amenities, deck plans, ports of call, and regional offers. With the peak booking season near, Inspire aims to streamline their cruise services and has renewed its CLIA membership for 2025.

3 min

ATM 2025 themes revealed

🏠 Arabian Travel Market's 32nd edition will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April-1 May 2025, focusing on innovation, connectivity, and customisation. The theme 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity' addresses technology's role in tourism. Nostalgia travel gains popularity, with an emphasis on 1990s and 2000s experiences. By 2032, sports tourism is projected to hit $1.33 trillion, and music tourism $13.8 billion. Saudi Arabia hosted 2.5 million tourists for sports events in four years. Asia-Pacific and Middle East travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2026. IATA forecasts APAC’s middle class will drive 50% of global air passenger growth until 2043. Solo travel and digital nomadism are on the rise, with 42% of travel insurance clients planning solo trips in 2025. The ecotourism market is predicted to reach $429 billion by 2028. ATM 2025 will unite travel professionals for networking and business opportunities.

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