Innovation

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I think that Airbnb saying it is the cheapest distrubution platform for hotels at around 15% is a bit disingenuous because much of branded stock is given lower commission rates depending on global… | David Eisen

💸 Airbnb claims to be the cheapest distribution platform for hotels with a 15% commission, but this is disputed as brand agreements with OTAs often offer lower rates. For independent hotels, the focus should be on direct bookings via brand.com, emphasizing the benefits of loyalty programs and consistent pricing. This approach minimizes third-party haggling in case of issues. Hoteliers are encouraged to leverage AI for effective messaging and control over distribution.
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OTAs are nowhere to be found in AI Mode (almost). A sneak peek at new research from Propellic – Travel Marketing coming next week shows most clicks going to operator or brand sites, and less than… | Douglas Quinby | 16 comments

🗺️ Propellic's new research, releasing next week, reveals that in AI Mode, less than 10% of clicks go to OTAs like Viator and GetYourGuide. Most links direct to operator sites, blogs, or Google business listings. This shift is surprising given OTAs' dominance in traditional search. The findings highlight Google listings' growing importance for operators. Research credits go to Brennen Bliss and Eric Van Buskirk. Full results will be discussed in a webinar on Tuesday, September 9.
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#metasearch | Rudolph Dekker

🤖 Did you know that AI-driven LLMs are increasingly integrated with Metasearch platforms? Depending on the prompt, they show real-time hotel prices: Gemini uses Google Hotel Ads, and Perplexity uses Tripadvisor. This integration enhances real-time visibility and underscores the growing importance of connecting your rates. The future of travel may shift from website bookings to direct interactions via LLMs or AI agents. Don't miss this impending transformation in travel distribution!
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Amex GBT faces tough integration after CWT merger

📈 Sep 23, 2025, Amex GBT completed its CWT acquisition, projecting a 30% revenue boost by late 2025. Integration challenges include merging systems and retaining customers. The fate of the CWT brand is undecided, while leadership decisions are pending. The $1.5 trillion corporate travel market may see more mergers. Over 50% of Amex GBT's revenues come from SMEs. AI pilots aim to enhance experiences amid stable but challenging economic conditions.
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Booking Holdings on AI, Airbnb, and the future of travel

📈 Sep 23, 2025, Skift Global Forum: Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel discussed travel and tech industry's future, emphasizing AI's potential benefits and challenges. He highlighted AI's measurable returns, though high costs and uncertain paybacks remain concerns. Fogel stressed balancing innovation for both travelers and suppliers and criticized inefficient marketing spending. The "connected trip" vision was mentioned for better targeting customers and increasing business opportunities. More details available at Skift (subscription required).
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Travelers embrace AI but demand more from tech in hospitality

🗺 Sep 23, 2025, a survey by Amadeus of 9,500 global travelers reveals a 64% rise in generative AI use for travel planning. 42% appreciate time savings, 37% value personalization, and 36% enjoy discovering new destinations. 64% are open to paying for AI travel assistants, with 17% willing to pay up to 5% of the trip value. However, 25% experience issues with inaccurate data and unmet preferences. Travelers now demand hyper-personalization and real-time accuracy from the industry.
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Recognition Matters: Bridging the Loyalty Gap in Hospitality

📈 In a recent Morning Consult report, fewer than 50% of travelers feel valued by loyalty programs. Accenture reports 89% prefer personal rewards. Hotels struggle with fragmented systems, unlike gas stations with simple, real-time recognition. Hotels run over 20 systems, leading to guest dissatisfaction. Bridging this gap requires integrated data platforms, staff training, and AI for real-time insights to improve guest experiences and enhance loyalty.
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Rethinking Guestroom Energy: Exploring the Best Practices to Reduce Energy Waste

📈 Hotel operators are losing profits, with 90% of guestrooms draining energy costs 24/7. Annual energy costs are a significant burden, with 40-80% attributed to guestrooms. New energy management systems cut utility costs by over 20% and HVAC runtime by 40%, installing in less than an hour. Energy savings enhance Net Operating Income (NOI) and property value, as noted by Chris Dobbins and Brion Crum. Forward-thinking hotels are adopting innovative solutions to boost sustainability and profitability by 2026.
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Lessons from Fortune Brainstorm Tech: AI adoption at scale | Saanya Ojha posted on the topic | LinkedIn

📈 Leaders from Deloitte, Blackstone, Amex, Nike, and Salesforce highlight key AI adoption strategies at Fortune Brainstorm Tech. Problem framing over platform focus is crucial, as seen with Deloitte's ROI-tied use cases. American Express revamped its data layer, enabling AI use across 19 markets. Nike's decentralized approach enhanced project outcomes. Cultural shifts and board dynamics play pivotal roles, while Blackstone's micro-apps save up to 2 hours daily. Incremental wins foster credibility and scalability.
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