Marketing

🔋 Major power outages in Spain and Portugal yesterday led to a state of emergency in Spain and widespread disruptions in Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Flights were cancelled and businesses struggled with payments. Trava CEO Maxim Sevastianov emphasizes the need for travel firms to enhance resilience by setting up geo-redundant systems and automating processes to better handle such disruptions.

📆 Expedia Group launched its Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP) in the UAE, targeting partners and travel agents across the Middle East. TAAP offers commissions on total booking value, user-friendly tools, and marketing materials. Expedia, with platforms like Rezlive, Halalbooking, and Blackrock Technologies, aims to promote Middle Eastern destinations through partnerships with Experience Abu Dhabi, Visit Oman, Jordan Tourism, Emirates, and Adeera. An Arabic-language site is upcoming. Robin Lawther, VP of Expedia TAAP, will speak at ATM on April 30 about ethical AI and maintaining a human touch.

📌 On April 29, 2025, TPG acquired Sabre Corporation's Hospitality Solutions for $1.1 billion. As an independent entity, Hospitality Solutions aims to enhance hotel technology services, affecting over 40% of top hotel brands. TPG plans to grow the software's capabilities, while Sabre refocuses on airline IT and travel distribution. The deal is set to close by end of Q3 2025 with a smooth transition for hotel customers.

🏡 In Yen Bai Province, Northern Vietnam, the Banyan Group opened Garrya Mu Cang Chai, a new resort in the iconic Mu Cang Chai region, celebrated for its mountain landscapes and rice terraces. The resort covers 6.5 hectares, providing 110 rooms, suites, and villas with panoramic views. Room sizes range from 30 to 154 square meters, featuring bamboo accents and brocade motifs. Facilities include the 8LEMENTS Spa, Hydro Wellbeing Area, ReCharge Gym, and an 8-metre-high bamboo ballroom. The resort is accessible from Hanoi by a six-hour drive and is located over 300 kilometers north of the city.

💰 Omni Hotels & Resorts launched Omni Select Business, a travel program for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), across over 50 U.S. and Canada locations. The program offers 9% off standard rates, free loyalty perks like welcome drinks and Wi-Fi, plus a sign-up bonus of double Omni Credits on the first three stays. Eligible businesses must book a minimum of 50 room nights annually and cannot already have Omni corporate rates; travel agencies and wholesalers are excluded. No cost or long-term commitments required to join.

🏨 Most hotel bookings originate from Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), especially during peak season. Reliance on OTAs can cause panic when their performance dips, leading to immediate OTA rate changes or promotions. Repeat customers often rebook through OTAs despite previous direct stays. OTA ads overshadow brand keyword searches, with no direct marketing, training, or technological advancement plans in place. Commission costs for OTAs are triple those of direct booking investments. Hotel teams depend on OTA tools rather than enhancing their technology, and marketing strategies are often speculative. Over-reliance on OTAs may undermine confidence, strategic planning, and career advancement. Four key areas of OTA dependency are highlighted, indicating it's not only about the commission expenses.

🏨 Written by Debiprasad Sarangi on April 20, 2014, the article touches on the behind-the-scenes efforts required to maintain a glamorous hotel experience, highlighting the importance of room service and amenities in providing a tranquil stay for guests.

🏡 Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel in Vienna reopened after a comprehensive renovation, initially launched in 1995 as Vienna's first design hotel. The hotel retains its historic charm with modern amenities, including 120 rooms and suites, a fitness center, sauna, and a terrace. It houses Bistrot Bertarelli 1894 and the iconic Silver Bar. The hotel features five conference rooms for up to 284 guests, emphasizing its suitability for business events. Located in Vienna's 4th district, it offers easy access to landmarks like the Stephansdom.

🗺 Solo travel is on the rise, expecting nearly 10% annual growth through 2030, appealing to Millennials, Gen Z, and retirees. On Apr 24, 2025, it's noted that hotels are innovating to accommodate this trend by redesigning for solo travelers, prioritizing safety with services like optional check-ins, and facilitating social engagement with community dining and cultural activities. Omni Boston and The Hoxton are examples of properties adapting with solo-oriented design and events. Solo travel is becoming a permanent aspect of the hospitality industry.