Marketing

📦 More than 70% of hotel revenue traditionally comes from room bookings, but ancillary services can contribute up to 30% of total revenue. With profit margins shrinking due to Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and competition, hotels are encouraged to leverage ancillary services like airport shuttles, food and beverage, wellness and spa, event spaces, pet-friendly offerings, local tours, in-room entertainment, transportation, retail spaces, fitness facilities, and loyalty programs to diversify income and enhance guest experiences. Ancillary services boost profits, cater to various preferences, and help hotels stand out, driving repeat business and building loyalty.

🏨 PRABHASH BHATNAGAR discussed hotel operations, which run continuously 24/7, focusing on managing check-ins, check-outs, catering to diverse guests, and optimizing occupancy. The information was published on May 4, 2021.

💳 On August 21, 2024, Expedia Group introduced the Expedia Virtual Card (EVC) to streamline payments for hotels and property managers. The EVC, a single-use credit card, ensures prompt payment within 1-2 days of guest check-out. The card enhances cash flow, reduces administrative tasks, and provides security by being tied to specific reservations. Hoteliers can easily implement EVC through Partner Central or their Property Management System.

📖 Stuart, 52 and a half years old, reflects on the Modern Elder Academy and Chip Conley's influence in the hospitality industry, drawing from a quote by David Viscott about life's purpose. He highlights life transitions and the importance of self-discovery and fulfillment through various stages. Stuart shares insights from Pico Iyer, a travel author who attended the program with his wife, Hiroko, emphasizing the internal journey and growth. The gathering involved 20 individuals from diverse backgrounds who experienced significant bonding over five days. Stuart notes the "u-shaped curve of happiness" and the transformation and clarity gained from the academy experience. Josiah, conversing with Stuart, remarks on the participants' diverse ages, backgrounds, and careers, underscoring the opportunity for travelers and hospitality providers to facilitate human connection.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality since 1999, reports on F&B trends and oversees coverage. Host of podcast "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn," he also wrote for The New York Sun from 2005 to 2008. Thorn lived in Thailand, writing for Manager magazine and Asia Times newspaper, later joining Restaurant Hospitality's staff in 2016. Awarded the Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award in 2006, he's a magna cum laude Tufts University graduate and studied French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier in 2014, Thorn resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. and has expertise in various cuisines, restaurant operations, and service trends. Contact at [email protected] and find him on social platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

🎄 Celebrate the festive season by booking a UK Airbnb for Christmas. Find the perfect spot from seaside escapes for two to countryside retreats for the entire family. Choices are curated based on Superhost status, customer ratings, amenities, location, and décor. Note: Editors at Condé Nast Traveler independently select featured products and listings; affiliate commissions may be earned from purchases.

📝 Booking faces legal challenges due to perceived negative relationships with supply partners. LVMH garners attention as possibly the new "winner's brand," overshadowing Nike's traditional dominance, evidenced by their presence at the Olympics. IHG reimagines its core technology with Amadeus, focusing on attribute-based selling, which could revolutionize hotel pricing. The article also discusses the nuanced role of influencers in hospitality and the importance of employee satisfaction in hotels. Hyper-personalization in the hotel industry, powered by AI and technology, promises enhanced customer experiences but is hindered by legacy systems and the complexity of integrating various data sources.

🏦 Sayaji Group of Hotels, an Indian luxury hospitality brand with 15 hotels and 1400+ keys across 11 cities, has experienced significant growth. By partnering with STAAH and integrating its channel manager and booking engine, Sayaji has seen a 70-85% increase in occupancy rates, a 30% rise in revenue, and a 40-60% surge in direct bookings. The adoption of STAAH's platform, featuring dynamic pricing and analytics, has enhanced operational efficiency and guest experiences, leading to more profitable revenue growth.

💰 Deliveroo reports first-ever half-year profit with £62m adjusted EBITDA, a 57% increase from H1 2023's £39m. In the six months to June 30, 2024, they turned a £1m profit, recovering from a £83m loss the previous year. With initiatives like the Plus Diamond loyalty tier, grocery growth, and new retail partnerships, orders grew 2%, revenue rose 2%, and Gross Transaction Value (GTV) increased 6%. UK & Ireland GTV grew by 7%, international by 5%, with positive trends in France, UAE, and Italy. A £150m share buyback reflects confidence after these results, expecting GTV growth of 5-9% and EBITDA in the upper half of £110-130m for the year.