TOP NEWS

📈 Feb 27, 2026: OTAs like Booking Holdings, Airbnb, and Expedia achieved double-digit or high single-digit gross bookings growth amid a decline in consumer travel spending. Credit-card data reveals near-zero correlation between overall travel spending and OTA performance over the past three years. Growth is attributed to share capture, B2B expansion, and marketing efficiency rather than consumer demand. Expedia's B2B segment outperformed its consumer business, highlighting a shift in industry dynamics.

💩 Kayak launched the “Got That Right” campaign on February 27, 2026, focusing on booking stress rather than destinations. Targeting millennials and Gen X, it uses humor to address travel anxiety and highlights Kayak's price comparison tools amid social-media information overload. The campaign spans TV, digital, and more to maximize reach. By emphasizing decision-support features, Kayak reassures users of sound booking choices, positioning itself as a response to influencer noise and excessive research.

🏨 Last week, the 2026 Hotel Equities Leadership Conference in Las Vegas attracted nearly 1,000 attendees. Greg O'Steen, Chief Development Officer, discussed strategic growth in diverse markets, including the Caribbean and Latin America. With a focus on luxury and upscale hotels, commercial strategies emphasized collaboration across sales, revenue, and marketing. Becky Vealey, SVP of Sales, highlighted the importance of tailored commercial strategies. Attendees explored growth opportunities despite challenges like rising costs and economic pressures.