TOP NEWS - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 54

2 min

Four futures of travel in the age of AI agents

🛠 May 22, 2025, digital travel is shifting rapidly. Google, Mastercard, and OpenAI are deploying AI agents to research, book, and pay for travel autonomously. Four scenarios may shape travel's future: OTAs enhance interfaces or get bypassed; AI Travel Concierge maintains OTA relevance; AI Distribution strengthens brand ecosystems; Neural Marketplaces see OTAs fade. Travel companies should build adaptable AI infrastructures and focus on agility to succeed in this evolving landscape.

4 min

3 Emerging Booking Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2025

🏨 Hotels are gradually shifting to direct digital bookings, projected to surpass OTAs with $409 billion in gross bookings by 2030, compared to $333 billion from OTAs. Guests now book 32 days in advance, with cancellations dropping below 20%. Over half would pay for flexible cancellation, with nearly 1 in 5 willing to pay $50+. Accor's 2023 subscription model offers up to 50% off at over 1,000 locations. Flexible booking, payment options, and loyalty programs are crucial for attracting and retaining guests.

3 min

Run Lean, Earn More: Expert Tips to Optimize Your Hospitality Business this Quarter

📈 Venue operators in 2025 are embracing tech innovations to boost efficiency and revenue. Key strategies include using 3D maps for booking, AI for demand forecasting, CRM enhancements for personalized experiences, multi-experience booking, mobile tickets, automated pricing, and data-driven decisions. Increasing guest spend by $15 can yield $150,000 monthly, while a 15% boost in multi-experience bookings unlocks millions more. These systems enhance operations without extra marketing or complexity, ensuring a seamless guest experience.

2 min

UK traveltech sector flourishing with…

🚀 The UK's traveltech sector surged with $1.6 billion raised since 2020, highlighted by a record $518 million in 2024, driven by AI innovations. Edinburgh and London are key hubs, with firms like Lighthouse raising $370 million and Unravel securing $7 million. Scotland hosts 100+ startups, with firms like Obvlo raising $2 million. Only 6% of European traveltech funding went to female-led startups from 2022-2025. The sector's GDP contribution rose to 10% ($252.4 billion) in 2023.

5 min

THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS TO VISIT RIGHT NOW, ACCORDING TO LEADING TRAVEL EXPERTS LOVE TO EXPLORE

🌍 In 2025, Love to Explore reports a surge in experiential travel to destinations like Australia and the Maldives. Notably, 28% of trips booked are during shoulder seasons. Australia's tourism, fueled by events like the Ashes cricket tour, accounts for 15% of the company's revenue. Vietnam sees a 70% increase in Google searches, driven by its cultural appeal. Indian Ocean islands remain popular, with a focus on wellness and privacy, while Spain and Greece attract with cultural and authentic experiences.

4 min

7 Top Takeaways for Revenue Managers from the Unfold 2025 Event

📈 At Mews Unfold 2025, hoteliers discussed the shift from rooms to experiences, emphasizing moments over mere occupancy. With 70% of US travelers using AI for trip planning, the focus is on emotional intelligence and clean, actionable data. The industry moves from RevPAR to RevPAG, integrating local cultures, and prioritizes cybersecurity. Success is in connection, agility, and personalization. Attendees are urged to embrace change and technology to enhance guest experiences.

2 min

Nine notable beverages at the National Restaurant Show

🍽 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor at Nation's Restaurant News from 1999 to present, reports on U.S. F&B trends. He studied at Tufts University and Le Cordon Bleu, with past roles at The New York Sun and Oxford Encyclopedia. His podcast interviews culinary experts. Thorn, a Denver native, was inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier in 2014. Notable awards include a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

6 min

Creating a Data-Driven Culture in Hotels: Why just getting a BI platform is not enough.

📈 Hotels worldwide have heavily invested in BI tools but struggle with data-informed decision-making. Despite having advanced dashboards, many decisions remain gut-driven. A data-driven culture is crucial: teams should rely on data, not assumptions. Steps include leadership using data, setting clear goals, customizing dashboards for departments, and fostering data literacy. Success isn't about having most data but actionable insights that align teams and drive competitive advantage. Leadership commitment and a shared mindset are key.

2 min

H-ON Le Mag April : How to Maximize the ROI of Your Advertising Campaigns in 2025

📈 In 2025, Google remains a key player in the travel tech sector. In 2024, direct distribution costs in Europe and APAC averaged 3.5%, far less than OTA commissions (15–28%) and wholesalers (20–40%). SEO and direct traffic drove two-thirds of direct booking revenue at a cost of 1.7%. Paid search excelled, with branded keywords and Bing Ads offering strong ROI. Metasearch saw a revenue dip, yet remains crucial, with Google Hotel Ads leading.

Bespoke banquet business: How modern day banqueting is exceeding expectations

🏨 Weddings and corporate events increasingly demand personalized experiences, noted Patrick Berwald of EOS Hospitality. Hotels like Isla Bella Beach Resort in Florida partner with organizations like Conch Republic Marine Army for unique excursions. Alex Polidoros from IHS Design highlights luxury hotels investing in customized banquet furniture. Linen-free setups and live cooking stations are trending. Hilton Barbados Resort uses tech for efficient booking and planning. Staff training and strategic partnerships address industry challenges in maintaining service quality.

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