What’s New in Hotel Online Distribution and Tech Trends? W3, February 2024

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

  • Irish tourism eyes continued growth amid challenges 
  • Maximizing revenue: Navigating OTA commission rates 
  • Best Western Hotels and Resorts opens two hotels 
  • Park Rotana Hotel earns ‘Green Key’ certification 
  • Orchid & IRA hotels: ‘No emission’ drive 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Newshound w3, February 2024

Irish tourism eyes continued growth amid challenges 

Despite the tumultuous backdrop of global conflicts and environmental disasters, 2023 saw a semblance of normality return, particularly in Irish tourism. With lockdowns behind them, the world began to navigate ‘post-pandemic life’, and Ireland emerged as a prime destination for international travelers. According to Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), 2023 marked the first full year post-pandemic, showcasing the industry’s resilience. 

https://shorturl.at/mrAB6

Negotiating OTA commission rates: Tactics for hoteliers 

 As a hotel manager, one of the most important factors you need to consider is the commission rates charged by online travel agencies (OTAs). These fees can greatly impact your revenue and profit margins, so it’s essential to understand them thoroughly. In this guide, we’ll explain what OTAs are and their role in the hospitality industry and provide tips on managing OTA commission rates effectively. 

https://shorturl.at/gBWX9

Best Western Hotels and Resorts opens two hotels 

Best Western SeaWorld Inn & Suites is located in San Antonio, Texas, owned by Aman Patel with 70 guestrooms and 12 suites. The hotel recently underwent a $1.5 million renovation, including a new grey exterior with sandstone, white, and black trim. The updated guestrooms and suites have a 55-inch flatscreen TV, mini-fridge, and microwave. Guests will also access several on-property amenities, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool, laundry facilities, business centre, and hot breakfast. 

https://shorturl.at/bltEW

Park Rotana Hotel achieves environmental excellence 

 Park Rotana Hotel is thrilled to announce its recent achievement of the esteemed ‘Green Key’ certification, a globally recognized eco-label for sustainable hospitality. This prestigious recognition reflects the hotel’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. Awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Green Key certification is a leading standard for excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism industry. 

https://shorturl.at/cefAG

The Orchid Hotel’s ‘No Emission’ initiative 

 The Green Teams of the Orchid Hotel Mumbai and IRA by Orchid Hotels held a cycle rally as part of their ‘No Emission’ drive. The teams enthusiastically joined hands to participate in the sustainability initiative through the streets of Vile Parle. The rally was organized to spread the message of a greener future. Riders in eco-friendly clothes spread the word on responsible travel and reducing pollution.  

https://shorturl.at/tNTZ2

That’s all folks!  

What’s New in Hotel Online Distribution and Tech Trends? W2, February 2024

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

  • 5 hotel physical security tune-ups with key control for 2024 
  • Adıyaman, Turkey’s dual revitalization goal: industry and tourism 
  • Sofitel Dubai The Palm: second edition of Epicure Culinary Month 
  • Geopolitics is the biggest threat to travel & tourism 
  • Reopening of the iconic Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Newshound w2, February 2024

5 hotel physical security tune-ups with key control for 2024 

The security and safety of all hotel guests, employees, and visitors is a top priority for hotel security teams. Investing in security and safety technology upgrades helps hotels stay compliant, manage assets, and prevent security incidents. One component of security technology that hotels invest in is key control and asset management solutions. 

https://shorturl.at/exHOQ

Adıyaman, Turkey’s revitalization push: industry and tourism 

Adıyaman in Türkiye eyes to revitalize both industry and tourism. The devastating twin earthquakes in early February last year affected not only buildings but also the economy of southern Türkiye. Before the earthquakes, Adıyaman’s economy was based on two main pillars: Agriculture and livestock, and textile factories, which accounted for almost 90 percent of the city’s industry. Food, construction and building materials were also produced.  

https://shorturl.at/gtwx3

Sofitel Dubai The Palm: second edition of Epicure Culinary Month 

Renowned luxury resort Sofitel Dubai The Palm is set to host the second edition of its EPICURE Culinary Month, a gastronomic celebration of culinary excellence, following the great success of the inaugural version in 2023. Starting 1st February 2024, this month-long event will showcase the property’s best-of-the-best culinary talent, inviting food connoisseurs and seasoned gourmands to indulge in a series of exceptional dining experiences, including exclusive four-hand dinners, one-off collaborations, and many more unmissable offers. 

https://shorturl.at/admI1

Geopolitics is the biggest threat to travel & tourism 

Thailand’s foreign policy of maintaining strict neutrality amid superpower bunfights has become the key to its national security and economic survival. Although Travel & Tourism are both major components and beneficiaries of that policy, the prospect of prolonged global geopolitical instability means that the industry is hanging by a thread, over-exposed to external shocks and biding time until the next one. 

https://shorturl.at/vPSZ1

 Grand reopening: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah 

 The iconic Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah in UAE re-opens its doors, revealing a stunning transformation. The newest chapter of the renowned luxury hotel has begun, as the resort­ welcomes guests to live unforgettable once again. After an extensive refurbishment, the resort has unveiled 203 keys in total, including 149 beautifully appointed guest rooms and 54 suites with breathtaking views. 

https://shorturl.at/sGOQ6

That’s all folks!

What’s New in Hotel Online Distribution and Tech Trends? W2, January 2024

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

  • A deep dive into the significance of hotel trends for 2024 
  • Marriott and NEOM to launch luxury residences on Sindalah Island 
  • Kerzner International unveils new One&Only resort in Antigua 
  • The Maldives anticipates 40% surge in Chinese visitor arrivals 
  • Explore the latest tourist hub with Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Newshound w1, January 2024

The 4 Most Important Hotel Trends for 2024 

The hospitality industry, one of the cornerstones of the global economy, is renowned for its dynamism and adaptability. It is an industry that doesn’t just respond to changes but often leads the charge. In recent years, several significant shifts have been reshaping the landscape of this industry, creating new opportunities and challenges alike. As we move into 2024, it’s essential to take a closer look at the top hotel trends that will shape the future of this ever-growing industry. 

https://prenohq.com/blog/top-hotel-trends/ 

Unveiling Sindalah Island’s luxury residences by Marriott and NEOM 

Marriott International has partnered with NEOM to introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy to Sindalah Island. Situated off the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia, the property aims to address the demand from families and younger travellers who now want spacious and home-like accommodation. 

https://shorturl.at/bjpwW

Kerzner’s One&Only Resort opening soon in Antigua 

 Kerzner International Holdings Limited (“Kerzner”) is delighted to announce the signing of a new One&Only resort and community of Private Homes to be developed in Antigua. This latest addition to the exclusive One&Only collection, slated to open in 2027, will expand the ultra-luxury resort brand into the Caribbean, pairing Antigua’s beautiful landscapes with One&Only’s rich hospitality to create an unrivalled resort experience.  

https://shorturl.at/lCN48

The Maldives anticipates 40% surge in Chinese visitor arrivals 

The Maldives‘ tourism industry is poised for a significant rebound. The island nation anticipates a remarkable 40% year-on-year increase in Chinese visitor arrivals. It is aiming to reach pre-COVID levels in the upcoming year. The Maldives is popular for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. The island nation has been strategically working towards revitalizing its tourism sector after the pandemic-induced downturn. 

https://shorturl.at/grAP8

Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya opens up in the new tourist hub 

Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to announce the opening of its newest hotel in the historic city of Ayodhya – Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya. With a prime location in the heart of Ayodhya, the hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary design and modern facilities. Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya can be easily accessed by car or taxi from Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and Ayodhya Cantt Railway Station. It also has ample parking space for those traveling by car.   

https://shorturl.at/fsxEK

That’s all folks!  

What’s New in Hotel Online Distribution and Tech Trends? W2, December 2023

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

  • Future travel trends: Sustainability, AI, and slow travel 
  • Indonesia is considering visa-free entry to 20 countries 
  • ATM 2024: Global market value to pass $1 trillion by 2027 
  • Marriott raises the bar with all-inclusive luxury resorts 
  • Lemon Tree launches its 10th property in Maharashtra 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Newshound w2, December 2023

Upcoming travel fads: Sustainability, AI, and slow travel 

Travellers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) plan to increase their spending on breaks and holidays over the next three years. They will have more of an eye on sustainability than ever before. Most now check the sustainability of their travel plans and are prepared to pay over 20% more for environmentally friendly accommodation.  

https://shorturl.at/hinK2

Indonesia is considering visa-free entry to 20 countries 

Indonesia will consider visa-free entry to let more nationalities attract more tourism spending. It somewhat reverses earlier restrictions of the country’s entry rules. The government is proposing to add 20 countries to the list. It includes the US, China and India, said Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno after a cabinet meeting on Thursday. 

https://shorturl.at/dquCV

ATM 2024: Key trends shaping the trillion-dollar travel market 

 Attendees from around the world will explore opportunities spanning the full spectrum of travel and tourism – including leisure, business, luxury and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) – at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the UAE from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May 2024. Allied Market Research valued the global business travel market at $689.7 billion in 2021, predicting the segment to grow to $2.1 trillion by 2031.  

https://shorturl.at/hwzY0

Marriott raises the bar with all-inclusive luxury resorts 

All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy welcomed Marriott Hotels to its portfolio. Beginning in early 2024 with Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, guests can connect with the local culture through experiences, entertainment, and hospitality. With nearly 600 hotels and resorts, Marriott Hotels has affected modern business and leisure travelers, which represents an opportunity to invite travelers of Marriott Bonvoy’s flagship hotel brand for all-inclusive trips. 

https://shorturl.at/pEPU8

Lemon Tree launches its 10th property in Maharashtra 

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited announces the opening of Lemon Tree Hotel, Dapoli. This is the 10th property of the group in Maharashtra. The hotel offers 50 rooms, Citrus Café – a multi-cuisine coffee shop, and Slounge – the hip recreational bar and banquet & conference spaces for all event requirements. It also has a well-equipped fitness centre and a refreshing swimming pool to keep you fresh like a lemon. 

https://shorturl.at/wxFRU

That’s all folks!

What’s New in Hotel Online Distribution and Tech Trends? W2, November 2023

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

  • New private island retreats to open in Saudi Arabia 
  • Luxury apartment hotel reopens in Denver 
  • Cross Hotels & Resorts shines at WTM 2023 
  • Race weekend luxury at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island 
  • Astor arrives in Goa 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Newshound w2, November 2023

New luxury private island destination unveiled 

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and Amaala, has revealed Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive, buy-out-only island destination set to welcome guests next year. Located on a pristine 1.7-hectare sandy islet in a spectacular coral archipelago on the Red Sea coast, the intimate destination offers stunning natural beauty complemented by discreet architecture, offering ultimate luxury in complete privacy. 

https://shorturl.at/aiZ27

Luxury apartment-hotel reopens in Denver 

Mint House announced the reopening of Mint House Denver – Downtown Union Station. The property has apartment-style hospitality units in a highrise building, which just completed a property-wide refurbishment. Mint House Denver – Downtown Union Station’s new footprint has doubled in capacity from its previous iteration; from studio to two-bedroom options, the units will have up to three times the space of traditional short-term rentals. 

https://shorturl.at/befJO

Cross Hotels & Resorts makes waves at WTM 2023 

Cross Hotels & Resorts, a major hospitality business in South East Asia, has announced its participation in World Travel Market 2023, which will take place from November 6th to 8th at ExCeL in London, UK. Cross Hotels & Resorts seeks strategic relationships and sales possibilities at World Travel Market 2023. The firm intends to improve its position in the travel industry in the United Kingdom and worldwide. 

https://shorturl.at/xyGI4

Race weekend luxury at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island  

As the year’s most anticipated weekend, November 23rd to 26th, draws near, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is set to deliver an array of exhilarating activities both on and off the track. Make W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island your home during this thrilling weekend, and immerse yourself in unparalleled entertainment. Nestled in the heart of the action, W Abu Dhabi offers the perfect vantage point to soak in all the adrenaline-pumping race action from November 24th to 26th. 

https://shorturl.at/afsv9

Astor arrives in Goa 

The Astor Goa redefines experiential luxury by launching an all-suite luxury boutique property nestled in the coveted Candolim area of North Goa. After a successful stint with the iconic heritage property of Kolkata, The Astor Kolkata, The Archer Hospitality group brings their flagship brand to Goa as a part of the strategic expansion of their portfolio. Poised to become one of the most popular destinations for the modern traveller, this boutique hotel is far from ordinary, offering chic and sophisticated experiences. 

https://www.hotelierindia.com/operations 

That’s all folks!       

Airbnb predicts historic travel rebound in 2021

Airbnb, the home-sharing and accommodation rental giant, has predicted an unprecedented travel recovery in the coming months as more countries ease travel restrictions due to vaccine roll-out. The pent-up demand for travel after a year of uncertainties are making people get back out there. This trend is also captured in the eRevMax Hotel Sentiment survey where 2 out of three BnB and Home Rental owners have reported significant increase in bookings and occupancy compared to last year.

Airbnb has recently published its customer survey report which shows a shift toward more meaningful travel. As more people work remotely from home, they want to go out and stay at another place, not necessarily a hotel, for a longer than usual duration.

More than a year of restrictions and lockdown have made people prioritize personal trips over mass tourism. People want to reconnect with family and loved ones and are willing to take trips while keeping the safety and security in check.

Among the key points that surfaced in the Airbnb research:

People miss traveling and plan to travel. More than bars, restaurants, sports, or other live events, people miss traveling. In one survey, 54% of people said they either already booked a trip or expect to travel in 2021.

What this means: There is a significant pent-up demand as people can’t wait to travel again.

People will be flexible on where and when they travel. With remote work and learning here to stay, people will have more flexibility with travel. This will likely impact where, when, and how long people stay—for example, there may be more demand for off-peak days of the week and times of the year. Nearly 25% of those surveyed said they envision longer stays.

What this means: Be ready to adapt to new guest needs, like offering longer stays, upgrading wi-fi, setting up a laptop-friendly workspace, and including amenities suitable for families and people with disabilities.

People will want to travel nearby. In the survey, 56% of people said they prefer a domestic or local destination. Just 21% said they want to travel farther away and internationally.

What this means: Guests will go anywhere—as long as it’s nearby. This means travel will likely disperse to thousands of smaller cities, towns, and rural communities.

People will prioritize affordability. Those surveyed said affordability was the top priority in choosing accommodations for future travel. The pandemic has hit a lot of people financially, but the desire to travel and connect is universal.

What this means: Offering a great value would help accommodation providers to attract family and group of friends traveling together.

People want to travel to connect with family and friends. In the survey, 41% said connecting with family and friends will be “much more important” post-pandemic.

What this means: There is a shift from mass travel to meaningful travel, and bookings from families and groups of friends who want to reconnect.

As people begin to make plans to reconnect with friends and family, Airbnb is launching the Summer of Responsible Travel, an 8-point plan to help hosts, guests and communities they call home stay safer. The Summer of Responsible Travel plan includes new tools to help travelers and hosts stay healthier, systems to crack down on bad behavior and more help for people if some part of their trip doesn’t go as planned.

You can now manage your property on Airbnb via RateTiger/ LiveOS. Contact us today to connect to Airbnb or manage your existing connection via RateTiger –https://goo.gl/3gKUJZ

5 tips to optimize your hotel’s profile on Booking.com – Part 5

We aim to bring to hotels quick and easy ways to optimize their presence on Booking.com and get more reservations for their property. Through this series, we are highlighting tips that you can leverage through the various promotional options that Booking.com provides.

In the last part of this series, we will talk about the Payment solutions available through Booking.com

Allow Booking.com to take care of online payments

Data breach and payment security have been one of the biggest concerns of the hotel industry. In the last 2 years, many hotel chains have been victims of data compromise. A robust payment solution is a must-have for hotels to avoid security breach and guaranteed pay outs.

Booking.com has recently introduced guest payment options which can help hotels reach more guests, reduce cancellations, and save time on administration related stuff.

Secure, reliable, and easy to manage, the payment module gives hotels a wide range of options including internationally recognized PayPal, Alipay and WeChat Pay.

To know more about this, please check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKfMcRLebY&feature=emb_title&ab_channel=Booking.comPartners

Benefits for Hotels choosing Booking payment solutions –

  • Put an end to chasing down guest payments
  • Eliminate dealings with fraudulent online bookings
  • Avoid guaranteed payouts according to the hotel policy

Benefit for Guests –

  • Choice to select from a wide range of payment options

According to Booking.com data, guests who make online payments are much less likely to cancel or have no-show than those who don’t – ensuring more secure revenue for the hotel.

Booking.com offer properties two payments solutions to choose from:

  1. Guests can only pay online (i.e. Booking.com facilitates all payments),
  2. Guests can either pay online or at the property (i.e. Booking.com only deal with the hotel’s online payments).

To know more about how you can get started, contact us on marketing@erevmax.com

 

5 tips to optimize your hotel’s profile on Booking.com – Part 4

In this series, we are focusing on easy recommendations that you can leverage for driving more demand to your property through Booking.com.

In the fourth part of this series, we will discuss Non-refundable Rates and how you can benefit from it.

Non-refundable Rate

According to a recent survey done by Booking.com, the two most important considerations for making new bookings are flexible cancellation policies and competitive pricing offers. In the third part of the series, we discussed the benefits of Flexible Rate Plans. However, for 40% of travelers, pricing is a major factor, and this is where non-refundable rate comes into play.

Benefits of Non-refundable Rate

Non-refundable rate typically offers lower rates than fully flexible rates and are quite popular with travelers with fixed plans. Hotels often offer non-refundable rates to secure guaranteed bookings and revenue.

According to Booking.com data, hotels who offer this Rate Plan reduce cancellations by an average of at least 9% and have experienced overall booking boost by up to 5%.

Booking.com recommends participating hotels to combine at least two of three rate plans: Free Cancellation, Non-Refundable and Early Booker. Data shows that hotels who have efficiently used all three have seen a 5% increase in bookings, an 11% increase in visibility and a 9% reduction in cancellations.

Hotels can activate the Non-refundable rate plan from their RateTiger dashboard, by simply selecting the option from the promotion tab. They can also monitor and modify all existing campaigns on Booking.com from the View and Apply Promotion Module on RateTiger.

To know more about it, contact us on marketing@erevmax.com

5 tips to optimize your hotel’s profile on Booking.com – Part 3

Through this series, we are highlighting some of the deals and promotions that you can leverage to attract more business to your property through Booking.com.

In the third part of this series, let’s look at Flexi Rate and how and when to activate it.

Be more flexible with your rate policy

Thanks to the uncertain times we are living in, traveler behaviour has gone for a radical shift in the past one year. With flights being rebooked and travel plans being bumped, many guests are now wary of sudden change in plans.

According to a survey done in April 2020 by Booking.com, 73% of customers cited free cancellation as their main reason for booking a property. A fully flexible rate plan allows hotels to offer potential bookers more freedom in case their travel plans or general circumstances change.

However, because of its flexible nature, this rate plan is also the most expensive one making it the most profitable for hotels.

Flexible – 1 day policy

Due to the ongoing pandemic, most hotels across the world have taken a flexible approach to their pricing policy. Booking.com has recently created the Flexible – 1 day policy which allows hotels to quickly extend all your free cancellation periods to one day before check-in. This basically means a guest can cancel for free until 24 hours before the check-in. After that point, they will be charged the cost of the first night if they decide to cancel.

Benefits of the Flexible – 1 day policy

  • Drive more bookings by potential guests looking for flexibility.
  • Improve visibility in search ranking.
  • Decide which rates you want to convert to ‘Flexible – 1 Day’ policy and have full control on all rates.

Adding Flexible Rate Plans

Hotels can create and manage the Flexible Rate Plan either from their RateTiger Channel Manager platform or from the Booking.com extranet. For any queries or to see how to set up this Rate, contact us today –marketing@erevmax.com

 

 

5 tips to optimize your hotel’s profile on Booking.com – Part 2

In this series, we are focusing on easy and highly actionable tips on the best ways to optimize Booking.com channel to get more reservations for your property.

In the second part of this series, we are happy to highlight the Early Booker Rate on Booking.com.

Create special promotion for Early Bookers

Done correctly, promotion can be a great tool to grab attention of the bookers searching for a property.  Hotels can create targeted campaigns through their offers. Booking.com allows Early Booker Rate for hotels to target potential guests who prefer booking far in advance. This way, hotels can secure bookings well before a busier season giving it a chance to start from an advantageous position.

The Early Booker deals are flexible options where hotels can fix their own discounts, duration, time and booking window based on their requirements. They can set them up and run the promotion for multiple days or months when this promotion will be visible to guests.

Want to know where to start?

Booking.com recommends setting the Early Booker Deal promotion up for a minimum of 30 days in advance from check-in. Many hotels create special rates for lead time of 90 days and 180 days in advance as well.

In recent months, Booking.com made significant updates on this promotion. The Early Booker Rate is designed based on the COVID-19 recovery patterns identified in guest demand and can easily be adapted to any hotel’s particular situation and needs.

A point to remember

Hotels can leverage Early Booker Rate to improve occupancy for future dates. However, the hotel revenue management team needs to be extra careful to control this promotion and ensure only eligible guests receive this special rate.

You can now create and manage an Early Booker Rate directly from the Promotions section on your RateTiger dashboard. For any queries or to see how to set up this Rate, contact us today –marketing@erevmax.com