Posts by author

Automatic

2871 posts

U.S. air demand weakens as global travel continues to climb

✈️ Oct 31, 2025: U.S. domestic air travel demand dropped 1.7% year over year in September, following a 0.2% dip in August. Capacity increased slightly by 0.1%, but the load factor fell to 80.2%. Global air demand grew 3.6%, driven mainly by international routes. Asia-Pacific led with 7.4% growth, while North America saw a 0.1% decline. Despite this, IATA forecasts a 3% increase in available seats for the holiday season.
View Post
Share

ChatGPT is changing how hotels talk to guests

💻 Oct 31, 2025, OpenAI’s new Instant Checkout in ChatGPT enables direct purchases, marking a shift from traditional ads to conversational marketing. Hotels must engage in AI-driven dialogues to remain visible, as guests use platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini for booking. Trust and authenticity become crucial, emphasizing structured data and clear communication. Hotels should adapt by ensuring data is AI-friendly and aligning teams for seamless digital conversations.
View Post
Share

Business travel optimism rebounds

🗺 Oct 31, 2025, Global Business Travel Association reports 43% industry optimism, up 15 points since June, despite lower travel forecasts. 33% anticipate U.S. policies could reduce travel volume by 19%. Travel shifts: 40% more multi-stop trips, premium economy rising, day trips down. 53% companies reject Airbnb, but 43% allow “bleisure” trips. Only 18% accommodate accessibility needs extensively. AI use grows for personalization, but privacy issues persist. Full details at GBTA.
View Post
Share

Booking.com’s fintech engine quietly becoming a major profit source

💳 Oct 30, 2025, Booking.com’s fintech division, launched in 2021, has become a major profit source by simplifying payments and reducing costs. Even 0.01% savings on transaction costs can yield millions due to Booking’s scale. The company is testing over 1,000 payment methods globally and introduced its first U.S. credit card in 2024. Despite skepticism towards large language models in payments, Booking sees no demand for cryptocurrency options. ????
View Post
Share

Kayak’s $457m writedown underscores Google’s AI shift

🏖️ Booking Holdings wrote down $457 million on Kayak on Oct 30, 2025, citing Google's AI-driven search visibility changes. CEO Steve Hafner highlighted increased acquisition costs from shifting to paid ads. This shift impacts the entire travel industry, with Google’s search revenue up 12% due to higher ad prices. Trivago and Tripadvisor face similar challenges, though Kayak’s brand value remains higher at €45.3M for Trivago and $36M for Tripadvisor.
View Post
Share

Mews acquires Datachat to build agentic AI for hotels

💻 Oct 30, 2025, Mews acquires U.S.-based AI company DataChat to create an autonomous hospitality operating system. Mews aims to optimize hotel operations through AI agents managing reservations, operations, and guest experiences autonomously. DataChat’s platform enables data analysis using natural language. Mews anticipates increased revenue, reduced costs, and enhanced guest interaction. This acquisition supports Mews’ strategy of intelligent automation and efficient hotel management.
View Post
Share

Booking.com targets $500m savings as AI and connected trip boost outlook

💻 Oct 30, 2025, Booking Holdings announced exceeding forecasts in room nights, gross bookings, and revenue. AI advancements and the Connected Trip ecosystem are key growth drivers. The Genius loyalty program boosts bookings and reduces cancellations. Their Transformation Program anticipates $500–$550 million in savings, with $70 million achieved in Q3. Alternative accommodations listings rose 10% to 8.6 million, making up 36% of room nights. B2B contracts and Asia expansion highlight future growth.
View Post
Share

Google signals deeper AI ambitions in travel

🚀 Oct 30, 2025, Google’s Q3 report highlights AI reshaping their roadmap. CEO Sundar Pichai focuses on travel via agentic AI, linking it to search and commerce strategies. Google’s AI MAX shows 12% conversion gains. Integration with PayPal hints at AI-driven transactions. Waymo vehicles will embed Gemini AI for enhanced in-car experiences. In 2026, Google plans to expand AI-driven in-car and travel solutions as part of their agentic ecosystem development.
View Post
Share
View Post
  • 1 min

The new playbook for hotel demand generation

📈 Oct 30, 2025: The Amadeus *Hospitality Demand Generation Playbook* emphasizes aligning marketing, sales, and revenue teams to build sustainable demand. It introduces a five-stage framework guiding hotels from market understanding to post-stay loyalty. Data-driven insights, enhanced digital strategies, and AI automation are key to success. Focus on direct bookings and strategic use of travel agent channels enhances profitability. The playbook stresses creating a cycle of awareness, engagement, and loyalty beyond mere room filling.
View Post
Share

AI seen as the next big force in hotel sourcing

💻 Oct 29, 2025, a BCD Travel survey reveals: 61% of travel buyers see AI and automation as crucial for future hotel sourcing, yet only 15% currently use AI. Meanwhile, 42% are exploring AI options. Other trends include multi-year supplier agreements (46%) and dynamic pricing (45%). Cost control remains a priority for 86% of buyers. High costs and rate fluctuations are key challenges. [Read more](https://news.bcdtravel.com/bcds-report-highlights-how-organizations-source-and-manage-travel-suppliers-to-leverage-their-travel-programs/).
View Post
Share