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Automatic

2871 posts

Marriott plans outdoor hospitality brand

🏕 Marriott acquired Postcard Cabins on December 13, 2024, adding over 1,200 rural cabin units across the US to its portfolio. The hotel giant also partnered with Trailborn, enhancing its outdoor lodging collection and catering to the rising demand for nature-centric travel experiences. The strategy focuses on expanding accommodation offerings in destinations that inspire awe. Postcard Cabins will maintain its commitment to offering transformative outdoor experiences.
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The importance of digital keys in Apple Wallet for Hotels

🏨 On December 13, 2024, digital keys in Apple Wallet have transformed the hospitality industry, offering guests a streamlined check-in process and room access via iPhones and Apple Watches, eliminating the need for physical keycards. Enhanced security is provided through encrypted digital keys and biometric authentication. The upgrade to smartphone and smartwatch access aligns with modern expectations for a tech-driven guest experience. For more details, visit Fuel Travel.
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PwC: 2025 UK hotel market outlook

🏕 On Dec 13, 2024, the UK hotel market's 2025 outlook showed cautious optimism with a potential boost in inbound tourism due to below-average GDP growth making the UK more affordable for international travelers. Despite domestic demand being pressured by this slow GDP growth and reduced confidence, the weakened pound and resilient travel demand from the US, Europe, and Asia could strengthen the sector. Challenges include rising costs from higher employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), increasing minimum wage, and escalating property prices. Strategies like cost reduction, operational efficiency, sustainability, and capital optimization are recommended for hotels. A full report is available on PwC's website.
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Booking.com expects significant savings from its “transformation”

💸 Booking Holdings targets annual savings up to $450 million from organizational changes announced in early November. By December 12, 2024, they expect one-third of savings from Booking.com job cuts. Savings also from process modernization, systems upgrades, and reduced real estate. CFO Ewout Steenbergen aims to grow revenues faster than fixed costs, focusing on flights, attractions, rideshare, Asia, and fintech to outpace market growth.
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How to run a hotel with 80% less staff

🏨 The Zipper Hotel & Apartments in Düsseldorf, Germany, opened in November 2023 with only six employees. Using the Like Magic platform since December 2024, they've cut staff needs by 80% for their 168-room hotel. The technology enables both staff and guests to manage tasks via smartphone, including check-in and service requests. Training takes 1.5 days, and guest ratings are high: 4.6 on Google and 8.8 on Booking.com.
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Why AI can never compete with travel agents

📅 On December 12, 2024, AI's role in the travel industry was highlighted, with platforms like Expedia, Kayak, and HotelPlanner integrating AI to enhance customer experiences, such as providing in-destination suggestions and facilitating bookings. HotelPlanner's AI platform launched in October and has since generated £150,000 in reservations. However, the article emphasizes the irreplaceable human element of travel, suggesting that AI cannot fully replicate the emotional and personal aspects of creating meaningful travel experiences.
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Europe gains pricing control as hotels tackle rate parity

🏨 European hotels achieved over 48% better direct rates than OTAs during "Peak" season from October 2023 to October 2024, an increase from 2023. Paris led with the best direct rates at 67.35%, followed by Lisbon (66.56%), Palma de Mallorca (66.02%), Barcelona (62.22%), and Venice (61.91%). Conversely, properties in Ho Chi Minh City lost 54.8% of rates to OTAs, similar to 2023.
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Skyscanner unveils new ad platform

📈 Skyscanner, on Dec 12, 2024, launched the Skyscanner Ads Platform, tapping into data from over 110 million monthly travelers. Aimed at the 51% of users undecided on destinations, it employs deep learning for contextual advertising without third-party cookies. The platform allows real-time campaign optimization through insights into traveler behaviors, enhancing ad relevance and performance.
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