Kate Harden-England1 - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 28

1 min

Last-minute holiday rental platform…

🏖️ Whimstay, a last-minute travel company, partnered with Expedia Group to add 250,000 listings, following earlier 2023 partnerships with Wyndham and Booking.com. This collaboration aims to establish Whimstay as a top marketplace for last-minute holiday rentals, offering more choices and rates. CEO David Weiss highlights the deal as a milestone and recognition of their innovative approach to travel trends.

2 min

Corporate Traveller UK partners with…

🏤 Flight Centre Travel Group and Trainline Partner Solutions extend their partnership to include UK rail content on Corporate Traveller's platform Melon, adding to existing flight, car rental, and hotel services. Melon users can now book rail travel and access post-sales services via TPS' Global API, with further integration of features and international content planned. The enhancement allows customers to compare train options, prices, travel times, and amenities to make informed decisions. This collaboration aims to streamline travel and offer more choices while considering the environmental impact of business travel.

2 min

Sykes Cottages’ parent company Forge…

🏖️ Forge Holiday Group, owner of Sykes Cottages and Forest Holidays, plans to invest £150 million over the next three years in UK property portfolio, technology, and customer and owner services. Developing over 50 cabins in Glentress Forest and expanding at Strathyre Forest, the group's revenue for the year ending September 30, 2023, grew 22% with a 3% increase in like-for-like sales. Despite a "broadly flat" profit of £60.7 million due to inflation, net property portfolio grew by 6% to 32,921, serving over 3 million customers. £8.5 million was invested in technology infrastructure.

2 min

Copenhagen Airport partners with iCoupon…

💳 iCoupon, Copenhagen Airport, and 7-Eleven Go collaborate to accept vouchers at airport vending machines. Currently active in 36 7-Eleven Go self-service kiosks and 12 stores, it offers 24/7 access to snacks and drinks. Aimed at expanding to all iCoupon-integrated airports globally, the initiative by Instant Systems enables digital voucher redemption, enhancing traveller convenience and potentially increasing revenue for retailers, airports, and airlines. Copenhagen Airport is the first to implement this service.

2 min

High AI satisfaction for disabled…

🏃 An AI travel planning survey by Matador Network found 82.5% user satisfaction among those planning for disabled persons. 19.9% specifically used AI for disability travel planning. 89% of those users are likely to repeat usage for upcoming summer travel. GuideGeek offers free AI travel assistance, supporting accessible accommodation and activity discovery. Matador Network, led by CEO Ross Borden, commits to enhancing travel accessibility through AI innovation.

2 min

Trip Affiliates Network launches Hotel…

🏨 Trip Affiliates Network launches Hotel Switch, a connectivity platform for travel agents to access over 200,000 hotel affiliations worldwide. The tool features instant booking, real-time updates, and VCC payment support, aiming to enhance accommodation variety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Josef Foo, the managing partner, highlights Hotel Switch's ability to improve travel agents' productivity and profitability by streamlining operations and offering competitive room rates and promotions.

2 min

Snaptrip Group expands brand portfolio with…

🏨 Snaptrip Group, including LateRooms, Snaptrip, and Dog Friendly Cottages, acquired The Hotel Guru, an international hotel website, for a seven-figure sum. The Hotel Guru, known for prioritizing guest experience and having a significant presence in the US, will help Snaptrip Group expand globally. Matt Fox, CEO of Snaptrip Group, aims to make it the go-to accommodation platform in the UK and beyond. Hugh Graham-Watson remains The Hotel Guru's MD post-acquisition. Snaptrip Group has been backed by Bestport Private Equity and Forward Partners, aggressively growing since 2017 with acquisitions like Last Minute Cottages Ltd and LateRooms.

1 min

Trending Travel names Hollie Race as…

📱 Hollie Race appointed as influencer marketing director at Trending Travel, previously content and brand manager at Travel Counsellors for nearly two years. Race has experience from In The Style as a senior creative executive and creative manager, and held a senior brand manager role at The Fragrance Shop. Kieran Shew, managing director, and CEO Keith Herman of Trending Travel welcome her expertise to enhance influencer campaigns.

3 min

AMEX GBT reveals lack of accessible…

♿ American Express Global Business Travel survey in June 2024 found 50% of disabled UK workers declined job offers due to travel requirements, with 65% feeling unable to travel for business. Surprisingly, 61% canceled crucial trips over accessibility issues, while 63% perceive able-bodied colleagues advancing faster career-wise. Despite 74% viewing business travel as career-critical, 48% report a lack of understanding about travel needs, 31% experience inadequate hotel accommodations, and 37% encounter prejudice. Amex GBT's end-to-end accessibility solution, launched with IBM in December 2023, offers specialized service through the Travelers Requiring Specialty Assistance desk. Over a dozen customers have since adopted the framework, extending its benefits to Amex GBT employees.

2 min

Cloudbeds says travel landscape set for…

✈ Cloudbeds' 2024 State of Independent Lodging Report highlights experiential travel, inflation-busting travel hacks, and skill demands for hoteliers. Findings reveal 81% of travelers plan to maintain or increase travel in 2024, nearly 70% are likely to travel for concerts, and 47% of US travelers book destinations for specific restaurants. Over 50% would book a surprise trip. By 2027, 42% of business tasks to be automated. Currently, 91% of hotels use a PMS, 64% have a booking engine, and 33% utilize a channel manager.

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