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Kate Harden-England1

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  • 2 min

Tour operator software firm Bokun reveals…

🏕️ Tour Marbella, leveraging Bókun's software, generated 54% of annual bookings through OTAs and the Bókun system. The tour operator also secured seven supplier contracts and 16 reseller agreements. The partnership aims to differentiate in a competitive market and has resulted in increased brand exposure and revenue for Tour Marbella, with Bókun's platform making operations more efficient.
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Chinese travellers fuel global hotel…

🏖️ DidaTravel reported hotel bookings from China's Golden Week (Oct 1-7, 2024) increased by 190% in the Americas, 78% in Europe, 77% in Asia-Pacific, and 106% in the Middle East. The average hotel stay remained at two nights. The top international destinations were Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, with Bangkok and Tokyo being the most booked cities. Domestic travel favored Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The data reflects Chinese travelers' evolving preferences and a resurgence in outbound tourism.
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  • 4 min

Guest Post: 8 reasons your website is due…

📍 In the digital-first world, a user-friendly website is critical for travel agencies' success. Mobile-first design is essential due to users often researching and booking trips on mobile devices. Google prioritizes mobile versions for indexing, influencing rankings. An outdated or slow website, or one with bad UX, can negatively impact visitor retention and Google SERP ranking. UK Google market share stands at 94%. A modern, updated CMS can boost efficiency and manage content effectively. Consider a website overhaul to improve conversion rates and compete effectively.
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  • 3 min

Big Interview: Sabre on how is travel changing

✈ AI is revolutionizing low-cost carriers by enabling personalized offerings like premium seating tailored to individual preferences, maintaining operational efficiency despite the complexity of managing personalized services. Travelers now prioritize value over cost, with flexibility and personalization being key. AI helps airlines craft responsive value propositions and adjust offers in real-time to market dynamics, satisfying eco-conscious customers with sustainable travel options. Airlines are adapting pricing models to include eco-friendly options, responding to the demand for sustainability in travel. AI platforms assist in targeting customers likely to opt for sustainable travel.
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  • 2 min

Hotel price rises to slow down in key…

🏨 Global hotel rates in 2025 are expected to rise moderately, less than in previous years, due to decreased leisure travel demand and increased hotel construction, as reported by Amex GBT's Hotel Monitor 2025. New York faces higher rate hikes compared to North America because of restrictions on short-term rentals. The Nordics may see Europe's highest rate increases, while India's growing economy drives up prices. Global inflation is projected to decrease, but hotel rates stay high due to labor shortages and rising wages. The US, China, India, Canada, and Saudi Arabia are seeing a construction boom. Technology, including AI and smart rooms, is addressing labor issues and enhancing guest experiences. Demand is growing for personalized rooms with custom features and sustainability practices, while extended-stay properties become more popular in Asia.
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  • 3 min

TIS 2024: The impact and importance of AI…

🏠 At the Tourism Innovation Summit 2024, AI's use, challenges, and regulation were discussed. Dolores Ordóñez of Gaia-X emphasized data connectivity over centralization. Misa Labarile from the European Commission mentioned the AI Act and the D3 Hub project, aiming to create a European tourism data competence center. NECSTouR, represented by John Fitzgibbon, is involved in projects like Deploy Tour and D3 Hub. Olga Preveden highlighted AI's impact on national language communication and predictive analytics for regional planning. Raúl Álvarez of Radisson spoke about 'immersive journeys'. Inmaculada Martínez-Ruiz of ILUNION Hotels called for inclusive technology. Javier Álvarez of Vueling and Suzanna Chiu of Amadeus IT Group discussed AI and contactless technology improvements. Experts predict a fully digitized travel experience within five years, driven by AI and collaboration across the industry.
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