Travel Weekly Group Ltd - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 118

2 min

New Hostaway report reveals shake-up in STR…

📈 Hostaway's 2024 STR Market Report surveys over 300 property managers in 51 countries, identifying a shift in challenges from technology to growth and scaling complexities. Cleaning and maintenance ranked second in concerns. Climate change impacts soared as a worry, cited 24 times more than the previous year, affecting 8% of respondents. Economic issues dropped out of the top eight concerns. AI use for decision-making and dynamic pricing strategies increased by 45%. Economic volatility concerns have receded behind immediate operational threats. ????

1 min

Saudi travel solutions firm Almatar signs…

📆 Almatar Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) at the International MICE Summit 2024 (IMS24), becoming an official travel solutions provider for Saudi Arabia's MICE sector. Almatar, an Alliance Partner to IMS24, aims to support the Kingdom's vision to be a global hub for business and cultural events. CEO Faisal Al Rajhi sees this as a step towards enhancing the nation's MICE industry. The company offers comprehensive travel solutions for events like LEAP and the World Defense Show.

4 min

Top travel threats in 2025

🚬 World Travel Protection reported a 17% increase in emergency evacuations and repatriations over the last year. Severe weather incidents affecting their travelers rose by nearly 50% compared to 2023. Cyberattacks on mobile devices tripled in Q1 of 2024, yet 45% of mobile users lack security solutions. Assistance calls increased by 18% from last year. Predictions suggest 2024 could be the hottest year on record, following 2023. Misinformation and evolving scams pose additional risks, while kidnapping remains a threat in unstable regions.

2 min

United integrates Apple’s new share item…

📦 United Airlines introduces Apple's AirTag location sharing through its app to expedite misplaced luggage recovery. The feature, part of iOS 18.2*, allows customers to securely share the location of their AirTags with United's customer service team. More than 99% of customer bags have successfully traveled with their owners this year, but the new feature aims to improve the experience when issues arise. United's Chief Customer Officer, David Kinzelman, highlights the added peace of mind for travelers. The shared location data expires after seven days for privacy and security.

2 min

SITA partners with Romania’s Cluj Avram…

🛫 SITA and Romania's Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport have signed a Letter of Intent for a partnership focused on improving operational efficiency and sustainability. The collaboration will include pilot projects and proof of concept initiatives, such as streamlining airport processes, enhancing passenger flow and baggage handling, and improving energy efficiency. SITA's President for Europe, Sergio Colella, emphasized innovation for smarter, sustainable travel, while Cluj Airport's CEO, David Ciceo, valued the partnership for technological advancement in line with sustainability goals. The agreement also features R&D, joint workshops, and a commitment to reducing airports' ecological footprints.

2 min

PKFARE and Stayforlong team up to enhance…

🏖️ PKFARE, a global travel product aggregator, has partnered with European hotel booking platform Stayforlong to provide more competitive rates and a wider range of accommodation options. PKFARE's network includes over 650,000 properties, which Stayforlong will utilize to expand its inventory globally. The partnership leverages PKFARE's advanced algorithms and hotel mapping technology to offer personalized accommodation tailored to travellers' preferences, enhancing Stayforlong's existing portfolio of over 500,000 hotels in 25 countries. Stayforlong, with more than three million users, specializes in extended stays, while PKFARE focuses on flexible booking options and personalized experiences.

2 min

Majority of customer service leaders set to…

📊 In 2025, 85% of customer service leaders plan to explore or pilot customer-facing conversational generative AI (Gen AI), according to a Gartner survey. These leaders assume primary responsibility for AI opportunity identification, roadmap development, and adoption driving. Xabi Zabala of HBX Group highlights Gen AI's transformative impact across industries, especially in the tourism sector, offering enhanced customer experiences, sales, and efficiency. Challenges include knowledge library maintenance and integrating Gen AI with human capabilities for optimal results.

3 min

91% of hoteliers say budget will cause…

🏨 A new survey indicates that 91% of hoteliers report increased costs post-Autumn Budget, with 60% seeing a rise over 20%. More than a third of BWH Hotels' members anticipate costs climbing by £100,000+, some fear £750,000 hikes. Cost drivers include employer's National Insurance and the National Living and Minimum Wage, leading 83% to cut staff hours, 77% to raise prices, and many to delay maintenance. The industry calls for VAT reduction and business reform, with 79% of hoteliers supporting a VAT cut in hospitality.

4 min

Guest Post: Navigating 2025 – What’s next…

🌍 Solo travel constituted 30% of all 2024 bookings, while couples' travel led with 53%. Top destinations included New York, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, with Europe and Asia, particularly Tokyo, as international hotspots. Gen Z's all-inclusive resort bookings surged, with a 60% increase in Hotels.com searches. JOMO travel's appeal grew, with 62% citing stress reduction, and Detour Destinations saw a rise in interest. Agents favor all-in-one booking platforms, with 18% emphasizing ease of use. AI and live chat transformed customer service, handling thousands of inquiries. Anticipating further growth in 2025, efficiency and technology are pivotal for travel agents' success.

2 min

Inspire Europe launches dedicated cruise…

🎢 Cheshire-based Inspire Europe reported a 400% growth in its cruise business over the past year. To capitalize, they launched a new website featuring 44 cruise lines, dynamic itinerary searches, and real-time availability. The site, developed with Travel Marketing Systems (TMS), includes amenities, deck plans, ports of call, and regional offers. With the peak booking season near, Inspire aims to streamline their cruise services and has renewed its CLIA membership for 2025.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.