Marketing

🔍 SOCi's 2025 Consumer Behavior Index reveals that while 83% of consumers still use traditional search engines, other platforms like social media (73%), navigation apps (58%), review sites (19%), and AI tools (19%) are diversifying consumer discovery. The data shows a 10% year-over-year decline in search impressions, with Gen Z consumers using an average of 3.6 platforms before making purchase decisions. Gartner predicts a 25% drop in search demand by 2026, aligning with SOCi's findings indicating a similar decline trajectory. Marketers are urged to adapt strategies to remain visible in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.

🏨 Stayntouch updated its partnership with MacNaughton Hospitality for three Oahu properties: Waikiki Malia, Lotus Honolulu, and Hotel Renew. The Stayntouch PMS platform enhances personalized service, guest experiences, and operational efficiency. MacNaughton Hospitality offers three distinct Hawaiian experiences, prioritizing service and local values. Their VP, Carmine Iommazzo, highlights the platform's role in operational modernization and guest engagement, while Priya Rajamani of Stayntouch endorses their contribution to MacNaughton's authentic hospitality.

🍕 Personalized hospitality for hotel and lodging operators has become crucial, with strategic procurement being a key solution. Cross-utilization of ingredients allows for a diverse menu without resource waste. Sourcing ingredients and supplies from regional and local vendors adds local charm while saving money and time. These strategies enable operators to offer personalized experiences efficiently, meeting today's traveler's expectations for personalization as a standard. Sponsored by Foodbuy Hospitality.

🏨 Zleep Hotels launched in the German market with Zleep Hotel Frankfurt Airport Kelsterbach, near Frankfurt International Airport. The 175-room hotel features Danish design, Scandinavian simplicity, a fitness room, snack bar, lounge area, parking, and a complimentary airport shuttle. CEO Dr. Stephan Hungeling marked it as a significant milestone for brand expansion in Germany. Managed by Sonar Development, the hotel aims at business and leisure travelers, offering proximity to Kelsterbach city train station and Frankfurt city center. Zleep Hotels plans further European expansion with a franchise focus, leveraging lean operations and the H Rewards loyalty program reaching over 270 million potential customers.

📢 Debiprasad Sarangi published an article on November 9, 2017, discussing the "hotel direct booking war" and the determination of hotel owners to increase their property's direct bookings.

🍕 Marriott Bonvoy partners with Chef Pati Jinich for exclusive gastronomic experiences for members. Jinich, a James Beard Award-winner and NYT best-selling author, brings the heart of Mexican culture and cuisine to Marriott Bonvoy. Recently named in "Post Next: 50 People Shaping Our Society in 2025" and as a Top 5 Border Ambassador by the Council of the Americas, Jinich will also host Marriott Bonvoy Moments, like the recent event at JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco.

🔋 Major power outages in Spain and Portugal yesterday led to a state of emergency in Spain and widespread disruptions in Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Flights were cancelled and businesses struggled with payments. Trava CEO Maxim Sevastianov emphasizes the need for travel firms to enhance resilience by setting up geo-redundant systems and automating processes to better handle such disruptions.

📌 On April 29, 2025, TPG acquired Sabre Corporation's Hospitality Solutions for $1.1 billion. As an independent entity, Hospitality Solutions aims to enhance hotel technology services, affecting over 40% of top hotel brands. TPG plans to grow the software's capabilities, while Sabre refocuses on airline IT and travel distribution. The deal is set to close by end of Q3 2025 with a smooth transition for hotel customers.