News & Stories

Brussels. In the battle for customer attention, hotels are fighting hard to avoid intermediaries and the high commissions that come with them. This week, HOTREC launched a new campaign called "Book Direct".

Amsterdam. Things are moving in the lodging industry. Marriott took over Starwood and these two chains will soon become one mega-group managing 1.1 million rooms. Today, more than ever, size means everything in the industry. It gives power, control over millions of loyal customers, marketing and prices, a global footprint, and last but not least, leverage against OTAs when it comes to distribution costs. Does it mean the bigger a group becomes, the better it can operate without OTAs? An industry insider thinks this is the case and even suggests that more consolidation in the sector could lead to the extinction of OTAs. But OTAs have what it takes to resist. And they grow by M&As in their own business field. Which dynamics drive which OTA? Sarah Douag analyses the current OTA behavior in the market – read about Expedia, Priceline, Sabre, Google, TrustYou and TripAdvisor in a first part today and in a second to follow next Friday, then focused on the holiday homes activities.

London. The Australian business SiteMinder, which was founded a little less than ten years ago, is already able to provide a renowned list of references. As professional channel manager, the business wants to help hoteliers to structure their booking channels and keep them affordable. The hoteliers do not have to pay per booking as the costs depend on the hotel's size. Managing Director Dai Williams introduces the business model and Sarah Douag provides two customer statements.

Paris. Two weeks ago, Paris welcomed the "Airbnb Open", the annual meeting organized by the rental platform. Between 5,000 and 6,000 hosts from 110 countries gathered for the occasion in the French capital. During the event, Airbnb shared some figures, which praised its model and the positive impact it has on local economy and people’s lives… However, since the P2P platform only shares what it wants, it's complicated to double check their numbers. But some people are trying hard to unveil the mystery: Murray Cox is one of them. Based in Brooklyn New York, he is the guy behind the counter website www.InsideAirbnb.com, an independent website which compiles all data and offers present on the Airbnb website. Airbnb hates him. For hospitalityInside.com, Sarah Douag interviewed Murray Cox to better understand his motivation and methodology to fight against the giant.

Amsterdam. Two weeks ago, Airbnb won an important battle in San Francisco where 55% of the local residents voted against a city council proposition and in favor of the OTA. At the same time, a study by HVS estimates the negative impact of Airbnb on the lodging industry and the broader economy of New York City at 2.1 billion dollars over the course of the last year. Airbnb says the HVS study is false. On a European level, the political EU bodies still see no need to hurry up. HOTREC provides a 10-point paper to underline the special challenges of the short-term rentals. And Airbnb is keeping calm, and continuing to dictate the rules.

Amsterdam. In the past twelve months alone, Booking.com recorded 285 million guests, meanwhile 70 percent of available accommodation is not provided by classic hotels.

Paris. Just like Choice Hotels France did last July with the local provider Travel Wifi, the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile is now offering its guests the opportunity to stay connected in and outside its property. The provider is planning to offer this service worldwide.

Amsterdam. Some say, Google has no idea of hotel distribution and still has a lot to learn. The fact that the search engine is now truly turning into an OTA surprises almost no one. The online giant has just closed its "Hotel Finder" and is switching from its ad-controlled pay-per-click payment model to commissions. Some consider this step not very promising. After all, hoteliers had expected some beat of the drum in the form of an extremely low commission. Others expect Google's move to trigger even more competition, as the giant puts pressure on Booking.com and Expedia. It will have to relieve them of market shares while at the same time not losing them as major ad customers ... The statements and evaluations of Google, Booking.com, HRS, Fastbookng, TravelClick, HOTREC, the French Synhorcat/GNI, AccorHotels, and IT consultant Wilhelm Weber clash.

Paris. When announcing the opening of its own booking platform to other properties in June, AccorHotels vowed to recruit 7,000 partners around the world. Four months later, things are starting up slowly. The commission is set: 14%, plus 5% extra for the hotels, which want to benefit from the loyalty program.

Innsbruck. In an Internet conference with one of the European Airbnb managers, a US tourism professional and two Danish researchers discussed the positive approaches of Airbnb – and what still must be investigated.