💰 Hotelbeds’ IPO - What it means for the travel industry...

Insider Highlights

• Hotelbeds parent company plans $5.1B 2025 IPO

• New study shows bad software leads to employee turnover

• Dual-branded properties offer benefits to developers

• Hoteliers watch Trump’s tax and visa policies

• Navan’s AI chatbot saved the day during Crowdstrike outage

• 🔦 How Time Hotels delivers five-star guest experiences

+ Much more!

📣 Enhance Your Hotel’s Guest Experience

Struggling to keep up with guest inquiries and reservations? Asksuite makes it easy to automate and optimize your communication—all without:

👎 Unhelpful messages frustrating potential guests
👎 Delayed responses due to manual processes
👎 Overwhelmed staff juggling multiple channels

🌟 Asksuite provides an AI-powered chatbot and omnichannel platform to handle inquiries, boost direct bookings, and delight your guests 24/7.

👉 Transform Your Guest Communication Today

3 TOP NEWS STORIES

1. OTA Rate Undercutting Pushes Hotel CPCs Higher

A new report finds that OTAs undercutting hotel direct rates have driven a 50% increase in cost-per-click (CPC) advertising for hotels. This practice forces hotels to spend more on marketing to remain competitive, further squeezing margins in an already tight marketplace.

🎯 Why it matters: The rising CPC is a direct challenge to hotels looking to drive direct bookings and maintain profitability. With OTAs leveraging aggressive pricing strategies, hotels face increased pressure to optimize their digital marketing spend and refine their rate parity strategies.

🔑 Key takeaway: Hotel executives should focus on improving their direct booking channels, leveraging tools like metasearch optimization and loyalty programs to capture demand. Investing in technology to monitor and enforce rate parity can also help hotels combat OTA undercutting and reduce marketing costs. Read More →

2. 73% of Hoteliers Believe AI Will Transform Hospitality

A new study reveals that nearly three-quarters of hoteliers see AI as a game-changer for the hospitality industry. From enhancing guest personalization to automating operations, AI is positioned to redefine how hotels operate and deliver value to guests. The report highlights emerging opportunities for leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency and elevate the guest experience.

🎯 Why it matters: AI is no longer a distant concept—it’s rapidly becoming a core component of modern hospitality. Hoteliers embracing AI-driven tools can expect to streamline operations, uncover actionable insights, and meet evolving guest expectations more effectively.

🔑 Key takeaway: Hotels need to prioritize AI adoption to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. From guest service chatbots to predictive analytics for revenue management, investing in AI solutions now can set the foundation for long-term success. Read More →

3. Good Tech Could Reduce Your Employee Turnover

New data reveals that 38% of hotel employees say their experience with property management systems influenced their decision to leave a job. As labor challenges persist, the hospitality industry is adopting tech solutions like automated scheduling, mobile workforce management, and AI-driven training to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

🎯 Why it matters: Retaining skilled staff is crucial for maintaining service quality and profitability. Modern technology not only streamlines workflows but also addresses pain points like inefficient PMS systems, creating a better experience for employees and reducing turnover.

🔑 Key takeaway: Hotel executives must prioritize tech investments that empower their teams. From improving PMS usability to offering tools that optimize daily operations, leveraging technology is essential for building an engaged and loyal workforce. Read More →

AROUND THE HOTEL INDUSTRY

Things Worth Checking Out

🎥 Belmond goes anti-TikTok with their new “Long Shots” campaign, offering hour-long, ambient YouTube videos.

💶 HBX Group, owner of Hotelbeds and Bedsonline, announces $5.1B IPO plans.

🏙️ Airbnb's new Super PAC aims to back New York candidates supporting short-term rentals.

💪 Hilton partners with Peloton to bring top-tier in-room fitness experiences to travelers.

🤖 How did Navan’s AI chatbot manage travel disruptions during the CrowdStrike outage?

🇺🇸 Hoteliers eye potential tax cuts and worker visa reforms with Trump’s return to office.

🏢 Dual-branded hotels rise in popularity, but are they a temporary fix or a lasting trend?

HOTELIER SPOTLIGHT
🎙 Time Hotels' COO on Building Flexible Tech Stacks for Rapid Growth

How can technology enhance genuine human connection in hospitality? In this episode, William Costley, COO of Time Hotels, reveals how the right tech stack can empower teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining a strong service culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the critical role of a Property Management System (PMS) in integrating various hotel operations and enhancing guest interactions.

• Learn about Time Hotels' innovative approach to expanding their brand portfolio, including the launch of lifestyle brands focused on sustainability and wellness.

• Understand the importance of a robust Request for Proposal (RFP) process in selecting a revenue management system that aligns with your hotel's unique needs and operational scale.

👉🏼 Check out the interview on Apple Podcasts or Spotify