GBTA a few months ago attempted to create an industry consensus behind rolling over 2020 hotel rates to 2021. Hotel companies were for it. They simultaneously pushed dynamic discounts off best available market rates to provide some protection for buyers. Some clients accepted that and ditched the RFP process for this year while others did…
Hotels are taking hygiene very seriously. Instilling confidence is the top strategic challenge, but the practicalities are difficult. One is getting the specifics of new cleanliness programs and certifications in front of travelers when they book. Travel management companies, booking tech providers and others are working to address the issue. BCD Travel global hotel practice…
Buyers may or may not issue formal RFPs for next year’s hotel rates, but most will look for assurances that properties are safe. There’s an array of new, branded hygiene programs announced by chains, certifications from various entities and recommendations from health authorities and industry associations. There’s a lot of commonality between these programs but…
The U.S. Department of Transportation through Jan. 31 is accepting submissions for its first annual Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award. DOT is giving out a $50,000 prize “to incentivize an increase in human trafficking awareness, training and prevention among transportation stakeholders.” The introduction of the award program coincides with National Slavery and Human…
Buyers and sellers want an improved meetings sourcing process. They complain about the complexity and the volume of requests for proposals needed for the task. All would welcome a cost-effective, transparent platform for quicker searching, shopping and booking. These are the stated reasons for a combined $50 million investment in meetings marketplace Groups360 by Accor,…
IHG recently carved out resources to address clients in sports, media and entertainment. More than most other industry verticals, this specialized B2B focus presents an interesting set of challenges for hotels and requires coordination across multiple departments. Serving such accounts means offering special menus and facilities, providing extra security and rolling with last-minute changes. IHG…
Analysts and hoteliers including IHG are exploring a new way of selling rooms that also means a new way of shopping for them. It sounds like the NDC-enabled, personalized offers contemplated for airline purchases. It seems likely to have the same implication of creating a gap in functionality between managed business travel and supplier-direct channels….
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