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Today’s (and tomorrow’s) traveller is increasingly discerning and unafraid of putting their money where their values are. They are seeking value-driven experiences as a priority, with a focus on authenticity, flexibility and convenience - without compromising on the quality of their in-destination or booking experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our 2025 Travel Trend Predictions guide explores in greater detail the most prevalent trends for this year, and beyond, exploring key traveller behaviours, decision-making factors, and notable shifts in customer demands.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here’s what you can expect in our guide to trending travel in 2025:The emergence of the 'MeMoon' trend for solo travellers, and solo female travellers, all over the world.How hyper-personalisation with AI is becoming the new norm.The importance of nature to today's traveller, with phenomena-chasers becoming a valuable segment.How wellness travel is evolving into a foray into 'longevity', and why 'healthspan' is the new buzzword for today's wellness traveller.The continuing trends still driving traveller demands and expectations from 2024.and more.&nbsp;Download our 2025 Travel Trend Predictions guide today to discover the key travel trends for 2025, how you can make the most of this to keep ahead of the curve, the experiences travellers will be expecting, and the consequent opportunities for travel providers.&nbsp;

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hotelbeds 2025 travel trend predictions

[REPORT] Our 2025 Travel Trend Predictions

Wondering how to put your hotel on the map in 2024? We've compiled a list of key dates and events in the 2024 calendar to help inspire your travel marketing efforts, and to attract a wealth of travellers in the era of 'revenge travel'. Save this page as a bookmark to use as a reference over the next 12 months.

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29 Key Dates and Events for Hoteliers in 2025

2024 marked a remarkable milestone for international tourism, with growth surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Accommodation spending also saw a significant increase, rising by 15% compared to 2023.&nbsp;As we look ahead, 2025 promises to reshape the hospitality landscape, driven by evolving traveller priorities and rapid technological advancements.&nbsp;At Hotelbeds, we’ve crafted this guide exclusively for hoteliers, providing key insights into 2025’s travel trends and actionable strategies to anticipate and adapt.&nbsp;This guide also features a dedicated section analysing how established trends have evolved, their current impact, and a practical checklist with tips to optimise your operations and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.&nbsp;Curious about the travel trends that will define hospitality in 2025?&nbsp;Download your free copy today and stay ahead of the curve!

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[REPORT] Travel Trends for Hoteliers 2025: Shaping the Future of Hospitality

&nbsp;As the shape of the travel industry and traveller demands continue to evolve, it’s important that you have access to the vital tools, platforms, and resources you need to stay ahead of the curve.&nbsp;At Hotelbeds, we are dedicated to providing you with the right tools and travel products necessary to meet the needs of your clients, and maintain a strong position in the travel industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our unique selection of travel industry services and products which are powered by TravelTech, our industry knowledge, and the expertise of our team, will ensure your success in the competitive travel market.&nbsp;Sign up today to get started with us or log into your account to start planning for success in 2025.&nbsp;Comprehensive API ConnectivityDesigned to enhance the developer experience, our API Suite offers light, fast, and reliable technology for frictionless distribution. All to help travel providers better cater to the needs of the modern traveller.&nbsp;APItude currently empowers over 5000 developers worldwide, with API solutions catering to every requirement.&nbsp;Whether you need seamless access to real-time pricing and availability in one place with our Cache API, want enhanced, end-to-end booking management with our Booking API, orrequire faster, enriched product content with our Content API, Hotelbeds APItude offers a solution to your needs no matter your position in the travel industry.&nbsp;Real-time availability and pricing, all in one place.Rich product content across our expansive portfolio.End-to-end booking management.Flexible terms and upselling opportunities.Simple, streamlined modification via one API Suite.&nbsp;Discover more about our API suite here.&nbsp;An Expansive Portfolio of Interconnected Travel ProductsA more comprehensive, global portfolio of travel products means you can better cater to your clients' evolving needs and stay relevant in the fast-moving travel industry.&nbsp;Here’s a look at what our global portfolio offers at a glance:Over 250,000 hotels in trending destinations worldwide.23,000+ in-destination experiences and activities to enhance your clients’ trips.Transfer routes with global coverage.500+ car rentals for more travel experiences.Travel products available in 170+ countries around the globe.&nbsp;Not to mention the 60,000 travel distributors selling to actively engaged travellers in worldwide locations, and more than 3000 service and product experts providing operational support to suppliers and clients, for truly comprehensive distribution and exposure in the travel and tourism industry.&nbsp;Access to a Global Network of Travel Sellers and BuyersIn the travel and tourism industry, fragmentation is a common occurrence. This issue is often cited by end travelers as a major source of disappointment and frustration, compounded by the fact that approximately 45% of global travellers prefer booking their trips through a single point of contact, which includes flights, accommodation, car rentals, and additional services. This preference is especially high among Gen Z travellers, with 50% prioritising comprehensive options.&nbsp;So, being part of an interconnected network wherein travel distribution is made easy can provide an untold number of benefits.&nbsp;With seamless API connectivity to help you get your products seen on multiple touchpoints as part of this highly-desired comprehensive offering, the option for dynamic packaging, and a customer-centric booking journey through a user-friendly web-based platform, our travel partners are equipped with the means to succeed in their markets.&nbsp;Partnering with Hotelbeds goes beyond just accessing our travel industry services; it provides a gateway to countless opportunities for growth, development, and enhancement of your offerings. By collaborating with us, you can increase your visibility in a highly competitive market and leverage timely demand to your advantage.&nbsp;Personalisation Options to Create Real ConnectionAt HBX Group’s MarketHub 2024, Salesloft’s Senior Director of Sales Engineering, Rebby John, revealed that consumers are likely to spend 67% more for the same product, provided they have a better sales experience. Indeed, personalisation begins at the very start of the journey, ahead of the experience or even the sale. Today’s consumer even anticipates that their ‘dreaming’ phase should be tailor-made for them.&nbsp;With Hotelbeds you can also:Participate in seasonal sales and campaigns designed to uplift your revenue – choose the promotions you want to participate in with complete flexibility, to be seen by, and appeal to, your ideal customer.Benefit from exclusive rates, availabilities and specially negotiated conditions - thanks to our teams of sourcing experts, in order to craft even more bespoke travel options and deliver them at the right time to your market.&nbsp;Regular Resources and Industry InsightsWe cover everything from getting started as a business, discussions about the latest travel industry trends and developments, to getting the best out of Hotelbeds on our Resources page.&nbsp;Make sure to check back for regular updates and bookmark the resources that align with your needs for future reference.&nbsp;Expert Teams to Support You and Your BusinessWhen you partner with Hotelbeds, you gain immediate access to not only a suite of powerful travel advisor tools that help you boost your bookings, but also a collective of 3,000+ industry professionals.&nbsp;&nbsp;We also offer powerful products and tools for web-based partners, as well as providers with an API business model. Read on for more information about our travel industry services for web-based providers:&nbsp;A Powerful Booking PlatformPowered by an intelligent algorithm and real-time data, our Hotelbeds Booking Engine has built-in features and functionalities specifically designed to streamline the way you work. But it is also powerful, processing 6.2 billion searches and 90,000+ bookings a day.&nbsp;Our Booking Engine provides convenient access to our search and recommendation tool, Insights, along with our self-service tools for efficient booking management. This streamlined process not only saves time but also enhances your earning potential.&nbsp;Elevate your clients' travel experiences with our in-built cross-selling features, streamline your searches with useful filters, visualise trips using the integrated Google Map view, and select from top exclusive rates, offers, and availabilities to better your overall offering to travellers, and improve your position within the travel industry and alongside your competitors.&nbsp;An Intelligent Travel Marketing and Recommendation Tool &nbsp;While online travel providers are seeing significant usage, with around a large majority of travellers (72%) suggesting they prefer to book their trips online, it remains the case that personalisation is still a constant demand.&nbsp;And personalisation ranges from receiving personalised deals from their go-to travel providers or potential providers, or simply making the booking process easier - something which is increasingly vital considering that 26% of global travellers surveyed indicated that they didn’t enjoy booking their travel experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Being a provider who is part of, and in turn benefits from, a streamlined booking journey while capitalising on the ability to offer personalised travel recommendations, deals and booking opportunities to travellers who are actively seeking comprehensive, bespoke products is vital.&nbsp;This is where Insights, our powerful search and travel recommendation tool, comes in. By providing market-specific recommendations, this tool enables you to cater to the specific needs and desires of travellers in your market, saving them the time and effort of searching for it themselves. You become their go-to provider, securing revenue which might otherwise have gone to your competitor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here’s what this tool offers:Trend forecast with real-time data – Insights is influenced by real bookings, to closely match the current and upcoming preferences of your market. &nbsp;AI that learns from you – the more you interact, the more accurate your recommendations.Filter options to better cater for your customers’ needs - such as: international or domestic locations, destination theme, traveller type, regions, and star ratings.&nbsp;Cross-selling functionality to boost each booking – the ‘Experiences’ tab lets you review popular experiences ranked by their opportunity value.&nbsp;Explore Insights for yourself, here.&nbsp;Alternatively, sign up today to gain exclusive access to this intuitive tool, designed specifically for travel providers.&nbsp;In-built Cross-Selling Functionalities to Maximise Your BookingsDid you know that cross-selling and upselling can be up to 20 times more effective than selling to a new customer? In fact, around 65% of many businesses’ revenue comes from existing customers.&nbsp;For our web clients, providing a personalised and enriched travel experience at the moment of booking is recommended to create the greatest impact, as this is when travellers are most open to inspiration. To help you achieve this, we have streamlined the process of adding related travel products and services to your bookings through our integrated cross-selling functions in the Hotelbeds Booking Engine.&nbsp;Simply click ‘+ Add Products’ from your cart, which will open a useful pop-up window. From there, you can add experiences, activities, transfers, and even car rental services.&nbsp;Whether your client needs in-destination support – accessible via our Help Desk or the ‘Support’ tab in our Booking Engine – or you need guidance on which opportunities resonate most with your market thanks to our sourcing experts, our tools and teams are here to help.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today to become one of our valuable travel partners, to begin your revenue-enhancing collaboration with us and uplift your success in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, if you're already part of the interconnected network of Hotelbeds partners, log into your account to begin planning for success in 2025.&nbsp;

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how hotelbeds can take travel providers into 2025

How Hotelbeds Can Take Travel Providers Into 2025

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and hotel amenities are no exception. Every year, new trends and guest preferences emerge, and hoteliers will need to consider them in order to deliver an exceptional experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2025, some hotel amenity trends are expected to come up and others to consolidate. With these premiums or extras, you’ll provide a memorable experience and your guests will be more likely to leave positive feedback about their stay.&nbsp;Since there are unlimited types of amenities to share in your property, it’s essential to determine which ones will better cater to the needs of your guests. Their form will depend on what demographics you target, what your guests are asking for, your budget, your brand, and the competition within the local market.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this article, we propose a comprehensive hotel amenities list with the best ideas depending on the type of traveller you aim to reach. Keep reading!&nbsp;What Are the Best Amenities for Your Property?&nbsp;Before delving into the best hotel amenities, you should invest some time in defining which are the right hotel amenities for your type of property and the target you aim at.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first step is to ask yourself what best defines your hotel and which guests you want to attract. List out the defining qualities of your property and make sure your amenities align with them. Is your property renowned for being convenient for business travellers, family-friendly, or a unique tourist attraction? Consider all these traits when defining your amenities.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, don’t forget to give guests plenty of information about your amenities beforehand so they know what they’re paying for. Provide guests with great photographs of amenities, facilities and each room type, as well as an explanation of their features. It's more likely that guests will pay for extra amenities if you provide them with more information, since they can better understand the benefits.&nbsp;Once you have this in mind, it’s time to go through our proposals for the best hotel amenities in 2025. You’ll find ideas that will suit different types of travellers and hotel budgets. Let’s see what you can’t miss out this year to create the most unforgettable experience for your guests!&nbsp;Best Hotel VIP Amenities for Luxury TravellersWhen it comes to catering to this luxury segment, the main thing to consider is that these guests will expect your staff to attend to every need. There are many luxury amenities that hotels may offer, but here are a few that will set them apart from the rest.&nbsp;Personalise welcome baskets or gifts in their rooms based on the information you know about your guests (e.g. where they’re from, who they’re coming with, etc).&nbsp;Another good idea for your welcome kits is to leverage local products and flavours to provide a wonderful first impression, such as local chocolates, wines, fruits, soaps, or lotions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Offer a pillow menu, allowing guests to choose the best pillow depending on their preferences.&nbsp;Provide room purification to ensure guests with allergies feel comfortable.&nbsp;Replace the mini-bar with a cocktail bar. Matcha kits are also very trendy these days, so you can offer them.&nbsp;Conduct workshops about different topics, such as how to cook a special or local dish in the hotel’s restaurant, learn how to create floral arrangements such as the ones in your lobby, or create a guided tour in case you are located in a historic building.&nbsp;&nbsp;Put a tablet in every room for room service to make it as easy as possible for guests to make requests.&nbsp;Organise private or VIP shopping experiences with local vendors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Offer a remote control to manage all the room functions such as bed height, lights, heating, etc.&nbsp;Main Sustainable Hotel Amenities for A Conscious TravellerOne of the major trends that is expected to continue to grow in 2025 is sustainability. Increasingly, guests are looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options, and this extends to hotel amenities.&nbsp;Conscious travellers in 2025 will seek out amenities such as:&nbsp;Offer bulk bathroom amenity dispensers. Consider providing shampoo and gel packaged in wall-mounted refillable dispensers, or even only on demand. You can even choose solid solutions like shampoo and conditioner bars that can eliminate the need for plastic bottles altogether.&nbsp;Eliminate plastic bottles and offer glass or metal ones instead, which have to be refilled by the staff. If possible, consider installing water bottle filling stations for guests to use.&nbsp;Offer biodegradable rubbish bags that are more environmentally friendly alternatives. Make sure that they’re truly biodegradable.&nbsp;Include local and seasonal products in the hotel's restaurant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Provide free or low-cost bikes to promote eco-friendly transportation.&nbsp;Provide recyclable paper for wrapping bathroom amenities, reusable bathroom cups, reusable fabric laundry bags, and paper containers for takeaways, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interested in how sustainable principles can be applied to your property? Make sure to check out our comprehensive article on practical tips to become a sustainable hotel.&nbsp;Best Hotel Amenities for Business Travellers and Remote WorkersThe corporate segment is incredibly lucrative, and you may be very interested in attracting this type of traveller to your hotel.&nbsp;Also, related to this, the trend of remote working is still on the rise, so having hotel amenities especially focused on workers can be a great attraction for your hotel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of the extras you should consider including in your offering in 2025 are the following:&nbsp;Comfortable desks and lighting in the room.&nbsp;Workspaces available throughout the hotel, including at least one meeting room.&nbsp;High speed Wi-Fi, power outlets and USB ports.&nbsp;&nbsp;Free parking, free airport shuttle and transport services.&nbsp;Early check-in and flexible departure times.&nbsp;Express laundry services and available steam irons.&nbsp;If you want to attract international guests, consider providing universal sockets.&nbsp;The possibility to make free local and international calls.&nbsp;Unmissable Hotel Amenities for Families on Holiday in 2025What will make families' stays exponentially better in 2025? Here are some fantastic ideas to ensure an unforgettable experience both for adults and children.&nbsp;Consider offering connecting rooms, and include baby cradles.&nbsp;Provide pet-friendly facilities. Families are increasingly taking their pets with them on holiday, and more hotels are offering pet-friendly rooms. Because of this, this segment will really appreciate if your property caters to pets. Consider placing dog water stations on your property, offering dog beds, etc. Some high-end hotels, such as Hilton, offer dog menus.&nbsp;Offer free bike rental, pool or snow toys, stashes of puzzles or games. Also, playgrounds and games rooms for children will be highly appreciated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Include entertainment shows, such as clowns, theatre, and live concerts. And even streaming services for kids.&nbsp;Main Hotel Amenities for Wellness TravellersAnother strong trend in the hospitality industry is, without a doubt, wellness travel.&nbsp;When looking for a relaxing getaway, amenities are very important, since they contribute directly to the overall experience of guests.If you’re looking to cater to this segment of wellness travellers in the most excellent way possible, make sure to consider the following hotel amenities for wellness:&nbsp;A spa is a must-have for hotels aiming to attract this type of traveller. The spa should include several pools, jacuzzi, saunas, among others. You can also offer free swimwear or at a reduced price.&nbsp;&nbsp;Offer special packages including massages and other health treatments. If you don’t have the staff to provide this service in-house, consider establishing partnerships with local companies or freelancers.&nbsp;Sound proofing measures, so any outside noise is eliminated.&nbsp;Also, make sure to provide some of the best hotel bath amenities as welcome gifts, including items such as essential oils, body lotions and organic shampoos.&nbsp;Nail art has become a major trend in recent years, and it will continue to grow in 2025. You may want to hire a nail technician to provide this much-requested service in your property as part of your wellness team.&nbsp;Partner with a health and wellness platform to create on-demand workouts and guided meditation to in-room televisions.2025 is set to be a fantastic year for travel. By knowing the best hotel amenities for your guests, you’ll be a step ahead of your competitors. We hope you now have more ideas that will help you offer an unforgettable stay in your property.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember that with our platform, you can leverage not only the guest experience, but also your visibility among high-value clients.If you’re already registered in Hotelbeds, log in to our Partner Portal now.&nbsp;If you haven’t joined us yet and want to get access to our network of 60,000+ travel distributors, register your property here and boost your revenue this 2025.&nbsp;

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2025's Best Hotel Amenities Based on Traveller Types

&nbsp;More often than not, today's traveller is seeking a concise booking journey, whereby travel experiences are offered in a comprehensive manner to avoid a disparate booking process.&nbsp;&nbsp;Discover how Hotelbeds' ecosystem model allows you to take advantage of this demand, and remain relevant in an industry where having the full experience at their fingertips is so important to today's traveller:&nbsp;&nbsp;How Hotelbeds works to take your business further:Make Informed Decisions with Real-Time Data&nbsp;An Intelligent Booking Platform&nbsp;A Leading Product Portfolio In The Travel Industry&nbsp;TravelTech Solutions for All&nbsp;Why are Comprehensive Travel Options Important?Technology is becoming an increasingly prevalent part of the booking process - think automated booking tools, online booking platforms and mobile apps. In fact, 83% of Gen Z and 86% of Millennials suggest that booking on their phone is critical during their decision-making process, embracing what is accessible and at their fingertips.&nbsp;With this change in booking, today's traveller often expects to be able to find and book more comprehensive travel and experiences rather than navigating a disparate, fragmented booking journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;To offer this kind of comprehensive, whilst also facilitating personalised recommendations to cater for individual needs, you need a travel partner that strives to improve not only the value of offering for the end customer – the traveller – but also the interconnectedness of the global travel industry.&nbsp;How Hotelbeds Works To Take Your Business Further&nbsp;It’s our mission to connect and empower the world of travel, and indeed travel distributors themselves. By combining intelligent TravelTech solutions with the power of our people, we connect global travel players to a wealth of products suited to any traveller type.&nbsp;We constantly strive to ensure that our TravelTech solutions are specifically designed to meet and exceed our partners’ needs, no matter their place in the vast travel industry.&nbsp;And of course, it’s important to remember that offering comprehensive travel experiences isn't just referring to what products you can offer, it also encompasses how you as travel providers handle the overall customer journey. It's about the quality of service and depth of experience you can offer travellers to ensure they get the most out of each booking with you - and to ensure they return!&nbsp;Here at Hotelbeds, we equip you with the right tools and the right products to cater to your clients' needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today to become one of our valuable partners, and join our ever-growing network of travel distributors, or log into your account to begin enriching traveller experiences with our interconnected services.&nbsp;Make Informed Decisions with Real-Time Data&nbsp;Owing to our vast data lake (400TB), our partners benefit from a wealth of market-specific insights, rich data and intelligence solutions which seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide. Helping you to make intelligent choices and to capitalise on real-time demand, by exploiting and leveraging analytics as a strategic asset and using our predictive tools to empower your business.&nbsp;Meanwhile, our intelligent cloud-based platforms enable our partners to work at speed – crucial, in an industry as fast-paced and demanding as the travel sector - while also offering fast and reliable access to a global portfolio. Cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products and services to help you stay relevant and competitive in the industry.&nbsp;With a Booking Engine that processes around 6.2 billion searches per day, combined with our aforementioned vast data lake, our data intelligence serves as a catalyst for travel providers aiming to unlock their full potential. &nbsp;&nbsp;An Intelligent Booking Platform &nbsp;All travel providers must be equipped and visible on an intuitive travel booking platform which can make each transaction as smooth as possible for distributors and end travellers alike.&nbsp;&nbsp;From its seamless search functionality to easy booking management, our powerful Booking Engine is the strongest tool in your artillery, helping you to work at speed and secure memorable experiences for your customers, while also increasing exposure for travel experience providers and putting those products into the hands of 60,000 travel distributors around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;Combining our vast data lake with a user-friendly interface, our Booking Engine is informed by billions of searches and real market data, allowing you to compete effectively in your market.&nbsp;Easily refine searches with useful filters to find our exclusive and differentiated properties, offers and rate types.Thousands of travel products and services in global destinations.&nbsp;An in-built cross-selling functionality that can further streamline the booking process.&nbsp;All of which assists your revenue potential!Sign up today to access our powerful booking platform, with in-built cross-selling functionalities, self-service tools and more!&nbsp;&nbsp;A Leading Product Portfolio In The Travel Industry&nbsp;It's our mission to provide our partners, and the end traveller, with as much choice as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of a travel ecosystem under HBX Group, we have curated a powerful network of service providers, granting our partners access to a wide product offering to generate demand and capitalise on opportunity.&nbsp;Whether your clients are seeking a truly immersive experience in their destination of choice, the perfect hotel to rest and relax in after a long day of sightseeing, a transfer to make getting from A-B even easier, or even car hire to better explore their chosen destination, we connect you to the products, services and experiences travellers want. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With over 250,000 hotels in 170+ destinations worldwide, combined with 23,000+ in-destination experiences and activities, 500 car hire suppliers and global transfer coverage, all available in one booking platform, it’s no surprise that thousands of travel providers all over the globe are already trusting us to empower and connect them in the world of travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;And we’re not done yet…&nbsp;&nbsp;TravelTech Solutions for AllThe world of travel is forging ahead, further into the realm of innovation and connectivity. This is why we offer TravelTech solutions across the industry, to empower travel providers across the industry with the tools and products to better meet, and exceed, the needs of travellers around the world.&nbsp;Our leading API suite, APItude - including Content API, Booking API and Cache API solutions - is&nbsp;developed by our integration experts, designed to enhance make the booking process faster and more intuitive, Enabling you to successfully capture the increasing number of travellers looking for a smoother booking process, with less ‘shopping around’ and a less disjointed experience overall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over 5000 developers currently benefit from this range of API solutions, offering a simple, fast and user-friendly experience, no matter how, when or where travellers are heading or what they want to purchase.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;Insights,&nbsp;our&nbsp;live data intelligence tool, allows travel providers across the ecosystem to capitalise on demand as a result of AI-powered market opportunities for accelerated growth. These recommendations are tailored to your unique market needs, offering deeply personalised opportunities to scale both your competitiveness, your market presence and your revenue potential, by providing the stays and experiences your market wants and keeping up to date with what your competitors are booking.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This connective power makes us at Hotelbeds the ideal travel partner for providers looking to expand their reach, capitalise on demand, and enhance their offerings to capture valuable clients even from hard-to-reach segments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today or log into your account to take your business further and offer comprehensive travel with Hotelbeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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How To Offer Comprehensive Travel with Hotelbeds in 2025

In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, hotel distribution channels are critical to connecting hotels with potential guests. These channels include online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDS), metasearch engines, bedbanks, and direct bookings, among others.&nbsp;Thanks to the wide range of channels at their disposal, independent hotels and small chains have the opportunity to compete with global hotel brands. However, success depends on using these distribution channels effectively, rather than trying to use them all at the same time. Selecting the right mix of channels that align with a hotel’s goals is crucial. &nbsp;&nbsp;In this article, we'll explore direct channel distribution, its current landscape, key benefits, and future projections for 2024–2025. Additionally, we'll discuss how hotels can optimise direct bookings while complementing their B2B distribution strategy with platforms like Hotelbeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;How Does a Direct Distribution Channel Work?The direct booking channel allows hotels to sell rooms directly to guests through their own platforms, such as the hotel website, phone, email, live chat, or messaging apps. This channel is particularly attractive to hoteliers because it removes commission fees, for example. As a result, hotels retain more revenue per booking, while maintaining full control over pricing, guest relationships, and branding.&nbsp;Recent data shows that while 60% of hotel bookings are made online, only about 20% are completed directly on hotel websites, according to a report by Amadeus. In contrast, OTAs still dominate the market. This disparity can be attributed to OTA marketing budgets, consumer trust, and the convenience of booking through well-established third-party platforms. &nbsp;&nbsp;A report by Phocuswright forecast that, throughout 2024, direct bookings would grow modestly, due to technological improvements and increased guest preferences for personalised service. However, the direct channel still has many competitors, which offer strong customer acquisition capabilities, particularly in emerging markets. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hoteliers must invest in user-friendly technology, marketing, and guest experience enhancements to capture more direct bookings. For example, studies indicate that by 2025, direct bookings could grow by 10-15% if hotels optimise their digital strategies and focus on personalising guest journeys.&nbsp;Benefits of Leveraging the Direct Channel DistributionDirect bookings offer hoteliers numerous advantages beyond avoiding OTA commissions. These benefits include cost savings, enhanced guest experiences and brand control. &nbsp;&nbsp;Higher Profit Margins: By eliminating the OTA commissions, which can be as high as 25%, direct bookings significantly improve a hotel's profitability. A HSMAI report found that hotels could improve revenue per booking by up to 18% through direct channels, contributing to better bottom-line performance. &nbsp;&nbsp;Stronger Guest Relationships: The direct channel provides hotels with the opportunity to interact with guests from the beginning. This enables more personalised communication, which fosters loyalty. According to Skift, hotels that focus on direct bookings have the potential to increase their guest retention rate by 8-10%, as they offer custom experience. &nbsp;&nbsp;Complete Control Over Brand and Guest Experience: Through direct bookings, hotels control the entire guest journey—from pre-booking to post-stay engagement. This level of control ensures that the hotel can provide a consistent brand experience, personalising every touchpoint, such as emails, booking confirmations, and follow-ups, which contributes to long-term guest loyalty. &nbsp;&nbsp;Revenue Management and Data Insights: Direct channels offer better insights into customer behaviour, allowing hotels to refine their pricing and marketing strategies. Access to direct customer data enables hotels to implement targeted marketing campaigns, helping increase RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room).&nbsp;Why Is the Direct Channel the Perfect Complement to B2B Distribution?While direct booking channels are a powerful tool for hotels to increase profitability and control, they work best when complemented by a solid B2B distribution strategy. For example, Hotelbeds provide hotels with access to over 60,000 travel trade distributors globally, which allows them to reach high-value, long-haul customers and niche markets that may not be easily accessible through direct channels. &nbsp;&nbsp;By integrating the direct booking channel with a robust B2B platform like Hotelbeds, hotels can reduce their dependence on other distribution channels with higher commissions while maintaining high visibility across multiple markets. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hotelbeds is part of HBX Group, a global network of interconnected products and services that serves the needs of global travel players. The group also includes Roiback, the brand specialised in direct distribution. In this way, through the HBX Group offering, we enable hoteliers to integrate their revenue streams with both B2B and direct distribution channels, balancing short- and long-term goals. &nbsp;&nbsp;Essential Features for an Effective Direct Booking ChannelThere are certain components that you could include in your direct booking strategy in order to achieve faster results and streamline your operations. Listed below are those we recommend for effective distribution:&nbsp;Booking Engine: A fast, user-friendly, and secure booking engine integrated into the hotel’s website is essential. It should offer real-time availability, flexible payment options, and seamless navigation to encourage bookings. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loyalty Programmes: Offering rewards and perks for direct bookings helps build long-term relationships with guests and encourages repeat stays. &nbsp;&nbsp;Digital Marketing: Hotels must invest in a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that includes search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, social media marketing, and email marketing to drive traffic to their website. &nbsp;&nbsp;Multilingual Support: To appeal to international travellers, it’s crucial for the direct booking channel to offer content in multiple languages. This not only improves accessibility for global customers but also increases conversion rates by making it easier to navigate the site and book rooms. &nbsp;&nbsp;Flexible Payment Options: Providing various payment methods, including local currencies and different payment gateways (such as PayPal, Apple Pay, and international credit cards), ensures that guests from all regions can complete their bookings easily. &nbsp;&nbsp;Integrated Customer Support: Incorporating live chat, chatbot support, or a direct messaging option helps answer potential guests’ questions in real-time. This reduces booking friction by addressing concerns or questions immediately, leading to higher conversion rates. &nbsp;&nbsp;Advanced Analytics and Personalisation Tools: Hotels should use data analytics to track customer behaviour, allowing them to offer tailored packages, special discounts, and personalised recommendations. Data-driven insights help increase conversion rate and guest satisfaction.&nbsp;How to Improve Direct Channel Performance?While the direct booking channel eliminates commission fees, it comes with its own costs, such as technology investments and marketing expenses. Therefore, optimising this channel requires strategic planning and execution. Here are some actionable steps hotels can take to improve their direct booking channel performance - whether they have external assistance or not.Boost Online Visibility &nbsp;SEO Best Practices: Optimise your hotel’s website for search engines by using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and ensuring fast load times. Higher visibility on search engines will increase organic traffic and drive more direct bookings. &nbsp;&nbsp;Presence on Metasearch Engines: Metasearch engines like Google Hotel Ads, TripAdvisor, and Trivago allow travellers to compare rates and options from various providers, including OTAs. For hotels, appearing on these platforms increases brand visibility and price competitiveness, directing more traffic to the hotel’s official site. This approach can capture high-intent users already at the booking stage, converting them into direct bookings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mobile-Friendly Design: With more than 50% of bookings made on mobile devices, ensuring your website is mobile-responsive is critical. A mobile-friendly design enhances user experience, encouraging higher conversion rates. &nbsp;&nbsp;Diversify Marketing Strategies &nbsp;Cross-Channel Advertising: Implement a paid advertising strategy that spans search engines, display networks, and social media platforms. This will boost your hotel's visibility, occupancy rates, and RevPAR. &nbsp;&nbsp;Email Marketing: Use email campaigns to engage with past guests and potential new customers. Offer personalised discounts, exclusive deals, and news about upcoming events to drive repeat bookings. &nbsp;&nbsp;Influencer and Affiliate Marketing: Partner with influencers and affiliates to promote your hotel to their audience, leveraging their reach to boost direct bookings. &nbsp;&nbsp;Optimise the User Journey &nbsp;Compelling Visuals and Virtual Tours: Guests rely heavily on visuals when choosing a hotel. Ensure your website includes high-quality images, videos, and virtual tours of your property to highlight its unique selling points. &nbsp;&nbsp;Personalised Messaging: Tailor your marketing and website content to specific guest segments—families, business travellers, or couples—with personalised offers and messaging. &nbsp;&nbsp;Membership and Loyalty Programmes: Offering exclusive perks, such as discounted rates or complementary amenities, will encourage guests to choose your direct channel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maintain Rate Parity &nbsp;Maintain Rate Parity: Maintaining rate parity across distribution channels, including OTAs and metasearch engines, is essential for maintaining trust and avoiding potential penalties from third-party platforms.&nbsp;These are just a few areas to pay attention to and invest in to maximise your direct channel value. The responsibility of handling all these tasks can become exhausting and time-consuming, and if you also feel this way, consider partnering with companies like Roiback from HBX Group, specialised in the direct channel, who will help you. &nbsp;&nbsp;Final Thoughts: Maximising Bookings with a Balanced Distribution Strategy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In conclusion, exploring and investing in direct channel distribution is an essential step for any hotelier aiming to diversify their distribution strategy. While the direct channel offers many advantages—such as improved profit margins, strengthened guest relationships, and greater control over branding—it requires strategic investment in technology and marketing to ensure it is fully optimised for sustainable, medium- to long-term results.&nbsp;When combined with a robust B2B distribution strategy, such as the one offered by Hotelbeds, hoteliers can significantly increase bookings while achieving stronger profit margins than with many other distribution channels. The reach of Hotelbeds’ global network, alongside a well-developed direct channel, allows hotels to maximise their visibility in diverse markets and increase profitability.&nbsp;Register your property with Hotelbeds today to discover the extensive benefits of B2B distribution.

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Building a Profitable Hotel Strategy: Direct Channel Distribution  

As the year winds down, there's one night that stands out on every hotelier's calendar – New Year's Eve.&nbsp;This is a golden opportunity for your hotel to turn this celebration into a revenue-generating event.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this article, we delve into the significance of New Year's Eve for hotels, offering insights on how to craft unforgettable experiences for your guests. From themed packages to irresistible dinners and marketing tips, we've got your New Year's Eve covered.Why is This Night Special for Hoteliers?While the Christmas season already brings joy and an increase in bookings, New Year's Eve stands out as a key night for creating memorable experiences and boosting revenue. This event attracts not only hotel guests but also individuals seeking an unforgettable way to bid farewell to the year.&nbsp;Guests often extend their stay for 2 or 3 nights, choosing the convenience of enjoying the festivities without the hassle of preparing meals. Renowned chefs, gala dinners, fireworks, and open bars are just a few reasons why more people opt to spend New Year's Eve in a hotel, seeking a unique experience.&nbsp;Celebrating in a hotel provides ample space for large family gatherings or groups of friends, enhancing the sense of community and festivity.What Can You Do To Make the Most of It?Special Offers for New Year's EveBy strategically designing offers that cater to different preferences, hoteliers can maximise bookings and create a diverse and vibrant New Year's Eve celebration at their establishments. Check out some ideas for creating the most attractive packages.&nbsp;Early Bird Specials: Create a sense of urgency and entice early bookings by offering special discounts for guests who confirm their New Year's Eve dinner reservations well in advance. This not only ensures a committed guest base but also provides an initial boost to bookings.&nbsp;Exclusive Access Passes: Introduce exclusive access passes that include premium benefits such as a reserved table in a prime location, priority service, and free champagne. This caters to guests seeking a VIP experience and adds a touch of luxury to the celebration.&nbsp;Group Discounts: Encourage group bookings by offering attractive discounts for larger parties. This is especially appealing for families and friends planning to celebrate New Year's Eve together, providing an incentive to choose your hotel.&nbsp;Flexible Seating Options: Cater to different preferences by offering flexible seating options. Allow guests to choose between intimate private tables, communal dining for a social atmosphere, or even outdoor dining options.&nbsp;Join Hotelbeds' New Year's Eve campaignAmong our global marketing initiatives, our New Year's Eve campaign is one of the most successful, along with our Black Friday promotions. This is a great opportunity for property owners to increase their visibility in our network, which includes more than 60,000 distributors, like travel agencies, airlines, bank institutions, tour operators, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;We discussed earlier in this article that New Year's Eve is one of the key periods in the year when hotel room demand is high. Hotelbeds plays a crucial role here by offering the best hotels to our wide network of travel distributors.&nbsp;&nbsp;And how do we do it? We implement a wide range of promotional actions, including mass email campaigns, banner placement on our booking engine, the creation of dedicated landing pages, and promotion on social media, among other initiatives. This way, we reach a global audience eager to benefit from this highly beneficial campaign. Here are all the details you need to know:&nbsp;The booking window for travel distributors will be from 26th December 2024 to 31st January 2025.&nbsp;As for the travel window, customers will be able to travel between 26th December 2024 and 31st December 2025. &nbsp;&nbsp;If your property is already registered with Hotelbeds, you will receive detailed information via email about the campaign. If you haven’t registered yet, we recommend joining as soon as possible by completing this brief form. Once completed, we will contact you to guide you through the onboarding process, so you can start distributing your rooms as soon as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now it's time to offer the best conditions to attract high-value guests during this time when many plan their trips in advance. Ready to make a great start to the new year?&nbsp;&nbsp;Hotel New Year's Eve PackagesApart from offering special promotions for this event, you should consider crafting original, enticing packages to attract more bookings. Themed packages can serve well for this purpose, and here you can get some ideas.&nbsp;Classic New Year's Eve Package: One-night accommodation, gourmet dinner at the hotel's restaurant, access to the New Year's Eve countdown party, a midnight champagne toast, and late check-out on New Year's Day.&nbsp;VIP Luxury Package: Including a luxurious suite, private dinner in-room or at the hotel's restaurant, exclusive VIP party access and a free champagne bottle, and spa treatments and a couples' massage on New Year's Day.&nbsp;Family Fun Package: Create family-friendly packages with special children's menus and entertainment suitable for all ages. This ensures that families feel welcome and comfortable celebrating New Year's Eve at your hotel. Also, provide them with the option to book connecting rooms.&nbsp;Adventure and Outdoor Package: If the weather is good and your property has the facilities, you can offer accommodations in cosy cabins or glamping tents, and a special outdoor New Year's Eve dinner.&nbsp;Themed Party Package: Specially designed for groups of friends, you can offer a themed New Year's Eve party with costumes (e.g., The Great Gatsby, a masquerade ball), live entertainment and special cocktails, and themed brunch or breakfast the following day.&nbsp;Wellness and Detox Package: Following this travel trend, you can cater to travellers looking for a relaxing farewell to 2024 by offering yoga sessions, a detox-focused dinner for New Year's Eve, spa access, and guided nature walks on New Year's Day.&nbsp;Leverage add-ons like spa services, champagne in-room, and late check-out for additional revenue. Utilise the Christmas season to sell restaurant and spa services, targeting guests who have already booked for the holiday season.&nbsp;Ideas For New Year’s Eve Dinner at Your HotelIn order to increase bookings for the dinner, you can go the extra mile and come up with original proposals.&nbsp;For example, you can create a ‘global feast experience’ by offering a New Year's Eve dinner with a selection of dishes from around the world. Also, a fusion-themed menu can be innovative and exceed your clients' expectations, such as an Italian-Japanese fusion menu, which is trendy nowadays.&nbsp;Another good idea would be to embrace the ‘farm-to-table’ concept for this special dinner by featuring locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. You could collaborate with nearby farmers to create a sustainable and environmentally conscious dining experience.&nbsp;Creating a 'photocall' is always a fantastic way to encourage guests to share their pictures with friends on social media. This way, you'll get free visibility about your event and reach potential guests interested in your hotel and facilities. Provide wigs, masks and other festive accessories for your attendees. And don't forget to include some branding in the photocall space, like your hotel name or a specific hashtag you create for the event.&nbsp;Also, why not choose a specific theme for the dinner party? Themes such as a masquerade ball, a black etiquette party, a tropical New Year's Eve party, or an all-white party can take your New Year's Eve dinner to the next level and make it unforgettable due to its originality. If you decide to implement this idea, don't forget to decorate the dining room accordingly. By doing so, you'll stand out from the competition and attract both tourists and locals to your hotel.&nbsp;When it comes to decor, remember that ambiance is crucial to the success of the event. Partner with a local decoration business for original decor ideas, establishing a collaboration for future events.&nbsp;Finally, consider hiring a photographer to capture professional photos of the event. This will provide you with valuable visual content for social media and other online channels, such as your website, emails, etc.&nbsp;How to Promote Your NYE’s EventThe first step in planning your event is deciding what it will look like and what it will include. The next step is to promote the event and reach as many potential attendees as possible. Here are some ideas for promoting your event both online and offline.On Social Media:Build anticipation: Use various content formats to create excitement and interest in your upcoming event. Regarding content formats, consider creating carousels with images explaining what the event is about and the price, a single image with all the info, short videos for Reels/Stories/TikTok where you show a recap video from last year and a member of your team explains what the current event will look like.You can also generate excitement and urgency by launching flash sales or limited-time discounts exclusively on social media platforms.&nbsp;Influencer Outreach: Collaborate with influencers to reach both local and international targets. Ask them to tell what the event is all about and what makes your property special in order to entice visitors. You can offer this person free access to the event and a free stay in exchange.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leverage User-Generated Content: Create a special New year's hashtag related to your event and encourage your attendees to use it and tag you. Afterwards, share their posts through stories and save them in a new 'Highlights' folder under the name ‘NYE 2024’. In preparation for New Year 2025, you can always revisit this folder and reshare some posts to build anticipation.&nbsp;Other online and offline channels:Email Marketing: Send promotional emails with early bird discounts to your database.&nbsp;Website promotion: Update your website with a dedicated section or banner explaining the event and what it includes. See how Marriott promotes its New Year's Eve dinner in New York.&nbsp;Offline promotion: Print flyers, create short local radio ads, and billboards to reach a wider audience.&nbsp;Encourage Guest Testimonials and ReviewsSeek feedback after the event through a variety of channels, such as email, WhatsApp, Google or TripAdvisor reviews.In case you contact them directly through email or WhatsApp, you could take the opportunity to send them a survey. Positive testimonials build trust and credibility, attracting new guests for next year's celebration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout this article, we've explored why New Year's Eve is a great opportunity for hoteliers to not just celebrate, but also increase revenue streams. From crafting themed packages that entice guests to curating unforgettable New Year's Eve dinners and leveraging smart marketing strategies, we've shared insights to ensure your hotel shines amidst the festivities.&nbsp;Additionally, Hotelbeds and our portfolio of 60,000+ partners can help you gain exposure to those travel distributors seeking special New Year's Eve offerings. If you already work with us, update your details for this special night on our Partner Portal. On the contrary, if you are not yet a member, register your property now, and in a matter of days, you'll be able to access our extensive network.&nbsp;Finally, before you leave, here's a valuable resource awaiting you at the end – our guide to 'Understanding Hotel Distribution'. In the ever-evolving hospitality industry landscape, mastering the art of distribution is key. As you prepare for an unforgettable New Year's Eve, ensure you also have the knowledge to navigate the dynamic world of hotel distribution. Get it for free now!

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New Year’s Eve Hotel Events: Ideas for Packages & Promotion Tips

&nbsp;As we approach the holiday season, with Black Friday just around the corner and Christmas not far behind, now is the perfect opportunity to enhance your travel marketing materials.&nbsp;Personalising your marketing content is essential for attracting your target audience, especially during one of the busiest commercial times of the year.&nbsp;Luckily, our data-driven search and recommendation tool, Insights, has a unique flyer creation tool which allows you to create bespoke marketing in just a few clicks.&nbsp;In today's fast-paced marketing world, creating custom flyers that highlight your deals or comparing tailored hotels for your clients is essential. With customers becoming increasingly savvy in their travel choices, it's crucial to offer personalised experiences. Research shows that 80% of clients expect a personalised retail experience, making it more important than ever to stay ahead of the game.&nbsp;As a travel provider, you play a crucial role in shaping the traveller's experience. Clients rely on you to provide them with the best rates, hotels, and experiences that align with their needs and budget. This responsibility becomes even more important during peak commercial periods when countless deals are being promoted by various brands.&nbsp;In an era where travellers are increasingly adept at customising their own unique travel experiences through Online Travel Agents (OTAs), for example, it is imperative for your success to provide travel choices that cater not only to their financial constraints but also to their specific preferences - all while being easily accessible at first glance.&nbsp;So read on to discover just how to create personalised Black Friday marketing flyers with Insights.Step One &nbsp;– Understanding Your ClientStep Two – Artificial Intelligence is Your Friend!Step Three – Make It Personal&nbsp;Step One – Understanding Your ClientThe most important aspect for any travel provider is the ability to offer travel solutions that are tailored to your clients’ needs. This can include the type of holiday they’re looking for, when they’re hoping to travel, and how best to communicate their most suitable options.&nbsp;Insights allows you to translate this knowledge into potential booking options by selecting filters relevant to the client.&nbsp;With Insights you can filter for:&nbsp;Best opportunity – the hotels and resorts most likely to be booked in your marketType of hotel – including top sellers and new hotelsType of traveller – including business, families, and adults-onlyCategory – such as star rating and TripAdvisor rating&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, being able to filter for traveller preferences, types of hotels, and the properties you should be taking advantage of to uplift your revenue, also translates to your travel marketing and how you’re communicating any deals or offers with your customers.&nbsp;Different clients will respond positively to different offers, so it’s important that you’re presenting the most enticing deals at the right time, to the right client, in the right way, no matter the stage of the booking journey they're at.&nbsp;With Insights, you’re able to build travel marketing materials with the Custom Flyer Tool which are entirely tailored to your client’s requirements.&nbsp;Insights’ share functionality seamlessly builds flyers fit for distribution with just a few clicks. When plotting your travel marketing or communication strategy for any client, consider how best they’re going to receive information from you, and under which circumstances.&nbsp;This phase of planning is going to play a valuable role in your relationship with the client, as not only should you hope to delight them with your service, but you want to secure the booking – and should aim to become their go-to travel provider for all future trips.&nbsp;Discover more about Insights as the go-to search and recommendation tool here.&nbsp;Step Two – Artificial Intelligence is Your Friend!We recognise that the expertise of travel providers is often derived from their own experience and industry knowledge. And while there will always be a place for your individual knowledge, putting your trust in artificial intelligence can undoubtedly enhance your value as a comprehensive travel provider.&nbsp;Insights is loaded with real-time data which gives you a clear idea of what today’s travellers are booking and what’s competitive in your specific market. By utilising this live global data, you’ll gain access to valuable information that ensures you’re remaining competitive, and taking advantage of opportunities your competitors may not have access to.&nbsp;Depending on the information you’ve already gleaned from your client through varying means and at different stages of their booking journey, you can amend Insights' filters to bring up the most relevant data relating to the customer.&nbsp;Say, for example, you know that your customer is planning to travel from the United States to somewhere in Europe within the next three months. You also know that you’ve got high growth-potential properties in this destination thanks to your top recommended destinations shown on the Insights dashboard.&nbsp;This means that when you click into any of these recommended destinations, which are ranked by their potential for you and your business, you'll be able to not only filter for hotels in this destination that suit your clients perfectly, but also maximise your revenue by selling stays that will benefit you the most in terms of revenue.&nbsp;By adjusting the filters within Insights you’ll be able to see the top recommended that benefit your business, as well as those your clients will prefer – which leads us onto our next step.&nbsp;&nbsp;Step Three – Make It PersonalNow that you know where your client wants to go (and what offers they’re most receptive to) it’s time to make things personal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Head to Insights’ dashboard, as a first step. Once you’ve looked through your top recommended destinations, handpicked for their potential growth opportunity for your business, you’ll notice a ‘Create Your Flyer’ sharing option.&nbsp;Click this button, and you can select up to eight hotels you think your client will love. &nbsp;&nbsp;If we’re to give a top tip, we’d suggest filtering the hotels out further by traveller type, star rating and TripAdvisor rating. You can also accommodate for essential travel preferences like sustainability by using the appropriate filters.&nbsp;After finalising your top choices, you'll see that the 'Create Your Flyer' button now presents you with the option to either download or share the selected hotels. Go ahead and click this to move to the next step.&nbsp;Next, you'll be prompted to choose a format: portrait or landscape. The landscape option provides additional details about each hotel, while the portrait format is ideal for quickly comparing lead photos and key information like price.&nbsp;Once you’ve decided which your client would prefer, click the option, and move on through to the next stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here, we highly recommend incorporating your logo into your travel marketing materials. This allows for a personal touch that clearly shows off your business to your clients. Marketing can often be a significant investment in both time and money, but with Insights, customising your flyer is a simple and cost-effective endeavour.&nbsp;Next, you’ll be asked if you’d like to customise your content. This is a brilliant way to personalise your marketing materials to a specific client, and we’d recommend adding the client’s name to the header to let them know that these choices are far from generic – in fact, they were carefully chosen by you, their go-to travel provider.&nbsp;Implementing personalisation gestures like this can have a significant impact on your relationship with potential customers, with studies showing that up to 72% of consumers prefer responding to personalised marketing messages.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, if you skipped that stage, revisit step one and customise your headings accordingly. Once you have reviewed your chosen hotels for the final time (adjusting their order or concealing costs as needed), it is time to send out your marketing materials to the client.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, there you have it! Insights’ personalisation features require minimum effort, but could bring maximum rewards.&nbsp;Take a closer look at the other valuable features of Insights as your new favourite search and recommendation tool!&nbsp;&nbsp;If you're not already one of our valued travel partners, then make sure you're taking advantage of this time-saving, booking-boosting tool by signing up for free today.

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Insights, powered by AI

Personalise your Black Friday Travel Marketing with Insights

Smart cities are an attractive target for criminals and cyber threat actors to exploit vulnerable systems to steal critical infrastructure data and proprietary information, conduct ransomware operations, or launch destructive cyberattacks.&nbsp;Smart cities may create safer, more efficient, more resilient communities through technological innovation and data-driven decision-making; however, this opportunity also introduces potential vulnerabilities that, if exploited, could impact national security, economic security, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure operations.&nbsp;With the increase in organised cybercrime globally, businesses and organisations are prioritising cybersecurity best practices to protect themselves. As a provider, it is essential to be well-informed in order to address any questions that arise from travellers.&nbsp;What is a Smart City?And how is this linked to tourist safety in-destination?&nbsp;It is important to note that there is not a universal definition or determining factor that categorises a city as 'smart' over another. The maturity of technology and infrastructure play a key role in identifying a smart city. For instance, a city with a well-established and long-standing integration of technology into its infrastructure would be considered smarter than a city with a newly implemented scheme that is just beginning.&nbsp;So when thinking about what makes a smart city, this can refer to communities or settled areas that:Integrate information and communication technology (ICT), community-wide data, and intelligent solutions in order to transform its infrastructure or optimise community decisions, in response to community needs.Connect operational technology (OT) - used in smart cities to monitor, control, and adjust any machines and systems that run a city's infrastructure including traffic lights, smart cars, and smart buildings - with digital networks and apps that collect and analyse data, like Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and cloud computing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Cybersecurity Risks in Smart CitiesWhile many risks are not unique to smart cities due to the widespread integration of technology in our daily lives, it is important to acknowledge the specific cybersecurity risks that may arise when visiting destinations known for their advanced technology. These risks should be carefully considered to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.&nbsp;Learn more about common cyber-attacks and their potential impact on travellers by exploring the information provided here.&nbsp;Data Theft, Interception and SurveillanceSmart cities collect large amounts of sensitive data, such as traffic flow, waste management, and facial recognition. This data can be used for identity theft, ransomware, and device hijacking.&nbsp;Certain countries may actively monitor and/or intercept digital communications made by travellers. This can include emails, messages, or any data which is sent via the internet.&nbsp;Privacy BreachesSmart city public safety systems that use AI-powered surveillance technologies may be susceptible to hacking, leading to privacy breaches.&nbsp;When it comes to the process that travellers can take if they do think their privacy has been breached while abroad, here are a few steps that can be taken: &nbsp;Change passwords/secure devices – depending on the breach, and if it can be mitigated this way.Report any fraudulent activity – when it comes to banking and credit, for example, initiating a ‘fraud alert’ can ensure that your customers’ account is monitored for any future fraudulent activity.Lodge a complaint – with the local data protection agency in-destination. For example, if a traveller is in the European Union (EU), the DPA of the destination they were visting is the main point of contact, even if the company in question processes data in another EU member state.Take legal action against the company or organisation – while it is required that the compromised organisation contacts those involved in a privacy or data breach, individuals can still file an action directly against a company or organisation in court if they have violated data protection rights.&nbsp;Disruption of ServicesSmart cities are constantly striving for greater efficiency, often achieving this through the automation of operations that were once manual. One key example of this is in areas like wastewater management and traffic control systems. However, it is important to note that connecting more components within a system can also lead to potential vulnerabilities, a truth that applies even within the context of smart cities.&nbsp;The integration of multiple separate infrastructure systems into a single network or digital environment increases the potential 'attack surface.' This allows cybercriminals more opportunities to infiltrate the system, exploit weak points, and move across the entire network. As a result, there can be significant disruptions across sectors or operations within the city.&nbsp;This is called a ‘disruption of services’ and when cyberattacks of this type happen, they usually involve critical services like traffic lights, power grids, and water management systems. &nbsp;&nbsp;For example, cybercriminals may be able to access a local government's Internet of Things sensor network, and from there they can move laterally to access the emergency alert systems if these two systems are interconnected.&nbsp;Or, a cybercriminal could use a distributed denial of services (DDoS) to access and overtake the parking meters within a city, if these are an Internet of Things (IoT) device, rendering them unusable, and then use this system to overtake another system within the city.&nbsp;Malware and SpywareIf travellers are connecting to unfamiliar networks, then they may be more susceptible to malware and spyware being installed without their notice. Devices can be remotely accessed via public networks, and can result in malicious software being installed which can monitor activities, access personal data or damage the device’s system. &nbsp;&nbsp;Here are some recommendations you can provide to travellers for when they’re in-destination: &nbsp;Install security software – like anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware.Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) – this encrypts user data, helping to protect users while on shared WiFi networks. &nbsp;Use public WiFi safely – avoiding activities which handle sensitive data like checking online banking or making payments. Connecting through a VPN can help!&nbsp;Use secure apps – only downloading apps from trusted sources/providers can mitigate against accidentally installing malicious software.Back up their data – to another device or to a cloud storage platform before departure.Update their software – keeping operating systems, apps and anti-virus software up to date, and avoid downloading software while away.&nbsp;Unsecure NetworksIn light of informing travellers about the dangers of malicious software, it is equally important to address the issue of unsecure networks. With the widespread use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in various cities globally, the number of unsecure networks available for user connection has risen. Therefore, it is imperative for travellers to be cautious of these potential risks.&nbsp;Public Wi-Fi networks, particularly those offered in hotels, cafes and airports, can be considered hotspots for cyber criminals. Data which is sent or transmitted via these networks can be more easily intercepted and can be potentially used to access sensitive information.&nbsp;Should a traveller not have a SIM card that allows for data roaming or pay-as-you-go data for worldwide destinations, then sometimes using public WiFi is the only choice. In these cases, travellers should use these networks sparingly, turning off their devices ‘auto-join’ function, and avoiding using public WiFi to make transactions. &nbsp;&nbsp;Supply Chain AttacksWithin a smart city, instances of software or hardware components being hacked within these interconnected are more common than in a community wherein this infrastructure is not as connected. &nbsp;&nbsp;This is often because of reliance on a third-party vendor to provide and integrate, these hardware and software elements, that connect previously separate systems. &nbsp;&nbsp;This leaves these very same components vulnerable to attack as a result of this supply chain – either intentionally developed by cybercriminals who may have access to this chain, or through poor security practices.&nbsp;This puts individuals who visit or reside in these communities at a higher risk for:- Data and intellectual property theft- System or network failure due to operational technology availability disruption&nbsp;In the event of a system being breached, cybercriminals could potentially disrupt city infrastructure, compromise or steal sensitive data from emergency service communications, surveillance technology, or utility networks responsible for gas, water, grid, or lighting services.&nbsp;Keeping Travellers Safe Before and After TravelBook their Experiences Before DepartureFor travellers who have a clear plan for their activities at the destination, or are willing to take suggestions, pre-departure booking is the perfect option.&nbsp;&nbsp;This not only guarantees a better experience for the customer by arranging all their activities at once, but also maximises your revenue.&nbsp;Booking your clients’ experiences alongside their accommodation also means that they won’t have to make these purchases in-destination, which mitigates the risk of becoming vulnerable to data interception while making payments for experiences online during their stay.&nbsp;With Hotelbeds you can choose from:250,000+ hotels and resorts in must-visit global destinations.Over 23,000 tours, activities and experiences in 170+ countries worldwide.A network of 3,500 tour operators.and more!&nbsp;Post-Departure and ReturnWhen it comes to your clients’ personal devices, here are a few tips that you can offer to travellers for them to put into action upon their return: &nbsp;Encourage travellers to check their devices for interference – running a full malware scan is advisable, as is following any steps to cleaning their devices of any suspicious software.Reset passwords – for all accounts which were accessed during their trip.Report any suspicious activity – especially when it comes to any activity on banking apps or accounts that isn’t recognised! This can be done via a travellers’ unique provider.Remain alert – if any sensitive data is compromised, this can pose a risk to travellers long after their return. Cybercriminals can use any gained information to launch targeted phishing efforts to gather more data, or access financial accounts.&nbsp;Discover more about the most common cyber-attacks here.&nbsp;Many smart cities regularly test for any security vulnerabilities on a regular basis, to help identify and resolve any potential weaknesses. This process includes routine system audits, threat modeling techniques to identify potential risks in simulated environments, and the implementation of intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect suspicious activities. These measures help to proactively address any weaknesses and maintain a secure environment.&nbsp;While cybercrime remains a prevalent threat globally, traveling to destinations with highly interconnected infrastructure can present a diverse range of risks.&nbsp;&nbsp;One effective method to minimise these risks is to avoid transferring personal information, particularly when conducting online payments during travel. This simple precaution can significantly enhance the safety of travellers and their personal information.&nbsp;Do this by booking any of their in-destination experiences prior to their departure with Hotelbeds, and offer travellers peace of mind while simultaneously increasing your revenue opportunities.&nbsp;

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cybersecurity tourist safety in smart cities hotelbeds

Cybersecurity: Tourist Safety in Smart Cities

Some sectors are more vulnerable to cyberattacks than others, and the hospitality industry is one of them.&nbsp;Due to the vast amount of personal and financial data it handles daily, combined with increasing digitalisation, cybercriminals are seizing new opportunities to attack this industry.&nbsp;This landscape demands that hotels improve their cybersecurity measures not only to protect their guests but also to safeguard their business continuity.&nbsp;This article will explore how cybersecurity is currently affecting the hospitality sector as we look forward to 2025, as well as the opinions of experts in the framework of the Cybersecurity Awareness Month.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cybersecurity Threats to the Hospitality Industry: An Overview &nbsp;Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly prominent topic—and for obvious reasons. By 2025, global cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion, a remarkable rise compared to $3 trillion in 2015, reports Cybersecurity Ventures. &nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly, 60% of hotel cyberattacks by 2025 will be caused by vulnerabilities in connected devices like point-of-sale (POS) terminals and IoT devices.&nbsp;What does this mean? Hotels will need to continuously strengthen their security measures to protect both their guests and their business, as the associated costs—especially regarding reputation loss and customer trust—could soar.&nbsp;In relation to this, Scott Patterson, CEO of The Knox Corps and an expert on cybersecurity best practices, points out that 'there are organisations that, if attacked today, would not survive tomorrow. A breach could lead to bankruptcy, and customers’ financial and confidential information could be at risk.' &nbsp;This brings us to the next section of this article.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why Is the Hospitality Industry Particularly Vulnerable to Cyberattacks?To begin with, as Christo Butcher, Global Lead for Threat Intelligence at NCC Group and Fox-IT, explains, 'the travel sector is particularly friendly, making its employees vulnerable to social engineering attacks.'&nbsp;The helpfulness of staff can become an entry point for cyberattacks. 'Additionally, cybersecurity levels in the hospitality industry are often lower than in other sectors', Butcher adds.&nbsp;Apart from these factors, there are other reasons why hotels are an attractive target for cybercriminals, including:&nbsp;Sensitive Personal Data: Hotels store large amounts of information, from passport numbers to credit card details, making this data a lucrative target.&nbsp;Multiple Entry Points: Regarding this point, Scott Patterson states that 'the many access points in this sector make it easier to become compromised. Between email communications, phone calls, third parties, partnerships, websites, and even payments, the travel industry makes itself a prime target for cybercrime.'&nbsp;Third-Party Providers: Hotels often rely on third-party service providers, whose security practices can introduce additional risks.&nbsp;Employee Turnover: The high turnover rate in the hospitality sector can create gaps in cybersecurity training. By 2025, it's estimated that 70% of hotel staff will have access to sensitive data without continuous cybersecurity training, according to the World Economic Forum.&nbsp;Interconnected Systems: The integration of property management systems (PMS) with other platforms increases complexity and attack potential.&nbsp;Considering all this, the more knowledge we have about potential attacks, the better prepared the sector will be. This principle is also supported by Paula Felstead, our Chief Tech, Data and M&amp;A Officer at Hotelbeds: 'In an increasingly interconnected world, it's essential to champion awareness and collaboration around cybersecurity, empowering everyone to not just react to threats but to proactively work together.'&nbsp;Examples of Cyberattacks on Hotels and How to Prevent ThemThere is no doubt that the hospitality industry faces many challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. This happens more often than we might think, and it’s important to talk about it to understand what new threats for hotels exist, what tactics cybercriminals are using and, most importantly, what solutions are effective.&nbsp;As Christo Butcher points out, 'While companies may be reluctant to admit they’ve been victims of cyberattacks, sharing their experiences, especially the technical details of the attacks, with trusted authorities like Fox-IT and NCC Group is crucial. Anonymous reporting helps the travel sector build stronger defences by learning from collective experiences, rather than keeping mistakes to themselves.'&nbsp;Looking ahead to 2025, here are some of the biggest challenges in the hospitality industry when it comes to cybersecurity for hotels:&nbsp;1. Social EngineeringSocial engineering exploits the hospitality sector's customer service mindset, manipulating situations to benefit cybercriminals at the expense of targeted businesses.&nbsp;Social engineering exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities.&nbsp;Email Phishing: Deceptive emails designed to steal credentials.Spear Phishing: Attacks targeting specific individuals.Voice Phishing (Vishing): Fraudulent phone calls to extract confidential information.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevention:Continuous staff training on identifying threats.Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect systems.&nbsp;2. Supply Chain AttacksThe integrations between hotel systems and external suppliers are frequently targeted in cyberattacks. A weak point in an API can compromise the entire network.&nbsp;Prevention:Active monitoring of connected endpoints.Regular updates and strict access controls for external systems.&nbsp;3. RansomwareThis type of attack involves locking down critical systems until a ransom is paid. These attacks are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, especially if adequate security solutions are not implemented.&nbsp;Prevention:Use endpoint detection software.Regular backups and staff education on safe practices.&nbsp;4. Internet of Things (IoT)The growing use of IoT devices in hotels, such as smart locks and climate control systems, increases vulnerabilities. Many IoT devices connect to the network without robust security.&nbsp;Prevention:Ensure IoT devices use secure, unique passwords.Regularly update IoT device software.Encrypt data transmitted by IoT devices. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Final ThoughtsThe cybersecurity landscape for the hospitality industry in 2025 presents significant challenges, but also opportunities for those who are prepared.&nbsp;The evolution of digital threats, especially with the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence and IoT, requires hotels to remain proactive in their defences.&nbsp;As Scott Patterson mentions, 'Before focusing on trends, focus on the basics.' With a solid strategy and a collaborative culture, the hospitality industry can successfully face cybersecurity challenges ahead. &nbsp;That’s why we encourage you to invest time and effort in learning more about the potential threats your property can face, and rely on partners committed to cybersecurity that won’t compromise your hotel, like Hotelbeds.&nbsp;As Paula Felstead points out, 'At HBX Group, we see cybersecurity as a communal obligation. We all owe it not only to our own organisations, but also to every individual and business connected to us. Every transaction made within this ecosystem reflects our duty, and over the past three years, we’ve faced emerging threats head-on by investing significantly in security. With a dedicated cybersecurity team, we’re committed to ensuring that every transaction is handled with care.' Are you interested in experiencing it first hand? Register your property today!&nbsp;Last but not least, we recommend you keep up with the latest travel trends and learn about those that will affect your property in the future. Don’t miss our articles on Wellness Travel, Experiential Travel, or Sustainable Tourism.&nbsp;

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Hotel Cybersecurity in 2025: Why your property can be a target

Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year, and it's also a key date for the travel industry. Every year, travellers know they will find great discounts for their future trips. Black Friday offers them an excellent opportunity to secure bookings for trips and experiences they may have postponed throughout the year. &nbsp;&nbsp;And how does Hotelbeds contribute to this? We satisfy this growing demand by offering the best hotels to our wide network of travel distributors.&nbsp;This is where your property comes into play. To boost hotel room sales, we are once again launching our successful Black Friday campaign, one of the most beloved among our hotel partners. &nbsp;&nbsp;Below, we’ll share all the essential details you need to know about the campaign and how you can participate to make the most of this opportunity. &nbsp;&nbsp;Black Friday Campaign at Hotelbeds: Why it’s beneficial for your property &nbsp;To begin with, offering attractive deals during these campaigns is an excellent way to attract guests who tend to stay longer, come from distant markets, and on average, spend more. &nbsp;&nbsp;Participating in our campaigns significantly increases your hotel’s visibility to over 60,000 travel distributors, including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, banking institutions, and more. &nbsp;&nbsp;How do we do it? &nbsp;We implement a wide range of promotional actions, including mass email campaigns, banner placement on our booking engine, the creation of dedicated landing pages, and promotion on social media, among other initiatives. This way, we reach a global audience eager to benefit from this highly beneficial campaign. &nbsp;&nbsp;Need more reasons to join? Last year, hotels that took part in our Black Friday campaign enjoyed an average 50% increase in bookings compared to non-participating hotels.&nbsp;All the details about Black Friday for hoteliersHere are all the key details to help you join and make the most of Hotelbeds' Black Friday campaign: &nbsp;&nbsp;The booking window for travel distributors will be from 20th November to 3rd December 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;As for the travel window, customers will be able to travel between 20th November 2024 and 31st July 2025. &nbsp;&nbsp;If your property is already registered with Hotelbeds, you will receive detailed information via email about this and other great campaign opportunities available over the coming months, as well as the steps to follow to participate. &nbsp;&nbsp;If you haven’t registered yet, now is the right time to maximise your partnership with us from the beginning. We recommend joining as soon as possible by completing this brief form. Once completed, we will contact you to guide you through the onboarding process, so you can start distributing your rooms as soon as possible. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Black Friday campaign is one of our key global initiatives, but it’s not the only one. As a Hotelbeds partner, each quarter we will inform you about available global and regional campaigns, as well as the conditions required to participate. On average, hotels that join our campaigns gain a significant competitive advantage over other similar properties in their area that don't participate. It's a fantastic opportunity to stand out! &nbsp;

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