Top News

💸 Booking.com updates its General Terms and Conditions (CGP), effective December 2, 2024, removing parity rate clauses and introducing new clauses 2.5.1 and 2.1.6, affecting incentives and equitable access to lodging types and rates. If users continue with Booking post-December 2, they accept the new CGP; otherwise, they can terminate their contract within 15 calendar days. Amidst these changes, Booking plans to lay off 700-1600 employees (4-8% of its workforce) to save $200-400 million annually, reallocating funds to customer acquisition and advertising in Europe. Booking confirmed compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to the European Commission on November 13, 2024, after being designated an "access controller" on May 13, 2024.

✈ Kayak introduced a new feature for greater transparency on flight ticket prices, allowing users to easily compare baggage fees and change fees. Users can now see an overview of the ticket price, including baggage allowance, modification fees, or seat selection. Matthias Keller, Chief Product Officer at Kayak, aims to simplify the search experience and enable faster, more informed decisions. The feature is currently available to users on computers in France, with more markets to follow. Competitors like Expedia offer similar functionality, whereas Skyscanner only displays baggage and change policy without additional costs.

🏖️ A new online booking platform dedicated to Corsica is set to launch in 2025, targeting to boost tourism and the island's economy after a mixed summer season in 2024. Revealed on October 21 in Bastia by the UMIH and the CCI of Corsica, the platform will offer package deals and local experiences, aiming to attract visitors year-round. Supported by partners like EasyJet, it challenges established OTAs with a focus on Corsican identity and culture.

🏨 Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, founder of Meliá Hotels International, passed away on a Tuesday. Starting his venture in 1956 at 21, he grew a small family business into a leading international hotel chain with presence in over 40 countries. The first overseas hotel, Meliá Bali, opened in Indonesia in 1985, marking the start of international expansion. Meliá is now among the top 20 global hotel groups, with a pioneering portfolio representing the Marca España across five continents.

🏖️ McKinsey & Company study reveals growing demand for travel experiences influencing destination choice, with nearly half of activity bookings still offline. Travel experience market valued at $1 trillion; issues include low margins for distribution platforms, disorganized databases, and lack of personalization. Solutions suggest provider support and reduced commissions (20-30% average) to bolster digitalization.

🏦 Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and EHL Hospitality Business School have entered a long-term partnership focused on professional training, enhancing the hospitality sector's appeal, creating internship opportunities, and developing career plans to retain talent. Through continuous education, Monte-Carlo SBM employees will access EHL's high-level instructional methods combining practical activities and theoretical courses with digital support. EHL students will gain operational and managerial skills via internships and projects within Monte-Carlo SBM establishments. This initiative is part of the "We are Monte-Carlo" employer brand strategy led by HR Director Sophie Vincent, aiming to attract and retain high-quality talent.

🏠 Six Senses Wellness Pioneer, nearing 30 years in operation, predicts wellness trends for 2025 as 2024 ends. Catering to guests at its 27 global locations, the company offers a wide array of treatments for mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Anna Bjurstam, with over 25 years of experience, leads Six Senses' wellness program, providing a unique healing approach to holistic well-being.

💰 A 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a profit increase of 25% to 95%. Customer loyalty strategies involve offering personalized experiences, collecting customer feedback, and responding to all reviews. Tools include satisfaction surveys, loyalty programs, and using platforms like Guest Suite for online reputation management. Sources: Bain & Company, Vertone, Hubspot, Invesp.

🏆 Cannes awarded “World's Leading Festival and Event Destination” for the third time on November 24, 2024, at the World Travel Awards in Funchal, Madeira. Hotel visits in Cannes increased by 4% from May to September 2024 compared to 2023. The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès generated over €1 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits. Previously won “Best European Destination for Festivals and Events” four times from 2021 to 2024.

🛏 Bikube, a subsidiary of Vinci Immobilier, launched its first hybrid coliving space in the Sans Souci district of Lyon, blending residential and hotel amenities. Catering to young professionals and travelers, Bikube offers a mix of private apartments from studios to 3-bedroom units, communal areas, a bar-restaurant, coworking space, and inclusive hotel services with stays ranging from one night to several months. The brand expands on Vinci's experience with student residences through its Student Factory arm.