Top News

📝 Tourism businesses should utilize customer review platforms like TripAdvisor and Verified Reviews, and create a 'Google My Business' profile for easy collection of reviews and improved search engine ranking. Social media, particularly Facebook's Reviews feature, is essential in a competitive, influence-driven market. Online reputation management is key, with social listening tools and AI like Fullwhere's innovative solutions aiding in monitoring and responding to customer feedback. Responding to negative comments with a professional demeanor can turn potentially damaging situations into positive outcomes. Encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences can attract more customers, and fraudulent reviews should be reported and dealt with using specialized analysis tools.

⚡ 🌐 Google launches a test in Belgium, affecting online travel search results following the Digital Market Act (DMA) application in Europe. The test reintroduces the "10 blue links" display method for search results, reminiscent of early 2000 web navigation. This change, considered a potential self-sabotage or demonstration of DMA's flawed aspects by some, could significantly impact user experience and visibility for tourism professionals. The test also includes Germany and Estonia and removes features like maps and hotel results, reverting to a basic list of links, mainly OTAs. The test aims to address Google's dominance and could lead to a 30% decrease in direct booking clicks for hotels, as emphasized by Accor's CEO Sébastien Bazin. The European Union, which has been scrutinizing Google's compliance with DMA, awaits the outcomes of this demonstration, which may not lead to a peaceful resolution.

🌏 Relais & Châteaux partners with UNESCO to promote sustainable development with "12 commitments in harmony with living". Goals include preserving hospitality traditions, world cuisines, protecting biodiversity, and fostering a more humane world. The partnership emerges against the backdrop of 1 million species facing extinction. 580 member houses across 65 countries engage daily with diverse communities and nature, highlighting the interconnection between food, health, and the environment. Pilot projects will be implemented by Relais & Châteaux members and UNESCO Sites.

🏠 Stéphane Courbit's Lov Group acquired its 13th property, the 19-key Samovar in Val d’Isère, previously owned by the Machet family. The purchase was planned since at least September, as evidenced by the creation of a single-shareholder company (SASU) named SAMOVAR IMMO on September 12, 2024, with the purpose of acquiring the establishment. Lov Group Invest, with a capital of €209,302,868.59 and headquartered in Paris, is presided over by Anne-Laure Ollagnon.

🏢 CDS Groupe acquires SIAP, Italy's top ERP solutions provider for business travel agencies (TMCs), adding 90 employees for a total of 450 across France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Croatia, and Romania. SIAP, with 40+ years in software, retains autonomy and targets €1 billion annual hotel bookings within three years. CDS Groupe, led by S4BT (Solutions for Business Travel), now encompasses CDS, CRC (Corporate Rates Club), Goelett, and SIAP. Acquisition announced on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

💸 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.