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📅 In an analysis by D-EDGE, it's reported that Global Distribution Systems (GDS) are strategic for hotels, particularly for business travel, but remain underutilized. GDS bookings in hospitality grew 54% from January to May in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The average daily rate (ADR) through GDS is €179, outperforming OTA's €124 to €168, with a lower cancellation rate of 4.6% versus Booking Holdings’ 37.2%. Distribution costs for GDS range between 18%-20%, lower than OTA's and Wholesalers' 20%-40%. "Bleisure" travel, mixing business with leisure, is projected to grow 19.5% annually to $4.2 trillion by 2034.

🏨 Iwona Thomas, owner of Hôtel Liberata & Spa in Île Rousse, Corsica, partners with HotelPartner since May 2024. The hotel experienced a record occupancy of 100% in August, and a steady Booking.com rating of 9.2. Revenue per available room (RevPar) increased by +11% in June, +24% in July, +13% in August, and +17% in September 2024 compared to 2023. After partnering with HotelPartner, occupancy rates rose from 75% (June-September 2023) to 92% in the same period in 2024. New room categories and pricing strategies were introduced, leading to a diversification of clientele and a significant rise in revenue.

🏦 The iconic Peacock Alley bar concept arrives in France, located at Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace. Originating from New York's original Waldorf Astoria Hotel, founded by William Waldorf Astor in 1893, and expanded by John Jacob Astor IV in 1897 via a 91-meter marble promenade, Peacock Alley blends elegance and modernity in gastronomy and mixology. Waldorf Astoria moved to Park Avenue in 1931 and remains a New York landmark.

🏠 Hôtels & Préférence releases its 2024-2025 annual guide featuring 100 spa hotels, 10 golf destinations, charming hotels, and 25 distinguished gastronomic tables by Gault&Millau, the Michelin Guide, or Kitchen Génération. The guide showcases 20 new properties, is available in 60,000 copies, and is presented in 10,500 rooms across 150 global establishments. The guide has won "Best International Hotel Guide" at the Hospitality Awards twice.

🏡 Laurent Kleitman, appointed General Director one year ago, leads the acceleration of development for the Mandarin Oriental group, focusing on luxury experience investments for guests. The group aims to double its portfolio in the next decade, targeting expansion in major capitals, the Middle East, Japan, and North America, while maintaining unmatched quality and service. They have initiated this new chapter with their 15,000 employees and partners, under the motto 'Fans of the Exceptional, Every Day, Everywhere'.

🎮 BIG event by BPI France highlighted virtual and immersive tourism experiences. Naïma Aidi, a researcher from Gustave Eiffel University, described a hybridization of tourism, emphasizing supplementing rather than replacing traditional tourism. Dreamcities, founded by Jérôme Duval, plans to launch a virtual travel solution in early 2025, targeting diverse audiences, including those with disabilities and limited finances. Bruno de Sa Moreira, CEO of Histovery, focuses on interactive 3D experiences for museums, emphasizing affordable and easy-to-use technology. Naïma Aidi views virtual tourism as a differentiator in a competitive market, with developed countries benefiting more. Frédérique Rousseau, innovation director at Atout France, sees immersive experiences as a lobbying tool, aiding in sustainable tourism and territory service through technology, including VR and data collection. Bruno de Sa Moreira notes the potential for French expertise and cultural heritage in international markets.

🍽 In 2024, social media is vital for restaurant marketing, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offering various advantages to engage audiences. Content should include appealing visuals and strategic keywords, posted during activity peaks using tools like Hootsuite. Engagement is key, responding to comments and organizing contests. Analysis tools like Facebook Insights measure post performance. Partnerships with influencers should align with brand values and their impact tracked to optimize future collaborations.

🏠 The EquipHotel trade show, organized by RX France, is set to occur from November 3 to 7, 2024, at Paris Porte de Versailles. Expecting around 1,200 exhibitors (40% international) and approximately 95,000 visitors, the event's theme is "Osons!" ("Let's Dare!"). Director Béatrice Gravier announced the collective audacity theme in response to the upcoming Olympics and industry challenges on October 9, at the Nolinski Hotel in Paris. Keynote "Hospitality: current challenges and future issues" is scheduled for November 4 with industry leaders and experts, including potential participation of Marina Ferrari, minister in charge of Tourism Economy. Other highlights include conferences on art in hospitality and spa concepts.