TODAY: Airbnb evaluated: Friend or Threat?, Market Pulse: Bangkok, Thailand and Another Move By OTAs That Is Harmful To Hotel Profitability - What You Need To Know.

Airbnb evaluated: Friend or Threat?
Wednesday, 22nd August 2018

Home rental sites such as Airbnb do not yet represent a threat to Singapore’s budget hotel operators, although the market is under considerable pressure from new entrants.

However recent findings suggest that the threat posed by the rapidly growing home rental market could intensify unless the government introduces regulations to 'level the playing field' in the near future >>

China and beyond happenings
22 Aug 2018 : Huazhu acquired more than 71% shares of Blossom Hill for RMB 463 million, OYO signed 400 hotels and 25,000 rooms in China last month alone and travel service firm KLOOK raised $200 million >>

Market Pulse: Bangkok, Thailand
22 Aug 2018 : Bangkok attracts international and regional markets through a combination of cultural charm and modern shopping centres, appealing to a wide range of travellers. The following article gives a brief overview of Bangkok, its different sub-markets, its tourism industry, and the recent dynamics of the local lodging market >>

Unplugged Collection receives top scores at Software Search review
22 Aug 2018 : Unplugged Collection, the cloud-based Hotel Management Software (HMS) of choice for the boutique segment and unique, independent hotels/companies is pleased to announce that it has received top scores in reviews at leading Software Search giant, Capterra >>

HIGHLIGHT ARTICLE

Another Move By OTAs That Is Harmful To Hotel Profitability - What You Need To Know
Wednesday, 22nd August 2018

Background: Two recent events in hotel distribution created a mild media buzz, but unfortunately were ignored by some hoteliers and quickly forgotten by the industry: Expedia’s Add-On Advantage and Booking.basic.

Below we will discuss the issues with these two new initiatives by Expedia and Booking.com, reminiscent of the old Wild West times of hotel distribution and the early years of unruly OTAs, before rate parity and best rate guarantees. Both OTA initiatives use package or wholesale rates in clear violation of package and wholesale rates contract terms >>

What Does The #1 Hotel In The World Know About Hotel Marketing?
One way great hotels can get even better is to learn from the best: In this case, we’re proud to be talking about our client, Nihi Sumba, an island resort that has earned the distinction of being the best hotel in the world according to Travel + Leisure readers >>

Six Ways To Out-Convenience Your Competition – And Maybe an Entire Industry
Today, customers expect more, they know what good service looks like and they expect it. And, they not only compare you just to your direct competitor, but to the best service they have ever received – from anyone. Delivering an expected level of service is now the baseline, and you have to find a way to differentiate yourself from the competition – because they are also trying to out-service you >>