Quick hotel strategy tips: Must-read insights for Jan '25

Tired of newsletters that waste your time? So are we.That’s why we reimagined what a hotelier newsletter should be. The Direct Booking Digest isn’t just another email clogging your inbox—it’s your biweekly pulse on the hospitality industry. Packed with actionable insights and strategies, it’s designed to help you stay ahead in a competitive market—in the time it takes to drink your favorite warm beverage.

From keywords to conversations: Generative AI changes the game

Travelers are searching smarter, not harder. Generative AI, powered by platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s Search Generative Experience, is redefining how hotels are discovered. Instead of keyword-heavy search results, AI-driven platforms focus on delivering conversational and contextual recommendations tailored to the user.

For hoteliers, this shift isn’t just a technological development—it’s an opportunity to get ahead. Success in this new search paradigm depends on real-time pricing synchronization, up-to-date metadata, and engaging, personalized content that resonates with guests. By investing in modern Content Management System (CMS) solutions and adopting a data-first approach, you can guide travelers directly to your booking engine—bypassing Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) entirely.

Adapting to these changes ensures you’re not just visible but competitive on the platforms where travelers are increasingly making their decisions.

Read the full article

One key 2025 trend: Boosting TRevPAR

For revenue managers, one trend stands out for 2025: TRevPAR (Total Revenue Per Available Room). As Catherine Donaldson, Director of Marketing at Canary Technologies, explains, the focus is shifting toward increasing total revenue through upsells, promoting packages, and driving conversions on hotel websites. With ADR and occupancy growth slowing, these strategies are becoming critical for maintaining profitability.

Upselling extras like dining, spa treatments, and activities has never been more critical. By crafting well-designed packages and prominently displaying them on your website, you can encourage guests to spend more while enhancing their experience.

Technology, particularly AI, is your ally here. By automating routine tasks, you can free up time to focus on creating irresistible offers. Collaboration between revenue and marketing teams is key to making these efforts seamless and successful.

Read the full article

Personalization that works: Data for guest empowerment

Travel data is undergoing a "paradigm shift," as Filip Filipov, COO at OAG, explains. AI agents hold significant promise for transforming customer journeys, but Filipov emphasizes that success lies in solving real customer problems, not just capitalizing on hype. Younger generations, like Gen Z, are increasingly drawn to hyper-personalized, data-driven experiences, but there’s a fine line between helpful and “creepy.”

At Triptease, we share Filipov’s belief that personalization is critical, but guest empowerment must always come first. Technology should enhance the guest journey by building trust and showing engaging, relevant content—not overshadowing it. Thoughtful implementation of AI can unlock transformative guest experiences, but only when it addresses genuine pain points and adds real value. By focusing on solutions that resonate with guests, hoteliers can create stronger connections while staying ahead of evolving expectations.

Watch the full interview

Get insights delivered to your inbox

Every two weeks, the Direct Booking Digest brings you the latest trends, expert opinions, and actionable strategies to drive direct bookings and stay ahead of the competition. 

Sign up using the quick form below: