Revenue Management & Channel Opt

Not long ago, trade shows were the B2B equivalent of an annual shopping mall—where buyers and sellers met, shook hands, and struck deals. But in a world where technology and new product research happen online, do we still need trade shows?

The hotel tech landscape is changing, with more ’All-in-One’ platforms promising simplicity. However, these often trade depth for breadth, limiting flexibility and innovation. So, how should hotels decide between an All-in-One platform and Best-in-Class solutions?

In today’s hyper-connected world, the hospitality industry is undergoing a quiet revolution—one where artificial intelligence is not just a buzzword, but a strategic ally in crafting stellar reputations. Imagine a scenario where guest sentiments are decoded in real time, where predictive insights steer your next big marketing move, and where automated responses transform potential crises into opportunities for exceptional service. Welcome to the AI renaissance in hospitality!

In 2024 Expedia spent on marketing $6.8 billion, which represents 49.6% of revenue, while Booking Holdings spent $7.3 billion which was 31% of revenue. These two mega OTAs spent on marketing a total of $14.1 billion. In total, last year the two mega OTAs spent on marketing $14.1 billion

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining business landscapes, one fundamental truth remains unchanged: brand is everything.

With so much to worry and wonder about these days, the widely publicized, albeit imagined scenario that sees artificial intelligence one day becoming so darn smart that it destroys all of humanity is probably not top-of-mind for most wellness seekers. Instead, those in the know should be contemplating the many ways that AI has turned the page to a new chapter of personal health management, and how they can take advantage of technological advancements to reach their desired state of wellbeing.

Last year in February I published an article “The law of unintended - or is it intended? - consequences coming to a restaurant near you,” in which I argued that the new California law taking effect in April 2024, requiring fast-food chain restaurants to start paying a minimum of $20 an hour ($41,760 a year plus benefits), would affect adversely both consumers and restaurateurs alike:

Truly, there’s no place like Rome. The Eternal City is forever a delight to visit for work or for pleasure. Over the past five years, the Italian capital has gone through a hospitality renaissance, with incredible hotels opening (or reopening) throughout its ancient center. This has forced every market participant to step up their game.

Guest loyalty isn’t built on points alone—it’s built on moments. It’s the warm welcome at check-in, the server who remembers a guest’s favorite drink, or the housekeeper who goes the extra mile to personalize a stay. In today’s hospitality landscape, where options are endless and travelers expect more than just a place to sleep, creating meaningful connections is what sets a hotel apart.

The 7th annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) conference took place on-site at EHL Hospitality Business School on February 4, 2025. The theme for this event was the inclusion of many versions of partnerships in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that contribute to student success. The partnerships could be faculty-student, faculty-faculty, or faculty-technology. As no man (or woman) is an island, working together is key. SoTL seemed like the ideal venue for discussing how HEI stakeholders can encourage partnerships that would improve engagement, motivation, and, potentially, academic results.