Building direct online sales channel in hospitality: strategy and opportunities in 2025
Over the last 25 years, hotel chains have relied on online travel agencies (OTAs) in both dynamic and nuanced ways. OTAs have become valuable distribution partners, but the arrangement was not always idyllic. It is not uniform either, as not all tourism markets and countries are using online channels in the same way (Statista, April 2024). In larger hotel companies, higher dependency on OTAs can give rise to profitability concerns that are increasingly difficult to ignore. This is especially the case in well-established hotel brands.
Regional hotel pipelines: from vision to reality
The regional hotel investment and development environment is undoubtedly dynamic, buoyed by a robust pipeline of ambitious and diverse projects. Kostas Nikolaidis, senior account manager MEA for STR, maps out the hotel projects which are collectively transforming the Middle East into a world-class tourism destination.
A new era of customer relationship management
AI-driven CRM tools and chatbots are taking customer engagement to the next level. With today’s guests demanding seamless and personalized experiences, hotels that invest in these industry disruptors will gain a competitive edge, as Lovetto Nazareth, managing director of Prism Digital, explains.
Midscale and economy: the new kids on the block
Firmly established as a hospitality investment hotspot, the GCC is now witnessing new industry trends, including growth beyond the luxury segment. These efforts to boost visitor numbers by broadening the tourism offering are already paying dividends in key regional destinations, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.
Making The Ritz-Carlton DIFC stand out with general manager Christian El Khoury
Christian El Khoury, general manager of Ritz-Carlton DIFC, has over two decades of industry experience. In an exclusive interview, he outlines the luxury hospitality landscape, as well as his plans for The Ritz-Carlton DIFC.
60 seconds with chef de cuisine Eliana Cortes of Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
Eliana Cortes, chef de cuisine at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, has a penchant for traveling, food and wine. In this interview, she shares her past and future endeavors.
Bright outlook for GCC hotel industry
Having cemented its status as a global tourist destination, the region is well placed to attract new investment for the industry, following a swift post-pandemic rebound marked by impressive visitor numbers, huge project pipelines and the introduction of business-friendly initiatives, as Kostas Nikolaidis, Middle East and Africa executive for STR, explains.
