Skift’s podcast on April 25 covered a range of topics related to the business of travel. Skift Research conducted an analysis of over 20,000 hotel listings on Google to determine which online travel agencies and direct sites are competing for bookings. The analysis found that Booking.com is the dominant brand across Google’s sponsored results, while Expedia.com is investing heavily in ad dollars to secure top placement, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa regions. Despite this, Google tends to prioritize direct sites over OTAs, even if they are not offering the lowest prices.
The Biden administration has introduced new rules aimed at addressing junk fees imposed by airlines. These rules require airlines to disclose fees such as checked baggage, carry-ons, and reservation changes upfront, both to customers and third-party sites. Additionally, airlines will be mandated to provide automatic cash refunds in cases of significant flight disruptions and delays in checked baggage. This move is intended to streamline the refund process and make it easier for consumers to receive their money back in such circumstances.
Hyatt has announced an expansion of its loyalty program by allowing members to book stays at approximately 700 properties vetted by booking site Mr & Mrs Smith, which Hyatt acquired last year. This enables loyalty members to earn and redeem points at a wider range of properties across about 20 additional countries. Stays at Mr & Mrs Smith properties will accrue points in the same way as stays at Hyatt properties, providing members with more options for utilizing their loyalty benefits and rewards.
In terms of hotel bookings on Google, Booking.com and Expedia.com are leading the competition for placement in the search engine’s sponsored results. While Booking.com is the most frequently featured brand across regions, Expedia.com is focusing on investing in ad dollars, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa regions. Google tends to prioritize direct booking sites over OTAs in its results, even if the direct sites are not offering the lowest prices. This dynamic reflects the ongoing battle for visibility and bookings in the online travel space.
The Biden administration’s new rules for airlines regarding junk fees aim to make pricing transparency a higher priority for carriers. By requiring airlines to disclose fees upfront, customers will have a clearer understanding of the total cost of their tickets. Additionally, the rules mandate automatic cash refunds in cases of significant flight disruptions and baggage delays. This is designed to simplify the refund process for consumers, ensuring that they receive timely compensation for inconveniences experienced during their travels.
Hyatt’s partnership with Mr & Mrs Smith allows loyalty program members to access a wider range of properties for earning and redeeming points. With approximately 700 Mr & Mrs Smith properties now included in the program, members can enjoy benefits at more locations across various countries. Stays at these properties will contribute to members’ points balance in the same way as stays at Hyatt properties, providing them with added flexibility and options for utilizing their loyalty rewards. This expansion enhances the value of Hyatt’s loyalty program for its members, offering them more opportunities to earn and redeem points at diverse properties.
