Good Morning Hospitality Airbnb’s Experience Wars, PayPal Books Hotels, OTA Distribution Shakeup
Jun 16, 2025
Jamie Lane from AirDNA graces the discussion with insights into Airbnb's controversial Experiences program, raising eyebrows over its practices of recruiting guides from rivals. The conversation shifts to PayPal's surprising entry into hotel bookings, questioning how this fintech move could reshape travel reservations. As major OTAs engage in fierce competition, they delve into Google's evolving influence on travel searches and the widening gap of loyalty among customers. This dynamic talk unpacks the fast-paced changes in the hospitality landscape.
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Shorter Booking Windows Signal Uncertainty
- Though short-term rental demand is down 2-4%, occupancy and demand in May still show strength.
- Booking windows are shrinking as travelers book later, reflecting ongoing uncertainty affecting advance planning.
Last-Minute Bookings Boost Revenue
- Michael Goldin recounted managing a hotel in Virginia where last-minute bookings nearly doubled revenue by month-end.
- This shows the significant impact of same-day and next-day reservations on hotel revenue.
Patience Beats Price Wars
- Avoid rushing to cut prices during low occupancy as it can trigger a race to the bottom.
- Practice patience in pricing to maximize revenue rather than succumbing to competitor price drops.