Restaurant And Hospitality News – September 28, 2015
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
Study Finds Travel Agents Reporting Record Use of GDS
A new TravelClick study has found that travel agents are reporting record use of Global Distribution Systems (GDS) to make hotel reservations. The survey polled more than 900 travel agents across 48 countries. Of those global travel agents surveyed, 51 percent said that they are using the GDS more often than they have in the past two years, and 29 percent said that they used GDS shopping displays more often now, and 65 percent said that they are aware of GDS promotional text messages. Further, over half of agents said that they will book away from hotels that do not offer best rates within GDS. “Travel agents around the world are increasingly utilizing the GDS for hotel research and reservations,” said John Hach, senior industry analyst, TravelClick. “This study correlates with our business intelligence projections that 2015 will be a record year for GDS hotel bookings. The growth reinforces the importance for hoteliers to pay extra attention to the GDS, especially as it is one of the highest average daily rate channels for maximizing revenue per available room (RevPAR).” TravelClick is a global provider of innovative cloud-based solutions that enable hotels to grow revenue. They partnered with market research firm Phoenix Marketing International to conduct the research. “This year’s study is the most comprehensive to date, and travel agents were universal in their support for GDS rate parity and offering best available rate options to corporate travelers with negotiated rates,” added Hach.
New York City Ban On Plastic Ban Overturned
The ban on the use of plastic foam containers and polystyrene loose packaging products in New York City, which went into effect on July 1, has been struck down by a New York State Supreme Court judge. Justice Margaret Chan overturned the ban based on evidence that polystyrene can be effectively recycled, according to the Nation’s Restaurant News. “The Commissioner’s concern is not justified given abundant evidence showing a viable and growing market for not just clean EPS (expanded polystyrene foam) but post-consumer EPS material,” Chan wrote in her decision. The move also is big news for quick-service and other restaurant owners. The original ban, announced in January, included a delay in enforcement, as well as provisions allowing non-profit organizations and businesses with less than $500,000 in annual revenue to apply for hardship exemptions. The City has indicated that it will be appealing the ruling. Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, told NRN in an e-mail: “The judge’s ruling is welcome to those who argued that banning low-cost foam packaging wasn't needed because there is the ability to effectively recycle it so it doesn't end up in landfills.”
Expedia Unveils New App For Hoteliers
A new PartnerCentral app from Expedia allows hoteliers to manage bookings through the OTA, receive real-time alerts and interact with guests. The mobile app is designed to allow hoteliers to manage business on Expedia anytime, anywhere, to meet today’s competitive marketplace. The new app allows access to real-time booking information and notifications; includes a new Activity Feed that provides real-time alerts and event insights; lets hoteliers view and respond to guest feedback; includes seamless fingerprint log in on devices that support Touch ID; allows them to create, optimize, and renew promotions to target and attract specific travelers on Expedia; and includes MarketWatch and Sell Tonight features. The mobile app was built with hoteliers from across the world in mind- at every property type and size," continued Jolin. "Take a small B&B managed solely by a busy couple who rarely have time to sit down in front of their computer; they can now receive booking notifications directly on their phone. Or the San Francisco independent hotelier that uses the app while commuting on the BART to load a last minute promotion. Or a General Manager who is able to respond immediately to feedback from his guests to ensure they have the best possible experience at his property. This level of interaction with the Expedia marketplace is unprecedented." The free app is available for download in the U.S, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, and requires an iPhone running iOS 7u or higher or Android running OS 4.0.3 or higher. Global rollout is anticipated through early 2016.