Online sales have changed the face of hotel distribution, according to PhoCusWright…
Online sales have changed the face of hotel distribution, according to PhoCusWright. According to their report From Property to Screen: Managing Online Hotel & Lodging Distribution, while 46% of US hotel sales will be sold through the hotel call centre in 2004, that figure will decline to 36% by 2006. At the same time, online sales will grow to nearly one-third of all hotel sales.
PhoCusWright believes that sales for both online travel agencies (such as Expedia and Travelocity) and hotel-branded Web sites will continue to grow, with the two channels battling for market share. While hotels are enjoying increased control over their properties, as well as higher occupancy rates, third-party sites offer compelling sales and shopping options, and will continue to represent the greater share of Web hotel bookings. The report projects that online travel agencies will represent 54% of the market in 2006.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
