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DirectBooker, a startup backed by former Tripadvisor CEO Steve Kaufer and ex-Google Travel head Richard Holden, wants to feed hotel listings directly into AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini — challenging the role of online travel agencies like Booking.com. Sanjay Vakil said that the default behavior will be to have the OTAs win again. “I would like to prevent that outcome. It’s going take more than just three people to achieve that goal, so we are looking to expand a bit. Vakil previously held product management leadership roles with Google Travel and Tripadvisor. DirectBooker’s other co-founders are Chief Product Officer…
Prices are not all created equal. Not all intermediaries are equally responsible for eroding the integrity of hotel rates. That’s the key takeaway from the latest edition of the World Parity Monitor (WPM) by 123Compare.me, which introduces a new behavioral segmentation model to help hoteliers identify the true drivers of parity loss — and respond strategically. Drawing on pricing activity data from 188 OTAs and metasearch engines in June, the report analyzes how often — and how aggressively — each intermediary undercuts the direct hotel booking channel. And whether they act alone or as part of broader price war dynamics – to understand which channel actually triggers price damage “Undercutting by itself…
Packing for a Weekend? camping trip, a backyard barbecue, or a long day at the beach, a cooler with wheels can make your life a lot easier compared to one you have to pick up and lug—especially when it’s full of heavy ice, drinks, and food. I’ve been experimenting for years with coolers on wheels to take camping. beach days, and parties in my own backyard, I’ve learned that not all wheeled models deliver on their promises—these do. Each cooler in this list was tested for performance, durability and maneuverability on road trips throughout the country. The best models kept…
Whereas we love a superb pair of absolutely cushioned walking shoes, barefoot sneakers have been seeing elevated curiosity from people leaning extra into the minimalist sneakers pattern. These sneakers have minimal cushion and infrequently a zero-drop heel-to-toe construct, which might help encourage a extra pure stride whereas sustaining some help and safety from the bottom. I sometimes lean towards moderate-to-full cushion sneakers, however I really like a superb pair of barefoot sneakers to assist hold my ft sturdy and enhance my floor contact. Research have proven that sporting barefoot sneakers might help strengthen your ft and ankles, which improves management,…
Newport Hospitality Group announces with pride the addition of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Columbia Northwest/Harbison Located at the same address as its managed hotels. The hotel is located at 438 Columbiana DriveThis 99-suite extended stay property officially joined Newport on June 26, 2025. Fenil Desai owns it, and this is his first Marriott investment. The addition of this property strengthens Newport’s operations in Columbia where it has consistently delivered performance for the past 19 years. The company now has three properties managed in the market.• TownePlace Suites Columbia Northwest/Harbison• Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison Next door (directly)• TownePlace Suites Columbia…
Central American resorts seem to begin with a huge exhale. The region’s natural beauty, hospitality, and laid-back pace are all factors that make shoulders relax, stress disappear, and the body feel relaxed. For Travel + Leisure It’s hard to match the quiet luxury of hotels in Costa RicaNicaragua, Belize and Honduras are able to capitalize on the pristine waters of their countries in ever more compelling ways. How voting works Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands,…
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. summer travel season It’s still summer, but soon fall will be here. That means now’s the time to plan ahead for Labor Day weekend trips—while hotels and Airbnbs are still available and you have ample time to pick the perfect destination. You can find a great deal on a vacation for your entire family, or you may be looking to save money. family If you’re looking to spend the long weekend with your partner on a beach vacation, there are many great places to go around the globe. The…
New Orleans is a city that’s enticing to just stroll around. neighborhoods The historic aesthetics and architecture of the French Quarter, or Garden District will wash over you. Once you’ve taken it all in, however, it’s important to dig deeper into the colorful wrought iron balconies, and ebullient street brass bands. The National World War II Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art and Mardi Gras World offer world-class museums. For more local insights, visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum or Mardi Gras World. Must-see music venues—with a heavy skew to traditional jazz—abound, with food and drink, the other life bloods…
Indian Hotels Company Limited reported a profit in the first quarter of the year, despite the disruptions to international flights and the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and conflict with Pakistan. The pace of the expansion was impressive: IHCL has signed new hotels, acquired other properties, and is focusing on event-driven and spiritual tourism. IHCL has opened six hotels in the last quarter. The company now has 249 hotels under its management, with 143 more on the way. We are approaching the 400-plus hotel milestone. Puneet Chadwal, CEO of the company, is confident that this milestone will be achieved…
Sidecar, a new lounge in the style of a speakeasy, will open at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport’s Harry Reid International Airport by 2026. The lounge will serve curated snacks and drinks to short-stay travelers. You can be an American Express Cardholders, you are about to enjoy a more delightful lounge experience. Flying through the airport Las Vegas will soon have a stylish new spot to unwind, as American Express plans to open Sidecar—a speakeasy-style lounge at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)—in 2026. American Express, the only credit card company with two lounges located at LAS, will open Sidecar…