The ups and downs of hotel direct booking  

Sidestepping a corporate hotel program can create complications for travelers.

In an effort to reduce distribution costs and capture more data about customers, some hotel chains are offering discounted rates to loyalty members who book direct. This emerging trend can cause complications for corporate travel programs and their on-the-road employees.

Some potential downsides of hotel direct booking:

  • It may encourage travelers to book outside their corporate programs, increasing costs and eroding duty of care capabilities.
  • Corporate negotiated rates can be lower than direct booking rates and often include additional amenities and benefits.
  • Hotels may limit availability of rooms booked at direct rates.

The 2017 Industry Forecast from Advito explores the growing hotel direct booking trend and offers recommendations. Experts from the business travel consultancy say travel managers can combat problematic effects of hotel direct booking by engaging and educating employees on the ups and downs.

Explain the benefits of booking hotels through the corporate program. Emphasize that traveler safety and security trump price in accommodation decisions. Encourage employees to cast a critical eye on hotel direct booking rates; the prices may not be as good as they initially seem.

Want to know more about hotel direct booking and what’s ahead for business travel? Download Advito’s 2017 Industry Forecast, and use the insights to improve your travel program. Ask your BCD Travel account manager for more information or email Advito at [email protected].

 

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