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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 4, 2025
For years, online travel agencies (OTAs) have dominated the hotel booking industry, controlling pricing, customer data, and charging commissions as high as 40%. However, hotels are now reducing their reliance on OTAs and embracing direct distribution channels to regain control and build stronger guest relationships.
With the rise of new technology, evolving consumer behavior, and regulatory shifts, the hospitality industry is set to redefine its distribution model. The future of hotel bookings lies in a balanced, guest-centric approach that prioritizes direct bookings, personalization, and innovation.
Key Industry Shifts
Healthier Channel Mix
Rising OTA commissions have made direct bookings a priority.
By 2030, direct digital bookings are expected to surpass OTAs, generating over $400 billion in revenue.
Personalization & Differentiation
Travelers are seeking more customized experiences, shifting focus from generic stays to experiential travel.
AI and data analytics are enabling hyper-personalized guest journeys and targeted marketing.
Loyalty programs are evolving beyond traditional point systems to offer personalized rewards based on guest preferences.
Customer-First Approach
OTAs often prioritize hotels that pay higher commissions, which limits true consumer choice.
Regulatory measures like the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) are pushing for fairer distribution ecosystems by promoting transparency and competition.
End of Rate Parity Clauses
Legal rulings, including the EU Court of Justice decision, now allow hotels to set their own rates.
Hotels must invest in direct booking strategies using advanced pricing models and competitive technology.
Rise of Mobile Bookings
Over 50% of hotel bookings now come from mobile devices, making mobile-first design a necessity.
Previously, only OTAs and major hotel chains leveraged mobile apps, but new disruptive platforms are emerging to bridge this gap.
AI’s Role in Hotel Distribution
AI-powered tools such as chatbots, price optimization software, and personalized marketing solutions are driving direct bookings.
AI-driven platforms like D3X.ai and Allora.ai are already transforming the industry with intelligent booking systems and automated guest engagement.
The Future of Hotel Distribution
With hotels regaining control over pricing, data, and guest relationships, the industry is moving toward a more transparent, guest-friendly ecosystem. Direct booking strategies, AI-driven personalization, and mobile-first innovations will define the future of hotel distribution, ensuring a more sustainable and competitive marketplace.
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By Hariharan U
Published on December 3, 2025
Festive travel in India often comes with excitement and rising airfares. With families planning reunions, quick getaways and year-end breaks, booking flights can get expensive as the season gets closer. Thankfully, several travel platforms are offering attractive festive deals, cashback options and flash discounts to make the journey easier on your budget.
Whether you’re travelling home for Diwali, planning a winter break or exploring new destinations, the right booking platform can help you find pocket-friendly fares. Here are five trusted websites offering some of the best festive flight deals this year.
1. WegoWego is known for its simple interface and real-time fare comparisons across airlines and travel portals. This festive season, it’s rolling out app-only offers, special discounts and fare alerts to help you catch the lowest prices. For domestic and international trips, Wego ensures you never miss a good deal.
2. MakeMyTripMakeMyTrip’s festive offers are popular among Indian travellers, featuring cashback on select credit cards, wallet discounts and coupon codes. Their seasonal “Festive Sale” usually includes flash deals and savings on round-trip bookings, helping you book smarter during peak travel time.
3. SkyscannerSkyscanner helps you track price drops and find the cheapest days to travel with its smart algorithms. This season, the platform is highlighting budget airline offers and multi-city flight options — ideal for travellers planning long festive breaks or visiting multiple destinations.
4. CleartripCleartrip is offering attractive festive-season savings through its partnerships with major banks like HDFC, ICICI and Axis. With extra discounts on select card payments and the Cleartrip Rewards program that lets you earn and redeem points, it makes festive travel more affordable.
5. IxigoIxigo continues to gain popularity for its AI-powered fare alerts and Ixigo Money cashback. This festive season, it’s offering limited-time deals on domestic routes and bonus rewards for app bookings, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.
With these platforms stepping up with smart tools and festive offers, planning your holiday travel becomes easier, faster and more affordable.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach marked the beginning of the festive season with the unveiling and lighting of its Sustainable Christmas Tree, a thoughtful tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage and the hotel’s commitment to conscious hospitality. The ceremony welcomed guests, dignitaries and members of the media, creating a warm start to a joyful and meaningful Christmas season.
This year’s Christmas tree stands out for its sustainable design. Every element has been selected to honour local artisans, represent regional traditions and promote eco-friendly living. The installation blends culture, craftsmanship and responsibility, reflecting the hotel’s dedication to mindful celebrations.
Speaking about the initiative, Ms Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “Our Sustainable Christmas Tree is not just a festive centrepiece, it is a meaningful tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s artisans, a celebration of conscious craftsmanship, and a reflection of our commitment to honouring local traditions in a responsible way. At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we take pride in championing initiatives that celebrate our community while promoting mindful hospitality.”
The tree features responsibly sourced Araku bamboo that represents purity and green living, handwoven Mangalagiri sarees that bring colour and elegance, and traditional toys from Ettikoppaka and Kondapalli that celebrate the state’s artistic heritage. Together, these elements highlight the region’s rich culture while supporting local craftspeople.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach looks forward to welcoming guests throughout the season to enjoy Christmas celebrations that are joyful, conscious and deeply connected to the community.
The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal has introduced its newest wellness experience, Swasthya Retreat, with an exclusive preview event hosted at The LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru. The gathering brought together wellness advocates, travel industry guests, and media friends for an early look at a programme that aims to redefine India’s holistic wellness landscape.
Located between the peaceful Nombili River and the Arabian Sea, The LaLiT Bekal is known as one of India’s most serene hideaways. With the arrival of Swasthya Retreat, the resort adds a new dimension to its offerings, where luxury blends with purpose to create a personalised journey of balance, healing, and renewal.
Inspired by the Sanskrit concept of “Swasthya,” meaning a natural state of well-being, the retreat focuses on harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. Created in collaboration with Spiceology, it features six signature programmes: Panchakarma Detox, Pain & Joint Care, Weight Management, Anti-Ageing & Rejuvenation, Geriatric Care, and De-Stress & Burnout Recovery.
Each retreat is designed by experienced Ayurvedic physicians and yoga practitioners. Guests experience personalised therapies, sattvik cuisine, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle guidance. The programme also supports long-term well-being through pre-arrival consultations and post-retreat follow-ups to help guests continue their wellness journey even after their stay.
The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal offers a setting where nature and comfort flow together. Spread across lush green landscapes, the resort features 38 luxury suites with private jacuzzis and lagoon views, along with a 20,000 sq. ft. Ayurvedic Spa that houses 11 treatment rooms. Days unfold in a calming rhythm of sunrise yoga, Ayurvedic rituals, fresh local meals, and quiet moments by the backwaters.
Swasthya Retreat is also a reflection of The LaLiT’s commitment to conscious living. The programme emphasises sustainability, inclusivity, and a deep respect for local culture, with initiatives such as farm-to-table ingredients, zero-waste kitchens, and support for regional craftsmanship.
Set across 26 acres of greenery, The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal continues to celebrate India’s heritage, art, and holistic living. With its Kerala-inspired architecture and its strong connection to the land and community, the resort brings together mindful luxury and meaningful experiences.
For reservations and enquiries, visit www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-bekal or email - resvbekal@thelalit.com & spiceology.bekal@thelalit.com
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