Rising OTA Commissions Push Hotels Toward Direct Bookings

Rising OTA Commissions Push Hotels Toward Direct Bookings

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.


Bhumika Realty Onboards Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh as Brand Ambassadors

Bhumika Realty Onboards Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh as Brand Ambassadors

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

Strengthening its brand presence and market positioning, Bhumika Realty has announced the onboarding of Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh as its official brand ambassadors.

The association comes as part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance brand credibility while expanding its footprint across North India’s key real estate markets. It reflects Bhumika Realty’s continued focus on delivering projects rooted in design precision, quality craftsmanship, and global standards, while engaging with a wider and more diverse audience.

Rohit Sharma, widely recognised for his consistency, leadership, and performance on the field, brings a strong alignment with the company’s brand values. Complementing this, Ritika Sajdeh adds a nuanced perspective through her experience in brand building and consumer engagement, strengthening the partnership’s overall positioning.

Commenting on the association, Uddhav Poddar said, “We are delighted to welcome Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh to the Bhumika Realty family. This association reflects the direction in which we are taking the brand as we scale our operations across key markets. The alignment of discipline, consistency, and long-term focus resonates strongly with our brand philosophy.”

Sharing their thoughts on the collaboration, Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh said, “For us, it’s always about consistency, discipline, and contributing to a larger vision. We are pleased to associate with Bhumika Realty; the company’s strong leadership vision and focus on execution make this collaboration both meaningful and well-aligned.”

The announcement comes at a time when Bhumika Realty is actively advancing its growth trajectory, particularly across the NCR region. The company is strengthening its presence through strategic land acquisitions and a focused long-term vision to expand across Delhi-NCR with thoughtfully planned developments.

Among its key assets, Bhumika Realty has delivered and operates Urban Square Mall in Udaipur, one of the city’s largest retail destinations anchored by a premium hotel chain. Its development pipeline includes a mixed land-use project in Faridabad, a commercial project in Gurugram, and upcoming integrated township plans across Sonipat, Meerut, and Vrindavan.

Beyond real estate, the company is also expanding into transit-oriented infrastructure, including opportunities at metro stations, as well as hospitality assets such as hotels in strategic locations. This diversified approach highlights Bhumika Realty’s intent to build long-term value while strengthening its position across multiple segments.

With this collaboration, the brand aims to further connect with consumers while reinforcing its identity as a developer focused on consistency, scale, and execution.


Tides of Time Brings Parliament Murals to Life Through Sudha Murty’s Lens

Tides of Time Brings Parliament Murals to Life Through Sudha Murty’s Lens

By Hariharan U

Published on April 4, 2026

A unique perspective on Bharat’s cultural and historical journey comes alive with the release of Tides of Time: Bharat's History Through Murals in Parliament, authored by Sudha Murty. The book was unveiled in New Delhi by the Hon. Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, in the presence of Om Birla, Harivansh, and other Members of Parliament.

At the launch, Sudha Murty expressed her vision for the book, saying, “It is my hope that through this book, future generations will also get to enjoy the richness of this culture that I have known.” In her dedication, she honours the people of Bharat across centuries, as well as the soldiers safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

Tides of Time draws from one of humanity’s oldest storytelling traditions, murals. From the prehistoric cave paintings of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters to the intricate artworks of Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, India’s visual narratives have long preserved its civilisational memory.

This artistic continuum finds a modern expression in the murals of Sansad Bhavan, where 58 panels line the circular corridors of the Parliament building. Commissioned in 1954 by G. V. Mavalankar, these murals depict a sweeping timeline of Bharat’s history, from the Indus Valley Civilisation at Mohenjo-daro to the moment of Independence marked by the flag hoisting at the Red Fort in 1947.

The architectural inspiration of the Parliament building itself echoes the Chausath Yogini Temple, a thousand-year-old circular structure, reinforcing the sense of continuity between past and present.

The idea for the book emerged during a visit to the Samvidhan Sadan, where Sudha Murty noticed students briefly observing the murals without fully understanding their depth. Recognising the need for accessible storytelling, she set out to document the historical context behind each panel, transforming the experience into a narrative journey.

More than a historical account, the book stands as a tribute to the artists and curators who brought these stories to life. It reflects the enduring values of Bharatiya Sanskriti, shaped by tolerance, patience, and compassion, while inviting readers to engage more deeply with the nation’s heritage.


Fixderma Calls Out “2-Minute Skincare” Claims with a Bold April Fool’s Message

Fixderma Calls Out “2-Minute Skincare” Claims with a Bold April Fool’s Message

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 4, 2026

In a world where skincare trends promise “overnight glass skin” and “Korean skin in 7 days,” Fixderma is taking a refreshingly honest stand this April Fool’s Day. With a witty yet thought-provoking campaign, the brand questions the growing obsession with instant results and quick fixes.

Drawing a clever comparison with 2-minute noodles, Fixderma highlights how unrealistic these viral claims have become. The campaign playfully asks a simple question: since when did skincare start working at Wi-Fi speed? The message is clear, good skin cannot be rushed.

Shaily Mehrotra, Founder & CEO of Fixderma, addresses this trend directly. “Skincare today is being sold like instant gratification. But your skin is not a 2-minute recipe. Claims like overnight ‘Korean skin’ are not just misleading, they set unrealistic expectations and often lead to product hopping and skin damage.”

Through this campaign, the brand focuses on educating consumers while cutting through the noise of exaggerated marketing. It reinforces a simple truth that often gets overlooked, skin needs time, care, and consistency. Healing does not happen overnight, and active ingredients take weeks to show visible results.

Fixderma’s message is rooted in dermatological science and years of formulation expertise. Whether it’s managing acne, improving skin texture, or achieving long-term radiance, the brand emphasizes that meaningful results come from patience and the right skincare routine, not viral shortcuts.

At a time when social media trends dominate buying decisions, this April Fool’s initiative stands out for its honesty. It encourages consumers to think twice before believing claims that sound too good to be true.

With this campaign, Fixderma continues its larger mission of building an informed skincare community, one that values science over speed, and real results over fleeting trends.

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