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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 Author
Published on December 6, 2025
CORNELL INDIA has quickly become one of the most influential names in hotel-focused food-service equipment. At the centre of this success is Mr. Oommen Matthew, whose vision is transforming how hotels procure, operate, and experience equipment across India.
A Vision Born From a Simple Question: “Why Not India?”
During his recovery from COVID in 2020, Mr. Matthew identified a long-standing gap in the industry. Indian hotels depended heavily on imported equipment that was expensive, difficult to service, and slow to repair. He believed India had the capability to produce world-class solutions, yet lacked manufacturers focused specifically on hotel-grade equipment.
This insight shaped CORNELL INDIA’s core philosophy: International standards. Indian innovation. Hotel-ready engineering. Every product is designed with durability, efficiency, and easy serviceability, three essentials for high-pressure hospitality environments.
Innovation Rooted in Real Hotel Operations
CORNELL INDIA’s biggest strength is its commitment to understanding on-ground realities. The team regularly spends time in hotel kitchens, buffets, and live stations, closely observing how equipment is used in daily operations.
Chefs and F&B managers often bring forward specific challenges or requests that spark new product ideas. With a strong and specialised R and D division, the company is able to engineer solutions, prototype quickly, test them in real hotel settings, and refine them until they match operational needs perfectly.
A Standout Innovation: The Sleek Under-Counter Buffet System
One of the company’s most impactful innovations is the concealed counter-slung induction and cold plate system. This solution completely elevates buffet presentation and functionality.
Instead of visible and bulky machines on the counter, CORNELL INDIA places the entire mechanism beneath the surface, showing only a clean heated or chilled top.
Hotels benefit through
• A premium and minimalist buffet appearance• Better hygiene and easy cleaning• Improved energy efficiency• Quiet and guest-friendly operation• Higher durability with fewer breakdowns
This innovation reflects CORNELL INDIA’s design philosophy where elegance meets engineering.
After-Sales Support That Builds Long-Term Trust
For hotel operations, uptime is crucial. CORNELL INDIA ensures reliable support through trained technicians across key locations, strong spare part availability, and proactive maintenance practices.
What truly sets them apart is their commitment. The team does not stop at fixing an issue. They ensure the setup is improved and more reliable than before.
Quality Without the Price Shock
By manufacturing in India and focusing on intelligent engineering, CORNELL INDIA delivers international-quality equipment without the high costs associated with imports. This makes the brand a preferred partner for mid-scale and emerging hotel chains looking for value and performance.
A Future Guided by Purpose and Precision
With Mr Oommen Matthew’s vision driving the company, CORNELL INDIA is not just supplying equipment. It is redefining how Indian hotels experience technology, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
World-class quality, built in India. This is the promise behind CORNELL INDIA’s growing impact in the hospitality industry. https://www.cornellindia.in/
UNOX India, the wholly owned subsidiary of UNOX S.p.A., Italy, known worldwide for its technology-led commercial ovens has earned the Great Place to Work Certification for 2025. This marks the third consecutive year the company has received this recognition, highlighting its steady commitment to building a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.
The certification is based on employee responses gathered through the Trust Index Survey, which measures workplace experience across Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Teamwork. UNOX India’s results were benchmarked against national workplace standards, placing the company among India’s leading employers.
UNOX operates in more than 44 countries and is known for its research-backed design, intelligent cooking systems, and sustainability-focused technologies. The repeated certification reflects how the company’s strong people culture aligns with its focus on innovation, efficiency, and reliability in professional kitchens.
Sharing his thoughts on this milestone, Vikram Goel, Regional Director – UNOX India & South-East Asia, said, “The culture we strive to build at UNOX India is one where every individual feels secure, respected, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. This third certification stands as a deeply meaningful validation of our ‘trust-first’ philosophy. It is an acknowledgment of our extraordinary team, whose passion, collaborative spirit, and commitment remain the driving force behind UNOX India’s progress and standing in the industry.”
UNOX India continues to invest in structured learning, technical development, and capability-building programs, helping employees stay future-ready in a fast-changing market. The company remains committed to creating an environment where people can advance their skills while contributing to the growth of the commercial kitchen industry in India and beyond.
Published on December 5, 2025
IndiGo, one of India’s biggest passenger airlines, is facing major operational disruptions across the country, leading to the cancellation of more than 500 flights. The sudden interruptions have created long queues and crowding at several major airports, with passengers waiting for updates on their flight status.
This marks the fourth consecutive day of disruptions. Delhi airport has been affected the most, with all IndiGo flights cancelled until 3 pm. In Chennai, passengers continued to wait as the airport released an advisory listing the cancelled flights and requested travellers to check with their respective airlines for further updates.
The airline has attributed the crisis to several factors, including minor technical glitches, winter schedule adjustments, adverse weather, and updated crew rostering rules. However, IndiGo has not yet clarified how it plans to return to full operational strength.
The impact has been widespread across other cities as well. Bengaluru airport saw at least 102 cancellations on Friday morning, including 52 arrivals and multiple departures. Hyderabad airport also reported 92 cancellations, adding to the nationwide disruption.
A quick resolution may not be expected immediately, as IndiGo has informed the DGCA that complete restoration of services will take place only by February 10. Issuing a second apology in two days, the airline said, “We extend a heartfelt apology to all our customers and industry stakeholders who have been impacted by these events.”
Passengers scheduled to travel today are strongly advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
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