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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 March 6, 2026
Noida got a proper taste of Braj this Holi and Spectrum Metro was the venue that made it happen. The mall hosted a special celebration called 'Braj Ka Rang, Spectrum Metro Ke Sang', and it turned out to be exactly what the name promised, a full-on festive evening rooted in the rich Holi traditions of Braj, the land most associated with Lord Krishna's celebrations.
The evening had something for everyone. A graceful Radha-Krishna performance set a devotional tone early on, followed by a visually stunning Phoolon Ki Holi where visitors played with flowers instead of colour powder. Then things picked up with energetic Bollywood dance acts and a pulsating Live DJ that kept the energy going right through the night. Devotion and entertainment, all in one place.
Families, shoppers, and festive-goers all showed up in big numbers, filling the mall with colour, laughter, and celebration. The event was open to all, and the turnout clearly reflected how much people were looking forward to something like this.
Ajendra Singh, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing at Spectrum Metro, summed it up well, "Festivals play a vital role in bringing communities together. Through 'Braj Ka Rang, Spectrum Metro Ke Sang', we aimed to recreate the cultural essence of Holi while offering our visitors a memorable and joyful experience. The overwhelming response truly reflects the strong bond we share with our patrons."
It's becoming clear that malls in the NCR region are stepping up when it comes to festive experiences and Spectrum Metro just set a pretty high bar for Holi done right
This Women’s Day, we spotlight Nivedita Javadekar, Training Manager at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, as she reflects on her journey as a woman in the hospitality industry and the values that guide her leadership style.
For Nivedita, working in hospitality is both empowering and rewarding, while also bringing its own set of challenges. She believes the industry thrives on warmth, resilience, multitasking, and emotional intelligence — qualities that help create meaningful guest experiences. Being part of a profession that focuses on service excellence gives her a strong sense of purpose. Each day brings new interactions, fresh challenges, and opportunities to grow.
At the managerial level and as an integral part of the HR department, her approach remains associate-oriented. She focuses on balancing empathy with professional commitments while actively working to break stereotypes for both women and men. For her, leadership is about ensuring equal opportunities across genders and building a fair and respectful workplace culture.
She points out that women in hospitality often show strong adaptability. From managing operations to handling guest concerns calmly and leading teams confidently during high-pressure moments, she believes women bring a steady and composed presence to the workplace.
Speaking about Women’s Day, Nivedita says what makes it truly meaningful is the growing recognition of women in leadership roles. She sees a positive shift in the industry, with more inclusivity, mentorship, and support systems in place. This encouraging environment motivates women to step forward, lead, and inspire others.
As a leader, she sees herself as a symbol of kindness and courtesy while also carrying the responsibility of staying connected and handling situations with empathy. At the same time, she remains firm in upholding company policies and procedures. For her, working as a woman in hospitality is about breaking barriers, setting examples, supporting one another, and continuously raising standards in service and leadership.
This Women’s Day, her journey stands as a reminder that leadership is not just about position, but about purpose, balance, and the willingness to create equal space for everyone to grow.
Holi at a mall might sound like just another promotional event, but what Vegas Mall pulled off with ISKCON was something quite different.
The New Delhi mall hosted a Phoolon Ki Holi celebration that swapped the usual colour powder for flowers, creating a festive atmosphere that felt both joyful and grounded in tradition. Families, devotees, and regular shoppers all came together for an evening that was as soulful as it was fun.
The highlight of the night was a live performance by the band Gandharvas, whose devotional music set just the right tone for the occasion. The melodies added an emotional layer to the celebration, the kind that makes a festive evening feel like more than just a party.
Visitors played Holi with flowers, which made for a more mindful and eco-friendly way of marking the festival. The turnout was strong, with plenty of happy faces and enthusiastic participation throughout the event.
Ravinder Choudhary, Vice-President of Vegas Mall, spoke about what the evening meant for them "At Vegas Mall, we aim to curate experiences that go beyond shopping and resonate with cultural and community values. Our collaboration with ISKCON for Phoolon Ki Holi allowed us to offer visitors a meaningful and graceful way to celebrate Holi. The overwhelming response from our patrons truly reaffirmed our vision of creating soulful and inclusive festive experiences."
It's a nice reminder that malls, when they get it right, can be genuine community spaces, not just places to shop. And this one clearly got it right.
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