Direct Bookings Push and 3 Other Hospitality Trends This Week

Every week we post hundreds of stories across various sectors in travel, connecting the dots across various global trends, and in these weekend posts we highlight the stories that tackle these trends. This one looks at top hospitality trends.

For all of our trends roundups, go here.

>>Marriott has a lot of preparation to to before it closes its big Starwood deal by mid-year: Marriott Posts Strong Global Growth While Gearing Up for Starwood Integration

>>Many big chains have not appreciated how Expedia has played over the years: Expedia Warns Hotels Chains They Must ‘Play Well’ or Risk Losing Share

>>Online travel agencies and the looming Starwood-Marriott merger won’t get Hilton down: Hilton CEO: ‘Quality’ Trumps ‘Quantity’ and Direct Bookings Are Growing

>>Consolidation in hospitality is continuing in 2016: Carlson Hotels Bought by China’s HNA Tourism Group for Undisclosed Sum