IHG Likes Third-Party Bookings and 4 Other Hospitality Trends this Week

IHG Likes Third-Party Bookings When Other Hotels Prefer Direct Reservations: InterContinental Hotels Group has frequently been contrarian over the years when it comes to travel distribution. The chain recognizes that not all guests are brand loyal, and that it is wise to maintain healthy relationships with online travel agencies and metasearch engines.

Marriott CEO on Cancer Diagnosis: ‘We Are Going to Soldier On’: Arne Sorenson thanked all his well-wishers Friday but then got right to business. Marriott had a so-so quarter but held out great promise for its homesharing business. But you’ll have to wait until 2020 to see any result

Cvent Research Points to Lasting Group Booking Slowdown: Cvent’s group booking research shows that consolidation and increased costs have likely caused the hot meetings market in North America to cool down on its platform. It could signal something bad for the sector on the horizon.

Choice Hotels Looks to High-End Travelers to Boost Revenue: Choice knows where the money is, and right now it’s not in midscale brands. Will upgrading Comfort Inn be enough to lift room rates?

Hawaii Weighs Measures to Curb Airbnb: While Hawaii is not the only destination reeling from the impact of short-term rentals from Airbnb and other providers, its already sky-high housing prices and limited land make the problem especially acute. Regulatory measures to control the number of illegal rentals may provide some relief.