2024 in Review

Let's have a look over the top posts from 2024

Chris Bowling
December 16, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Christmas is coming and things (should) be winding down!

With this in mind, I thought it would be good to look back over 2024.

Below are the lessons and news I think have been the most impactful this year.

Do you still need direct bookings in 2024?

Well, the answer to this was a resounding yes.

Direct bookings are just as important as ever and they always will be.

At the foundation of every hotel, there needs to be a strong foundation of direct bookings.

Are direct bookings important for hotels in 2024?

Direct bookings have been talked about in hospitality for years. Are they still relevant?

www.thehotelhype.com/p/hotel-direct-bookings-2024

The Google tax

If you aren't using Google are you even a marketer in 2024?

Google is a dominant force in driving web traffic. Any changes on Google deeply impact your business performance.

Google has become so good at this, that some would argue it has become a new tax.

This article also includes an update about the latest changes to PMAX, including the ability to use hotel feeds.

Bill Due: Pay Your Google Tax

Are you kidding me? Another bill! Don't worry, you're already paying it...

www.thehotelhype.com/p/bill-due-pay-your-google-tax

The billboard effect

What is the hardest thing to measure in marketing? The billboard effect.

In fact, it is almost impossible to measure... but you need to be aware of it.

Who knows... maybe the OTAs are a force for good?

The Billboard Effect – the Upside of OTAs

People often talk about the Billboard Effect. In today's post, we will look into what it is and how you can use it to your advantage.

www.thehotelhype.com/p/the-billboard-effect-the-upside-of-otas

Is Expedia for sale?

Rumours were flying at one stage that the OTA Expedia was for sale.

Who was going to buy it? Uber!

Crazy I know. But it made me think about what impact this could have on the travel market.

Have a peek at what an alternative reality could look like.

Is Expedia for sale?

Is the travel giant Expedia for sale? Some people seem to think so. What could this mean for the hospitality industry? Let's find out.

www.thehotelhype.com/p/is-expedia-for-sale

The most important marketing channel?

It is the trusty email!

Emails may have been around a long time now but they are still a hugely impactful channel.

You cannot sleep on emails anymore!

Find my top tips for getting your email marketing strategy started.

The most important direct booking channel?

If you want to drive direct bookings, email is a channel you simply cannot ignore.

www.thehotelhype.com/p/email-marketing-strategy

So that's it for 2024

2024 has been a busy year for hotel marketers.

It is as complex and diverse as ever with no signs of slowing down. I am sure 2025 will be just as full of innovations and challenges that we will need to adjust to.

I'm up for the challenge if you are all! 👊

Until 2025, it is time for a break.

I'll be back in the new year with more strategies, insights and news updates to keep you on track with everything hotel marketing.

Hopefully, you all get the break from work you've earned and come back in 2025 fresh and ready to go.

I'll see you all then!

Chris
The Hotel Hype.

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BWH HOTELS

If any part of this post resonates with you and you feel you could use some assistance, I’d be happy to help.

As the Head of Digital & Consumer Marketing for BWH Hotels GB, I oversee a diverse portfolio of brands ranging from economy to luxury sectors. Our expertise lies in driving direct bookings for exceptional and distinctive hotels.

To learn more about how we can support your business, please visit https://joinbwhhotels.co.uk/

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