Distribución y Revenue Management

🏨 Despite the challenge of direct sales, travel agencies in Spain persist, as evidenced by AON data showing an average of 3.5 surety policies issued annually, indicating a growth in new agency openings. At the FAAV's second convention, April 3-6 in Morocco, it was noted that agencies account for about 40% of air ticket sales, 30% in the hotel sector, and 20-25% in rail transportation. Even amidst increased travel costs post-pandemic, agencies maintain an essential role, with sales margins remaining tight. Notably, agencies have not declined since the late 90s, holding a steady 30% share in trip bookings. Key players like Iberia Cards and Binter affirm their commitment to intermediary channels, with Binter distribution through agents reaching up to 80% on some routes.

🏨 TecnoHotel magazine, issue 504, explores the digital era's challenges for the hotel industry, including AI's impact on search and booking, featuring insights from experts such as Carlos Bello, Toni Mascaró, and Albert Pérez. Inhala Hotel Garden in Madrid, previously Hotel Santo Domingo, reveals its rebranding focused on sustainability and will host the TH Awards 2025 gala on June 19. Submission for awards is open until April 16. The itinerant event TecnoHotel OnTour will next be in Ibiza on May 8.

🎄 Semana Santa 2025 in Spain saw a notable rise in tourism, with coastal destinations and islands leading the growth: coastal areas +26%, islands +47% compared to the previous year. International tourism played a key role with significant increases from France (+109%), the UK (+43%), and the USA (+28%). Mallorca (+94%) and Gran Canaria (+55%) topped the list. Overall Spanish night sales rose by 29%. The average daily rate (ADR) increased by 8%, with Costa del Sol and Fuerteventura witnessing the highest rise (+26%). Reservation anticipation grew, with Mallorca and Costa Barcelona leading at +28%. The national average stay length increased slightly by +2%.

🛫 Pensioners from Imserso denounce being treated "like cattle" despite the expectation of basic services regardless of price, which includes adequate transportation, attention to delays, and impeccable hotel service. Complaints about travel inconveniences, such as flight delays, lost luggage, and meal services, are criticized, advocating for sensible behavior over disruptive complaints.

📊 On April 7, 2025, the key focus is on Earned Value Management (EVM), an essential metric for evaluating the financial performance of projects and managing costs. EVM compares actual work completed to planned costs, providing an objective view of progress. Key EVM concepts include Planned Value (PV), Actual Cost (AC), and Earned Value (EV), with fundamental indicators like Schedule Performance Index (SPI), Cost Performance Index (CPI), Cost Variance (CV), and Schedule Variance (SV) for assessing project efficiency. The benefits of EVM include better project performance control, early problem identification, improved predictability, optimal resource allocation, and alignment with business objectives. Effective EVM implementation often involves digital project management tools for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and facilitating decision-making.

🌍 Ávoris targets off-peak travel to counter revenue dips, extending spring and autumn offerings for year-round availability at travel agencies. Following a "very positive" 2024, Ávoris aims for 2025 growth with new products, destinations, and extended seasons, including earlier Cuba and Punta Cana operations and additional Iberojet flights to Cancún. Sales anticipation for summer is higher than the previous year, with more than a 10% increase compared to 2024. The 2025 Ebitda budget for Ávoris' product division, including Iberojet, is set at €44.6 million, aiming to double the €20.2 million from 2024 and surpass the pre-pandemic €33.3 million mark of 2019.

📈 Grupo Star, founded in 1990, celebrates its 35th anniversary with 120 sales points. President Manuel Benavides highlights the importance of social media training for attracting customers. The group has adapted to modern times by offering advanced technological tools. Current training demands include effective social media management and AI application in the travel agency sector. Destinations like Rome, due to the Jubilee Year, and Japan and Korea remain highly requested, with charter flights to Rome already full. ????

🏦 Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, aims to meet guest needs with a brand portfolio that currently includes 36 brands, from luxury to mid-scale. At IHIF Berlin, Capuano discussed growth through mergers/acquisitions and organic launches, highlighting acquisitions like Residence Inn, Ritz Carlton, and AC Hotels in EMEA, as well as the creation of Moxy and Autograph. Marriott plans to double its Four Points Flex by Sheraton portfolio in Europe by the end of 2026, exceeding 50 operational properties.

📈 Antoni María Rosselló, Product Director at Timón Hotel, presented a masterclass 'Smart Data for the New Hotel Era' at Updating Hotelero 2025, organized by HOSTELTUR tourism news. The event focused on how hotels can leverage data and digitalization.

🏨 Cristina Blanco and Cristina Santamaría from RateGain presented a masterclass on "How to boost your hotel's direct sales" at Updating Hotelero 2025, organized by HOSTELTUR tourism news. They discussed key aspects to enhance this channel without neglecting others.