Comments for Travel Daily Media / Informing, connecting and developing the world’s travel industry professionals. Wed, 04 Sep 2024 07:32:36 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 Comment on CNMC fines Booking.com nearly USD 450 million for exploiting its dominant market position over the last 5 years by Michael Howard /cnmc-fines-booking-com-nearly-usd-450-million-for-exploiting-its-dominant-market-position-over-the-last-5-years/#comment-49455 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 06:46:13 +0000 /?p=889746#comment-49455 **Response from Michael S. Howard, CEO of Rasa Hospitality**

I acknowledge the CNMC’s findings regarding Booking.com’s market practices. While we agree in theory with the judgment’s focus on promoting fair competition, it is essential to emphasize that hotels should retain the authority to control their B2C partners and associated rates. This autonomy allows hotels to maintain pricing integrity, brand reputation, and the ability to offer guests the best value directly. As the industry evolves, it’s crucial for all stakeholders, including OTAs, to collaborate transparently, ensuring a balanced market that benefits both businesses and consumers. We believe that a fair and equitable marketplace is essential for fostering innovation and growth in the hospitality sector.

]]> Comment on C9 Hotelworks founder: ‘Anything is possible’ amidst hospitality build-up in Asia by Olivier Berrivin /c9-hotelworks-founder-anything-is-possible-amidst-hospitality-build-up-in-asia/#comment-49454 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:41:01 +0000 /?p=888487#comment-49454 APAC is bouncing back on so many levels and I fully agree with Bill’s comment about the potential for our region. Hotel industry trends are often powered by changing customer behavior and the changing world around us.
The growing power of social media, strong emergence of sustainability components influencing travel choices, increased personalization through technology and flexible offers & services that adapt to changing needs are here to stay.
Most importantly, the people with the right spirit looking for a motivating career path. Our industry is unique and no amount of technology and no app will ever replace that human “touch & feel” !! Attracting the right talents is one of our biggest challenges and having associates who have the human touch and energy together with the ability to deliver memorable experiences will remain our focus.

]]> Comment on C9 Hotelworks founder: ‘Anything is possible’ amidst hospitality build-up in Asia by Michael Howard /c9-hotelworks-founder-anything-is-possible-amidst-hospitality-build-up-in-asia/#comment-49453 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:00:17 +0000 /?p=888487#comment-49453 I wholeheartedly agree with Bill Barnett. In Southeast Asia, our greatest challenge in hospitality is attracting and retaining talented individuals. The industry is demanding, often perceived as involving long hours and hard work, which deters many potential candidates. However, hospitality is fundamentally a people-driven endeavor, and its future success depends on our ability to inspire and engage the next generation. At Rasa Hospitality, we are committed to showcasing the immense value and rewards that come from a career in this field. We must invest in our teams, technology to support them, create supportive environments, and highlight the unique opportunities for growth and fulfillment in hospitality. Michael S. Howard, MD, Rasa Hospitality

]]> Comment on Gulf Air to launch four weekly flights from Bahrain to Munich from July 01, 2024 by Chris Head /gulf-air-to-launch-four-weekly-flights-from-bahrain-to-munich-from-july-01-2024/#comment-49452 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:53:44 +0000 /?p=873528#comment-49452 Great carrier and a joy to travel with.

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