The hotel industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The way travelers discover, research, and ultimately book their accommodations has evolved dramatically, forcing sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals to rethink their strategies. Simply having a presence is no longer enough; the key lies in intelligence, personalization, and visibility on new channels powered by Artificial Intelligence.
To thrive in this dynamic environment, hotels must master three main fronts that define the new guest journey.
1. Personalization beats generalization
Today's traveler is immersed in a sea of information and expects brands to engage with them in a relevant way. The discovery phase is no longer limited to generic Google searches or OTAs; it begins across multiple touchpoints, from social media to AI-powered travel planning platforms.
2. Omnichannel distribution and the dominance of competitive data
Once a traveler has discovered a hotel, the crucial comparison phase begins. Metasearch tools and OTAs remain essential, but the revenue management strategy must be agile enough to ensure the hotel is visible, competitive, and offers price parity when necessary.
3. Preparing for the future: the role of artificial intelligence in the reserve
The most disruptive trend on the horizon is the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in travel planning. Conversational AI platforms and virtual travel agents are evolving from search tools to booking tools. If a hotel cannot be “discovered, understood, and booked” by an AI agent, it risks being overlooked by millions of travelers.
Today's traveler demands seamless and relevant experiences. Success on the new guest journey depends not on a single channel or strategy, but on a Unified Commercial Platform that combines market intelligence, predictive revenue management, and marketing personalization. By using data to anticipate demand and deliver personalized experiences, hotels will not only satisfy the modern guest but also ensure sustainable revenue growth.
If you would like to delve deeper into Lighthouse's findings and data, we invite you to consult the publication. HERE

