Nina Dietrich

Wow, what a start to the day! Ariane Gorin shares her vision for Expedia Group on her first day as CEO, with a focus on how we will leverage AI to drive personalization, connection, ease, and value to travellers and partners across our ecosystem. #egEXPLORE

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NEWS: New research published today by Amadeus finds hoteliers expect to increase their investment in technology by an average of 16% over the coming 12 months, with one in five planning to invest over 20% more than they did last year. The findings are the result of a survey of global senior hospitality leaders representing a diverse range of properties and management groups. Several key themes emerged from the research, including a primary focus of investment on ‘improving operational efficiencies during times of high occupancy’. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gc-nut4j

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One-size-fits-all solutions typically fit none. Very interested to see what a more nuanced approach to ATOL APC Levy could mean for customers and businesses. Risk vs price, how do you get to a fair model that works?

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Traveling with a disability often comes with unique challenges, but with the right strategies, we can make every journey smoother and more inclusive. Did you know that 1 in 6 people worldwide experiences significant disability? As the need for accessible travel grows, CWT’s Special Assistance services team offers five key tips to help create a more inclusive travel program. From providing accurate information and flexible options to ensuring your travel management company prioritizes accessibility, these steps are crucial for supporting all travelers. Ready to make a positive impact? Explore these practical steps and learn how to enhance travel experiences for everyone. #AccessibleTravel #InclusiveTravel #BusinessTravel #TravelForAll #SpecialAssistance

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Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we come together to raise awareness and extend support to those who are struggling. It's a day to remember the lives lost, to reflect on the importance of mental health, and to reaffirm our commitment to being there for one another. Having experienced the pain of losing loved ones, I understand the profound impact suicide can have. It's a reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a story, and a network of family and friends left behind. Let's use this day to spread hope and kindness. Reach out to those who may be suffering in silence, listen without judgment, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Let's pledge to be the ones who ask, "Are you okay?" and really listen to the answer. Let's be the ones who reach out for help when we need it and offer a supportive hand to those around us. Together, we can build a community that uplifts, supports, and saves lives. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealthAwareness #BeTheLight https://lnkd.in/gKsRksgA

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The British Airways Holidays 2024 Travel Trends Report is now available, and offers some great insights on drivers and behaviour, right from planning to unpacking😎 I always find it to be a really useful read, and there are lots of pointers for travel marketers to take note of. Some of my favourite insights this year: 1 - Seven key destinations have sky-rocketed in popularity, including St Kitts, Malta and Lanzarote 2 - 78% of travellers have been inspired to visit a destination from a TV show (hey White Lotus👋) 3 - 'Shoulder season' is back in a big way. The growth in searches from customers looking to travel in May and June 2024 was double the level for trips in July and August 2024 4 - Almost one in five travellers said they’d booked a trip as a direct result of viewing content on Tik Tok The link to the report is here: https://lnkd.in/ehcQR6mB

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EXPLORE 24 is almost here! Next week Expedia Group will host their 25th annual partner event in Las Vegas, bringing travel industry leaders together to learn about new products and engage in discussions that will shape the future of travel. Follow Expedia Group and Expedia Group Partnerships for the latest updates and a behind the scenes look at EXPLORE 24! #egEXPLORE

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🛫🌍Betting against Google is probably not a good idea, but do you know how many companies have tried (and failed) to “solve” trip planning?  Someone much smarter than me once suggested that the reason companies have failed time and time again in this pursuit is because it is a problem that the end user does not want to solve.  Stated differently, people enjoy the “escapism” of trip planning. Nevertheless, Google Gemini now promises to make trip planning a breeze by organizing your travels more efficiently and reducing the stress of planning your next adventure.  For more, check out this article from CNET written by Bella Czajkowski. Let me know your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/e2MCcCXu #TravelSmart #GoogleGemini #TripPlanning #TravelTech #StressFreeTravel

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Recommended Reading: Simon Sinek’s "The Infinite Game" I had the pleasure of interacting with Simon Sinek at the Expedia Group Partner conference several years ago, where I was directing general session events. His talk stood out as one of my most memorable speaker experiences over the decade that I managed those events for EG. What made it unique? Unlike most speakers who rely on visual presentations, Sinek captivated us without any slides, articulating his points clearly and engagingly. Remarkably, he concluded his speech precisely on time—a rare feat that ended with a definitive "mic drop." This moment was so powerful that it prompted the entire crew and audience to give a standing ovation. If you're looking to hone your speaking skills, I highly recommend watching some of his talks and incorporating his techniques where possible. During his presentation, Sinek shared insights from his books "Start with Why" and "Leaders Eat Last." He also gave us a sneak peek of his then-upcoming book, "The Infinite Game," published in 2019. I've since listened to the audiobook during my daily walks, and five years later, its relevance to the business world remains unmatched. It's a must-read, especially for those aspiring to lead. Core concepts from 'The Infinite Game': 🚀 Infinite Mindset: Leaders who adopt this build stronger, more innovative, and inspiring organizations. 🚀 Worthy Rivals: View competitors as catalysts who highlight areas needing improvement. Learning from these rivals can significantly enhance your skills and knowledge. 🚀 Just Cause: Effective goal setting should resonate personally with the team, avoiding unreachable targets and fostering genuine investment in the outcomes. 🚀 Vision vs. Profit: Sinek provides examples of successful companies like Microsoft and Kodak, showing how deviating from their core vision towards profit-driven goals can lead to decline—underscoring the importance of staying true to an infinite vision. For audiobook lovers, this one spans approximately six and a half hours and serves as an engaging companion for long flights or vacations. Find it wherever you prefer to get your books, and learn more at simonsinek.com. #SimonSinek #Leadership #BusinessBooks #InfiniteMindset

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Let's talk 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨. Specifically, 𝐁𝟐𝐁 numbers. 𝟮𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 - Value of bookings generated last year, in USD. 𝟭𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 - Room nights last year, heads in beds. 𝟲𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 - The number of travel business partners who work with us (not including Travel Agents - add on another 𝟭𝟰𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬). 𝟳𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 - That's the number of traveler requests in just one quarter. 𝟮,𝟱𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 - The value of fraudulent activities stopped, in USD. And the most important number: 𝟏 - The number of partners you need to work with for your B2B distribution - that would be Expedia Group. Our VP, Private Label Solutions, APAC Aileen Chan sat down with Web In Travel to give them the rundown. You want numbers? Talk to us. We'll get you numbers.

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How will AI transform the business travel sector? BCD's Joanna Greenfield shared where AI can really make an impact on TMCs and their customers in a panel session at The BTA’s autumn conference in Gibraltar. Here are just some of the panel‘s takeaways: 💡 Generative AI’s ability to mirror human intelligence means it could transform both back-end processes and customer experiences. 💡 Generative AI removes the need for entry-level admin jobs, making it easier and quicker to train new entrants to deal with travel requests – which in turn will help drive recruitment and retention of people into the industry. 💡 In response to the increasing number of AI related questions in RFPs Joanna said: “As travel management companies, we need to make sure that our clients understand that it’s the value TMCs put behind the AI automation that will drive benefits, not the technology itself.” 💡 The current challenge is data ownership. With no regulatory board responsible for AI, we need to work very closely with the data security and legal departments to ensure that the great innovations don’t grind to a halt. #BTAGibraltar24 #BusinessTravel #TravelManagement #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation

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Talking about Loyalty linkups! Expedia Group and Microsoft announced Tuesday that they are joining forces to link their loyalty programs! Consumers booking accommodations on 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 through Expedia Group brands will be able to earn both 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 and rewards offered by those brands, including One Key Rewards in the United States and the United Kingdom. Microsoft now joins other giants including Walmart and Mastercard as a trusted Expedia Group partner for travel! 𝘗.𝘚. 𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴? 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴𝘬 (𝘯𝘰 - 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱!) 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘖𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯!

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Embracing inclusion is essential for any modern business strategy. Our upcoming research explores the challenges and experiences of underserved travelers, providing insights to help your business implement inclusive travel practices. Discover actionable takeaways you can start today to serve LGBTQIA+ travelers. https://bit.ly/3xD8JC3

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Huge report out from CTM today on travel trends from the first half of 2024. Download if you want to know: ✈️ which region's travellers book the furthest and least in advance 💸 where airfare pricing trends are diverging for Economy versus Business 🏨 in which countries hotel rates are rising and where they're falling Plus, there's a ton more useful data that will help you understand the macro factors impacting travel budgets and behaviours. It's the perfect companion to any internal travel forecasting your doing, so make sure to check it out and download for free today.

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💡 Imagine a world where Travel Management Companies (TMCs), travel agencies, and travel agents access airline content directly, seamlessly, without the exhaustive effort and exorbitant costs currently associated with integrating individual airline APIs. ✈️🚀 Today, tech companies invest hundreds of thousands of dollars 💁🏼 merely to create a unified layer for these disparate systems. However, what if we could shift our focus from overcoming integration challenges to truly enhancing value for our clients? This vision is not just a pipe dream—it's a practical pathway forward, inspired by the successes seen in the Open Banking sector.💥 In Open Banking, the adoption of unified API standards and regulated access has catalyzed innovation, security, and customer-centric services. By following a similar path, the travel industry could reap enormous benefits: 🛩 Airlines would be able to broaden their reach effortlessly, ensuring their offers are more readily available and consumable by a global network of travel professionals. 🎡 TMCs and Travel Agencies would cut down on operational costs and complexity, enabling a focus on scalability and enhanced service offerings. 🦸  Travel Agents would gain instant access to a vast array of options, allowing them to provide better, more competitive services to travelers. 👩🏽 Clients would enjoy more personalized and cost-effective travel experiences 💃🏽 🕺🏽, thanks to the sophisticated tools and services that can be developed atop a standardized API layer. This unified approach not only fosters efficiency but also ignites innovation by reducing the technological barriers that currently fragment our capabilities. By advocating for and adopting standardized APIs, we can democratize access to information, streamline the booking process, and ultimately, enhance the travel experience for everyone involved. The journey towards this future involves collaboration and a commitment to shared standards and regulations. It's time for our industry to take a cue from Open Banking and pave the way for a smarter, more interconnected travel ecosystem. Let's come together to create a more accessible and user-friendly global travel industry. ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ ✈️ #TravelTech #Innovation #APIStandardization #OpenBanking #FutureOfTravel #NDC

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We're dedicated to helping lodging owners and operators fine-tune their distribution mix to boost profitability. Understanding profitability across different guest types requires a comprehensive analysis of travel marketplaces, which is why we engaged a third party to analyze how various travelers behave—from booking to staying and spending. I'm thrilled to share the insights: Expedia Group travelers consistently spend more on their trips, including hotel stays and local expenditures, than those booking through other channels. We've transformed this data into actionable insights for you. Dive into our findings and see how they can enhance your strategy... https://lnkd.in/gkcsFKjW

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The landscape for Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) is undergoing a significant transformation in the years ahead. While growth used to be relatively straightforward, driven by factors like M&A, expanding acquisition channels, and shifting consumer behaviors (offline to online in particular), the road ahead looks vastly different. Key trends that have impacted growth over the past few years which are no longer present: 1. Revenge travel is becoming a thing of the past. 2. Mergers and acquisitions are no longer viable strategies, as highlighted by Booking/etraveli. 3. Competition continues to intensify from various fronts including Google, social platforms, suppliers, and credit card companies. 4. Low-hanging fruit in both the B2C and B2B segments has largely been exhausted. Despite these challenges, OTAs still hold a pivotal position in the market. However, it's crucial for industry leaders to acknowledge the evolving market dynamics. Success in this new environment demands bold, strategic decisions, particularly in developing products that offer genuine differentiation and can sustain long-term growth. Such initiatives may require significant investment and patience, with results measured over months and years rather than days. While A/B testing remains valuable, it's no longer sufficient on its own. Thankfully, there's no shortage of innovative products and opportunities for substantial investments. However, leadership within OTA companies must demonstrate the courage to prioritize these longer-term bets over short-term gains, even as growth rates moderate. Looking ahead, I'm hopeful that this period of transition will catalyze genuine innovation among industry giants, resulting in the creation of transformative products that enhance the online travel experience for all consumers. I'm curious to hear from those in the travel space: Do you foresee a return to the golden days of growth? If so, how do you envision it happening? https://lnkd.in/eRNknRe5

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