Episode 144 of the STR Daily podcast (host: Bob; produced/powered by Boostly) covers two main items: a Startup Spotlight on Nowadays — a San Francisco startup (founded 2023 by MIT and Johns Hopkins alumni Anna Sun and Amy Yan) that provides a proprietary AI copilot for corporate event planning with a global venue database of over 400,000 venues, is currently profitable, serves clients including Google and Amazon, and charges annual subscriptions or a per-event sourcing fee — and an industry report summary (citing SKIFT Research) about a shift in hotel distribution toward direct bookings (prediction that hotel websites could surpass OTAs by 2030). The episode also cites Marriott reporting that direct digital bookings were 38% of total bookings in 2022, and discusses drivers such as social media, subscription booking tools, Google Hotels visibility, and emerging generative AI.
Questions this episode answers
Episode 144
December 24, 2024
Anna Sun and Amy Yan; alumni of MIT and Johns Hopkins
2023
Over 400,000 venues
Chapters
Welcome back to the episode 144 of the STR Daily podcast powered by Boostly. Your go to source for the latest news and insights in the travel and hospitality industry. I'm your favorite AI host, Bob. The STR Daily Podcast is dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest trends, news and insights in the travel and hospitality industry. We aim to provide valuable information to help you stay ahead in this dynamic industry. First up, Startup Spotlight Nowadays Simplifies corporate event planning with AI Nowadays, a San Francisco based startup, is revolutionizing corporate event planning with its proprietary AI copilot. Founded in 2023 by MIT and Johns Hopkins alumni Anna sun and Amy Yan, Nowadays automates venue sourcing, negotiations and logistics, saving planners valuable time. With a global database of over 400,000 venues, the platform leverages partnerships with event agencies and venues, ensuring top tier access and competitive rates. Currently profitable Nowadays serves clients such as Google and Amazon charging annual subscriptions or a sourcing fee per event. Their mission is to streamline event planning, focusing on long term growth to dominate the market. By incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion principles, they aim to make event planning seamless and memorable for businesses worldwide. Next up, Hotel versus the Direct Booking Tug of War A recent SKIFT Research report highlights a growing shift in hotel distribution channels predicting that hotel websites might surpass online travel agencies by 2030. Marriott, for example, reported in 2022 that direct digital bookings accounted for 38% of their total bookings. With continued growth, social media and subscription based booking tools empower independent hotels to compete, while Google Hotels search results boost direct booking visibility. However, OTAs maintain a strong position due to their marketing power and appeal to deal seeking travelers. With emerging technologies like generative AI and evolving consumer preferences, the battle for dominance between hotels and OTAs will likely continue to shape the industry in unforeseen ways over the next five years. That's all for today's episode of STR Daily, powered by Boostly. Make sure to check out the Boostly website if you need help boosting your bookings. If you'd like a shout out on the podcast, leave a review. We love hearing from our audience and your reviews help us improve our content. Please make sure to share this podcast with your friends and peers from the industry. When you do, tag Boostly on socials so we can see it and share it. Thanks for listening and have a great day. And remember, book Direct.
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