The post Trivago’s comeback: Can brand marketing and AI secure long-term growth? appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

After a period of stagnation, Trivago appears to be entering a new phase of strategic growth, fueled by strong brand marketing investments, AI-driven innovations, and a renewed focus on consumer engagement. The hotel search and price comparison platform posted its first revenue increase since early 2023, marking what CEO Johannes Thomas described as a “turning point toward sustainable growth.”

With Q4 revenue up by 3% year-over-year to €94.8 million and referral revenue rising by 5%, Trivago’s resurgence comes at a time when competition in the online travel space is fiercer than ever. A revitalized approach to branding and consumer acquisition—including high-profile marketing campaigns featuring football icon Jürgen Klopp—has helped rebuild its presence and drive more direct traffic to its platform.

Brand Investments Are Paying Off

Trivago has long been known for its simple yet effective price-comparison model, but with changing consumer behavior, the company has doubled down on brand awareness. Its advertising spend increased to €57.4 million in Q4, a small yet significant rise that appears to be yielding results.

CEO Johannes Thomas emphasized that “brand investments are paying off,” citing a strong revenue trajectory and momentum that continued into January 2025, when the company reported double-digit revenue growth. This confidence was echoed by CFO Robin Harries, who highlighted that Trivago’s adjusted EBITDA surged by 52% to €11.1 million in the quarter, exceeding internal expectations.

AI and Continuous Optimization Shape the Future

Beyond marketing, Trivago is leaning on AI to refine user experience and increase conversions. Thomas revealed that the company is running 50 to 60 different versions of Trivago at any given time, continuously testing features such as AI-powered search and AI-generated highlights to improve usability.

While the company remains cautious in rolling out AI at scale, Thomas emphasized that gradual implementation based on user behavior will shape the next phase of Trivago’s evolution. Though he declined to provide details on user engagement metrics, he made it clear that Trivago’s AI strategy is focused on personalization and seamless search capabilities.

The Road Ahead: Stability or Continued Challenges?

Despite the positive Q4 results, Trivago still faces long-term challenges. Its full-year 2024 revenue stood at €460.8 million, a 5% decline from 2023, while adjusted EBITDA dropped significantly from €54.1 million to €10.2 million. The company’s year-long advertising spend increased by 7%, reflecting a deliberate push to reinvigorate its presence in the highly competitive metasearch space. Still, Trivago remains financially stable, ending the year with a cash balance of over €130 million and no long-term debt—a crucial advantage in navigating an evolving travel market.

With brand investments yielding results, AI-driven personalization improving conversions, and revenue on the rise, Trivago appears to be in a stronger position heading into 2025. However, sustaining this momentum will require continued innovation, user retention strategies, and navigating competitive pressures. While its Q4 success marks a much-needed turnaround, whether this signals a new era for Trivago or just a temporary rebound remains to be seen.

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The post Cebu Pacific honoured by DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific was recently recognised by the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the country’s Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI) for the way it has promoted local weaving traditions into the context of travel and tourism.

At the recently concluded National Textile Convention (TelaCon) at the Philippine International Convention Centre, Cebu Pacific was hailed for its Discover PH QR Flight Codes campaign.

During the event, the airline and DOST-PTRI also announced their partnership to further promote local weaving and develop initiatives that support textile communities.

Weaving technology and heritage patterns together

The Flight Codes initiative transformed traditional weaving patterns into functional QR codes that travellers could scan in order to learn more about the cultures behind them. 

The initiative showcased Binakol from Ilocos Norte, Ramit from Occidental Mindoro, Hablon from Iloilo, Patadyong from Antique, and Yakan from Zamboanga, providing travelers with digital access to the stories behind these indigenous textiles.

Cebu Pacific chief marketing customer experience officer Candice Iyog said: “As an airline that bridges people and places, we see it as part of our mission to not only carry travelers to their destinations but also immerse them in the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. Supporting local artisans allows us to preserve their craft while encouraging deeper cultural appreciation.

DOST secretary Renato Solidum Jnr emphasized the importance of such collaboration in fostering sustainability.

He said: “We discussed our shared responsibility in moving towards sustainable systems and a circular economy. With dedication, we can lead this transformation, reducing resource intensity and strengthening a value chain that benefits all, bridging economic and social divides.”

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The post Accor appoints David Fraser as VP-Operations for four brands in the Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Accor has appointed hospitality veteran and asset manager David Fraser as vice-president for operations for the Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems brands across the Pacific. 

Fraser’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment as Sofitel undergoes a transformative renewal phase and MGallery is poised for strategic expansion.

He brings over 25 years of industry experience, having previously served as head of asset management at Axsia HTL, where he oversaw projects and transactions exceeding $16 billion. His career spans senior roles with Marriott International, Starwood, and Hyatt, and he returns to Accor, where he worked from 1995 to 2005. 

Fraser said of the appointment: “I am excited to return to the Accor family and work with these much-loved brands. I’ve always been passionate about collaborating with owners and teams to reposition and elevate hotels, optimize performance, and enhance guest experiences. Joining the Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems brands gives me the opportunity to bring this experience to some of the Pacific’s most iconic luxury properties.” 

A key player for regional expansion

According to Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems: “I am delighted to count on David’s talent and strong expertise to continue expanding in the Pacific, a region that is especially dear to us. It is also one of the most advanced regions in terms of sustainability and responsible luxury, perfectly aligning with our brand ambitions. Together, we look forward to reaching new heights with an unprecedented development pipeline over the next three years.”

Bailly added that Australia has always been a key market for Sofitel and MGallery, as it is home to several flagship properties such as Sofitel Darling Harbour and MGallery Manly Pacific which recently won the Prix de Versailles. 

She remarked: “2024 has been a record-breaking year for our luxury brands globally, marked by a new dynamic with 90 new hotels signed in the pipeline and major renovations, including Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.”

Crafting the region’s luxury brand of choice

The scope of Fraser’s work with the brands covers 21 luxury hotels across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, including Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Sofitel Adelaide, Sofitel Wellington, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, which recently relaunched after a $70 million renovation. 

The MGallery Collection, including Manly Pacific Hotel Sydney, The Porter House Hotel Sydney, Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, and Hotel St Moritz Queenstown, is positioned for rapid growth. 

The Pacific is also a strategic market for developing Emblems, a collection of emblematic luxury hotels serving as flagships for their destinations.

Globally, Emblems aims to grow to 60 properties by 2030. 

Fraser said: “Here in the Pacific, my goal is to make Sofitel the luxury brand of choice with its French zest and to grow MGallery into the region’s fastest-growing boutique luxury brand, offering meaningful and memorable moments to its guests. I’m also eager to explore opportunities to bring the prestigious Emblems brand to the Pacific.”

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The post Marriott International reports strong growth in APAC throughout 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Marriott International Inc reported yet another year of strong growth in the Asia Pacific excluding China, signing a record 109 deals across 11 markets.

The announcement released today, 7th February, shows that these deals collectively contributed 21,439 rooms to the region’s development pipeline, closing 2024 with 77,532 total rooms in the region’s year-end pipeline. 

The company continues to expand its portfolio in the region across market segments, including its debut in the midscale segment and its expansion of its luxury portfolio, reinforcing Marriott’s lead in the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.

Marriott International president for the Asia Pacific excluding Asia Rajeev Menon said: “2024 was a record-breaking year for Marriott International in APEC, with exceptional growth driven by key development milestones, market expansions, and the introduction of new brands in sought-after destinations. As we continue to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers, APEC remains a pivotal region in our company’s growth strategy, reinforcing our position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.”

A year of accelerated growth

In 2024, Marriott signed 109 deals representing 21,439 rooms in APEC, bringing its regional pipeline to 363 properties and 77,532 rooms, reflecting a 12 percent year-over-year increase.

India, Japan and Indonesia were the highest growth markets in the region, comprising 72 percent of the region’s deal signings in the year.

Growing the luxury portfolio in the region remains a key focus, accounting for 19% of signed deals in 2024. 

More than 20 agreements were signed representing 4,600 rooms in the region across six Marriott International Luxury Group brands, meeting the increasing demand from affluent travelers seeking high-end, experiential stays in both established and emerging destinations. 

This includes the expected debuts of EDITION in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Mumbai, India; The Ritz-Carlton in Jaipur and Udaipur, India; a second W Hotels in Singapore; and more.

Multi-unit agreements and conversion opportunities played a key role in the region’s pipeline growth, with conversions representing 36 percent of 2024 signings. 

Marking the company’s regional debut in the affordable midscale space, Marriott launched Four Points Flex by Sheraton in Japan, as part of a strategic multi-unit agreement with KKR to convert 14 properties across 10 cities in Japan. 

In November 2024, the brand celebrated its official debut in the region and the company’s 100th property in Japan with the opening of the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Umeda. 

Shawn Hill, chief development officer for APAC excluding China said: “As Marriott continues to expand its presence across APEC, we aim to continue broadening our portfolio of best-in-class brands and unforgettable experiences to meet the growing demand for travel.

By enhancing our offerings and entering new markets, we’re not only aiming to deliver greater value to owners, franchisees and developers, but also adapting to the evolving needs of today’s travelers — across all stay purposes and experiences.”

A year of marked expansion

In 2024, Marriott entered new destinations and celebrated brand debuts in the region, centered around its growing traveler base. 

The company debuted in Papua New Guinea with the opening of Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby, increasing its operating presence to 22 countries and territories in APEC.

Following the brand’s success in Japan, South Korea and Australia, the lifestyle-focused Moxy Hotels brand also made its debut in key cities, including Moxy Bengaluru Prestige Tech Cloud in India, Moxy Putrajaya in Malaysia, and Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong in Thailand, catering to a new generation of travelers seeking vibrant and design-forward stays.

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The post Hong Kong Tourism Board celebrates one million Filipino visitors milestone appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As Hong Kong welcomed its one millionth visitor from the Philippines last November, the Hong Kong Tourism Board commemorated the event with a special dinner at Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City on Wednesday, 5th February.

The Juan in a Million event brought together partners and collaborators for an unforgettable evening to celebrate Hong Kong’s enduring appeal and its commitment to offering fresh, exciting experiences.

HKTB executive director Dane Cheng remarked during the event: “Thanks to the collective efforts of our partners, we are proud to announce that we have not only reached the historical milestone of receiving 1 million Filipino visitor but have also surpassed previous arrival numbers with a record 1.2 million arrivals in a year from the Philippines. This is a remarkable achievement!”

Cheng added that, for this year, the HKTB remains committed to offering visitors a million reasons to explore Hong Kong and bringing the city even closer to the hearts of Filipinos.

Breaking records whilst winning hearts

For Hong Kong, 2024 brought in record-breaking visitor numbers thanks to innovative campaigns that strengthened its connection with Filipino travelers.

Celebrity-led initiatives captured the imagination of audiences, including “Under Parallel Skies”, a film top-billed by Janella Salvador and Thai Actor Win Metawin, and “Be With U”, a romantic music video starring KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad.

Both of these promotional campaigns showcased Hong Kong as a city of love and adventure.

Meanwhile, culinary collaborations like the Four Hands Dinner with chefs Margarita Forés and Vicky Cheng highlighted the city’s unique flavors, bringing Hong Kong closer to Filipino palates, while also serving as the perfect prologue in anticipation of the yearly Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a celebrated gathering of the best gastronomic finds in Hong Kong.

HKTB also went the extra mile to showcase more of Hong Kong’s hidden gems through the eyes of four Hong Kong-based Filipinos in the “Of Course, Hong Kong” video series campaign.

These efforts, combined with the strong appeal of world-class attractions, the introduction of new experiences, and a slew of exciting cultural events, have reinforced Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s World City.

With all that in mind, HKTB is focused on creating an even more exciting time for travellers in 2025.

According to Cheng, staying ahead of trends and keeping the momentum going is essential in maintaining Hong Kong’s appeal as a dynamic global destination.

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