SiteMinder’s data further reveals that room rates have increased year-on-year in the lead-up to the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena, with the average daily rate (ADR) for stays during the period climbing by 10% to €265, from €241 last year. By contrast, the ADR in the preceding week was €56 lower, highlighting the spike in demand as the final game approaches.

Additionally, shifts in booking windows and lengths of stay reflect the impact of one of the world’s most anticipated football matches: travellers are locking in their stays at local properties earlier by 23 days, with the average booking lead time reaching 136 days, up from 113 days last year. Meanwhile, stays have shortened slightly year-on-year, with guests booking for an average of 1.57 nights, down from 1.83 nights over the same period in 2024.

“We saw during Germany’s hosting of UEFA Euros last year just how positive its impact was on local hotels, and it’s pleasing to see that the Champions League is proving no different, offering valuable momentum at a time when hotels are navigating more complex market dynamics,” says Andreas Kastl, SiteMinder’s Regional Manager – DACH. “With thousands of fans – both local and international – preparing to travel to Germany to see who takes home this year’s trophy, hotels are encouraged to fully embrace dynamic revenue practices that respond quickly to booking demand, whether through pricing or marketing strategies. For instance, longer booking windows give hotels more time to connect with their guests, creating opportunities to upsell and provide exclusive, personalised offers well before visiting fans arrive at the front desk.”

Ahead of the final showdown in Munich, the UEFA Champions League semi-finals will be played over two legs on 29-30 April and 6-7 May, with each of the qualifying teams set to host one match at their respective home stadiums across Europe. The venues will be confirmed following the quarter-final results.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

As at 18 March, SiteMinder’s data shows that, over the five-night holiday period, these properties have each already received 3.35 more bookings on average, compared to Easter 2024. Spain leads this growth with 6.75 additional bookings per property, followed by Portugal with a 4.75 average increase.

Two-thirds of hotels secure higher rates, led by Portugal and Spain

The data reveals contrasting trends in Average Daily Rate (ADR) across markets. Two-thirds of analysed destinations are seeing ADR growth for the Easter period, with Portugal and Spain again leading with a 13.7% and near-8% increase, respectively.

North American and UK markets show declining rates, with Mexico recording an 11% decrease, US rates down 3.41%, and the UK showing a 2% reduction year-on-year.

Travellers get their diaries organised further in advance

Booking lead time has increased from an average of 87 days in 2024 to 96 days in 2025, a rise of 9.63%, as confidence remains strong and travellers make plans further in advance. Stays in Portugal have been booked the furthest ahead at 105 days, while France has the shortest booking window at 85 days among the markets analysed. Italy has recorded the largest percentage increase in lead time at 15.51%, followed by the United States at 13.43%.

Shorter stays and more international guests

While booking volumes and lead times are increasing, the average stay length for Easter 2025 has declined by 3.43%, dropping from 2.33 to 2.25 days globally. Only Italy and Australia have recorded modest increases in length of stay, with gains of 1.53% and 1.46%.

This shift is occurring alongside changes in traveller origins. When comparing completed stays from Easter 2024 with current bookings for Easter 2025, all analysed markets except Australia are seeing a rise in the proportion of international guests. Italy and France demonstrate the most dramatic shifts, with Italy’s international guest percentage increasing from 58.53% of actual stays in 2024 to 76.58% of current bookings for 2025, while France has jumped from 48.88% of 2024 stays to 67.97% of current bookings for the coming Easter.

“With Easter falling later this year than in 2024, we’re not just seeing stronger travel demand—we’re seeing travellers rethink how they plan,” says James Bishop, VP of Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships at SiteMinder. “Earlier bookings and a rise in international travel are shaping this year’s trends, with the later holiday creating more favourable conditions in many regions. But flexibility remains key—historically, domestic travellers tend to book closer to arrival, meaning the final guest mix and pricing dynamics could still evolve in the coming weeks.”

Looking further ahead, booking data for the early May public holiday period reveals bright spots in several markets, with Germany leading the way at +14.40% growth, year-over-year. Portugal and Mexico also show positive momentum with modest booking increases. Like Easter, advance planning for the holiday period is trending upward, with Mexico seeing a 13.09% extension in its booking window and Italy a 12.67% increase.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

SiteMinder’s data further reveals that the festival’s international appeal has driven a year-on-year surge in total hotel bookings, rising by as much as 65% in Koh Samui – the resort island location of The White Lotus – 41% in Chiang Mai and 20% in Bangkok. 

The increasing momentum in overseas bookings coincides with a widening booking window for check-ins during Thailand’s signature New Year celebration, with foreign guests securing stays in key festival hotspots further in advance. Hotels in Koh Samui have marked the longest average booking lead time at 109 days, reflecting a 33% increase from last year’s 82 days. Similarly, hotels in Phuket have posted a 33% year-on-year rise, extending from 76 days to 100 days, while Bangkok’s lead time has grown by 17%, from 69 days to 81 days.

Additionally, stays at Thailand’s hotels during Songkran week have extended by 7.3% year-on-year – from 2.41 nights to 2.59 nights – underscoring the diverse appeal of the country’s destinations. In Koh Samui, where the longest-staying guests are set to arrive, the average length of stay has increased by 1.5%, from 3.74 nights to 3.80 nights.

Despite the influx of international travellers, hotel room rates have generally slightly dipped during the festival period, with the national average dropping 2.3% year-on-year, from THB 6,742 to THB 6,586. Only hotels in Koh Samui and Phuket are set to witness an increase in average daily rate (ADR), rising by 38.0% to THB 11,073 and 8.1% to THB 5,889, respectively.

“It’s wonderful to see the Songkran festival join other major festivals around the world in bringing significant tourism into the country. The rise in lengths of stay and booking lead times, driven by increasing international arrivals during Songkran, highlight the excitement surrounding Thailand’s biggest festival from a growing audience,” says Supakrit Phansomboon, SiteMinder’s Country Manager for Thailand. “However, the dip in ADR presents a clear opportunity for hotels and accommodation providers to adopt more dynamic pricing strategies and fully capitalise on this rise in demand. With travellers booking further in advance and extending their stays, local hotels are well positioned to revisit their revenue strategies and introduce tailored offerings that appeal to high-spending guests. By doing so, they can ensure that the renewed confidence in travelling during the country’s iconic festival translates into greater profitability.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The 25-year-old family business, with more than 1,150 rooms across Auckland, Rotorua, Kaikoura, Christchurch and Queenstown, is using SiteMinder’s platform to reach new guests and streamline its operations, allowing for a more dynamic revenue management strategy across its portfolio.

“Sudima Hotels deeply values the power and reach of SiteMinder’s platform, alongside the company’s commitment to continuous innovation, which will ensure we’re always equipped with the latest tools to stay ahead of the curve,” says Hemal Ghetla, Project Manager and Systems Analyst at Sudima Hotels. “Being able to connect with new audiences as international travel rebuilds is exciting from a revenue perspective, but equally valuable are the efficiencies we’re gaining across our hotels. Distribution tasks that once took hours are now done in minutes, allowing us to respond faster to changes in the market. Soon, we will also incorporate SiteMinder’s payments solution into our technology stack, to automate the complex world of payments, as well as streamline and secure our processes.”

Today’s announcement follows Sudima Hotels’ recent investment in a fleet of eight robots to enhance guest service and efficiency. The group is also New Zealand’s first carbon reduce certified hotel chain, a certification which recognises its commitment to sustainability by measuring, reducing and offsetting carbon emissions.

Bradley Haines, Market Vice President – Asia Pacific at SiteMinder, says, “Sudima Hotels is a proven industry leader committed to embracing innovation and creating new opportunities for growth. It’s exciting for SiteMinder to be part of their journey as they optimise their operations and unlock fresh revenue streams, particularly as New Zealand once again becomes an increasingly attractive destination for travellers throughout Asia and beyond.”

Founded in 2000, Sudima Hotels is an award-winning group that has been recognised for both its sustainability initiatives and its excellence in hospitality.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over A$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

One of the appointments involves SiteMinder’s co-founder, Mike Rogers, whose role will evolve from Chief Technology Officer to Chief Data Officer to lead the company’s global data strategy and further its data science capabilities. A disrupter and two-time CIO50, Mike is a technology veteran, having pushed the boundaries of cloud computing since its earliest days and driven innovation to significantly advance the technological capabilities of the then-non-digitalised hotel industry. It is under his technical leadership that SiteMinder pioneered a Software-as-a-Service-based distribution platform for hotels in 2006. SiteMinder’s platform has since evolved to become the most widely-adopted hotel distribution and revenue platform, used by more than 47,000 hotels in more than 150 countries to process more than 125 million online reservations each year. In his new role, Mike will use SiteMinder’s rich data set to drive new innovations.

Another two-time CIO50, Tomas Varsavsky, will join SiteMinder as Chief Technology Officer. Tom has more than 25 years’ experience in technology, including 10 years at REA Group, a property marketing company on the ASX 100. As their Chief Technology and Data Officer, Tom was responsible for providing the technology and data platforms underpinning REA’s products, services and operations. Other businesses he has worked or consulted for include Catch, ThoughtWorks, LonelyPlanet, Insignia, ANZ, National Australia Bank, Cbus Super, and Sensis & Ericsson. As CTO at SiteMinder, Tom will lead and build SiteMinder’s high-performance engineering team, ensuring it has the scale, leadership and skills to continue delivering SiteMinder’s transformative products.

The two appointments come at a pivotal time for SiteMinder, as the company transforms its technology stack into a ‘Smart Platform’, designed to introduce intelligence and automation capabilities to the highly-fragmented hotel industry. In 2023, SiteMinder also embarked on a new mission, to make sophisticated revenue management accessible to every hotel in the world, as the industry grappled with the increasing complexities of the travel sector.

“Mike and Tom’s appointments are a direct response to the convergence we are seeing in technology and data. Ultimately, we know that, today, the most powerful technology in the world, including AI and machine learning, is built off vast amounts of data – which have underpinned SiteMinder’s success to date,” says Sankar Narayan, CEO and Managing Director at SiteMinder. “Mike and Tom will bring our data engineering and tech teams more closely together, to unlock the potential of using one of our most unique and significant assets – our data, the breadth and depth of which is unmatched in our industry. Importantly, they will open new opportunities for innovation and efficiency for hoteliers who lack the time and expertise to drive these capabilities, themselves.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over A$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

1. Shifting global travel patterns, with international arrivals expected to grow by up to 70 million in 2025, representing a 5% increase over the previous year
2. The rising influence of events, with 65% of travellers more likely to travel for an event this year compared to last
3. Intensifying competition, with 113,000 rooms under construction in Europe and 142,000 in the US, alone
4. Ongoing operational inefficiencies, including a continued reliance on spreadsheets, manual adjustments and fragmented solutions
5. A critical talent gap, especially in the area of revenue management. 

“Navigating hotel revenue management today is no small feat. With shifting travel patterns, the growing influence of events and increasing competition, the complexity can quickly become overwhelming for hoteliers. This often results in outdated practices becoming entrenched within accommodation businesses, further compounded by a shortage of dedicated revenue management professionals industry-wide,” says Rankin.

Rankin’s revelations coincide with SiteMinder’s expansion of Dynamic Revenue Plus into select Northern Hemisphere markets, as unveiled today at ITB Berlin. Since its initial launch last year, Dynamic Revenue Plus has remained the only solution for hotels to both access live market intelligence and take immediate action on their bookable inventory, pricing and distribution strategy. Designed to make sophisticated revenue management accessible to every hotel—unlike revenue management systems that have traditionally been accessible to a limited few—the dual capability within Dynamic Revenue Plus means any hotel can, for the first time, use one, mobile-first system to optimise their revenue based on market demand. From today, the product will incorporate dynamic pricing recommendations from IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services, so they are no longer limited to hotels with dedicated revenue management resources.

Says Rankin: “When developing this product, our goal was to make revenue management not only accessible, but intuitive—helping hoteliers of all kinds make confident, data-driven decisions, even when the world around them feels unpredictable. Our solutions are designed to address current challenges while anticipating future needs, and the expansion of Dynamic Revenue Plus underscores our commitment to helping businesses maintain control in a world where change is the only constant.”

As highlighted in the recently released SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends report, hotels are increasingly adapting to changing market conditions with more dynamic revenue management practices. The report indicated that, globally, room rates in 2024 were on average 16%—or US$31—higher on Friday nights compared to Sunday nights. In Germany, rooms in June—coinciding with the start of summer and the UEFA European Championship—were €48 more expensive than in January, when hotel demand was lowest. The report also highlighted the emergence of 17 new top revenue-generating booking sources, demonstrating the way hotels are responding to the evolving demands of today’s travellers.

“Pleasingly, many accommodation businesses are already moving towards a more adaptable and dynamic approach, but it’s often the speed—or lack thereof—that can harm their ability to capitalise on opportunities,” says Rankin. “The reality is that the vast majority of accommodation businesses still don’t have dedicated revenue management teams, or any time allocated to revenue management. That’s where Dynamic Revenue Plus comes in—democratising the practice and giving every property, regardless of size, the tools they need to compete on a level playing field.”

Dynamic Revenue Plus is now available in Germany, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and the US, following its successful launch in Australia and New Zealand last September. A global release is slated for later in 2025.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The report, SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends, based on more than 125 million reservations – the largest volume of hotel reservations from any single technology platform – shows that hotel websites produced an average of US$519 per booking for hotels last year. This figure was 8.5% higher than the prior year and more than 60% above the value-per-booking via OTAs (US$320); more than 35% above global distribution systems (US$380); and more than 15% above wholesalers, DMCs and tour operators combined (US$446).

The year-on-year rise in direct booking value saw hotel websites either hold or improve their position among every major travel destination’s top sources of total revenue, for the first time. Hotel websites ranked as the second-highest driver of total revenue in four countries—Ireland, Portugal, South Africa and Spain—and ranked among the top five in all other markets, trailing OTAs in each.

SiteMinder’s VP of ecosystem and strategic partnerships, James Bishop, says the findings show travellers are not only seeking out hotel websites in strengthening numbers, but spending more when they do.

“When booking directly, travellers are choosing higher-value rooms, staying longer and adding extras, and each of these factors represents a tremendous opportunity for hotels to provide those exclusive deals. This certainly doesn’t mean hoteliers should disregard third-party channels in 2025; they continue to offer unique and unmatched reach, as well as simplicity, as evidenced by their continued dominance in each one of the Top 12 lists of hotel booking revenue-makers worldwide. But what our findings highlight is the importance of hotels delivering an easy booking experience that comes with smooth payments and strong security, just as third-party channels do so well.”

The annual SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends report is the authority on hotel bookings across 20 of the world’s most established destinations. It is based on the booking data of SiteMinder’s more than 44,500 hotel customers, who in 2024 used SiteMinder’s platform to secure more than 125 million bookings valued at more than US$50 billion in revenue.

Further analysis of SiteMinder’s 2024 data shows:

• The resurgence of international travel was fuelled by the accelerating return of Asian hotel guests. China’s Trip.com either climbed or debuted on 40% of the Top 12 revenue-maker lists globally, while Asia Pacific’s Agoda rose on 35%.
• At US$200, on average, hotel room rates increased in 65% of markets, with the highest growth seen in Thailand, Portugal and Spain. Friday emerged as the most expensive night in 85% of countries, and Sunday the most affordable in 65%.
• An average of 78% of hotel stays globally were for one night only, while 11% of visits for three nights or more. The longest stays were in Portugal and the shortest stays were in Taiwan.
• Travellers booked earlier and cancelled less, with the average booking window extending to 32 days and cancellations falling below 20%. Ireland enjoyed the longest booking lead time (47 days), while Indonesian hotels enjoyed the lowest cancellation rate (12%).
• Arrivals were more evenly distributed year-round, thanks to higher demand for the Northern Hemisphere’s spring. However, the busiest month in 50% of markets was more concentrated, including August in Spain and December in South Africa.

“As trends change to mirror today’s dynamic traveller, hotel businesses must remain flexible and responsive. SiteMinder’s report shows that traveller preferences are anything but fixed, so those who can adapt quickly will be best positioned to succeed,” says Bishop. “In 2025, the advantage will come from leveraging data-driven insights, building flexibility into strategies, and seizing new opportunities. Properties that embrace this approach will not just establish themselves as leaders within their markets; they will set a new standard for an industry undergoing transformative change.”

SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends report is available here.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

For the third consecutive year, the hotel technology pioneer has taken home the title of ‘Best Hotel eCommerce Platform’ and, for the fourth straight year, the top Hoteliers Choice Award. As a reflection of its leadership within all the areas hoteliers need to be successful online—distribution, direct bookings and maintaining an online presence—the company has also taken out the top award in the respective categories of ‘Best Channel Manager’, ‘Best Booking Engine’, ‘Best Hotel Metasearch Management Software’ and ‘Best Hotel Website Design’.

Additionally, SiteMinder has been named the top finalist in the category of ‘Rate Shopping & Market Intelligence’, for the real-time intelligence it provides to hotels, as well as ‘Best Hotel Management System’ for Little Hotelier, the company’s all-in-one solution for small accommodation providers.

“At SiteMinder, we know that market leadership doesn’t always equate to customer satisfaction. The overwhelming support that our customers show us each year, through the HotelTechAwards, both fills us with immense gratitude and drives us to continue building the product that ensures their success,” says Leah Rankin, Chief Product Officer at SiteMinder.

SiteMinder’s platform converges the critical capabilities of distribution, revenue optimisation and intelligence, to make hotels as dynamic as the travel environment in which they operate. The platform does so by integrating channel management, direct booking, market intelligence, metasearch and payment solutions together with the hotel industry’s largest partner ecosystem of more than 2,150 revenue-centred hotel systems and consultants. For its more than 47,000 users globally, SiteMinder’s platform generated more than 125m reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue last year.

“SiteMinder’s consistent year-over-year dominance in the HotelTechAwards underscores its evolution into a holistic eCommerce platform, empowering hotels to sell digitally across both third-party and direct channels. Providing seamless access to over 2000 systems and hotel consultants, SiteMinder enables hoteliers to optimise their inventory, maximise their revenue and prevent overbookings. Its scalable design and user-friendly interface make it an essential tool for properties of all sizes, while its focus on dynamic pricing and direct booking capabilities positions hotels for sustainable growth. By combining robust connectivity with innovative eCommerce solutions, SiteMinder continues to redefine how hotels thrive in the digital marketplace,” says Jordan Hollander, CEO at HotelTechReport.com.

An accommodation that has benefited from the full range of technological capabilities provided by SiteMinder is Smoky Mountain Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Heather Minyard, the resort’s director of commercial strategy, shares: “It has been a remarkable journey witnessing the continuous evolution and improvements made to SiteMinder’s platform. I have come to appreciate how diligently the SiteMinder team has worked to enhance its functionality and features, leaving me with the distinct impression that there is little, if anything at all, left to be desired.”

About the HotelTechAwards

The HotelTechAwards are produced by HotelTechReport.com, which ranks over 2,600 of the world’s best hotel software companies and products based on authentic, timely reviews from real users. It is used by 2.5 million hotel industry professionals to make informed technology purchasing decisions each year. Based on hotel customer feedback and more than 100,000 proprietary data signals, including integration compatibility, organisational health, market share, partner network strength and customer support quality, the HotelTechAwards is the only data-driven awards program to recognise the world’s best accommodation software. More than 25,000 product reviews were written and verified during this year’s awards period, making it the most competitive in HotelTechAwards history.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125m reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The rises complement a year-on-year increase in both length of stay and booking lead time during the Christmas week, showing grown confidence in international travel and a return to people booking further in advance. The average length of booked stays for the period is set to increase by 6% in the UK, from 1.98 days to 2.10 days, while the average booking lead time will increase 10% in Thailand, from 84.67 days to 93.19 days.

Additionally, hotels in most markets globally are enjoying a jump in their average daily rate (ADR) for the Christmas week, including those in Spain where the ADR has risen from €186.01 last year to €200.11 this year.

Among those most on the move that week will be British travellers. They are set to feature within the top five source markets for all major tourist destinations, from Australia and Thailand to the US and Spain.

SiteMinder’s chief growth officer, Trent Innes, says, “The Christmas holidays have always brought people together from around the world and it is pleasing to see that that will again be true this year. Our data not only shows that hotel bookings are up for that week, but that there is a strong return in international travel and travellers booking months in advance. Whether they are going home to see their families or to simply take a break in an exciting destination, travellers are set to bring in significant revenue for hotels towards the end of 2024 and hoteliers would do well to maximise their visits through memorable experiences.”

SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2025 shows two-thirds (65%) of travellers globally are now more likely to travel for an event, with family reunions/celebrations topping the list. While almost half (46%) plan to book a standard (basic quality) room, the majority will splurge ‘where it matters’, with 87% willing to spend on extras like breakfast (47%), room size (30%) and views (28%). Four-in-five also intend to seek out experiences on site at their accommodation.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

SiteMinder’s report follows the company’s survey of more than 12,000 travellers in 14 of the world’s largest tourism markets, including the US, China, Spain, Thailand and Australia. As an example of the everything traveller’s complex nature, the report shows that while 78% globally want to use AI at some point during their accommodation journey, only one-in-ten (12%) want machines to manage all hotel functions. Additionally, while 72% plan to venture abroad in 2025 – an increase from 65% this year – fewer plan to travel exclusively internationally, with the number intending both domestic and overseas trips almost doubling.

Additional insights relating to the everything traveller include:

• Although 80% intend to seek out experiences on site at their accommodation, 41% also plan to work, a 5% increase from this year.
• Nearly two-thirds (65%) are more likely to travel for an event, rising to 83% among Gen Zers. Yet, once at their accommodation, more than half anticipate spending ‘most of the time’ (19%) or ‘considerable time’ (32%) there, a 1.5% year-on-year increase.
• Almost half (46%) plan to book a Standard (basic quality) Room, yet the majority will splurge ‘where it matters’, with 87% willing to spend on extras like breakfast (47%), room size (30%) and views (28%), and 70% open to paying more for an eco-friendly stay.

SiteMinder’s report also provides an in-depth analysis of the key distinctions between the world’s travellers, particularly regarding their use of and readiness for technology. Notable findings reveal:

• A significant divide exists between how travellers from different regions perceive and embrace emerging technologies.
  • Over 90% of travellers in high growth regions are open to using AI at some point during the planning, booking and experiencing of their stay, including in Thailand (98%), China (96%), India (94%) and Mexico (91%). This drops to around 60% of travellers from more traditional destinations such as Canada and Australia (62% each) as well as Germany and the UK (63% each).
  • More than half of travellers globally (51%) believe hotels are ‘ahead’ (33%) or ‘very ahead’ (18%) of the curve when it comes to adopting new solutions, a perception as high as 80% in Indonesia, but as low as 30% in France.
• Seventy percent of Gen Zers (18-27) have abandoned an online booking due to a negative experience, compared to 47% of Gen Xers (44-59), 28% of Baby Boomers (60-78) and only 13% of Radio Babies (79-96).
• The Italian traveller is the most likely to begin their hotel research using a search engine (50%), while the Chinese traveller is the least likely to do so (20%), favouring specific online travel agencies and social media.

SiteMinder’s chief growth officer, Trent Innes, says the research confirms the need for technology to meet the demands of an increasingly multifaceted traveller next year.

“In an era where guests hold increasing influence over their stays, it’s clear that their evolving needs are both broad and deeply specific. The everything traveller embodies a bold new standard, with the flexibility to pivot between impulsive and considered decisions, international and local travel, and a clear demand for control,” says Innes. “Our research signals to hoteliers that accommodating these nuanced preferences isn’t just about adapting to a trend—it’s about committing to a deep understanding of how specific traveller preferences and behaviours are changing, and keeping a finger on the pulse as they do. In this landscape, data-driven insights become critical for hoteliers to anticipate guest needs and deliver the stay they envision.”

SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2025 is available here.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125m reservations worth over US$50b in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

SiteMinder’s annual awards program recognises the tech companies and service providers powering the global accommodation industry. There are two categories: the Performance Awards, based on business metrics from SiteMinder’s official partner program, and the Excellence Awards, decided by a panel of expert judges. This year, they were Annemarie Gubanski, Founder of revenue management consultancy Taktikon AB; Daniel Segerblom, Head of Revenue Optimisation & Customer Success at revenue management platform DIAMO; and James Bishop, Vice President of Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships at SiteMinder.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone, with four new awards ensuring coverage across SiteMinder’s entire industry-leading ecosystem for the first time, and followed a record number of entries. The four new awards included ‘Distribution Partner of the Year’, ‘Breakthrough Partner of the Year’, ‘Hoteliers Choice Partner of the Year’ and ‘Revenue Partner of the Year’.

“I’m beyond excited to witness the evolution of the SiteMinder Partner Awards, and by the opportunity to recognise our entire ecosystem of more than 2,150 diverse partners dedicated to powering the hotel industry,” says Bishop. “In a year that required hotels to be as dynamic as the ever-changing world around them, it was the tech solutions and consultants that enabled hotels to navigate challenges with agility and adapt their revenue and distribution strategies at speed that had the biggest impact.”

The 2024 SiteMinder Partner Awards winners are:

Performance Awards

• Expert Partner of the Year – Hotel Solutions, headquartered in Colombia.
• PMS Partner of the Year – Suitech, headquartered in Spain.
• App Partner of the Year – Welcome Pickups, headquartered in Greece.
• Distribution Partner of the Year (New) – Hopper, headquartered in Canada.

Excellence Awards

• Innovation Partner of the Year – Roibos headquartered in Spain, for developing a direct hotel distribution marketplace that connects hotels and travel distributors, particularly via the Roibos Wallet, which centralises booking payments.
• Breakthrough Partner of the Year (New) – ezTravel headquartered in Taiwan, for achieving 33% growth in room nights with approximately 800,000 bookings, and being the first local OTA to introduce ‘book and pay later’ functionality.
• Hoteliers Choice Partner of the Year (New) – RevenYou headquartered in Australia, for helping properties of all sizes optimise performance and navigate operational challenges through practical industry knowledge and innovation.
• Revenue Partner of the Year (New) – Sojern headquartered in the US, for optimising digital marketing to drive guest acquisition, partnering with SiteMinder to enable over 350 properties to achieve $19 million in direct booking revenue at an average of $54,000 per property.

“We’re thrilled to be recognised as the inaugural Distribution Partner of the Year by the SiteMinder Partner Awards,” said Gabi Demarco, Director of Supplier Integrations at Hopper. “Hopper is known for creating dynamic and innovative marketplaces that serve both our customers and our partners. Being recognised as the best-performing distribution partner of the year shows that we are committed to developing solution-driven and data-backed travel products that address the industry’s core needs and move the needle on results.”

Commenting on the value of the awards program to the global hotel industry, Annemarie Gubanski, Founder of Taktikon AB, says, “The annual SiteMinder Partner Awards are unique in the way they shine a bright light on the innovations and excellence of our industry’s behind-the-scenes stars. I look forward to seeing this program continue to elevate those tackling the unique challenges faced by hoteliers today.”

This year’s awards marked the fourth anniversary of the SiteMinder Partner Program – the most extensive training and educational program for hotel advisors, hotel technology startups and property management system (PMS) vendors globally.

For more about the winners, head here.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125m reservations worth over US$50b in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The Australian pop icon is set to perform from 16 May to 6 June next year in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield. With more than 70% of her UK shows already sold out, hotel bookings have risen more than sevenfold (727.8%) across these locations compared to the same dates last year, when measured on October 11. And hoteliers are set to benefit, with ADRs for the period increasing by an average of almost 10% across all cities, from £201 in 2024 to £221 in 2025.

A further indication of the tour’s impact can be seen via stay length. The average length of stay has reduced by over 10% to 1.33 days, with many fans opting for shorter trips specifically to see Kylie.

“UK hoteliers need to be prepared for the growing importance of event-driven bookings. This calls for dynamic revenue management strategies and flexible booking options that can quickly adapt to sudden demand shifts while capturing the business of more discerning guests. Encouragingly, UK hoteliers benefiting from Kylie Minogue’s Tension tour have so far demonstrated success in doing just that,” says James Bishop, Vice President of Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships at SiteMinder.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over $50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

Sydney, Australia – SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, is heralding a new era of revenue management for hotels with the unveiling of ‘Dynamic Revenue Plus’, the only solution for hotels to both access live market intelligence and take immediate action on their bookable inventory, pricing and distribution strategy. Unlike revenue management systems that have traditionally been accessible to a limited number of hotels, the dual capability within Dynamic Revenue Plus means any hotel can, for the first time, use one, mobile-first system to optimise their revenue based on market demand.

Dynamic Revenue Plus is uniquely powered by the data within SiteMinder’s platform, which stems from an unparalleled 125m annual hotel reservations that give users of Dynamic Revenue Plus the most comprehensive data available, including top source markets. Soon, it will be enhanced with dynamic pricing recommendations from IDeaS, a SAS company and the world’s leading provider of revenue management software and services. The built-in combination of IDeaS’ dynamic pricing strength and SiteMinder’s distribution platform with deep market intelligence will provide powerful revenue management capability and speed-to-market to hotels of any size, including the most resource-strapped. To date, these have been accessible only as separate solutions and limited to hotels with dedicated revenue management resources.

Using the unified solution, any hotel can now move away from traditional, static revenue management practices, characterised by slow and irregular changes, to a more dynamic approach that involves frequent adjustments to revenue strategies in response to market fluctuations. Examples of changes include bulk room rate updates, new minimum base rates and lengths of stay, sale restrictions, inventory adjustments and new marketing promotions, which can all be done on mobile as well as desktop.

Klaus Kohlmayr, Chief Evangelist and Development Officer at IDeaS, said, “We’re committed to democratising revenue management and bringing the benefits of dynamic, demand-based pricing to hotels across the globe. This partnership provides another viable option for hotels of all resources and operating models to stop leaving money on the table due to outdated manual revenue management practices and tools.”

Dynamic Revenue Plus was conceived in late 2023 to mirror the convergence of distribution, revenue optimisation and market intelligence strategies that SiteMinder saw taking place at hotels globally to drive a commercial mindset across hotel departments. Available initially to hotels in Australia and New Zealand with all other markets to follow in 2025, Dynamic Revenue Plus is a key pillar of SiteMinder’s Smart Platform strategy – the manifestation of SiteMinder’s mission of making sophisticated revenue management accessible to every hotel in the world.

The launch of Dynamic Revenue Plus comes amid rising international travel and a booming events industry, which are boosting hotel economies around the world. In response, the solution gives users the most complete event information available in the market, along with insight into future demand surges. This capability will allow hotels to capitalise on changing travel flows, events and other critical revenue opportunities at a speed not available until now.

Leah Rankin, Chief Product Officer at SiteMinder, said, “While market intelligence is not new, Dynamic Revenue Plus by SiteMinder is unique among existing solutions for the capability it offers hoteliers to not only consume insights but to take multiple actions, beyond pricing changes, within minutes. Additionally, its mobile-first approach and unique ability to provide insight into future levels and timings of demand mean hoteliers can adapt with the market. Truly, Dynamic Revenue Plus is the first of its kind and, together with the team at IDeaS, we at SiteMinder are delighted to make it available for all hotels looking to make the critical shift to dynamic revenue management and drive significant growth in revenue.”

Fready Goenawan, Revenue and Distribution Manager AU at Ovolo Hotels, said, “The notifications we receive through Dynamic Revenue Plus mean we no longer have to search for this information on the Internet; it’s provided to us. They will replace the holidays calendar that we manage manually, and save our team a lot of time. Additionally, the insights we’re using for our studies on geographical markets are amazing. They don’t exist in other systems. Using SiteMinder’s platform, we can see right away which countries are returning to our hotels. We can also break down the data to see performance metrics such as length of stay so we can roll out a new promotion to suit. When you’re trying to maximise revenue, you need to know the markets that your income is coming from so you don’t splash your marketing budget everywhere. Having information by destination market is also wonderful, as it’s important to know if we’re ahead or behind the pace of the market. SiteMinder’s solution is very powerful in this way.”

Hotels can register their interest for Dynamic Revenue Plus here.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125m reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

About IDeaS
IDeaS, a SAS company, is the world’s leading revenue management software and services provider. Combining industry knowledge with innovative data analytics technology, IDeaS creates sophisticated yet simple ways to empower revenue leaders with precise, automated recommendations they can trust. With 35 years of expertise serving hospitality, including hotel, event, and parking clients, IDeaS delivers revenue science to more than 30,000 properties in 164 countries around the world. Results delivered. Revenue transformed. Discover greater profitability at IDeaS.com.

SiteMinder’s data also reveals that, during the festival from 21 September to 6 October 2024, room rates for hotels and other accommodation properties in Munich have reached an average of €416 – 59% higher than the city’s average daily rate of €261 this autumn and, notably, 138% above the city’s average of €175 for the year-to-date. Additionally, the booking lead time for stays during Oktoberfest has lengthened, reaching 128 days compared to 125 days in 2023.

“The rise in bookings and room rates in Munich during Oktoberfest underscore the festival’s significant impact on local tourism,” says Clemens Fisch, Regional Director for DACH at SiteMinder. “With travellers securing their rooms in the city further in advance than last year, local hotels and other accommodation providers would do well to seize this opportunity by optimising their revenue strategies dynamically and in tune with the demand in real-time.”

Adds Fisch: “Oktoberfest’s widespread appeal, especially among international travellers, reflects the strengthened demand for hotel bookings centred on popular events. To stay ahead, local hotels should capitalise on the momentum surrounding Munich’s two-week festival by offering upgrades and tailored package deals for guests eager to immerse in the celebrations. Doing so not only boosts their bottom line, but also makes the festival more exciting and memorable for their guests.”

Hotel rates across southern Germany have also increased during this year’s Oktoberfest. Alongside Munich, the average daily rate has reached €353 in key cities, including Augsburg, Regensburg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Stuttgart and Karlsruhe. This is remarkably higher than the year-to-date average of €162 across all cities and the autumn rate of €232.

Meanwhile, as Oktoberfest kicks off this September, travellers from the Netherlands are leading the surge in international arrivals at German hotels, followed by travellers from the UK, US, Switzerland and Italy. Italian tourists, in particular, are expected to arrive in droves during the famed ‘Italian weekend’ of the festival.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The average daily rate (ADR) in Mexico for the holiday period has risen 11% to US$260. This is up from US$252 last year, and US$235 for August and September. In Mexico City, specifically, the ADR has jumped to US$162 – 21% higher than the US$134 achieved by hotels last year. Twelve percent of all scheduled arrivals at Mexican properties for the remainder of 2024 will occur between September 9 and September 16.

SiteMinder’s data also shows that the booking window for the Independence Day period has lengthened, from 93 days in 2023 to 99 days in 2024, and that stays will be longer at 2.49 days, versus 2.22 across August and September. The split between international and domestic arrivals is currently an even 50/50.

“Mexico’s Independence Day is a time of celebration across the nation, with vibrant festivities in regions like Mexico City, Guanajuato and Guadalajara driving significant demand for hotels,” says Alfredo Rodríguez Flores, SiteMinder’s country manager for Mexico. “This holiday period is unique for its deep cultural significance, uniting domestic and international travellers alike in a shared experience of history and festivity. Hotels have a vital role to play in capturing the spirit of this moment, offering tailored experiences that enhance the celebration, while also driving increased revenue.”

One of the main attractions in Mexico City will be the decorative LED lighting that will pay tribute to various historical figures from Mexico. These artworks will be installed throughout September at key locations in the city, such as the Zócalo, Paseo de la Reforma, the Angel of Independence, and Avenida de los Insurgentes.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The average daily rate (ADR) in New York City for the championship’s finals weekend over 6-8 September has risen to $336. This is up from an average of $317 during the tournament period (26 August to 8 September), $290 across the summer, and $281 for the year-to-date.

SiteMinder’s data also shows that the booking window for the US Open tournament period has lengthened, from 113 days in 2023 to 123 days in 2024.

“In the always-dynamic US hotel market, the excitement surrounding the US Open has contributed to increased demand for hotels in New York City towards summer’s tail end,” says Trent Innes, SiteMinder’s Chief Growth Officer. “The tournament period is a unique time for the city, and with strong interest from sports travellers, hotels have an important role to play. By capitalising on this peak period with tailored promotions and exceptional guest experiences, astute businesses can not only bump up their revenue, but attract and delight new fans by delivering an unforgettable stay.”

Nearly 1 million people are expected to visit Flushing Meadows this year for the US Open, where Novak Djokovic will aim to defend his title and claim a record 25th Grand Slam.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The partnership marks Wowcher’s first integration with a hotel distribution platform, and forms part of Wowcher’s broader initiative to increase booking value for its hotel partners. Through the integration, UK and Irish hotel users of SiteMinder’s distribution and revenue platform can seamlessly tap into Wowcher’s 20-million-plus subscriber base. Importantly, SiteMinder’s platform ensures properties leveraging the Wowcher website can now market and sell a broader range of rooms simultaneously.

“We’re thrilled to partner with SiteMinder as we present our customers with more exclusive hotel deals than ever before,” says Jamie Lavers, UK Travel Manager at Wowcher. “With the rising cost of living, the demand for deals on short stays year-round has never been more apparent. This partnership, with the trusted SiteMinder brand, ensures that we continue to meet that demand by offering exceptional value via the dynamic hotels that use SiteMinder’s platform.”

Adds Lavers, “Recognising the benefits of efficient distribution and inventory management, it made sense to integrate with SiteMinder’s platform, which is widely adopted by many of our hotel partners. Through this integration, hotels can now supply travellers with higher room categories, publish their rooms for longer periods and manage their inventory with greater flexibility. Moreover, this integration allows hotels to connect to untapped segments, as our data shows that up to 80% of our customers are first-time guests at the hotels we feature.”

James Bishop, Vice President for Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships at SiteMinder, says, “Our collaboration with Wowcher comes at a time when SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 has shown that nearly 50% of travellers from the United Kingdom are now opting for package deals, cheaper rooms and shorter stays in response to increasing prices. In this ever-changing landscape, we are eager to support Wowcher by connecting our hotels with travellers looking to make the most of their accommodation experiences, whether it’s a seaside vacation, a quick city getaway or a spa retreat.

“We are pleased to have this integration as a way for hotels to drive more incremental value. In today’s dynamic environment, it’s vital for hotels to offer a great experience for their guests, regardless of economic conditions. Connecting with Wowcher enables SiteMinder’s UK and Irish properties to unlock additional revenue streams by opening their doors to travellers who are hungry for special deals.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

About Wowcher
Wowcher is a leading marketplace to buy and share the best things to do in your city. Providing a trusted, convenient source for finding value on everyday items and activities as well as identifying novel, enriching and fun experiences for you to enjoy and share with your friends. With thousands of unique and diverse offers every day, Wowcher inspire their subscribers to discover everything from weekend excursions to international travel, from exclusive gourmet dinners to family outings and more. To learn more, visit wowcher.co.uk.

“Partnering with SiteMinder marks a significant milestone for Globales, especially as we prepare for what our forecasts indicate will be a strong period of travel,” says Federico Crudo, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Globales. “We are seeing heightened demand from a range of both international and domestic locations, and are confident that SiteMinder’s revenue platform will allow us to optimise our pricing strategies and inventory management, with speed, to meet current and future demand.”

Adds Crudo: “In recent years, our guests have increasingly demanded personalised experiences, seamless digital interactions and greater transparency. They have higher expectations for easy access to information than ever before. To meet these evolving needs, the Globales team has focused on enhancing its digital presence and providing accurate, up-to-date information online, at all times. It is critical that we remain dynamic in the way we do business, and it’s been pleasing to have already seen higher occupancy and stronger bottom-line revenue results alongside SiteMinder, which we look forward to growing further across the summer and beyond.”

Alvaro Rubio, SiteMinder’s country manager for Spain, says, “SiteMinder’s data indicates that Spanish reservation volumes are currently outpacing 2023’s record-breaking year, making this an ideal time for Globales to adopt SiteMinder’s revenue solutions and maximise the volume of potential guests available. Empowering leading Spanish brands like Globales is always incredibly rewarding, and we’re excited to support their growth as they level up their approach to revenue management and become more efficient in the way they do business.”

Founded in 1967, Globales has 54 properties across the Balearic and Canary Islands, Costa del Sol, as well as in Belgium, Nicaragua and Argentina. It employs a team of 3,000 worldwide.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

In Paris, which will host the majority of events, the total number of forward bookings for the Olympics period has increased by 43% compared to the previous year. On average, stay lengths have grown by 9% to 2.48 days, and bookings have been made more than two months further in advance, (174 days ahead versus 112 days last year). Reflecting the unique patterns of demand, the average room rate has more than doubled, from €229 to €460.

France-wide, the total number of forward bookings for the Olympics period has increased by 39%. Stay lengths have jumped by 10% to 2.38 days, and like Paris, reservations have been booked further in advance, (144 days ahead versus 113 days last year). The average room rate has grown by 33% from €251 to €334.

Additionally, 68% of bookings for July are currently from international guests, compared to 54% last July. Travellers from Germany, the UK, US, Netherlands and Belgium are leading the projected arrivals.

“Unique events like the Olympic Games offer hotels a rare opportunity to boost their bottom-line,” remarks Anthony Casano, Country Manager France at SiteMinder. “For travellers who have already booked their stay, offering tailored upgrades and packages pre-stay can further enhance their Olympic experience. This not only elevates guest satisfaction levels but opens new revenue streams for the property, delivering a win-win for all parties.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

‘Hotel technology me’ probably knows too much. This version of me knows that the revenue team downstairs is likely bogged down in antiquated, siloed systems that can’t speak with each other, in real-time if at all, to match the speed of progress. This me also knows that, because of this literal lack of connection between systems, the B&B I recently checked into hasn’t changed its rates in eight months and is leaving huge amounts of money on the table. Yes, this me even knows the reasons why the ‘personalized’ ad I was just emailed included some very fundamental errors.

It’s a disconnect of experiences that isn’t just ironic; it’s unacceptable.

Why hasn’t the hospitality industry, which thrives on providing impeccable service to a tech-savvy clientele, evolved in tandem with its guests? And, given we have the tools and knowledge to break down these barriers, why is industry-wide progress so painfully slow?

As industry insiders and leaders, we owe it to ourselves to ask these questions loudly and regularly, and to hold each other accountable. We should take it personally that findings from SiteMinder’s Changing Traveler Report 2023 showed 78% of travelers globally saw our sector as either average or behind when it came to tech adoption.

We also need to open our eyes wide, and deeply examine how an industry like retail for example has evolved, and shifted from once highly-fragmented to integrated for the purpose of streamlining operations and enhancing the experience of its customers.

The industry transformations happening around us

Let’s dive for a minute into the world of retail, which both we and our customers know so well. Retail was once an industry defined by disconnected experiences. Physical stores, online shops and customer service centres largely operated as separate entities with little to no interaction, and shopping was anything but seamless. Were you ever impacted by ‘in stock’ online, ‘out of stock’ in store? It was a really great way to sprinkle some genuine frustration onto your Saturday morning.

Today, the vast majority of retailers have taken an omni-channel approach to provide shoppers with a unified experience. Customers can browse products online, check availability (accurately), and opt for home delivery or in-store pickup, the internal systems working in harmony to ensure the ordered management of store inventory.

Importantly, the industry has also harnessed the power of big data and analytics to fine tune its marketing efforts. By integrating data from various touchpoints, like online browsing behavior, purchase history and in-store interactions, retail providers are now able to generate personalized recommendations that are likely more impactful than in any other industry, boosting not only sales but loyalty when delivered consistently – all of this the result of connected, flowing streams of data.

The guest problem with siloed hotel tech systems

Unlike users of retail tech, users of hotel tech are met with an environment that remains largely fragmented. Hotel technology is traditionally divided into numerous categories (you’ve all seen the re-hashed visuals): Property Management Systems (PMS), Channel Managers, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Revenue Management Systems (RMS) and more. Every couple of years, a new mega diagram emerges in our industry, depicting the extent of the choices now available to hotels – and, rather than be appalled by the lack of connectivity between the systems contained within these diagrams, we seem to applaud the sheer volume of choice, forgetting that choice can be paralyzing without consideration for best-of-breed systems that connect seamlessly with others.

We should welcome and embrace specialization, but equally we should ensure that it never operates in silo as that can often lead to inefficiency or, worse yet, become visible to guests. Hoteliers are often forced to juggle multiple systems, each with its own interface, data formats and learning curves, not only complicating operations but also increasing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.

The cost of little system-to-system integration to hotels is significant, spurred by sync issues, inefficient rate updates, lack of coordinated real-time insights, and the need for shrinking teams to become comfortable with several solutions. These are but a few of the issues that are leading to both lost opportunities and revenue.

An environment has been created that is squashing, rather than harnessing, innovation among hoteliers who feel frustrated rather than enabled. Similarly, it is encouraging hotel tech companies to literally think in boxes, rather than openly. If you’re one of the few who dare to step out of your lane, you can expect to be penalized by reducing yourself to category speak at events, or being forced to select a specific category in awards programs and even… editorial features, such as HOTEL Yearbook Technology’s :)

If the above struggles are coming from even our most seasoned hoteliers and industry vets, spare a thought for the smaller properties that make up the industry’s majority.

The harsh reality for independent operators

The reality is that for the world’s hundreds of thousands of small properties, complexity is either the reason they use technology minimally, or don’t use it at all. We are talking about hoteliers that are looking to change their rates for an upcoming event in the same hour they are ordering the new pillow sheets and trying to find their cleaner’s updated bank details.

They are doing their best, but are under pressure, balancing the demands of guests with the need to maintain profitability. In this high-stakes environment, the complexity and fragmentation of technology can be overwhelming. As one of our customers recently remarked, “Being a hotelier is very stressful. If you get just a few of these revenue management strategies wrong, you can ruin your business or life with debt.”

This sentiment is echoed across the industry. Hoteliers face an uphill battle against outdated systems that don’t communicate well with one another, and rather than the current tech landscape supporting hoteliers in their quest to provide an exceptional service and maintain a competitive edge, it often feels like an additional burden.

How many small accommodation providers understand what a ‘platform’ is, for example? And recognize the value of a single location that encompasses a multitude of capabilities, from distribution to revenue management to payments – but also establishes APIs to make itself open to an entire ecosystem that fills in the gaps? I’d suggest very few, versus the number that have an awareness of what an isolated tool is, like a booking engine, for example, and ignore the importance of connecting that booking engine to critical complementary systems such as online review platforms.

The path to convergence

At SiteMinder, we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of best-of-breed technology that opens up the entire travel ecosystem.

Over the years, we’ve developed a holistic revenue platform to allow hoteliers to move at the same speed as the travel environment around them – and, importantly, established best-in-class integrations that welcomed a world of choice. From PMS-to-distribution-to-RMS integrations, to PMS-to-hotel-application integrations, we created APIs that have literally broken down the barriers crippling our industry.

Insight into the needs and behaviours of more than 41,000 hotels globally has driven us to envision a future where hotel technology isn’t divided into arbitrary, siloed categories but rather is unified into a cohesive ecosystem that doesn’t simply combine multiple capabilities, but drives real value to a hotel’s bottom line.

We’ve begun asking ourselves the most fundamental of questions, like:

• Why can’t the industry bring together different elements, like distribution, intelligence and revenue optimization, into a single cohesive platform like retail has done so effectively?
• Why can’t we allow properties to change their rates at speed, or make it simple for hoteliers to access and manage multiple distribution channels with one agreement?
• Why can’t we embrace partnerships as well as we embrace choice and competition?

The answer to all of these questions is: we can, and our collective team is on a mission to bring this to life.

A unified call to action

In some aspects of our industry, the future can be difficult to imagine, but in others, I find it can be crystal clear. The future that I see is one where ‘traveler me’ can be proud to be a lover of hotels and how they do business, and where ‘hotel technology me’ will witness an integrated, dynamic ecosystem continue to come to life.

This is the future that we must be looking to collectively march towards. It’s one where hoteliers of all experience levels can enjoy the functionality of sophisticated technology, where forward-looking minds can adopt best-in-class tools with new levels of support and ease, and where the antiquated, siloed tech categories that have long divided us begin to fade away to create an elevated experience for accommodation providers and their guests.

As originally published in The Hotel Yearbook.

This collaboration will provide Cloudbeds customers with direct access to SiteMinder’s powerful revenue platform, while SiteMinder customers can explore the industry-leading PMS platform offered by Cloudbeds. As a result, this partnership means expanded distribution capabilities and deep actionable insights for hoteliers, enabling them to make better commercial decisions.

This partnership aims to set a new benchmark in platform connectivity, delivering an improved onboarding experience and exceptional operational accuracy for mutual hotel users. 

“In late 2023, we announced our mission of making sophisticated revenue management accessible to every hotel in the world. We are excited to partner with an industry leader like Cloudbeds to propel this mission, by removing the friction that comes with having critical data hidden away in isolated systems,” says Sankar Narayan, CEO and Managing Director at SiteMinder. “This partnership is a testament to the US$50 billion hotel revenue that is processed by SiteMinder’s platform each year as well as the unique position that we hold to completely transform revenue management for the global hotel industry. It continues SiteMinder’s long history of breaking down silos in a highly-fragmented industry.”

Adam Harris, CEO at Cloudbeds, explains: “Our partnership with SiteMinder is about two of the hotel industry’s biggest names coming together with a mutual commitment to drive forward deeper connectivity between hotel platforms and create new standards that benefit hoteliers everywhere. This partnership empowers hoteliers worldwide by providing unified visibility and control across our platforms. This is just the beginning. We are excited to deliver incremental revenue opportunities for hoteliers while optimising and streamlining the operational aspects of hotel connectivity.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125m reservations worth over US$50b in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

About Cloudbeds
Cloudbeds is the leading platform redefining the concept of PMS for the hospitality industry, serving tens of thousands of properties in more than 150 countries worldwide. Built from the ground up to be masterfully unified and scalable, the award-winning Cloudbeds Platform brings together built-in and integrated solutions that modernise hotel operations, distribution, guest experience, and data & analytics. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has been named a top PMS, Hotel Management System and Channel Manager (2021-2024) by Hotel Tech Report, World’s Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider (2022) by World Travel Awards, and recognised in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 in 2023. For more information, visit cloudbeds.com.

The report analyses hotel reservations made for stays between June and August this year, in 10 of the largest tourism markets within the Northern Hemisphere, including Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, the UK and US.

The data shows:

• Travellers have booked their stays further in advance. The average lead time has stretched to an average of 140 days, from 134 days in 2023, with booking windows longest in the UK, followed by Germany and Canada.
• The average daily rate (ADR) has increased in 9-out-of-10 countries. The biggest increase (€25) is in France, as hoteliers anticipate the Olympics in late July.
• The length of stay has grown to an average of 2.31 nights, compared to 2.25 last summer, with stays longer in 60% of countries. The biggest increase is set to take place in Canada, where stays are expected to increase from 1.69 nights to 1.87 nights.

SiteMinder’s chief growth officer, Trent Innes, says the findings signal another exciting summer ahead for Northern Hemisphere properties.

“Following last year’s record-breaking summer in some of the world’s top destinations, such as Spain and Portugal, SiteMinder’s data indicates another great season and in more travel markets within the Northern Hemisphere. It’s clear that summer continues to be an important time of year for travellers, with more committing to trips abroad, further in advance.”

Innes says despite the booking volumes being good news for the hotel industry, the season isn’t being maximised to its full potential by many businesses.

“Among hoteliers, we are seeing the adoption of revenue software ramping, however we also continue to witness a significant opportunity, particularly outside of major cities, for accommodation properties to embrace technology more fully. As booking windows, competition and the expectations of guests all grow, the properties best placed to capitalise on this dynamic summer environment and create a seamless digital experience are those who have made the conscious decision for technology to be integral to the way they do business.”

SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends – Summer 2024 Edition is based on the booking data of SiteMinder’s revenue platform, which over the past year has processed more than 120 million bookings valued at more than US$50 billion in revenue for hotels. The complete findings can be found below.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

With the surge of arrivals of international fans, the average daily rate for stays during the UEFA Euro season has grown by 11% throughout Germany to €214 – compared to €192 in the previous year. Football fans have booked their stays further in advance, with the average lead time for June and July bookings extending by five days. In Berlin, the average room rate has increased by 18% to reach €189, up from €160 in 2023. Hotel bookings in the city have also risen by 28%, aligning closely with the country average.

“The excitement surrounding one of Europe’s biggest sporting events this year is evident from our data,” says Clemens Fisch, Regional Director DACH at SiteMinder. “Despite the rise in costs, the eagerness of travellers to plan their trips highlights a critical revenue opportunity for hotels. Local properties are now better positioned to forecast occupancy and dynamically optimise their revenue management strategies as more travellers plan their stays around UEFA Euro 2024 and other major events.”

SiteMinder’s data shows that the UK leads with the most international bookings in Germany during UEFA Euro season, followed by the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria and the US.

“The boom in international travel during the UEFA Euro season gives hotels in Germany a unique advantage to further boost their revenue,” shares Fisch. “Hoteliers can capitalise on the arrival of football fans from around the world by offering upgrades, extras and tailored packages even before they check in. Not only will this allow hotels to maximise their revenue potential, but it will also make the stays of their guests more memorable, creating a UEFA Euro summer to remember.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

Between April 11-18, the average daily rate in Thailand increased to THB 5,421 (US$148), from THB 4,087 (US$120) in the corresponding period last year. The increase was also significant when compared to the rate of THB 4,949 (US$135) during the week prior to Songkran, which further highlights the holiday’s influence on the local hotel and travel industry.

“Hotels in Thailand stood tall during the country’s largest and most important cultural event,” says Bradley Haines, market vice president of Asia Pacific at SiteMinder. “Not only did they generate more revenue than ever before, as seen in the rise in the average daily rate, but their performance this year clearly demonstrated the benefit of optimising revenue based on real-time demand. This is particularly evident when we compare the rates during the previous Songkran period and the week prior to the celebrations.”

SiteMinder’s data also shows that revellers booked their stays for Songkran further in advance this year, as the average lead time extended to 42 days – an impressive 56% increase compared to the 27 days seen last year.

Furthermore, domestic travellers in April reached their highest levels since October of 2023. Domestic guests accounted for 23% of total check-ins, up from just 13% in January and February of this year. Meanwhile, international travellers who stayed at SiteMinder’s Thai properties during Songkran mostly originated from the UK, Germany, Indonesia, France and Australia, in that order.

“Despite the rise in hotel costs, the strong influx of domestic and international travellers at Thai hotels last month underscores the widespread and enduring appeal of Songkran. This is also seen from the 15-day increase in booking lead time, which further demonstrates the build-up of excitement surrounding the festivities. As more and more travellers are scheduling and booking their stays around major events well in advance, hotels must stay ahead of demand-driving tourism trends. They can capitalise on revenue opportunities by dynamically pricing rooms based on forecasts or offering upgrades and extras even before guests check in,” shares Haines.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

“We witnessed a significantly elevated room rate for this concert period in Mexico City,” comments Jason Lugo, Market Vice President of the Americas at SiteMinder. “Year-on-year, prices increased by US$60, and were US$25 higher than the week immediately prior to the concerts, highlighting the tour’s impact.”

“Not only this, but those booking stays in Mexico City during this period on average booked 38 days further in advance compared to the year prior,” he adds. “This illustrates the strong appetite amongst consumers to experience large-scale stadium events, and how the benefits spread well beyond the music and entertainment industry.”

Last year, Mexico City also reported a similar phenomenon when ‘Taylormania’ swept the city and country, and Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ generated an estimated one billion pesos from ticket sales, lodging services, purchases from businesses and sales of food and beverages, according to the Chamber of Commerce, Service and Tourism of Mexico City (Canaco).

In the first quarter of this year alone, international artists such as Rosalía and Interpol have been among the six biggest concerts hosted in the famous Zócalo in Mexico City, bringing together 1,150,000 people and generating a total of 5,540 million pesos.

“With more travellers than ever going the distance to attend once-in-a-generation live events at international concert destinations such as Mexico City, it’s vital that hotels stay ahead of the curve when it comes to tailoring their booking processes and offerings for these special dates,” Lugo continues. “As travellers book further in advance, hoteliers are in a better position to forecast periods of heightened demand and dynamically optimise their revenue management. They can also take advantage of this extra preparation period by offering their guests tailored and one-off package experiences, so that the concert of a lifetime can become the stay of a lifetime.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

As part of the partnership, Trip.com has signed an agreement to participate in SiteMinder’s new Channels Plus program, which simplifies distribution for hotels by giving access to multiple distribution channels through one setup. For Trip.com, the extended partnership means access to more hotels and the ability to expand its inventory to deliver world-class travel experiences.

The deepened partnership comes as SiteMinder reports that, over the first three months of 2024, bookings from China to the company’s 41,000 hotel customers surged by 75% from the prior year. As a reflection of the lucrative Chinese travel market’s spending habits, the average daily rate of those bookings was 10 percentage points higher than the global average. Conversely, at 21 days, the average lead time on those bookings was 62% lower than the global average, reflecting the low price sensitivity among Chinese travellers and their greater propensity to take trips at shorter notice. Indeed, SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 found that Chinese travellers were the most price-resilient globally.

The same report by SiteMinder found the majority of Chinese travellers (55%) both researched and booked their accommodation using a specific website or app, such as Trip.com.

“There is clear indication that the outbound Chinese traveller market is rebounding, and we are delighted to take our partnership with SiteMinder to the next level, to ensure that more hotels around the world have the opportunity to capitalise on a strong revenue stream,” says Monica Xiao, CEO of Accommodation Business Group at Trip.com Group.

“In this new travel era, defined by an increasingly dynamic landscape that is forcing hoteliers to re-evaluate and grow their revenue streams, we are pleased to deepen our partnership with Trip.com, a company renowned for its innovation and mass reach,” says Sankar Narayan, CEO and Managing Director at SiteMinder.

Consisting of more than 2,150 partners — from distribution channels such as Trip.com, hotel applications, management systems and hotel consultants—SiteMinder’s hotel ecosystem is the largest within the global hotel industry. Its scale puts SiteMinder in a unique position to simplify distribution for hotels and, subsequently, the company’s Channels Plus program continues to gain traction with leading travel brands. SiteMinder has to date secured agreements with 14 distribution partners for the program, which has also drawn strong registered expressions of interest from the company’s hotel customers. Its pilot, commencing today, is being made available to approximately 1,000 hotels and will be gradually extended until the general release of Channels Plus later this year.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

May accounts for 33% of all booked stays at SiteMinder’s Spanish properties, displaying the importance of the period for local hotels. International guests continue as the majority, contributing 64% of Spain’s April bookings, with travellers from the UK, France, Germany, the US and Italy, in that order, booking the most stays.

The average hotel room rate across the holiday period is €211, 2.4% more than the same time last year (€206). Notably, the average lead time has grown by over 35%, rising from 65 days in 2023,  to 88 days this year, a comparison made a week prior to Labor Day on each occasion.

“As travellers increasingly make their holiday reservations well in advance, savvy hoteliers are taking a data-driven approach to optimising their occupancy and revenue,” comments Alvaro Rubio, SiteMinder’s country manager for Spain. “The Labor Day period is a wonderful time to explore Spain ahead of the peak season, and with that comes a pocket of opportunity for the local businesses setting their room rates based upon demand.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The revamped SiteMinder Partner Awards features four new categories, including ‘Revenue Partner of the Year’, which acknowledges those who have demonstrated exceptional performance in driving business growth for their hotel customers. The new categories complement the longstanding awards of ‘Innovation Partner of the Year’, ‘PMS Partner of the Year’, ‘Expert Partner of the Year’ and ‘App Partner of the Year’. Unique to SiteMinder, each of the eight awards have been designed to recognise the behind-the-scenes hotel experts, service providers and technology companies that power the accommodation industry forward.

“For almost 18 years, SiteMinder has relentlessly cultivated partnerships that not only allow hoteliers to accept bookings and welcome guests, but to thrive, from a best-in-class profitability and operational standpoint,” says Trent Innes, Chief Growth Officer at SiteMinder. “Now with over 2,150 partners—more than any hotel technology provider globally—these awards honour the problem solvers, innovators and tech enablers who often work from the shadows to create success.”

Adds Innes: “Hotels don’t operate in a vacuum; they navigate an increasingly complex environment of fierce competition and unpredictability, making a strong network of partners more important than ever, especially in this new era of travel which demands that hoteliers operate more dynamically. This revamped awards program, fittingly launched on International Hospitality Day, is SiteMinder’s tribute to the businesses that enable the world’s hotels to reach their potential through any business landscape.”

The awards, which are now open to entry, include:

Excellence Awards (decided by a panel of experts)

• Innovation Partner of the Year
• Breakthrough Partner of the Year (New)
• Hotelier’s Choice Partner of the Year (New)
• Revenue Partner of the Year (New)

Performance Awards (based on value metrics from SiteMinder’s official partner program)

• PMS Partner of the Year
• Expert Partner of the Year
• App Partner of the Year
• Distribution Partner of the Year Award (New)

Now in its fourth year, entries for the 2024 SiteMinder Partner Awards close in October, with the winners announced in November during WTM London.

Visit SiteMinder’s awards hub to learn more about the key dates and how to enter.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

Groupon-SiteMinder collaboration: enhancing the travel landscape

The integration of SiteMinder’s platform into Groupon’s travel ecosystem marks a significant step, establishing the marketplace as a seamless and low-friction incremental distribution channel for hoteliers.

Brian Heyel, Global Head of Travel at Groupon, explains, “The synergy between Groupon and SiteMinder underscores our commitment to supporting hoteliers. Beyond simplifying pricing and distribution, it extends their reach, providing the flexibility needed in a dynamic market. This collaboration reflects our dedication to developing and curating the best possible supply for our customers while supporting our valued partners in the hospitality sector.”

James Bishop, Vice President for Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships at SiteMinder, highlights how integrating SiteMinder’s platform with Groupon’s can drive revenue growth for hotels.

“At the heart of this collaboration is a shared goal to open more doors for hotels, giving them wider access to a broader range of guests as international travel accelerates,” says Bishop. “By partnering with Groupon, we are providing our customers the opportunity to feature on a growing platform where more guests are now shopping for stays. This aligns with SiteMinder’s vision to create opportunities for hotels to maximise their revenue and find greater success in an ever-dynamic travel landscape.”

Empowering hoteliers, enriching customer experiences

The strategic partnership highlights benefits for both hoteliers and their guests. Groupon’s integration with SiteMinder reduces friction in interactions with hoteliers, facilitating better deals. This, in turn, grants hotel guests access to a diverse range of properties and destinations, all within a streamlined booking process.

Bishop adds, “Importantly, beyond the seamless integration this partnership brings, our collaboration with Groupon caters to the evolving preferences of today’s traveller. We’ve seen in SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report that while almost 60% of travellers globally are looking to travel ‘more’ in the next 12 months, they will now be scouting for rooms differently, with 1-in-5 seeking out packaged deals. Additionally, travellers are prioritising stays that allow them to create memorable moments. By integrating with Groupon, we are enabling our hotels to connect their guests to exclusive, experience-driven offers, designed to deliver them the elevated stay they now crave.”

“The integration of SiteMinder’s powerful solution represents a pivotal moment in Groupon’s transformative journey, offering customers expanded choices for hotels. This reinforces our commitment to personalised and efficient services, enabling effective capacity management and dynamic pricing optimization during sales peaks” shared Brian Heyel, Global Head of Travel at Groupon.

Global integration*: advancements in technology

SiteMinder is the first hotel distribution solution to be rolled out globally by Groupon, the collaboration marking a strategic initiative to elevate industry standards and foster innovation for enhanced travel experiences. Groupon, guided by a comprehensive transformation plan, aims to become a dynamic marketplace where customers discover new daily experiences, empowering local businesses. With around 17 million active customers, Groupon is dedicated to enhancing the underserved local experiences and services market, contributing to a dynamic and prosperous ecosystem.

*SiteMinder will be available for hoteliers in all 13 Groupon markets, with the exception of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
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About Groupon
Groupon (NASDAQ: GRPN) is a marketplace where customers discover new experiences and services every day and local businesses thrive. To find out more about Groupon, please visit press.groupon.com. Interested business owners can find more information at groupon.com/merchant.

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

According to SiteMinder’s vice president of ecosystem and strategic partnerships, James Bishop, the rise in lead time reflects grown confidence and increasingly-proactive planning by ever-savvier travellers, which offers strategic opportunities for the capital’s hoteliers.

“While the increase in booking lead times reflects the real buzz around the Marathon that we’re seeing in all areas of London life, it’s also a boon for the city’s accommodation businesses. Early bookings allow for better preparedness, meaning London hotels can leave their guests delighted with a tailored offering,” Bishop comments.

The longer lead time prior to this year’s London Marathon, up 10 days from 73 days in 2023, is not an isolated case. According to SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends, the average lead time for UK hotel bookings grew by 7% in 2023, when compared to 2022, and by 12% when compared to 2019. While this was in part due to increased international arrivals, which grew by 17% as a proportion of all UK check-ins, Bishop believes this also reflects a change in guest behaviour that hotels must recognise in order to adopt a more dynamic approach to their revenue management strategies, especially in the lead up to significant events that drive demand.

“Undoubtedly, more travellers than ever before are framing their trips around major events, and hotels are adapting to keep pace. As travellers book further in advance, hoteliers are in a stronger position to forecast occupancy and optimise their revenue management, allowing them to fully leverage events like the London Marathon,” concludes Bishop.

He adds: “Alarmingly, the average daily rate at London hotels has decreased slightly by 6.5% year-on-year. While this suggests the capital’s hotels may be adopting more competitive pricing strategies compared to last year, to entice marathon runners and spectators, it also suggests that London hotels aren’t adopting a dynamic pricing strategy which is based on real-time demand.”

In addition to a longer lead time, the figures from SiteMinder show that London hotel bookings are up 2% compared to last year’s Marathon weekend, while length of stay remains stable at approximately two days.

All data refers to the week prior to check-in.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The data was revealed by SiteMinder at the 7th Hospitality Vietnam Conference. The change in booking behaviour, SiteMinder noted, came despite a 19% rise in the average daily rate at Vietnamese properties, which reached an average of US$162 per night.

International travellers, who typically book their travel further in advance than domestic guests, grew from 74% of all hotel arrivals in 2022, to 88% in 2023. The growth supported Vietnam to reach its target of welcoming 12.5 million international guests during the year.

SiteMinder’s market vice president for the Asia Pacific, Bradley Haines, says the findings highlight the need for local hoteliers to be dynamic and cautions them against anticipating the return of known travel trends.

“SiteMinder’s data shows that while international travel continues to return sharply to Vietnam, the behaviours and preferences of guests have changed. The travellers checking into properties today are markedly different to those who checked in previously,” says Haines. “We know through our data that average booking lead time in Vietnam grew by over 13 days in 2023, for example – more than any country analysed. We also know that travellers have become more open to spending money on extras to elevate their stay, but that increased prices are forcing them to adapt by opting for package deals. It’s therefore vital that in the year ahead, hoteliers are able to react quickly to both shifting demand and changing traveller preferences, to ensure they keep pace with their evolving customers and understand how every customer touchpoint is a revenue opportunity.”

During the event, SiteMinder also unveiled the Top 12 hotel booking sources in Vietnam for the first time, based on the total gross revenue they generated via SiteMinder’s platform in 2023:

1. Agoda
2. Booking.com
3. Expedia Group
4. Hotel websites (direct bookings)
5. Trip.com
6. Hotelbeds
7. Traveloka
8. MG Bedbank
9. HotelsCombined
10. MyTour HMS
11. Tiket.com
12. WebBeds

Notable among the country’s list was the prominence of hotel booking sources based in Asia, which accounted for half of the total. Platforms such as Agoda, headquartered in Singapore, Trip.com from China, Traveloka, MG Bedbank and Tiket.com from Indonesia, along with Vietnam’s own MyTour HMS, were popular among travellers who booked stays in the country. Additionally, Agoda maintained its lead spot, a distinction unique to Vietnam among all other destinations SiteMinder analysed, where Booking.com ranked first.

SiteMinder’s data reveals that South Korea was the country’s biggest source market for Vietnamese hotels in 2023, followed by Australia, USA, UK and Germany.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

One standout performer is Evansville in Indiana, where hotels are set to witness a more than fivefold increase in arrivals (505%) over the two dates, compared to the same period last year. Reflecting this surge in demand, SiteMinder’s figures show that the average cost of a hotel room in the city will be up 48.7% for the two dates in question, from US$224.73 last year to US$334.18 this year.

SiteMinder’s data also reveals strong numbers in Buffalo, New York, with hotel arrivals for this coming Sunday and Monday rising to almost three times higher (276%) than those the city saw for the same dates last year. Room rates increased correspondingly, by 92.77%, from US$161.56 last year to US$311.44 this year.

Dallas-Forth Worth-Arlington, the largest metropolitan area on the narrow path traced by the total solar eclipse, will also enjoy a two-day bonanza. According to SiteMinder’s figures, total arrivals at Dallas hotels on April 7 and 8 will be up 60.71%, compared to the same period in 2023. The average room rate has increased in line with this, by 17.77%, for the two dates.

The figures from SiteMinder also reveal the great anticipation which has built up around the total solar eclipse event, with the lead time on hotel bookings in Buffalo increasing by a staggering 482.16% year-on-year, to over 130 days. Dallas has witnessed a similar year-on-year increase of 342.54%, from 35 days in 2023 to 154 days this year.

Jason Lugo, Market Vice President for the Americas at SiteMinder, says, “Events such as the upcoming total solar eclipse provide an opportunity for hotels to bring in critical revenue by capitalising on surges in demand. They have already done the first part, which is ensuring their visibility to eclipse-chasers and securing their bookings. Additionally, they have employed clever, dynamic revenue management strategies to ensure their prices reflect the demand.”

Adds Lugo: “With their guests now due to arrive, it is time for hotels to take the next important step of offering a frictionless and personalised guest experience. This will maximise their opportunities to upsell to today’s experience-led, deal-hungry travellers, thereby further increasing their revenue.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

Properties across the ASURE motel network in New Zealand are now in the process of adopting SiteMinder’s revenue platform as part of ASURE’s digital transformation journey. SiteMinder’s booking engine will form a key component of ASURE’s direct booking strategy to improve e-commerce conversions, while SiteMinder’s distribution solution and end-to-end GDS service will allow ASURE to recognise the potential of a broadening travel community, including business travellers, as volumes grow.

“Our partnership with SiteMinder could not come at a more favourable time, as arrivals accelerate and we give ASURE’s tech stack a refresh,” says Hazel Rigler, Chief Executive Officer at Motive Group, ASURE’s parent company. “Supporting a range of premium motels as diverse as the travellers checking into them, it pays to adopt a platform that deeply understands how simplifying booking processes and maximising distribution translates to more revenue. We’ve already seen a sharp increase in both group website bookings and website conversions, which have risen to well above the industry standard.”

Adds Rigler: “Importantly, our partnership with SiteMinder enables our properties to be fully future-proofed. The team is constantly improving and adapting its offering, and we feel supported by a platform that not only fulfills our distribution needs, but provides real-time insights for improved decision-making and local support to the properties.”

Bradley Haines, Market Vice President – Asia Pacific at SiteMinder, says, “As travel continues to return to New Zealand, we’re seeing the impressive revenue gains being made by businesses that are empowered to be responsive to emerging traveller groups and efficient in their operations. As such, working with forward-thinking brands like ASURE is always an exciting venture. We’re eager to support their growth and transformation as they make business seamless for not only their moteliers, but also the travellers booking stays.”

Founded in 2007, ASURE Accommodation Group comprises a nationwide network of independently-owned and operated properties, ranging from premium-rated motels to motor inns. Their property portfolio is evenly split across the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over AU$70 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

Available in eight languages, today’s release of SiteMinder’s mobile app follows a Beta period which saw more than 800 users in over 60 countries sign up in spite of no marketing or promotion. It allows accommodation providers to forecast revenue performance and take targeted action whenever needed, using their personalised 14-day overview of rooms sold, revenue earned and best performing distribution channels. Unlike existing solutions, users can also respond to real-time booking demand by easily executing time-sensitive revenue management functions in-app, such as instant rate and availability adjustments, minimum and maximum stay length adjustments, and room sale closures until pricing is fully optimised.

SiteMinder’s chief product officer, Leah Rankin, says SiteMinder’s mobile app is a response to the thousands of hoteliers who for years have been accessing the company’s platform for desktop from their mobile device. The release of SiteMinder’s platform on mobile is about ensuring they and all accommodation providers have the continuous ability to maximise their property’s revenue performance and take rapid action to avert risks.

“We are living in a new era of travel that brings with it new booking patterns and behaviours. Never before have hoteliers had to be so dynamic in their response to an unpredictable booking landscape. Speed-to-market can now mean the difference between thousands upon thousands of revenue gained or revenue lost. That is why today, the power of SiteMinder, which for more than 41,000 hotels last year generated over US$45 billion in revenue from more than 115 million reservations, is officially in our customers’ hands,” says Rankin.

“Without any marketing or promotion, we saw significant early signup volumes to our mobile app, which indicated the real need and demand for a mobile-optimised experience. It’s an experience where hoteliers can execute their end-to-end revenue management and marketing strategies at speed, when on the move. It’s also where trusted data ensures they don’t miss out on ultra time-sensitive revenue opportunities, like demand-driving public events or changes in competitors’ pricing, and where errors can be fixed within seconds, before any monetary or reputational damage occurs. These are capabilities that have traditionally felt too complex and large scale to execute, even on desktop. But this is the new era of dynamic revenue management, and mobility is at the heart of it.”

One of the app’s early adopters is Le Thi To Mai, Revenue Manager at Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion in Vietnam, who says, “SiteMinder’s new app has streamlined our revenue management with quick availability checks, performance reports and rapid rate updates – perfect for our dynamic pricing strategy. It’s been a game-changer for us.”

Adds Encarni Ogea Bermúdez, Director at Costa Azul Hostel in Spain: “The mobile app is super practical, fast and easy-to-use. It allows me to instantly visualise key information, like availability and minimum stays, from the palm of my hand.”

SiteMinder’s mobile app has been unveiled at ITB Berlin, where the company’s revenue product consultant, Aimee Olley, will provide a keynote presentation about what the release means for the world’s hotels.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The report, SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends, based on more than 115 million hotel bookings, reveals that international hotel arrivals in 2023 rose by an average of 33% from the prior year. In spite of increased prices—the average daily rate jumped 11% from the prior year to US$192 globally—the rise in international arrivals saw travellers book their stays sooner, with the average lead time growing 20% to 36 days – longer than in 2019. Additionally, hotel arrivals during the first quarter normalised from 18% to 22%, providing hotels more evenly distributed customer volumes throughout the year and reducing their reliance on peak travel seasons.

SiteMinder’s chief growth officer, Trent Innes, says the findings highlight the need for hoteliers to be dynamic and cautions them against anticipating the return of known travel trends.

“SiteMinder’s data shows that while travellers have regained their confidence and international travel is returning, as is traditional seasonality, traveller behaviours and preferences have changed. Today’s traveller is not the same traveller of years past,” says Innes. “We know through our data that travellers are booking further ahead than before. We also know through our own research that travellers are happy to spend money beyond the cost of their room, but that increased prices are forcing them to adapt by opting for package deals, as an example. It’s therefore vital that hoteliers are dynamic in the way they do business, to ensure they keep pace with their customers and understand how every customer touchpoint is a revenue opportunity.”

The annual SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends report is the most authoritative analysis of the hotel bookings made by the world’s travellers. The data is based on the booking data of SiteMinder’s more than 40,000 hotel customers, which in 2023 used SiteMinder’s platform to secure more than 115 million bookings valued at more than US$45 billion in revenue.

Further analysis of SiteMinder’s 2023 data shows:

• The rise in international travel was spurred by the strong rebound of outbound Asian travel, with China’s Trip.com and Asia Pacific’s Agoda—popular among Asian travellers—rising the fastest among the year’s Top 12 hotel booking sources.
• Travellers did not book extended stays at hotels, with 81% of check-ins for only one or two nights. Only 3% of all bookings were for a stay extending one week or more.
• Travellers incurred the highest costs at hotels on Fridays, followed by Thursdays. In 90% of countries, the average daily rate was highest on Fridays, while Thursday was higher or equal (on one occasion) to Saturday 55% of the time.
• Hotel websites performed strongly as a revenue-generating channel. Collectively, they ranked higher in just over a third of the lists of the Top 12 hotel booking sources, when compared to 2019. Despite international travel’s strong return, they did not drop in ranking on any Top 12 list.

“We have certainly entered a new era of travel. Not only are behaviours and preferences changing, but the travellers, themselves,” says Innes. “The global travel industry has long awaited the return of Chinese travellers and it is clear from our data that they are beginning to come back, alongside those from other source markets throughout Asia, such as India, Japan and South Korea. Hotels would do well to prepare for a change in the mix of travellers arriving at their doorstep, by revising their marketing strategies to reach the world’s fastest-growing travel sources and gaining intelligence on these potential customers to maximise their revenues.”

SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends report is available here.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

Among those capabilities are distribution, direct bookings and maintaining an online presence. SiteMinder’s relentless focus on these customer needs has seen the company receive the People’s Choice Award for the third straight year. As testament to its leadership within these three areas of revenue management and hotel marketing, SiteMinder has also taken out the top award in the respective categories of ‘Best Channel Manager’, ‘Best Booking Engine’ and ‘Best Hotel Website Design’.

Additionally, SiteMinder has been named the top finalist in the category of ‘Best Hotel Management System’ for Little Hotelier, the company’s all-in-one solution for small accommodation providers.

Leah Rankin, Chief Product Officer at SiteMinder, says, “For the entire team at SiteMinder, it is a true honour to be recognised by the customers who drive our passion and our commitment to building the fully-integrated hotel platform of the future. Our mission is to make sophisticated revenue management accessible to every hotel in the world, and accolades such as these serve as recognition that we have the strongest foundation within the hotel technology industry to make this a reality. Hoteliers from more than 40,000 accommodations around the world, who banked more than US$45 billion in revenue from over 115 million bookings last year, have told us through these awards that they share our vision for a future with sophisticated revenue management capability steeped into every aspect of a hotel’s technology solution.”

SiteMinder’s platform currently integrates channel management, direct booking, market intelligence, metasearch and payment solutions together with the hotel industry’s largest partner ecosystem of more than 1,800 revenue-centred hotel systems and consultants. The next generation of SiteMinder’s platform will be released later this year and will converge revenue optimisation, distribution and intelligence, to make hotels as dynamic as the travel environment in which they operate.

“Convergence refers to the idea that in order to maximise hotel bookings, hotel marketers have to be well versed in not just marketing but also sales, distribution and revenue management. This convergence amongst commercial roles has led to an increased reliance on software tools to manage all of the complexities,” says Jordan Hollander, CEO of Hotel Tech Report, the host of the annual HotelTechAwards. “In addition to point solutions, the annual user choice awards recognise the top eCommerce Platform that covers all of the critical capabilities needed for hotels to establish an online web presence and generate direct and indirect online bookings. Despite it being the most competitive year in HotelTechAwards history, SiteMinder pulled it off.”

Heather Minyard, Director of Commercial Strategy at Smoky Mountain Resorts in Tennessee, says: “After relying on SiteMinder as my go-to solution for three years, it has been a remarkable journey witnessing the continuous evolution and improvements made to the platform. The diligent commitment to progress exhibited by SiteMinder has not gone unnoticed. Their dedication to refining and expanding the platform has resulted in a robust and highly-effective tool that has consistently met and exceeded my expectations. It has become an indispensable part of my daily operations. It liberates me from the laborious manual tasks that were once the standard practice, significantly enhancing my workflow. This newfound efficiency enables me to allocate more time and attention to meaningful tasks.”

About the HotelTechAwards
Based on hotel customer feedback and proprietary data signals, the HotelTechAwards is the only data-driven awards program to recognise the world’s best accommodation software. Category winners are selected from more than 200 of the top technology products around the world, determined by product reviews from a global community of verified hotel technology users across more than 120 countries. During this year’s awards period, more than 800,000 hoteliers visited Hotel Tech Report to contribute more than 16,000 verified product reviews.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 115 million reservations worth over US$45 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

Domestic vs international travel planning

Of the 12 countries that SiteMinder spoke to, German travellers are the most likely to travel internationally only in the next 12 months, ahead of those from the UK and Thailand. At 62%, Gen Z Germans (18-26 year olds) lead the nation for international only planning, however each generation is significantly more likely to travel only internationally, year-on-year.

“I plan to travel internationally only in the next year” 2022 vs. 2023:

Plans to travel only within Germany have also increased, with Radio Babies the most likely to do so.

“I plan to travel domestically only in the next year” 2022 vs. 2023:

In light of these shifts, while in 2022 an average of 41% said they would travel both internationally and within Germany, in 2023 this has fallen across all age groups, as bigger international trips become prioritised.

“I plan to travel both internationally and domestically in the next year” 2022 vs. 2023:

Further shifts towards specific apps when shopping for accommodation

Online continues to become a bigger source of inspiration for all German travellers as they plan their stay, according to SiteMinder’s data, with recommendations from friends dropping by 3%, year-on-year.

Search engines are not gaining traction as this shift occurs however, dropping from 32% to 27% as the first step in planning, while direct searches within specific apps, for example Booking.com are, jumping from 19% to 23% year-on-year. This trend does not apply to Gen Z travellers however, the only age group planning to make greater use of search engines for accommodation inspiration, this year (2022: 34% vs. 2023: 36%).

When making a booking, all generations are unanimous in their preference for booking platforms or apps like Booking.com or Kurzurlaub.de, with younger travellers leading, and direct bookings in second place for all Germans.

When booking online, an average of 44% have abandoned a booking due to a poor experience, with younger travellers the most unforgiving (Gen Z: 66%, Millennials: 55%, Gen X: 30%, Baby Boomers: 14%, Radio Babies: 17%).

Each age group in Germany is adapting differently to price increases

Higher accommodation prices are having an influence on choices for all age groups, according to SiteMinder, with younger travellers the most impacted.

Sixteen percent of Radio Babies will opt for a shorter stay, versus 11% nationwide, 26% of Millennials will hunt down a package deal, compared to an average of 20%, while 17% of Gen Zs will opt for a lower star rating, compared to an average of 8%.

Less plan to work on site as the need for an elevated experience grows

When questioned about the most important change to accommodation’s ‘role’ year-on-year, 24% of Germans are seeking a ‘great experience’ more now versus the year prior, a desire more pronounced among younger travellers (Gen Z: 35%, Millennials: 39%, Gen X: 24%, Baby Boomers: 10%, Radio Babies: 8%). This accompanies an overall drop in plans to work when on site, with 21% planning to work in 2023 versus 29% last year.

Despite prioritising a ‘great experience’, SiteMinder’s data highlights that less Germans overall are willing to spend money on extras, beyond the room, a finding contrary to the global trend.

“I am willing to spend money on extras on site”:

Clemens Fisch, Regional Director of DACH & EMEA at SiteMinder, says, “There is no set path when booking accommodation online. For accommodation providers, this means they need to be present on a range of channels, including metasearch, and have a website that’s secure and modern.”

“Germans love travelling, but they increasingly want to be offered something ‘more’ via their stay. The plans and expectations of Gen Z show accommodation providers exactly where the industry is heading, and highlight what they need to do to prepare.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

It is also the first time in five years that reservations in Spain have exceeded pre-pandemic figures for each month of the year, reaffirming the country as a preferred tourist destination. Compared to neighbouring Italy and France, Spain has the strongest comparative reservation figures, behind only Portugal.

According to SiteMinder’s data, of the total reservations made in the last two weeks, 49% are for holidays in December as the long weekend and holiday season approaches, with 47% of November bookings coming from domestic travellers, the highest proportion throughout 2023.

Expectations for the holiday season

More than 20% of all future stays currently booked at Spanish properties align with the weeks surrounding the long weekend, with 8% corresponding to the end of the year.

Sara Padrosa, SiteMinder’s regional manager for Spain, says, “Locals in particular are eager to travel in December, whether it be a relaxing stay or getaway to the snow. The rapid growth in reservation volumes demonstrates the importance of innovative technologies that help to maximise a property’s revenue during travel peaks and avoid overbookings.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

The collaboration will allow airasia MOVE to tap into SiteMinder’s thousands of hotel customers in the Asian region, while enabling SiteMinder’s customers to offer more value-added deals such as SNAP, the exclusive flight-and-accommodation travel package, to millions of airasia MOVE users.

The partnership comes as airasia MOVE looks to widen its hotel portfolio, alongside flights, and continue its high-growth trajectory as travel volumes accelerate throughout Asia.

The Chief Commercial Officer of airasia MOVE, Tan Mai Yin, says, “We are excited to partner with the long-time leading brand name in hotel technology, both in Asia and globally, to offer hotel operators a more holistic approach to selling their rooms. At a time when the number of travellers seeking package deals is increasing, partnering with a business like SiteMinder, that has such a well established customer base throughout Asia and globally, will allow more hotel businesses to meet this growing need.”

Bradley Haines, Market Vice President – Asia Pacific at SiteMinder, says, “airasia MOVE is a well-known and established brand throughout the Asian region, which makes this new offering compelling to hotels and travellers alike. Through its platform, which allows consumers to not only book flights, hotels, and rides, but also shop for brands and search for the best deals, airasia MOVE has demonstrated its ability to adapt to evolving consumer needs. This aligns well to SiteMinder’s strategy of helping hotels create an incredible experience for their ever-changing guests.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

Through the partnership, Cendyn customers can now gain full access to SiteMinder’s revenue platform to complement the capabilities they receive through Cendyn’s central reservation system (CRS), which for the sixth consecutive year was voted the ‘Best Central Reservations System’ at the 2023 Hotel Tech Awards. SiteMinder’s revenue platform will provide Cendyn’s customers with the ability to manage their rate plans and inventory through SiteMinder. Additionally, they will be able to access SiteMinder’s complete ecosystem of distribution channels—the largest ecosystem for the hotel industry—to gain a more dynamic mix of revenue streams and increase their speed-to-market.

For SiteMinder’s hotel customers, the benefit will come through enhancements and optimised features in SiteMinder’s platform, informed by insights from Cendyn’s own hotel performance data.

Michael Bennett, President at Cendyn, says, “We are delighted to deepen our long-standing relationship with SiteMinder to provide our hotel customers the opportunity to tap into new streams of revenue, quickly and easily. It’s exciting to extend this strength in revenue generation to our customers around the globe as SiteMinder stands out as a strong technology partner for hotels.”

Adds Jonathan Bedford, Chief Sales Officer at SiteMinder, “Cendyn is a true market leader with great foresight in bringing together revenue, eCommerce, distribution, marketing and sales capabilities to the world’s hotels. We are pleased to strengthen our partnership for the benefit of our mutual hotel customers.”

Cendyn and SiteMinder first partnered in 2018, upon the launch of SiteMinder Exchange, which enabled hotel data to be transferred between property management systems and hotel applications, such as Cendyn’s customer relationship management (CRM), for the first time. SiteMinder Exchange culminated in the launch of SiteMinder’s Hotel App Store, which in 2019 formed the first marketplace to allow hotels of all sizes to connect applications to their business systems for greater guest experiences and revenue.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About Cendyn
Cendyn is a catalyst for digital transformation in the hospitality industry. We help hotels around the globe drive profitability and guest loyalty through an integrated technology platform that aligns revenue, eCommerce, distribution, marketing and sales teams with centralised data, applications, and analytics, so they can capture more demand and accelerate growth. With offices located across the globe, in the United States, France, United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India, Cendyn serves tens of thousands of customers across 143 countries. To find out more, visit cendyn.com.

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for CLLIX, enhancing its ability to cater to corporate clients, consortia, and Travel Management Companies. By leveraging SiteMinder’s advanced technology and extensive distribution network, CLLIX aims to empower its sales teams and streamline their focus on key market segments.

Shankar Kotha, Chief Commercial Officer at CLLIX Apartments and Hotels, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to partner with SiteMinder for our GDS distribution needs. This strategic alliance will provide valuable support to our sales teams, enabling them to better serve our corporate, consortia and TMC clients. Moreover, it aligns perfectly with our group’s vision to develop tech-enabled solutions for our properties, ensuring a seamless booking experience for our partners and guests.”

Bradley Haines, Market Vice President – Asia Pacific at SiteMinder, says, “As face-to-face business meetings continue to make a strong comeback locally, and with a solid pipeline for the business events industry in 2024, it’s pleasing to see forward-looking groups like CLLIX Apartments and Hotels embracing technology to broaden their distribution mix. We look forward to providing CLLIX with new revenue opportunities across their impressive portfolio of Australian properties.”

SiteMinder, trusted by over 40,000 hoteliers worldwide, has a proven track record of helping hotels of all sizes achieve remarkable revenue growth. With SiteMinder’s expertise, CLLIX looks forward to expanding its reach and boosting its revenue streams.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125m reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

About CLLIX Apartments and Hotels
CLLIX Apartments and Hotels manages around 8500 units across the country and is a renowned hospitality group known for its exceptional properties in great locations. Committed to innovation and guest satisfaction, CLLIX operates a diverse portfolio of hotels and apartments catering to leisure and business travellers. Click here to book or call +61 7 3518 4108.

Capstone, which recently joined forces with leading global hotel brand BWH Hotels, manages a diverse range of businesses, from high-end lodges like Awaroa Lodge in the Abel Tasman National Park, to central city hotels like 300-room ABSTRACT in Auckland. In September, the group took management of Marlborough Sounds’ 42-room Portage Resort and will be operating the anticipated Soho Hotel Auckland from December.

“At Capstone, we focus on service standards, profitability and transparent business accountability. Our main job is to maximise our properties from a yield management and revenue generation perspective, and having the best possible technology is what allows us to achieve that. It’s a privilege for us to be trusted with the control of these high value assets, and for 10 years now SiteMinder has enabled us to create strong bottom line results for our owners,” says Clare Davies, Managing Director at Capstone Hotel Management.

“With Capstone entering a new phase of growth, we recently underwent a review of all of our software systems, which allowed us to reflect on why SiteMinder will be so central to our offering as we scale. The first of three traits we identified is SiteMinder’s flexibility. With such a variety of properties on our books, we value the amount of control we have over the setup process, and the way we can quickly spin up customisable packages via different rate plans. Particularly for rural New Zealand properties, guests are often seeking an all-inclusive stay, and SiteMinder makes creating these deals, as well as bookable extras, very straightforward.”

Adds Davies: “The second is SiteMinder’s simplicity. We get big efficiency gains from the streamlined one platform access, the way we can easily create promotional codes for returning guests, and SiteMinder’s payment gateway, particularly for properties with a high volume of direct bookings. However, what struck us as perhaps SiteMinder’s most valuable quality, is just how robust the technology is. For 10 years, we’ve relied daily on both the volume and sturdiness of SiteMinder’s integrations, which are still yet to let us down.”

Bradley Haines, Market Vice President – Asia Pacific at SiteMinder, says, “Growing alongside a business, as we have with Capstone Hotel Management, is one of the most rewarding aspects of the position SiteMinder occupies within the accommodation ecosystem. To be able to double down on our strengths and create new capabilities as the industry evolves is an exciting journey, and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with dynamic operations like Capstone. Congratulations to the team on 10 years of exceptional service to New Zealand’s accommodation sector and here’s to many more.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

About Capstone Hotel Management
Founded in 2014, 100% New Zealand-owned Capstone Hotel Management offers a range of property management and marketing services, from full management to light touch consultation projects. With over 80 years’ of combined experience in the hotel sector, they have worked with properties ranging from large corporate hotels to luxury lodges, apartments, motels and backpackers. For more information, visit www.capstonehotels.co.nz.

The partnership sees easyJet holidays integrated into SiteMinder’s platform, so listed hotels can offer dynamic room rates to travellers and make their full inventory bookable. By gaining the ability to sell all their rooms on easyJet holidays, listed hotels can now optimise their yield and inventory, especially during periods of high compression when filling their last remaining rooms at an optimised price is critical.

From today, hotels on sale through easyJet holidays—which include the Palladium Hotel Group and Pestana Hotel Group—can now price their rooms on easyJet holidays based on travel demand, using SiteMinder’s market-leading distribution capability, which powers more than 125 million hotel bookings globally each year and is accessible to easyJet holidays via TravelGateX.

The partnership comes at an opportune time for easyJet holidays’ curated list of hotels. SiteMinder data shows that hotel bookings in various pockets of Europe are now above 2019 levels, including in the UK, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Additionally, bookings are largely being made by travellers close to their date of arrival. Among hotels in the UK and Spain, slightly under half (49% and 45%, respectively) of all bookings made in the last two weeks are for stays this month.

“We’re really pleased to partner with SiteMinder and be able to tap into their market-leading distribution capability for our listed hotels. As hotel bookings surpass 2019 levels, it is important that our listed hotels are able to benefit from the returning demand and apply a smarter, more competitive pricing strategy to make sure they don’t miss out on revenue,” says Roy Stratford, Head of Commercial Partnerships at easyJet holidays.

“easyJet holidays is a brand favourite across Europe, and we are delighted to bring their hotels into the modern era of revenue management, where bookings can be made at any time of day, at prices that should reflect demand but often don’t,” says James Bishop, Vice President of Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships at SiteMinder.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

About easyJet holidays
easyJet holidays is the UK’s fastest growing tour operator, having carried 1.3 million people in its first fully operational year and named Rising Brand of the Year by Travolution. It offers great-value beach, city and lakes holidays to over 5000 hotels, in more than 100 destinations across Europe, directly through its website and through over 5000 travel agent partners. The tour operator is a member of ABTA, and its ATOL-protected holidays can be secured with a deposit of just £60 per person, including flights, hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers on beach holidays.

Winners of the Sustainable Future Award at the Globe Travel Awards 2022, easyJet holidays has a sustainability strategy focusing on three key pillars – create better holiday choices which is about making sustainable travel affordable and accessible to everyone; keep our holidays special which is maximising the benefits and minimising the negative impacts of travel and tourism, and transform travel for everyone which means embedding sustainability into business decisions and behaviours and driving meaningful change in the industry. Through ongoing collaboration with the University of Oxford, and as a member of the GSTC, easyJet holidays is focused on building its research, partnerships and certifications, and taking action to make a positive impact on the people and places that make its destinations so special.

easyJet holidays has been named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023 – being called out as one of the most loved employers and highly commended as a great place to work for LGBTQIA+ employees, as well as being named one of the Best Workplaces in Travel 2022.

The annual awards recognise the experts, service providers, apps and tech companies that help power the accommodation industry. There are two categories; the Excellence Awards, decided by a panel of expert judges, and the Performance Awards, based on business metrics from SiteMinder’s official partner program.

Entries for the Excellence category were this year judged by Anne Clemenson, Manager of Distribution Technology at International Choice Hotels EMEA; Sharad Kapur, Hospitality Commercial Strategy Consultant at Estilo Hospitality; and Trent Innes, Chief Growth Officer at SiteMinder.

“We are excited to announce the winners of SiteMinder’s 2023 Partner of the Year Awards, and formally recognise the problem solvers, innovators and tech enablers that pour so much energy into the accommodation industry, often from behind-the-scenes,” says Innes. “In a year when travel again thrived, it was the consultants and solutions that enabled properties to operate with speed, flexibility and to personalise the experience of their guests that had the greatest impact.”

The 2023 SiteMinder Partner of the Year Awards winners are:

Excellence Awards

• Innovation Partner of the Year – Suitech in Spain, for the agility of its front and back office solutions.
• Industry Champion of the Year – GuruHotel in Mexico, for its commitment to empowering independent hotels via regular knowledge sharing initiatives.
• Rising Star of the Year – GuestTouch in the US, for expanding the breadth of its reputation management and messaging solutions.
• People’s Choice Award – RevenYou in Australia, for consistently going above and beyond to fulfil the needs of its hotel customers.

Performance Awards

• PMS Partner of the Year – Tesipro in Spain
• Expert Partner of the Year (for the third consecutive year) – TrevPAR World in South Africa
• App Partner of the Year – Welcome Pickups in Greece

Pinak Soni, CEO of GuestTouch, and winner of this year’s Rising Star of the Year Award, says, “We are delighted to receive this award and would like to thank our customers and partners that made it possible. In the years since GuestTouch was founded, we’ve seen a fundamental shift in the ease at which properties of all sizes, and in all locations, have been able to access technology like ours. As barriers to adoption fade, solutions designed for efficiency and to personalise the experience of guests are becoming increasingly commonplace, which is an exciting trend to witness.”

Adds Derek Martin, Founder & CEO at TrevPAR World, and winner of this year’s Expert Partner of the Year award, “This acknowledgment motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence, and we look forward to many more years of success and growth alongside SiteMinder.”

Commenting on the value of the awards program to the global hotel industry, Sharad Kapur, Hospitality Commercial Strategy Consultant at Estilo Hospitality, says, “The annual SiteMinder Partner of the Year Awards are a testament to SiteMinder’s continued emphasis on innovation. By shining a light on some of the industry’s behind-the-scenes stars, we can reflect on the depth and quality of accommodation’s advisor and technology landscape, and the immense value that these partners bring to properties of all kinds.”

This year’s awards mark the third anniversary of the SiteMinder Partner Program – the most extensive training and educational program for hotel advisors, hotel technology startups and property management system (PMS) vendors globally.

For more about the winners, head here.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125m reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

“When it comes to adopting next-gen technologies, we want to be right at the forefront,” says Christopher Ellison, Director of Revenue at BRH. “We want to ensure that all of our solutions can talk to each other and so we’ve created a matrix that allows every decision we make to be based on data, rather than gut feel. With thousands of units of inventory, and a dozen room types per property, we don’t have the luxury of missing any opportunities. It can literally cost us millions. With SiteMinder, we now feel secure in our distribution strategy and have data that plugs directly into our revenue management system, to help us guide and automate our forward-looking decisions.”

Adopted across 22 properties and more than 4,000 rooms, SiteMinder’s material impact as part of BRH’s tech stack has been immediate.

“On the one hand, the platform’s stability means that I’m no longer worried about getting an overbooking call on a Saturday night. But from a results perspective, the moment we switched on SiteMinder, our occupancy immediately shot up. We were struggling to reach that 95% occupancy threshold in those high-time periods, and then almost overnight we were at 95%. Each revenue manager and analyst has gotten hours back in their day to actually analyse, not chase down connection issues, meaning we feel more comfortable from a labour perspective, and we can now look at a wider range of channels to drive incremental room nights, somewhere we’ve historically felt limited. Moving forward, we’re aiming to use SiteMinder to its full capacity. If my inventory can be in 100 different places at the same time, why wouldn’t I allow that to happen?”

Jason Lugo, Market Vice President – Americas at SiteMinder, says, “Hoteliers today are eager to feel empowered by technology. They’re seeking a deeper understanding of their guests, to ensure a personalised experience, and want the security of knowing their revenue is being maximised via precise and data-driven decision-making. We are pleased to support BRH as they elevate the sophistication of their tech stack, and scale their impressive business throughout the US and beyond.”

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revenue potential of hotels, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over AU$80 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year.

About Brittain Resorts & Hotels
Brittain Resorts & Hotels (BRH) is a full-service hospitality management company providing multi-layered expertise in all disciplines of hotel and resort operations. Since 1943, BRH has been enriching the lives of its team members, guests, partners, and the communities they serve by providing exceptional guest experiences, a supportive work environment, and superior returns. With over 4,000 rooms, suites, and condos in the portfolio, the company currently operates 20+ hotels and resorts and 40+ restaurants & bars within the United States. For more information, visit brittainresorts.com.

The product of 10,000 traveller interviews across 12 markets globally, it’s the largest consumer research on accommodation conducted anywhere in the world.

But what does the report specifically tell us about those planning to stay with a hotel group or chain on their next trip?

In this piece, I’ll take a deeper look at the data we collected in our recent survey. Initially I’ll summarise the four major characteristics of the changing traveller we met at a global level, but will then take this a step further — reflecting on the findings purely through the lens of the approximately 2,000 travellers we spoke to that plan for their next check-in to be with a hotel group or chain.

Traveller 1: The enduring explorer

At a time when people everywhere are struggling with the basic cost of living, today’s traveller remains stubbornly determined to explore. Are they impacted by macroeconomic issues? For sure. Do they care? Not really. Rather, they are relentlessly prioritising ‘the adventure’, and categorise travel less as a luxury and more as a fundamental aspect of being human.

How do those staying with a hotel group or chain compare to this global traveller?

– They are 6% more likely to travel ‘internationally only’.
In 2022, just 20% globally planned to travel ‘internationally only’ in the next 12 months, compared to 42% this year, highlighting the current demand for big international trips.
For those planning to stay with a hotel group or chain, this ‘international-only’ trend is accentuated further. Forty-eight percent of these travellers plan to travel ‘internationally only’ in the next 12 months, 13% above the lowest segment, holiday park guests.

– They are 5% more likely to book via a package deal.
Rising costs are creating tensions in every aspect of life, and to keep their holiday dreams alive, travellers are being forced to make concessions. Just 21% of those planning to stay with a hotel group or chain are completely unaffected by price increases, with the other 79% needing to adapt their accommodation choices in some way. The most common adjustment being made is to seek out a package deal. Twenty-five percent of those staying with a hotel group or chain will stay in whichever accommodation is included in a package deal, compared with 20% of all travellers.

Traveller 2: The digital dependent

Trying to limit their screen time, but bound to their devices, today’s traveller relies on a growing network of technology platforms before making any decision, including where to stay. The digital dependent is adjusting to chatbots and intrigued by AI, but also quickly burnt – meaning they are ultra-sensitive to online experiences that feel clunky or insecure.

How do those staying with a hotel group or chain compare to this global traveller?

– They are more reliant on digital platforms and OTAs.
Discovery: In the accommodation discovery process, those starting their search for a hotel group or chain are considerably less likely to ask their friends for recommendations, compared to all travellers (10% [all] vs 6% [group/chain]). Rather, they prefer to start their search via a specific OTA, website or app (23% [all] vs 27% [group/chain]).

Booking: In the booking phase, they are less likely to book directly with a property (28% [all] vs 23% [group/chain]), and are again more likely to rely on an OTA for their booking (39% [all] vs 46% [group/chain]).

– They are more likely to embrace AI and automation.
When it comes to leveraging AI for accommodation recommendations, those staying with a hotel group or chain are more likely to do so than the global traveller, 55% to 52%. At check-in they are also more technically-enabled, with 60% preferring a fast, automated experience, compared with 56% of all travellers.

– Half have decided not to proceed with an accommodation booking because of a bad online experience, and security is more important to them.
On par with the global traveller, roughly half of all travellers planning to stay with a group or chain have abandoned an accommodation booking, with website security, difficulty processing a payment and slow load time the top three factors, in that order.
As they lock in their travels, an easy, secure booking and payment process is 2% more important to them than the average traveller.

In total, 71% of those staying with a hotel group or chain say that their booking experience and stay on site would be better if accommodation businesses were more tech-savvy, compared to 66% globally.

Traveller 3: The memory maker

While travel flows are normalising, today’s traveller is not. Their evolution is set on a different plain. The memory maker is fixated on the unique and the new, and is drawn to the road not yet travelled. This traveller has saved hard for their holiday and is happy to splash additional money, beyond the cost of their room.

How do those staying with a hotel group or chain compare to this global traveller?

– They are more likely to spend money on hotel extras and add-ons.
SiteMinder’s survey data highlights that 90% of those staying with a hotel group or chain are happy to spend beyond the cost of their room, compared to 87% globally. Among the biggest differences are a greater openness to spend on an early or late check-in (24% [all] vs 26% [group/chain]), spa treatments (23% [all] vs 27% [group/chain]), a view (31% [all] vs 36% [group/chain]) and an airport transfer (26% [all] vs 31% [group/chain]).

– They remain more driven by wellness options and experiences.
While travel has always been about being open to new places, people and experiences, today’s traveller has become even more intentional about investing in adventures that will allow them to connect, grow and create unique memories. This is particularly true for those staying with a hotel or chain. Globally, 26% see wellness options as more important now versus last year, compared with 30% of group or chain guests, while 43% globally see a great experience (e.g. food, music or something interactive) as more important this year, compared with 47% of group or chain guests.

Traveller 4: The conscious collaborator

An ally to the industry, today’s traveller is driven to create meaningful connections via their accommodation stay. The conscious collaborator sees the upsides of communicating closely with their chosen property. They deeply value the industry’s people and want to have a positive impact on the communities they visit.

How do those staying with a hotel group or chain compare to this global traveller?

– They are more open to receiving communications and more likely to write a review.
Ninety percent of those staying with a hotel group or chain are open to receiving communications from the property they are staying with, beyond a confirmation email. And crucially for boosting revenue, they are more comfortable with being delivered personalised offers (35% [all] vs 39% [group/chain]). Further displaying their openness for a two-way relationship, 75% say they would be either ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to write a review of their accommodation if asked, compared with 70% globally.

– They are less tolerant of lowered standards due to staff shortages.
Finally, those staying at a hotel group or chain are slightly less tolerant of the impacts of staff shortages, compared with all travellers globally. Twenty-four percent of all travellers say they are ‘much more’ tolerant of lowered standards, due to staff shortages, compared to 21% of group or chain guests, while 31% globally say they expect the ‘same level’ of service, compared with 33% of group or chain guests.

The takeaway:

SiteMinder’s data confirms that those planning to stay with a hotel group or chain are among the most savvy, experience-driven and tech-enabled travellers on earth. They are hunting package deals, openly looking for ways to make their stay a more special one and are comfortable to engage in a two-way relationship with their property, pre, during and post stay. Importantly, our survey data displays that these travellers deeply want the accommodation industry to become a more tech-enabled one.

For those that are able to create the streamlined journey that these travellers are craving, there is loyalty to be built and extra revenue to be made.

SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 is available here.

It’s an industry that hopes for large volumes of tourists, yet is ill-prepared for the demands and expectations that those tourists bring.

It’s one of the most exciting industries in the world, enabling frictionless trips while remaining fragmented behind-the-scenes.

The global hotel industry is one that’s led by digital natives and dependents, but is perceived by 78% of people to be average or behind when it comes to its adoption of technology.

They’re quite the ironies for an industry that services the dynamic and interconnected world of travel.

This is the industry that we proudly share with you. And, as we at SiteMinder surpass our 17th year in the business, the time feels right to usher in a new era that’s anything but resistant to movement.

How we arrived here

In 2006, SiteMinder’s founders broke ground by pioneering the world’s first SaaS-based channel manager for hotels. They often sat at the front desk with our hotelier customers, to understand the material impact of a single error or a room rate that didn’t update fast enough on one booking website. That’s because the world for hotels then was complex. They weren’t to know just how much more complex it would become.

Today, the global hotel industry comprises more than 1 million accommodation properties that generate about US$1 trillion in gross booking value. Challenged by constant change, the landscape is often overwhelming, frustrating and hard to navigate for hoteliers looking to grow or simply sustain their business. As one of our customers says:

“Being a hotelier is very stressful. If you get just a few of these revenue management strategies wrong, you can ruin your business or your life with debt.”

Sound familiar? You aren’t alone.

For the past 17 years, SiteMinder’s channel manager has rightly been seen as the critical connectivity thread powering the ecosystem of travel for hotels. While we’ve seen other channel managers enter the space, the power, performance and experience of ours has remained unrivalled, especially when combined with our other products to form one unified platform. As a result, we’ve earned the ultimate hallmark for any business – the trust of our hotel customers. And, today, there are 40k of them spread across 150 countries, using our platform in eight different languages.

Yet, still, we’ve come to realise that the potential of our platform is even greater than what we had ever recognised or envisioned. The truth is: your customers are always smarter than you are and they will always keep you honest. And, this was made clear to us when we learnt that our customers were using our product in ways we could’ve never conceived.

Among the less sophisticated users, our platform was simply the connectivity point we had designed it to be. But among the more advanced, sophisticated users, it was in fact the place where all their revenue management activity took place. Almost as though stumbling upon the capability of a smartphone from an old mobile phone, they had discovered our platform’s power before even we did, and I can tell you it was a humbling experience.

What those customers taught us is that our platform is about more than passive connectivity and driving incremental revenue. It’s about creating proactive, tangible and unsurpassed business value.

Long gone are the days when our product’s value proposition centred simply around pushing one room rate across a high volume of channels. What our own customers have shown us is that, today, our product’s value proposition lies in the space of sophisticated revenue management – but not as our industry knows it.

Introducing: dynamic revenue management

Hotel revenue management has historically been defined as “the industry process that uses data and analytics to predict future guest behaviour and demand”, for the purpose of achieving the most revenue possible.

We believe that this definition falls massively short of what revenue management needs to be for any hotelier to be successful in today’s highly-competitive and unpredictable environment. More than being about prediction, we believe it is about understanding and taking action. More than being about having educated guesses about the future, we believe it is about addressing the here and now, knowing that one minute can make all the difference in an industry where bookings can come at any second of any day. Additionally, we believe that the complexity of most revenue management systems today results in hoteliers choosing to apply blanket price changes rather than executing a more sophisticated strategy that grows their revenue.

Thanks to the wisdom of our customers, we know that revenue managers need to do—and already do—much more. Revenue management involves more than changing a hotel’s base room rate; it’s about bringing together every aspect of a hotel’s marketing mix and recognising that static, set-and-forget, blanket-approach ways are a thing of the past.

Importantly, it’s about having the data to win. And, it is this reliance on data that puts SiteMinder in a unique and leading position.

With 40k hotel customers, 1,800+ partners, >100 million bookings annually (that’s almost 200 bookings each minute) and a history spanning nearly two decades, we’ve amassed data that simply no other technology partner to hotels has. In fact, our platform has the largest gross booking value among independent hotels today. It’s not only data that we can continue to build upon, but data that we can use to drive user behaviour, train our future AI capabilities and create billions more in business value to hotels. Because when it comes to servicing an industry of one million potential users, size and scale do matter.

Our sustainable competitive advantage in the market puts us in a unique position to give back to you, the hotel community, by fundamentally allowing you to move at the same pace as your customers and the world around you.

If recent years have reminded us of anything, it’s that no business in the world is invincible. In a matter of days, travel shifted from a booming industry to one that literally stood still.

While we thankfully are seeing travel return strongly—breaking new records in several destinations—we want to help all hoteliers maximise their opportunities to continually create revenue, regardless of the economic climate, season or their level of experience. To do this, we want to make sophisticated revenue management accessible to every hotel in the world. And this requires a reimagination of what revenue management means to hotels.

We will create this value through a smart platform that delivers what we’re calling: dynamic revenue management. And, this is significantly more than pricing.

It involves an integrated, multi-factor approach that brings together distribution, intelligence and revenue optimisation to provide the world’s hoteliers:

• Dynamic open pricing – setting the right price in the right channels at the right time.
• Dynamic rate plans – recommending market offerings optimised by channel, and optimising policies and restrictions.
• Dynamic channels – offering dynamically-tailored channel choices, configurations and offerings, to optimise channel performance.
• Dynamic inventory – optimising allocation of room inventory to maximise hotel revenues and profitability.

From speed-to-market to speed-to-value-to-market

This month, we introduced two new concepts to the world and each of these will form part of our smart platform.

The first is Dynamic Revenue Plus, which has two components:

1. Usable intelligence to support hoteliers make choices.
2. A real-time recommendation engine, powered by usable intelligence, to help hoteliers identify the actions they can take easily to create more revenue.

This is what that concept could look like in action:

What excites us about this concept is that it will help with educating our industry. It will do this by not only recommending actions, but explaining why, and this is underpinned by an ethos that our customers should be empowered rather than follow instructions blindly. We want to always stand for choice, while providing logic so hoteliers don’t ever have to experience decision paralysis.

The second concept is Channels Plus.

While we take pride in offering hoteliers the ability to market their property on hundreds of distribution channels, we know that adding new channels takes work. It involves an unnecessary amount of friction. On the other side, for the providers of those distribution channels, it’s hard to access untapped value and grow, and this is especially true of newer players. When it comes to setting up a single distribution arrangement, both hoteliers and distribution channels are challenged by the complexity and volume of commercial agreements.

We want to remove the challenges of many and replace them with one solution. That means one connection, one agreement and one setup.

This will provide three benefits for both parties:

1. Direct relationships
2. Instant room supply
3. Exclusive rates.

Ultimately, Channels Plus will help hoteliers connect to more distribution channels, to grow their revenue, and it will help distribution channels connect with more properties to also grow their business as we support competition and choice.

We know the critics will say that this means more commissions and, to be sure, that’s a necessary byproduct of enjoying a diverse range of choices from which to grow revenue. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all reap the benefits of sales and marketing, without spending a dime? However, the reality is most businesses can’t. Importantly, Channels Plus will help to deliver bookings to hotels not only during the good times, but also during the tougher times, when they need revenue most. It will provide control in a travel landscape that can move too fast.

We are encouraged by the overwhelmingly-positive feedback we have received so far. One revenue manager described the concepts as “a game changer”, while another reflected:

“I always wonder why it takes someone so long to create something like this.”

It’s a sobering reflection for all of us who care so deeply about this industry.

The opportunity that dynamic revenue management presents to every hotelier

Today, we know that only a fraction of our 40k customers integrate their revenue management system (RMS) into the SiteMinder platform to automate how their availability, rates and inventory sync across the two platforms. While we believe several thousands have an RMS, they don’t integrate it to the SiteMinder platform, opting instead to receive recommendations from their RMS and take action in a separate system.
About two-thirds of SiteMinder’s customers don’t have any revenue management function or dedicated team.

These numbers aren’t limited to our 40k hotel customers. They are representative of the global hotel industry and its single-property owners with less than 20 rooms, who we believe make up almost two-thirds of the industry; its single-property owners with more than 20 rooms, who we believe make up about a fifth of the industry; and multi-property owners, which include the industry’s top 12 brands and chains.

Dynamic revenue management is a reimagination of hotel revenue management as we know it. It’s an invitation to the entire hotel industry to reset the way in which you perceive what effective revenue management should be, and what value you should be expecting from your technology partners. This opportunity will make sophisticated revenue management accessible to every hotel in the world, regardless of their size or technical sophistication, and far beyond the tens of thousands of customers who we know have no revenue management team or tool today.

At SiteMinder, we aren’t about to neglect the distribution capability that you or your peers have come to depend on. On the contrary, we’re building on our strong foundations to bring distribution, intelligence and revenue optimisation together, to create a unified experience that maximises revenue for every hotelier in the world.

Importantly, our smart platform is about pursuing the art of the possible, for the world’s hoteliers who deserve more.

The statistics don’t lie. While small hotels make up the majority of the global hotel industry, collectively they produce only a fraction of the world’s gross booking value. And, they want the tide to turn. We only need to look at German hotels as an example. While prices for the country’s accommodation providers rose by 7% between 2019 to 2022, prices among those with 20 rooms or less grew 22% in the same period.

We’re breaking down barriers and bringing the hotel industry forward, as we’ve always done. Sure, we will adopt AI and machine learning to make our smart platform a reality, but it’s not about that. Beyond the shine of the latest technologies, we’ve learnt that reliability will always reign supreme in the world of technology. It’s what endures for customers whose livelihood depends on their ability to keep their doors open.

We know that travellers demand personalisation. We believe it’s time that hoteliers demand a personalised experience, too, to enjoy a day void of friction, just as they strive to provide for their guests.

I hope you are as excited as we are about the opportunity ahead of this industry that we all love. Truly, it is all of ours to take.

Sankar

The proportion of travellers intending to work during their next trip is also highest among Asian and Latin American travellers, at 60% in India, 57% in Thailand, 53% in Indonesia, 47% in China, and 41% in Mexico. These figures drop to 31% in the US, an average of 25% in Europe, and 22% in Australia.

The findings are in SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023, an analysis of more than 10,000 travellers surveyed across 12 of the world’s largest travel source markets, including Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, UK and US. They form part of the four key characteristics underpinning the travel plans and motivations that will impact the global accommodation industry over the coming year:

1. The enduring explorer: Committed to travelling, regardless of living costs
2. The digital dependent: Reliant on new technologies and bound to devices
3. The memory maker: Investing in experiences, in a roaring ‘20s rerun
4. The conscious collaborator: An open ally to accommodations and the community.

Globally, accommodation is being sought out as a destination unto itself with 1-in-2 travellers—notably international travellers—looking to spend either ‘most of the time’ or ‘considerable time’ at their accommodation on their next trip. This figure is again highest among travellers from Asia and Latin America, at 81% in India, 77% in Thailand, 72% in Indonesia and 62% in Mexico – a finding that perhaps correlates to the bleisure travel intent within these markets.

Above travel intent and bleisure plans, however, SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 shows that the biggest area of leadership within Asia and Latin America is in digitisation. While many travellers globally believe that their booking experience and stay onsite could be better if accommodation businesses were more tech-savvy, this belief is strongest in China and Thailand (95%), Indonesia (92%), India (91%) and Mexico (85%).

In parallel, Asia and Latin America also top the list in:

• Social media influence – when it comes to discovering their accommodation, travellers from within the two regions are the most heavily influenced by social media. While 70% of travellers globally say that social media influences how they discover accommodation options, the figure rises to 97% in Indonesia, 95% in both Thailand and China, 92% in India and 87% in Mexico. By contrast, only 46% of Brits and 42% of Germans say the same.
• Likelihood to use AI – at least 60% of travellers in the two regions say they are likely to use AI to generate accommodation recommendations. In China, the proportion is highest at 88%, followed by Thailand at 86%. Within the UK and Germany, the proportion is as low as 24% and 23%, respectively.
• Preference for communication through a device – if given the choice between in-person or device communication when at their accommodation, travellers in the two regions prefer communication via a device more than in any other part of the world. China tops the list at 51%, followed by Indonesia at 46%. This preference is lowest among travellers from France (19%) and Germany (18%).

SiteMinder’s chief growth officer, Trent Innes, says the research affirms the deep penetration of smartphones within Asia and Latin America, and highlights the urgency among accommodation providers to embrace modern technology.

“All accommodation businesses should be encouraged by the strength of travel intent globally, but especially in the high-growth markets we surveyed – in Asia and Latin America. However, that strong intent comes with expectations for workspaces and, in particular, digitised experiences,” says Innes. “As these travellers grow in numbers internationally, accommodation providers would do well to review each touchpoint throughout their customers’ journeys, from the planning and booking phases right through to experiencing and beyond. Today’s traveller is a digital dependent and that is truer in Asia and Latin America than in any other part of the world. It is therefore important that accommodation providers seeking to attract travellers from within these high-growth regions are able to meet their expectations when it comes to a fully-digitised guest experience.”

SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 is available here.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder (ASX:SDR) is the world’s leading open hotel commerce platform, empowering hotels and accommodation providers to sell, market, manage and grow their business. SiteMinder’s innovative online platform offers hotels and accommodation providers a comprehensive range of products and solutions to manage and streamline the distribution of their rooms across a wide selection of direct and indirect channels, take bookings from guests and communicate with guests. The global company, headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila, generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for hotels each year.

The findings are in SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023, an analysis of more than 10,000 travellers surveyed across 12 countries. They form part of the four key characteristics underpinning the travel plans and motivations that will impact the global accommodation industry over the coming year:

• The enduring explorer: Committed to travelling, regardless of living costs
• The digital dependent: Reliant on new technologies and bound to devices
• The memory maker: Investing in experiences, in a roaring ‘20s rerun
• The conscious collaborator: An open ally to accommodations and the community.

When it comes to accommodation, in spite of inflation, 87% of travellers globally say they are happy to spend money beyond the cost of their room. However, increased prices are forcing travellers to adapt, with package deals and cheaper rooms listed as the two most common ways they will overcome risen costs. The finding is unsurprising given that nearly 90% of travellers say that what they need from their accommodation has changed in the last year. A ‘great experience’ is what travellers today want most and, for nearly 1-in-3, it is more important now than this time last year that their accommodation has a close connection with the local culture and community.

At a global level, accommodation is being sought out as a destination unto itself with 1-in-2 travellers—notably international travellers—looking to spend either ‘most of the time’ or ‘considerable time’ at their accommodation on their next trip. The number intending to work during their next trip remains unchanged from 36% last year.

SiteMinder’s chief growth officer, Trent Innes, says the research affirms the health of the travel sector and the critical role played by accommodation providers.

“While ‘revenge travel’ has followed the recent period of disruption, it is clear through our research that travel over the coming year will continue in a planned and sustained albeit considered way,” says Innes. “Contrary to recent years, we are seeing a stronger intent to travel internationally only, even as travellers search for ways to adapt to inflationary pressures by seeking package deals and cheaper rooms for their accommodation. Additionally, we are seeing accommodation providers play a more pivotal role than ever before. For 1-in-2 travellers, the accommodation will serve as the destination.”

Adds Innes: “Today’s traveller is enduring, digitally-dependent and conscious, with a strong desire to create memories for as long as the privilege of travelling remains available to them. It is important for the accommodation and broader travel industry to understand the intentions and motivations of today’s traveller, in order to meet their expectations.”

While almost 70% of travellers will be tolerant of accommodation providers having lower standards of service in light of staff shortages, a fundamental finding from SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 is that the accommodation sector is perceived to be lagging other industries from a technology standpoint. Almost 80% of travellers think the accommodation industry is either average or behind when it comes to technology adoption, while a total of two-thirds agree (44%) or strongly agree (22%) that their booking experience and stay could be better if accommodation businesses were more tech-savvy.

SiteMinder’s research has found that technology use among travellers includes:

• AI – more than half of travellers, including more than two-thirds of millennials, are either likely or very likely to use AI to generate accommodation recommendations.
• Social media – 70% of travellers, including 9-in-10 Generation Zers, say social media influences how they discover their accommodation.
• Booking websites – while 3-in-4 travellers will arrange their accommodation by booking online, more than half say they have not proceeded with their booking because of a bad experience. Websites that don’t feel secure and processes that are difficult are the top two contributors to a bad experience.

SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2023 is available here.

Media enquiries
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder (ASX:SDR) is the world’s leading open hotel commerce platform, empowering hotels and accommodation providers to sell, market, manage and grow their business. SiteMinder’s innovative online platform offers hotels and accommodation providers a comprehensive range of products and solutions to manage and streamline the distribution of their rooms across a wide selection of direct and indirect channels, take bookings from guests and communicate with guests. The global company, headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila, generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for hotels each year.

More than half (53.5%) of all bookings at Spanish hotels in the last two weeks are for stays in September, suggesting the keenness of travellers to enjoy the remaining weeks of Spain’s summer by booking at the last-minute. The data also illustrates the continued popularity of Spain as a top travel destination among both international travellers and locals.

Hotel bookings are being led by international travellers who see the milder temperatures of September, and the smaller crowds, as an ideal time to travel in the country. SiteMinder’s data shows that two-thirds (66.2%) of expected hotel guests in September will be international travellers.

“It is pleasing to see international travel return so strongly to Spain. For hotels, this is an opportune time to assess their commerce technologies, to make sure they reflect modern traveller preferences and behaviour, especially as they relate to bookings, payments and communication,” says Sara Padrosa, Regional Director of Spain at SiteMinder.

Media contact
Maria Cricchiola
+61 2 9056 7415
media@siteminder.com

Investor information
Paul Wong
+61 411 889 876
investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder
SiteMinder (ASX:SDR) is the world’s leading open hotel commerce platform, empowering hotels and accommodation providers to sell, market, manage and grow their business. SiteMinder’s innovative online platform offers hotels and accommodation providers a comprehensive range of products and solutions to manage and streamline the distribution of their rooms across a wide selection of direct and indirect channels, take bookings from guests and communicate with guests. The global company, headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila, generates more than 125m reservations worth over US$50b in revenue for hotels each year.