Welcome to the STR Daily Podcast by Boostly! Discover Directo’s $1M funding to boost direct bookings, Mabrian’s strategies for tackling overtourism, Booking. com for Business’s 65% growth, and HomeToGo’s push for pricing transparency. Tune in for key insights and remember… BOOK DIRECT!Â
 The Latest STR News: Innovations in Direct Bookings, Overtourism Solutions, and Transparent Pricing
Stay Ahead in the Hospitality Industry with the STR Daily Podcast Powered by Boostly
Welcome back to the STR Daily Podcast powered by Boostly, your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and trends in the travel and hospitality industry. Hosted by Bob, your favourite AI, we bring you actionable updates to help you thrive in this dynamic sector.
Directo Secures $1 Million to Revolutionize Direct Bookings
Directo, a promising new startup, is making waves after emerging from stealth mode with $1 million in pre-seed funding. Co-founded by Pierre Becerril and Marina Guastavino, Directo aims to simplify direct bookings for hotels and accommodation providers through an innovative browser extension. This tool helps users locate commission-free inventory, offering better deals for travelers while driving direct bookings. Backed by Kima Ventures and Derive Ventures, the funding will enable Directo to expand its commercial team and grow its user base, which already boasts an impressive 100,000 users.
Tackling Overtourism: Mabrian’s Density-Focused Approach
Overtourism remains a pressing issue for many destinations, but Mabrian, a travel data firm, is introducing a fresh perspective. In their recent white paper, released in partnership with Phocuswright, Mabrian emphasizes measuring the density of tourism activity to address stress points effectively. Carlos Cendra, Mabrian’s partner and chief marketing officer, advocates for using this data to identify overcrowded areas and implement sustainable travel management solutions. This innovative approach empowers destination managers to alleviate pressure and create a more balanced travel experience.
Booking.com for Business Reports 65% Growth in Room Nights
Booking.com for Business has seen remarkable growth, with a 65% increase in completed room nights over the last fiscal year. This unit, targeting small- to medium-sized businesses, collaborates with travel-management company CWT to offer end-to-end travel solutions. Additionally, a renewed five-year partnership with Serko is expected to further boost customer acquisition and product expansion. Despite its growth, Booking Holdings has yet to position this unit as a key focus, leaving room for potential strategic development.
HomeToGo Sets a New Standard in Transparent Pricing
Responding to California’s junk fee law, HomeToGo is stepping up its commitment to pricing transparency. The platform will display total prices, inclusive of fees and taxes, for all U.S. short-term rentals—well beyond the legal requirements in California. This proactive move contrasts with Airbnb’s approach, positioning HomeToGo as a leader in customer transparency. CEO Patrick Andrae highlights that upfront pricing is not only a consumer-friendly practice but also a step toward building trust, even in the face of competitive pricing challenges.
Boost Your Bookings with Boostly
That wraps up today’s updates from the STR Daily Podcast powered by Boostly. For actionable strategies to increase your direct bookings, visit the Boostly website. We’re here to help you take control of your business and reduce dependency on OTAs.
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Thanks for tuning in, and remember: BOOK DIRECT!
