OTA & Travel Distribution Update: Ettsa demands tighter EU standards on hotel booking rules; scalability is key for new distribution capability standards; travel websites push back on the hotly contested hidden resort fees

Scalability is Key to Driving Adoption of New Distribution Capability Standards
Skift Travel News on Aug 28, 2019
New Distribution Capability (NDC) standards, introduced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) promise to enable smarter retailing through indirect distribution channels such as Global Distribution Systems (GDS). This means that GDSs will be able to show and sell offers that can be branded, differentiated with rich content, and personalized to drive higher conversions.

Those hidden resort fees you hate paying? Travel websites fight back
LA Times – Business News on Aug 27, 2019
Hotel resort fees have drawn the ire of attorneys general for Nebraska and the District of Columbia as well as travel rights groups because they often aren’t disclosed upfront, making travelers think they’re getting a better deal than they really are.

Spirit Airlines wants travelers to book flights via text message
CNBC Business News on Aug 26, 2019
Discount carrier Spirit Airlines is planning to roll out next month booking services via text message, allowing travelers to buy flights and change reservations through text messaging platform WhatsApp — with almost as much ease and informality as organizing happy hour drinks.