Hotels directly approaching clients for group bookings, social events, and destination weddings are putting travel agents’ commissions at risk, said Shravan Bhalla, Vice President, OTOAI. He said some hotel chains offer clients rates similar to or lower than agents’ net rates, bypassing intermediaries to secure high-value business. “Hotels try to grab whatever comes to them directly, not thinking that this business is just short-term, whereas dealing with agents is long-term and regular,” Bhalla said, adding that agents increasingly recommend alternative hotels to protect commissions.
Janice Alyosius is a travel and MICE journalist focusing on business travel, destination marketing, aviation and industry policy. She leads editorial content at MICEtalk and also writes for TravTalk, covering global trends, trade developments and key industry conversations. With regular reporting from tourism forums, conventions and on-ground industry events, her work blends news-led analysis with strong industry voices, offering clear context and relevance for travel trade professionals and decision-makers.