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- New Marriott and Hilton Filings Reveal Risks From AI Platforms to Direct Bookings
New Marriott and Hilton Filings Reveal Risks From AI Platforms to Direct Bookings

Summary
Marriott and Hilton are concerned that AI platforms like ChatGPT could divert bookings away from their direct channels and increase distribution costs. This signals a potential shift in how guests book accommodations, favoring online travel agencies (OTAs). Hosts who rely on direct bookings should consider how AI might impact their distribution strategy.
Key Insights
- •Hilton and Marriott are concerned that AI platforms could divert bookings away from their direct channels and increase costs.
Action Items
- ✓Consider how AI platforms like ChatGPT might impact your booking distribution strategy.Effort: lowImpact: medium
Common Mistakes
- ⚠Failing to adapt your booking strategy to account for AI-driven competition could lead to decreased direct bookings and reduced profitability.
More from Growth & Marketing
Airbnb is offering a $750 incentive to attract new hosts to list their properties for the World Cup. This move aims to ensure sufficient accommodation for visitors during the event. This initiative highlights the importance of short-term rentals in accommodating large-scale events and provides a financial benefit for new hosts.

Marriott and Wyndham's adoption of agentic AI is putting pressure on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), potentially cutting them out of the picture. However, analysts believe these fears are overstated because most hotels are independents. Booking Holdings saw its share price drop 30% due to these concerns. Independent hosts should keep an eye on OTA strategies to stay competitive.
Airbnb is incentivizing new hosts with a $750 bonus ahead of the upcoming World Cup, likely to boost supply during the anticipated surge in demand. This initiative aims to increase the number of available listings. New hosts can capitalize on this program to maximize early revenue.
Curated by Learn STR by GoStudioM


