“We are entering the most consequential period of disruption in hotel distribution since the rise and consolidation of the OTAs.”
I was featured in Guzangs in an analysis of how AI agents could reshape commerce and hotel distribution in Africa. Drawing on HotelOnline’s experience across more than 6,000 properties in 27 countries, I discussed the digital divide between international hotel brands and independent properties, many of which still manage bookings manually or through disconnected systems.
I also spoke about what agentic booking could mean for the industry. Hotels that make their rates, availability and booking conditions directly accessible to AI agents could reduce their dependence on OTAs, while those that remain digitally disconnected risk becoming even more dependent on them. I described the shift as potentially the most consequential disruption in hotel distribution since the rise of the OTAs.