Sustainable Profitability in a World with OTA’s

Bill Carroll, Ph. D.

By Bill Carroll, Ph. D.

Apr 7, 2017

From No One Wins to Everyone Wins

The Colombian hotel market is currently in a price war with ADR falling, occupancy flat, room supply  growth exceeding demand growth.  The forecast is for this to continue with chains entering the market using a discount price penetration strategy.  The government is giving tax breaks to stimulate investment.  It’s an economic recipe for profit loss for the thousands of small independent hotel owners.

OTAs are thriving in this environment and over-reliance on them and price discounting by hotel management is problematic.  In order to achieve sustainable profitability, what is needed is a long run vision by owners, managers and OTAs to improve the situation for all.

View Dr. Carroll’s presentation HERE

This presentation was given at several universities, the Columbia Hotel Association and several events sponsored by some consultants in the area.


About the author

Bill Carroll, Ph. D.

Bill Carroll is actively engaged with hotel ownership groups, intermediaries and start ups in the areas of digital media management, pricing, and marketing. He is capable of taking a holistic view of marketing, pricing, distribution and revenue management for hospitality related firms. He helps clients chart a successful courses of action through improved strategic focus, organizational change and systems solutions choices. Bill is a Consulting Member of Cayuga Hospitality Consultants and a senior analyst with Phocuswright.


Contact Us
Share

Related Articles & Case Studies

Haydn Kramer
Hotels
Operations & Management
Sales, Marketing & Revenue Management

The U.S. Hotel Industry is: Stable? Wobbly? Tilt! A “Current State Diagnostic”

By Haydn Kramer Mar 25, 2026

Although, depending on the day, the prognosis could read, “Tilt! Wobble, stable”, it’s a matter of perspective. My perspective comes from the...

Read More
Stewart Kiely
Development & Acquisitions
Hotels
Operations & Management

An Island Resort Adventure: The Thin Line Between Rustic and Rundown

By Stewart Kiely Feb 11, 2026

It’s been a few years since l was overseas at an island resort, so I thought it was time to venture out...

Read More
Donald Hoover
Food & Beverage
Hotels
Operations & Management

Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and the Essential Need for More Human Intelligence in Talent Acquisition Strategies

By Donald Hoover Feb 4, 2026

Algorithm-based applicant tracking systems (ATS) have been in place for over 20 years. Recruiters have generally come to rely on the algorithms...

Read More

Enquire Now

Trusted By