Distribution Channels

    Explore different distribution channels used in the hotel segment, • compare and contrast direct vs. indirect distribution channels, Steps In order to complete this assignment, please: 1. Select a location where you would like to travel in about one month. 2. Search for a hotel in that destination using one direct and one indirect distribution channel (e.g., brand.com and Expedia; calling the 800 number and Google; hotel mobile app and Groupon). 3. Document the results of your search and compare your experiences. Submission After you complete your observations and analysis, please answer the following questions. 1. Name the destination and dates that you selected for this exercise. 2. List two distribution channels that you selected for this exercise. 3. Describe the results of your search from the customer perspective: a. Write down the hotels that you would choose to book using each of these channels. Please include the names and prices. b. Did these two channels lead you to the same hotel? c. How long did it take you to make a decision using each of the channels? d. How convenient was the search on these channels? e. Which channel would you prefer to use for future reservations? 4. Describe the lessons you learned as the industry professional: a. What is the value brought to the property by each of the channels? b. As a hotel manager would you include these two channels in the distribution mix? c. As an industry, what are the lessons we can learn from the indirect channel of distribution that you used for this exercise to improve the direct distribution?