
10 Biggest Online Travel Agencies: Booking and Airbnb Gain Ground
The biggest online travel agencies have gone through significant strategic shifts since the pandemic, and the competitive landscape remains fluid, with regional leaders (think Trip.com and MakeMyTrip) increasingly challenging global incumbents, such as Booking Holdings.
Skift Research's recent report – Online Travel Agency Chartbook 2025 – provides an analysis of the 10 largest publicly traded OTAs and we look at market sizing, financial performance, and key developments at each company.
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Yahoo
a few seconds ago
- Yahoo
U.S. Hydraulic Power Unit Market Size to Reach US$4.85 Billion by 2033
Fueled by relentless industrial automation and a national pivot to electrification, the US Hydraulic Power Unit market is rapidly evolving. Mid-range pressure systems remain dominant, while smart, energy-efficient electric models increasingly define the industry's future trajectory. Chicago, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. hydraulic power unit market was valued at US$ 2.92 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 4.85 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.89% during the forecast period 2025–2033. The US hydraulic power unit market is on the cusp of a transformative growth period, propelled by a powerful convergence of industrial modernization, technological breakthroughs, and significant capital investment. This dynamic environment creates unparalleled opportunities for market leaders and innovators prepared to meet the sophisticated demands of 2024 and 2025. The bedrock of this potential lies in the revitalization of domestic manufacturing, the unstoppable march of automation, and monumental infrastructure undertakings that are reshaping the nation. Request Sample Pages: The demand for high-performance, reliable, and intelligent hydraulic systems is escalating across every key sector, from construction to aerospace. This is not a distant forecast; it is a current reality underscored by tangible projects and quantifiable metrics. As the essential power source for the machinery that drives American industry, hydraulic power units are intrinsically linked to the nation's economic vitality. The outlook for the US hydraulic power unit market is exceptionally bright, signaling a period of sustained profitability and expansion for stakeholders who act on these clear and present opportunities. The confluence of these powerful drivers ensures a vibrant and rewarding landscape for all participants. Key Findings in US Hydraulic Unit Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 4.85 billion CAGR 5.89% By Operating Pressure 2000-3000 psi (42%) By Power Source Electric (62%) By Application Industrial (58%) Top Drivers Surging industrial automation drives demand for efficient hydraulic systems. Modernization of aging U.S. infrastructure requires powerful hydraulic machinery. Shift toward electrification boosts adoption of eco-friendly hydraulic units. Top Trends Integration of smart IoT technology for predictive maintenance. Growing demand for compact, modular, and energy-efficient HPU designs. Development of eco-friendly, biodegradable fluids for hydraulic systems. Top Challenges High initial capital investment for advanced hydraulic power units. Competition from increasingly popular electric and pneumatic technologies. Persistent global supply chain disruptions impact component availability. Manufacturing's Automation Surge Ignites Unprecedented Demand for Hydraulic Power Units A seismic shift towards automation is redefining American manufacturing, creating fertile ground for the US hydraulic power unit market. This industrial evolution is quantified by the installation of 34,300 new industrial robots across the nation in 2024. The automotive sector continues its dominance as a primary adopter, integrating 13,700 new robots in the same year. Following this trend, the metal and machinery industry bolstered its capabilities with 3,800 new robots, while the electrical and electronics sector installed another 2,900. The momentum is undeniable, with North American firms ordering 8,277 robots in the fourth quarter of 2024, bringing the year's total orders to 31,311. Advanced applications are proliferating, evidenced by HAHN Automation Group's state-of-the-art battery tester which, as of early 2025, can test 90% of all available battery packs. Investment sentiment remains strong; the Philadelphia Fed's future capital expenditures index registered 13.4 in March 2025 and, despite a dip, settled at a healthy 14.5 by June 2025, pointing to continued investment in the machinery that HPUs empower. Construction and Heavy Machinery Sales Build a Solid Foundation for Growth The construction sector remains a pillar of strength, directly fueling demand for robust hydraulic systems. Projections for the US hydraulic power unit market are buoyed by strong activity in this area, with over 240,000 units of construction machinery anticipated to be sold in 2024. An expected rebound in 2025 is set to push this figure to 247,000 units. Growth is widespread, with five out of six U.S. construction sectors projected to expand in 2024. This activity is supported by significant government investment, such as the Biden-Harris Administration's infusion of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in January 2024, aimed at boosting earthmoving equipment sales. Key players are responding with new technology. In December 2023, Kobelco Construction Machinery unveiled its G-4 series, featuring the CKE900G-4 crawler crane with a 100 metric-ton capacity and the CKE1350G-4 with a 150 metric-tonne capacity. New large-scale projects, like the 30,100 square-meter Commerce Industrial Park in Indiana and a 232,258 square-meter manufacturing plant in Nevada, both commencing in Q4 2024, guarantee sustained demand for hydraulic-powered heavy equipment. The Agricultural Sector's Robust Equipment Sales Drive Mobile HPU Demand America's agricultural heartland is a vital consumer of mobile hydraulic systems, making equipment sales a direct indicator of health for the US hydraulic power unit market. In 2024, the sector demonstrated its scale with the sale of 217,200 agricultural tractors and 5,564 self-propelled combines. A detailed look at the 2024 tractor sales reveals a diverse market: 134,911 units were small tractors under 40 horsepower, 55,067 units were medium-sized (40-100 horsepower), and 22,864 units were large 2WD tractors over 100 horsepower. Four-wheel-drive farm tractors added another 4,358 units to the year's total. Sales remained strong even at the year's end, with December 2024 figures showing 9,243 sub-40 hp tractors, 5,276 medium tractors, 2,093 large 2WD tractors, and 358 4WD tractors sold. This vigorous sales activity drew down inventory, which stood at 121,723 total farm tractors at the beginning of December 2024, signaling a need for continued production and HPU procurement. Aerospace and Defense Industries Demand Precision Hydraulic Systems for Missions The exacting standards of the aerospace and defense sectors create a premium-tier demand for highly specialized hydraulic power units. In this critical segment of the US hydraulic power unit market, performance and reliability are non-negotiable. This was highlighted in May 2024 when Bell selected Eaton to supply crucial hydraulic power generation and conveyance systems for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft. The global scale of this specialized market is significant, with the aircraft hydraulic systems market volume reaching 30.9 million units in 2024. Looking ahead, forecasts show the market size expanding from $2.56 billion in 2024 to an impressive $2.91 billion in 2025. This growth trajectory is set to continue, with projections anticipating the market will reach a value of $4.68 billion by 2029, securing long-term demand for advanced HPUs capable of meeting stringent military and civilian aviation specifications. New Industrial Facility Investments Signal a Strong Future HPU Demand A powerful leading indicator for future growth in the US hydraulic power unit market is the high volume of investment in new and upgraded industrial facilities. In 2024, an impressive 1,702 new industrial manufacturing projects were identified across the United States. The majority of these, 1,481 projects, were for the establishment of new manufacturing and production facilities. This wave of investment includes 530 brand-new industrial constructions, 526 projects focused on expanding existing facilities, and 725 projects involving significant renovations or equipment upgrades. The scale of these investments is substantial, with 213 of the new projects identified in 2024 carrying an estimated value of $100 million or more. The most active month for new project identification was March 2024, with 174 projects announced. Tangible examples include Southland Industrial Coatings' new 100,000-square-foot facility in Louisiana, set for completion in spring 2025, and Schaeffler's 130,000-square-foot automotive plant in Ohio, scheduled to be finished in Q3 2025. Competitive Strategies and Product Launches Shape the Modern HPU Landscape The competitive dynamics of the US hydraulic power unit market are being actively shaped by the strategic actions of industry leaders. In February 2024, Eaton expanded its offerings by introducing three new power take-off (PTO) series—the Bezares 3960, 2500, and 500—which were showcased at the Work Truck Show in March 2024. Similarly, Danfoss Power Solutions made a significant move on February 20, 2024, by launching its newly combined Integrated Circuit Solutions (ICS) portfolio. This powerful portfolio has the capacity to produce over 5 million valves and 600,000 hydraulic integrated circuits annually. Danfoss continued its innovation push on June 20, 2024, with the global launch of its DHRC line of hydraulic remote controls, including the DHRCJ joystick. Further expanding its portfolio in October 2024, Danfoss introduced the high-performance KBFRG4-5 proportional valve. Looking ahead, Danfoss is set to engage customers at booth #107 at Yotta 2025, while Eaton has scheduled its Q2 2025 earnings call for August 5, 2025, where further strategic insights are anticipated. Technological Integration and Artificial Intelligence Redefine Hydraulic System Capabilities Innovation is at the core of the evolving US hydraulic power unit market, with smart technology and AI creating more efficient and intelligent systems. As of 2024, Generative AI is being leveraged to optimize production cycles, with notable potential for reducing R&D costs. The adoption of these advanced technologies is gaining momentum; a 2024 survey revealed that 35% of U.S. businesses have already integrated AI into their operations. Technology leaders are facilitating this shift. In 2024, Festo launched its Festo AX Data Access solution, enabling component data to be fed directly into the Siemens Industrial Edge platform for enhanced monitoring and control. Danfoss is empowering designers with its EasyManifold software, which allows a user to create a custom Hydraulic Integrated Circuit, complete with a 2D drawing and 3D model, in under an hour. This drive for innovation extends to electrification, with prototypes for Danfoss's ED3 onboard charger, delivering 43 kilowatts of AC power, expected in 2024. The ED3 can also pull up to 44 kW of DC power from a vehicle's battery. Advanced Product Specifications Meet Evolving High-Performance Market Demands The technical specifications of new components directly reflect the sophisticated needs of the end-user base in the US hydraulic power unit market. The new Danfoss KBFRG4-5 proportional valve, released in October 2024, exemplifies this trend with a maximum pressure rating of 350 bar (5,076 psi) and a maximum flow of 290 liters per minute. This valve delivers exceptional performance, boasting a competitive step response of just 20 milliseconds. It is engineered for durability, built to withstand 7.8 g of random vibration and a 50 g shock, and features an IP67 ingress protection rating. Danfoss's new DHRC line, launched in June 2024, is equally robust. The DHRCJ joystick and double pedal have a rated flow of 20 L/min, while the accompanying DHRCD sectional valve has a rated flow of 10 L/min. These components are designed for harsh environments, performing consistently across a temperature range of -40°C to 60°C. The DHRCJ joystick switch box is rated to IP68, with its proportional switch achieving an IP69K rating for ultimate protection. Customize the Data Scope to Match Your Objectives: Renewable Energy Sector Growth Presents New Frontiers for Hydraulic Power The accelerating transition to renewable energy is carving out a significant and growing niche for hydraulic systems, particularly within the wind power sector. This emerging segment of the US hydraulic power unit market is driven by the need for reliable pitch and braking systems in modern wind turbines. In 2024, the U.S. installed 5.2 gigawatts (GW) of new wind power capacity. This total included 3.9 GW from new onshore wind farms and an additional 1.3 GW from onshore repowering projects. The U.S. is on track to add a total of 7.1 GW of new wind capacity in 2024. This consistent growth is expanding the nation's green energy infrastructure, with total installed onshore wind capacity in the U.S. expected to exceed 153 GW by the end of 2024. Each new turbine installed represents a demand for sophisticated hydraulic power units, linking the future of the HPU market directly to the nation's sustainability goals. U.S. Hydraulic Power Unit Market Major Players: Bosch Rexroth AG Bailey International, LLC Branch Hydraulic Systems Ltd. Dana Motion Systems Eaton Corporation Energy Manufacturing Co., Inc. HCS Control Systems Ltd Hydac International GmbH Hydromega Services Inc. Hydro-Tek Co Ltd Nachi-Fujikoshi Corporation Parker Hannifin Corporation Related Fluid Power Ltd. Weber-Hydraulik GmbH Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By Power Source Electric Diesel Gasoline By Operating Pressure <750 psi 750-2000 psi 2000-3000 psi >3000 psi By Application Industrial Mobile Others Request a Personalized Report Walkthrough with Our Research Team: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us:Astute AnalyticaPhone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube CONTACT: Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Website: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Oahu's North Shore Club Is Boldly Ambitious, Even For Hawai'i
A sun-soaked terrace at The North Shore Club at Turtle Bay invites morning coffee, sunset dinners, and endless views of O'ahu's storied North Shore. The North Shore Club at Turtle Bay Oahu's North Shore is, in some ways, a rare ocean-facing vestige of pre-colonial Hawaii, a place to experience unspoiled coastal terrain as natives have for centuries. There's a reason it's been a magnet for generations of surfers. Ironically, the North Shore is also the site of Hawaii's first luxury resort. The Haleiwa Hotel was erected at the mouth of the Anahulu River in 1899 and stood there for 44 years, in stark contrast to its rural surroundings. History finds funny ways to repeat itself. The Haleiwa Hotel could not compete with the burgeoning tourism district of Waikiki, precipitating its demise. Now, 80 years later, the North Shore is taking another stab at appealing to the 1 percent — this time, 11 miles up the highway at Turtle Bay. Anchored by the rebranded Turtle Bay resort, which completed its $250 million makeover under the Ritz-Carlton banner in 2023, Oahu's North Shore is doubling down on its reputation as a more exclusive, less dense tourist zone than the glut of high-rises overlooking Waikiki Beach. Site work is beginning on the North Shore Club, a planned community of 100 luxury residences arranged in low-rise, five-plex buildings to preserve the views of the coast. In this penthouse at The North Shore Club at Turtle Bay, the Pacific is your ever-changing artwork — framed by floor-to-ceiling glass and complemented interiors by Denton House Design Studio. North Shore Club at Turtle Bay The residences will start at $7.5 million and offer all the luxury amenities one would expect for the cost: a fitness and wellness center, pickleball and tennis courts, a members-only Ocean Club with fine and casual dining, and services like a club concierge, valet, and 24-hour security. Denton House Design Studio was selected to design the three- to six-bedroom residences. The first phase is anticipated to debut in early 2027. 'Future phases are sequenced to ensure design integrity, construction quality and a seamless resident experience,' said Tyler Mills, Chief Development Officer and General Counsel of Areté Collective. 'Areté Collective is committed to delivering with precision and purpose – honoring the land, enriching the community and setting a new benchmark for luxury living.' What will that look like? The Native Landscape On Hawaii's North Shore Rebecca Buchan, Co-Founder and CEO of Areté Collective, said the North Shore Club was 'developed with deep reverence for the land and lifestyle of O'ahu's North Shore' by embracing organic architecture, native landscaping and indoor-outdoor living concepts. The project will employ locally based consultants, contractors and artisans during the design and construction process, she said, and create permanent roles in hospitality, property management, and guest services for locals once complete. Those guiding principles won't satisfy the surfers or preservationists, for whom any construction is an unwelcome development. It will, however, save the area just east of the rechristened Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay from becoming as dense as Oahu's main tourist zones. The North Shore Club is designed as a private residential community, and is not intended to function as a short-term rental or timeshare destination. 'While long-term leasing may be permitted under certain conditions, short-term rentals are restricted to preserve the privacy, exclusivity and strong sense of place that define the experience for our community,' Mills said. From sunrise drives to sunset putts, The North Shore Club at Turtle Bay offrs a front-row seat to O'ahu's most breathtaking fairways. The North Shore Club at Turtle Bay For those who can afford to buy into the North Shore Club, it will at least attempt to maintain, not transform, what's already there. The public will still have access to the adjacent coastal trails, and the 18-hole Arnold Palmer Golf Course. That should offer some solace to those looking out at the construction site from their Ritz-Carlton suites, which offer some of the least-spoiled views of any luxury hotel in Hawaii. North Shore Club residents will have exclusive membership access to the site's other 18-hole course, to be redesigned by David McLay Kidd (who designed the Nanea Golf Club on Hawaii's Big Island). They will also have a primary stake in the concerns already expressed by local residents — traffic congestion, sea level rise, and coastal erosion — that seasonal tourists might not. Any master-planned residential community in Hawaii is inherently ambitious. The land is scarce, and the fight to preserve what remains is as evergreen as the rainforest itself. The North Shore Club exceeds the typical developer's ambitions by pricing residences out of the range of most potential buyers, and promising to deliver luxury amenities to match the price. The segment of the 1 percent who buys in will likely — hopefully — understand what makes their particular plot special, perhaps with a surfboard or two at the ready.


Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Why Should Hotels Think Like Retailers And OTAs Like Media Companies
Sanjay Ghare, Founder & CEO, Vervotech (A Constellation Inc. company), Investor in Travel startups. Hotels and online travel agencies (OTAs) have for long remained in a traditional mold, with hotels offering rooms and OTAs helping them sell these rooms. But now, as travel has become increasingly digital and consumer-driven, traditional roles need to take a back seat. In my opinion, rethinking their roles through a commercial lens could help hotels and OTAs drive more loyalty and increase customer lifetime value (CLTV) as traveler journeys become more nonlinear and highly content-influenced. Let me take you through my thoughts in greater detail. The Need To Move Beyond Transactions Earlier last month, I had the opportunity to visit a beautiful property situated on the highest hill in Tamil Nadu, India. While the hotel offered spectacular views and recreational spaces, it did not significantly enhance my overall experience. Despite everything being functional, nothing felt curated or polished. I was hoping for a more local experience, more personal touches and maybe some guides to explore beyond the room. That's when it struck me that even the most stunning properties can fall short of providing a rich experience if they don't consider personalizing the guest experience—or, in simple terms, making it immersive and providing value beyond a luxury suite. All this got me thinking that if hotels thought like retailers and designed personalized journeys, based on traveler preferences and data-driven insights, they could provide a rich experience tailored to their guests' expectations. OTAs are not far behind. Today, with an abundance of automations, APIs, and tools, OTAs have access to traveler insights, and yet most stop at the bookings page. But what if they acted like media companies and engaged travelers with local experiences and culture-rich local content? Take Travelxp, for instance. Travelxp is using AI to connect discovery with action, significantly enhancing the travel experience through automation, personalization and offering everything from binge-worthy shows to personalized holiday packages, flights and hotel bookings. The company has seen a 30% increase in customer retention and a 15% boost in conversion rates for hotel and flight bookings, thanks to AI-driven initiatives. It is no longer enough to think of yourself as the service provider. Borrowing ideas from industries that have nailed the game of winning customer relationships might not be a bad idea. In fact, it might be the best one! Why Should Hoteliers Adopt A Retailer Mindset? What I mean when I say hotels should think like retailers is that they should go beyond offering rooms and focus on building loyal and lasting customer relationships through personalized offers, merchandise and promotions. While many promotional management systems (PMS) already offer these tools for analyzing pricing and demand, the secret to the retailer mindset lies in using them strategically. It's not about simply adjusting prices but aligning the offers with guest preferences—just how a retailer would tailor the storefront to suit every customer. The focus must always be on relevance, not availability. Another aspect is strategically guiding customers through all the services they offer, such as a spa, golf course, restaurant, clay shop and workshops. Think IKEA—how it has nailed the retail experience, making every visit a cherished memory for its customers. When you walk into any IKEA, you walk through the aisles of different corners of a house and the small product placements along the rows. Rooms are decorated like a movie set, with arrows lining the floors directing customers through a maze of product displays, guiding them to cover more ground and showcasing how the products would look in their own homes. You don't have to think—IKEA does it for you. You may think that you don't want to spend $100 on a Japanese-inspired kitchen counter, but hey, you can get a knife block priced at $10. And that's how IKEA makes sure you never walk out empty-handed. Personalization is the driving force behind an excellent customer experience. Like retailers, hoteliers can leverage this approach by analyzing the guest journey from hotel search to post-stay feedback. They can identify pain points to craft tailored packages and promotions that include targeted emails based on guest preferences, loyalty points based on booking history, luxury add-ons, discounts for longer stays and other personalized offerings. OTAs Have The Audience, Now They Need To Tell Better Stories Media companies have some of the most loyal followings, thanks to content that resonates with their audiences. OTAs can do this too! For instance, they can create curated travel guides for different types of travelers, such as solo travelers, couples, parents with toddlers, teenagers or groups of friends. They can showcase unique destinations and feature stories about local, guided experiences. Apart from content curation, OTAs can foster online traveler communities and traveler forums. The goal is to engage in travel discussions and increase visibility, brand awareness and, ultimately, brand loyalty. Like streaming platforms that leverage data analytics to recommend content based on our viewing preferences, OTAs should also dig into traveler analytics to personalize recommendations for destinations, budgeted accommodations or travel activities. It can also involve rewarding loyal customers with exclusive deals, discounts and priority access to new travel offers. The focus should always be on bridging the gap between travelers and their perceptions of you as a service provider. Actively engaging with your audience on social media platforms via polls, quizzes, contests and travel stories can help position your brand as a contributor to the community and foster a sense of belonging with your brand. The Lines Are Blurring—And That's Not A Bad Thing In an industry where the real value is placed not on transactions but on experience, rethinking traditional roles can make all the difference. Hotels that add value to guest experiences through tailored offerings can go from a one-time stay to a repeat preference over time. OTAs that inspire, inform and build relevance before the traveler even starts planning their travels can become more than just booking platforms. As the concept of travel evolves with time, only brands that blur boundaries, experiment and stay relevant will stand out. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?