The article explains that hotels and other hospitality businesses are facing mounting pressure from rising fees and hidden operational costs, which are squeezing margins and challenging profitability in 2026. Operators are urged to take a hard look at total cost-per-booking, streamline their technology stacks, and scrutinize payment and distribution contracts to reduce unnecessary charges. It stresses the importance of transparency around fees, as customers increasingly reject surprise costs embedded in room rates or bookings—practices that can harm trust and repeat business. To cope, the piece recommends strategic cost management, greater efficiency in back-end operations, and smarter pricing tactics so businesses can balance rising expenses while still delivering value to guests
