Since the pandemic, however, many have gotten used to it. Free cancellation up until the day of arrival. Anytime, without giving a reason. Sounds convenient. And it is. For guests. But what does that actually mean for the hotel that has lovingly maintained rooms? For the small team that prepares beds, buys breakfast, and schedules staff? Guests often book several accommodations and then spontaneously decide on one upon arrival? What if a room is canceled shortly before arrival or even at the last minute? 👉 In many regions, hosts are now experiencing cancellation rates of 30 to 40%. This rate is particularly high for bookings via Booking.com, Expedia, etc. 👉 Bookings are becoming weather-dependent, last-minute, and uncertain. 👉 Planning, whether for staff, purchasing, or occupancy, is becoming a lottery. And the sad thing is: The booking platforms (OTAs) have helped shape this behavior. Through automated recommendations, misleading “opportunities,” and terms and conditions that many hotels neither understand nor can effectively control. Guests often have no idea what their click on "cancel for free" triggers. Because fair hospitality thrives on give and take. On mutual respect. On an awareness that behind every booking are people. And a business that needs to survive financially. Therefore, my request: When booking, think carefully about whether you really want this accommodation. And if you have to cancel, do it as early as possible. Because only then does the hotel have a chance to reassign the room. 🧭 Sustainable tourism begins with the behavior of each individual. With mindfulness. With reliability. With fairness.