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Palma, Spain, 27 November 2023 – This week, the MarketHub Asia by Hotelbeds 2023 event in Bangkok sparked dynamic and in-depth discussions among industry leaders, paving the way for insights into the future trajectory of the tourism sector under the theme “'Where Next?”. Influential figures and top industry leaders delved into crucial topics spanning from data and technology to the profound influence of the workforce.

Amidst substantial disruptions in the tourism sector, Hotelbeds reveals essential insights drawn from its flagship event – a narrative poised to substantially shape the industry’s trajectory for years, if not decades, to come:

Projected Workforce Expansion

The global tourism sector is projected to generate a staggering 110 million new jobs in the coming decade, according to the World Travel &amp; Tourism Council, with the Asia-Pacific region poised to contribute nearly 70% of these opportunities. This surge is attributed to the robust economic expansion in the area and the burgeoning middle-class populations, both factors driving substantial growth within the tourism job market.

The Traveller of Tomorrow 

A growing trend among travel agencies reveals that up to 90% now seek personalised solutions, catering to a rising demand for individualised and seamlessly tailored experiences by travellers. Hotelbeds reports that these end customers are not just after essential services such as insurance and financial provisions; they seek comprehensive travel packages that offer 24/7 customer support and assistance in local languages.

Moreover, the wellness tourism sector is experiencing a surge as travellers increasingly prioritise achieving a harmonious internal and external balance in their lives. Simultaneously, addressing environmental impact becomes a primary focus in the tourism sector, driving the prominence of sustainable travel practices. With 70% of travellers anticipating more eco-conscious offerings, the momentum for environmentally-friendly travel continues to intensify.

Emotion is the New Brand Standard

A significant shift in young consumers' preferences is evident, with approximately 60% of Millennials and Gen Zs prioritising superior services over price, seeking experiences that create lasting memories during their trips, according to data from Skift. This changing sentiment and the accompanying high expectations are driving the need for innovative business models. These models are leveraging the transformative potential of AI within the travel industry, not only optimising developer workflows but also enhancing customer support, managing reputation, and refining accommodation search functionalities.

Asia is a tech leader

Asia is 10 years ahead when it comes to technology, and consumers are demanding new travel products, including those in the Fintech arena. The audience also heard that it is important to embrace technology, including artificial intelligence and augmented reality, but it’s important to ensure that data quality is high first.

“MarketHub Asia assembled trailblazers from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to explore the future of travel,” said Carlos Munoz, Chief Commercial Officer of HBX Group. “Under the theme ‘Where Next?’, we delved into the future of tourism amidst significant disruptions, unearthing pivotal insights that will chart the industry’s trajectory for years to come. What emerged was a new wave of excitement and optimism for the future. We’re proud that this event is leading the charge towards a truly innovative era in travel.”

For more information about MarketHub Asia, please visit the website.

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About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serve as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.


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MarketHub Asia 2023 Revolutionises the Future of Travel: Charting Tomorrow's Global Landscape

Palma, Spain, 14 November 2023 – As industry leaders prepare for MarketHub Asia next week, Hotelbeds promises to uncover the latest and most crucial trends in the world of travel with the presence of renowned speakers such as Google, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). 

During the two-day conference, thought leaders will dive into the evolution of travellers, focusing on the growing importance of sustainable and responsible travel, as well as data-driven consumer decision-making. 

“The packed agenda for MarketHub Asia, featuring world-leading organisations shows the value this event has for leaders across the travel industry” said Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial of HBX Group, parent company of Hotelbeds. “It promises to be an insightful event covering the hottest topics such as the power of personalisation of experiences, the benefits of collaboration to foster innovation and much more .” 

Fostering global collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the 400 attendees from 16 countries across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, the event will take place from November 21-23 at the Amari Bangkok Hotel. 

MarketHub Asia will not only offer a world-class conference programme but will also provide a unique platform for networking. &nbsp;Supported by select sponsors including ONYX Hospitality Group, NH Hotels (part of Minor), Clermont Hotel Group, Accor, Visit Hungary, Rixos Hotels and Titanic Hotels, MarketHub Asia is an exclusive, invitation-only event that brings together Hotelbeds’ strategic partners and clients.

For more information about the MarketHub Asia, please visit the website.

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###

About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com

&nbsp;


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Raising the bar in travel and tourism: MarketHub Asia in Bangkok

Palma, Spain, 13 November, 2023 —The TravelTech Lab by HBX Group has joined Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub (the Hub), while Mastercard has joined HBX Group’s TravelTech Lab, to collaborate on accelerating innovation in the travel and tourism sector.


With HBX Group’s TravelTech Lab and Mastercard’s Global Tourism Innovation Hub based in Spain, the companies share a joint commitment to provide a springboard for emerging innovation and tech talent to the world. Together, over the next three years they will share knowledge, industry insights and collaborate on sustainability and inclusive tourism projects, to support the future of the industry.


“Our new membership in Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub will help us accelerate our goal to provide frictionless end-to-end travel for everyone,” said José María Pestaña Sartorius, Chief Innovation Officer at HBX Group. “Since the TravelTech Lab by HBX Group launched earlier this year, we have established ourselves in the travel innovation ecosystem by joining forces with world-renowned institutions who share our vision and mission.”


“Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub has become a trusted collaborator across the public and private sectors in developing more sustainable and resilient tourism globally, “said Quim Martinez Bosch, Vice President, Tourism Innovation Hub at Mastercard. “We look forward to working with HBX Group to co-create innovative solutions for destinations around the world, focused on connecting and empowering businesses and local communities.”


While the TravelTech Lab by HBX Group opened earlier this year to reimagine tourism and improve the overall travel experience, Mastercard’s Global Tourism Innovation Hub works with governments, public sector agencies and private sector companies to accelerate their digitalisation efforts, as well as innovate, research, and co-create solutions across the tourism ecosystem.


Recent additions to the Hub include the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kazakh Tourism National Company. They join existing Tourism Innovation Hub members including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain’s SEGITTUR, and the Global Travel Resilience &amp; Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) of Jamaica.


###


About the TravelTech Lab by HBX Group The TravelTech Lab by HBX Group is on a mission to re-imagine the world of travel. The Lab’s creation was driven by a passion for innovation in product development and finding new ways to use technology to create frictionless travel for all. We explore the intersection of emerging technology and travel to revolutionise both the product offering and the consumer experience, whilst engineering solutions which advance HBX Group’s agenda to change the way that tomorrow’s travellers move, connect and explore. We do this by co-innovating with trail-blazing start-ups and like-minded partners who are focused on collaboration and have a disruptive mindset. The TravelTech Lab by HBX Group is where cutting-edge ideas can soar. We create breakthrough products, platforms and services by exploring new horizons to drive digital transformation within the travel industry.


To find out more, visit https://www.traveltechlab.net/


Press contact
Clara Truyols Nadal
clatruyols@hotelbeds.com


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HBX Group and Mastercard join forces to further innovation in the tourism sector

Palma, Spain, 7 November 2023 – Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, has entered a partnership with Barceló Hotel Group. This strategic distribution agreement increases Hotelbeds’ accommodation portfolio while also extends Barceló Hotels &amp; Resorts’ brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, opening up new possibilities for travellers. 

The collaboration adds 130 Barceló hotels in 15 countries into the Hotelbeds Preferred Portfolio, and Hotelbeds will in return enhance the distribution reach for these properties, which spans more than 170 markets, and encompasses more than 71,000 travel buyers, resulting in a number of benefits, including increased revenue streams in underpenetrated market segments.

Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer of HBX Group, said: “We are excited to start this collaboration with Barceló Hotel Group, a brand that shares our dedication to providing top-tier experiences for travellers. This partnership enriches our extensive hotel portfolio, enabling us to offer our customers an even wider array of choices. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have for both companies.” 

As the flagship brand of Barceló Hotel Group, Barceló Hotels &amp; Resorts is renowned for offering a wide spectrum of accommodation to suit the diverse needs and preference of travellers, whether they are looking for leisure, business or luxury stays. The brand encompasses a global collection of hotels and resorts, including urban properties, beachfront getaways and all-inclusive destinations. 

Raul González, Chief Executive Officer at Barceló Hotel Group said: “We are pleased to announce this alliance with Hotelbeds as it allows us to increase the awareness of Barceló Hotels &amp; Resorts and to reach more markets globally. This is a fundamental step in our plans for growth and market diversification. Our commercial strategy is strengthened through the development of smart initiatives designed to reinforce relationships with strong partners like Hotelbeds.”

E-Commerce Director at Barceló, Carlos Saniger; VP Commericial Europe at Hotelbeds, Jorge Cortes; Contracting Manager Regional Chains at Hotelbeds, Maria Montero; Chief Digital Business Officer at Barceló, Iñigo Onieva, and Head of E-Distribution at Barceló, Denis Kunz, at World Travel Market (WTM) on Tuesday 7 November. 

###

About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serve as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

About Barceló Hotel Group

Barceló Hotel Group, the hotel division of the Barceló Group, is the second largest hotel chain in Spain and is among the top 30 largest in the world in number of rooms. The group currently has more than 280 4 and 5-star urban and holiday hotels, totalling more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries and marketed under four brands: Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels &amp; Resorts, Barceló Hotels &amp; Resorts, Occidental Hotels &amp; Resorts and Allegro Hotels. It is also part of the Crestline Hotels &amp; Resorts group, an independent hotel company with 130 establishments. For more information please visit: www.barcelo.com

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com 


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Hotelbeds partners with Barceló Hotel Group to expand travel opportunities for its clients 

Palma, Spain, 7 November 2023 – Bedsonline, in collaboration with Los Angeles Tourism, Universal Studios Hollywood and Delta Air Lines, has announced a rare opportunity for travel agents based in Australia and New Zealand to join a five-day familiarization (fam) trip to Los Angeles.

Travel agents who book participating hotels in Los Angeles and tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood before the end of the year will automatically be in with a chance of winning a VIP spot. The 10 agents with the highest total value of qualifying Los Angeles hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood ticket bookings by 31 December 2023 will win their place in this exciting opportunity. 

Peter Jones, VP for APAC at Bedsonline, said: “Experiencing a destination is the best way to sell it. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Los Angeles Tourism, Universal Studios Hollywood and Delta provide this incredible fam trip to our clients in Australia and New Zealand. We value the hard work travel agents do and hope this trip serves both as a reward and an inspiration for their future sales efforts.”

The trip is scheduled to take place in March 2024 and is exclusively reserved for travel agents based in Australia and New Zealand to experience Los Angeles. Winners will gain in-depth knowledge of the city while experiencing the iconic landmarks, the charm of Universal Studios Hollywood and the palm tree-lined streets of the city of Angels.

For more information, please visit our website. 

###

About Bedsonline

Bedsonline is the leading global provider of accommodation and complementary travel products, catering exclusively to travel agents. Through its online platform, it distributes accommodation, experiences and mobility services sourced from 191 countries to more than 64,000 travel agencies worldwide.

With the support of local service and sales teams across the globe, Bedsonline’s expansive portfolio serves travel partners and customers in more than 150 markets, while its powerful booking engine facilitates intuitive search and a seamless booking process. Owing to its evolving technology, wide catalogue of products and warm customer service, Bedsonline is the defacto partner for many travel bookers around the world.


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Bedsonline offers exclusive Fam Trip for travel agents in Australia and New Zealand

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	The TravelTech Lab by HBX Group is seeking startups specialised in virtual reality and the metaverse that help change the way travellers move, connect, and explore
	First time HBX Group will collaborate with both Wayra and the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality


&nbsp;

​​​​​Madrid, October 24, 2023.– HBX Group, the leading B2B TravelTech ecosystem player, Wayra, Telefónica's leading open innovation programme, and the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality have joined forces to launch the second TravelTech Lab by HBX Group innovation challenge to redesign the future of travel.

The companies, all leading innovation organisations in their respective fields, are calling on startups around the world, as well as affiliated students, to submit ideas on how emerging augmented technologies, such as virtual reality and the metaverse, can be adopted in the B2B travel arena to improve operational efficiencies and remove friction from the end traveller experience to create more enjoyable trips from the time they book to when they return home. 

José María Pestaña, Chief Innovation Officer at&nbsp;HBX Group, said: “Bringing our innovation partners and the startup community together is a unique opportunity for us all to not only learn and share ideas, but provide a platform to bring about real change in the TravelTech arena. I’m excited to see what ideas are put forward and how we will be able to implement these to not only improve our tech capabilities but also inspire future trips for the traveller of tomorrow.”

This second TravelTech Lab challenge comes months after the inaugural contest and just eight months after the launch of the innovation hub, which is based at HBX Group’s headquarters in Palma, Mallorca (Spain). The first event attracted submissions from 65 startups from across the world including South Africa, Colombia and Spain. Of these, HBX Group is now collaborating with the three finalists. 

Startups selected to join the TravelTech Lab by HBX Group will not only be given expert advice and guidance from industry experts, but they will also join Wayra's innovation ecosystem and work directly with HBX Group’s teams to develop collaboration opportunities. There is also a grant of up to €40,000 available from HBX Group to help bring their idea to life. All startups will be able to work with other like-minded entrepreneurs at Wayra’s 7 hubs in Europe and Latin America, as well as at HBX Group’s hubs in Mallorca and Madrid.

“It is a privilege for Wayra to strengthen our alliance and commitment with HBX Group- to make available all our knowledge of the international entrepreneurial ecosystem, and to promote technological evolution in the travel sector. It is a key element of our economy, as tourism is one of the most important engines of our country and corresponds to 20% of Spanish GDP,” said Andrés Saborido, Wayra Managing Director.

In further support of the challenge, NYU SPS hosted a students' hackathon, collaborating with industry professionals chosen from HBX Group’s partners in the U.S. to refine their solutions and gain a deeper understanding of current pain points within the hospitality sector. The response was very positive, with 26 students taking part.

“The TravelTech sector is growing every day,” said Richie Karaburun, MBA, DPS, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Tisch Center’s HI Hub Incubator Program. “We look forward to working with HBX Group and Wayra on this challenge to find the next augmented technology innovator who can help change and evolve our industry to create better travel experiences worldwide.”

For more information and to submit your idea, please visit the traveltechlab.net. Applications are open until 12 December 2023.

&nbsp;

###

About HBX Group

HBX Group is a leading B2B ecosystem player in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel. We drive growth for our clients &amp; partners while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products &amp; services, while rich data and intelligence seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide.

We have over 3,000 experts worldwide, including specialists on the ground who provide insights and support to boost trading even further, especially in the most hard-to-reach segments. This unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for all businesses aiming to unlock their full potential in the travel arena.

More information available at www.hbxgroup.com &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Follow us:

LinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbxgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbxgroup

&nbsp;

About NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and Its HI Hub

The NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, celebrating more than 25 years of academic excellence, is a leading center for the study of hospitality, travel, and tourism. Founded in 1995, the Tisch Center was established in response to the growing need for hospitality and tourism undergraduate and graduate education. Its cutting-edge curricula attract bright, motivated students who see to become leaders in their fields.

The Tisch Center launched the&nbsp;Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), which will foster entrepreneurship and creative solutions for the industries it services. The state-of-the-art facilities offer students, start-ups, and established industry partners and opportunities to learn, discover, innovate, and invest. For more information about the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, visit&nbsp;sps.nyu.edu/tisch.

&nbsp;

About Wayra

Since 2011, Wayra is the main program to connect Telefónica with the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world. It has seven spaces covering nine countries in Latin America and Europe, through which it invests and supports startups. Wayra invests in startups with the capacity to generate business with Telefónica, which are ready to scale preferably in one of the following sectors: Entertainment (Gaming and Video), IoT, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, eHealth, Fintech, Energy, Metaverse and Web3. Wayra always invests hand in hand with other VCs in startups that are controlled by the founders with a ticket of up to €350k. 

Since 2022 we have started to manage capital from Telefónica Group companies through Vivo Ventures and Íope Ventures. 

In these eleven years, Wayra has invested €68M in 870 startups and currently has more than 400 startups in its portfolio of which more than 170 work with Telefónica.

More information available at www.wayra.es &nbsp;


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HBX Group, Wayra and NYU SPS look to virtual reality and metaverse for second TravelTech Lab innovation challenge 


	Introduction of group brand is next evolution of TravelTech transformation
	New Fintech products enhance HBX Group’s ecosystem player status


&nbsp;

Palma, Spain – 18 October 2023 – Hotelbeds has launched its new group brand, HBX Group to lead the B2B TravelTech company into the next phase of its evolution. 

Two years on from its shift to being a leader in the TravelTech space, the company is today establishing itself as a global travel ecosystem player, introducing new product lines to meet the needs of the end consumer as they seek a frictionless end-to-end travel experience.

“As we continue our transformation as a world-leading TravelTech company, HBX Group simplifies our structure into four distinct brands under our new umbrella,” said CEO Nicolas Huss. “We have completely rebuilt our tech stack over the past year to support this shift and better serve our clients and partners by improving our reliability and number of self-service tools to maintain our market position.”

HBX Group will go to market with a collection of best-in-class B2B solutions, each with a clear proposition and market focus that meets the needs of its growing and diverse client base across more than 190 global markets. These are:


	Hotelbeds, who cater for the specific needs of hoteliers, tour operators, airlines and online travel agents
	Bedsonline, exclusively serving the retail travel segment bringing together all the travel products they need to complete and serve their travellers’ needs
	Roiback, the HotelTech partner for independent hotels and chains seeking growth through direct channel solutions
	TravelStack, providing all products, services and solutions to businesses looking to enter into the lucrative travel arena


HBX Group will also be vastly simplifying its brand architecture, to provide a much clearer and streamlined experience for all partners. As a result, existing product brands including last minute travel and Carnect, will continue to operate but will eventually be fully integrated into the HBX Group ecosystem. Hotelbeds’ long-standing flagship event, the MarketHub, as well as its innovation hub, the TravelTech Lab, will also be endorsed by HBX Group.

&nbsp;

Technology Rebuild 

HBX Group will be underpinned by new technology, which has been re-engineered in just under one year. The new HBX Group transaction platform is an open-source relational database management system emphasising extensibility and SQL compliance, allowing for more effective use of data and unlimited scalability. This complete re-platforming, re-architecture and new cloud based infrastructure enables HBX to have a global, cloud-based modern tech stack on which to build its future ecosystem strategy.

The technological transformation effectively futureproofs the company, with further functional changes easier to implement and benefits reaped by agents through easier access to more accurate data, reduced downtime and quicker responses.&nbsp; 

The company has refactored all visible channels – including its websites – which are now device agnostic. The changes are driving tangible increase in booking conversion and have been achieved for a capital expenditure of €11 million.

&nbsp;

Ecosystem creation

HBX Group is an ecosystem player within the world of travel. By combining the company’s four pillars – making up the “X” – technology, data, product and people, HBX Group is better-placed to support its clients and partners by offering the full scope of travel products, including ancillary services, and selling them in one package. It also encompasses the multiplier effect businesses that choose to work with the Group will benefit from.

“Being an ecosystem player enables us to provide our customers with interconnected products and services, which complement each other and which, when combined and sold seamlessly together, gives our clients what they want, when they want it.” adds Nicolas Huss. “It also streamlines the buying process while enabling clients to upsell ancillary products, enhancing their business and providing frictionless travel to the end consumer.”

Supporting the transition into an ecosystem player, Hotelbeds’ accommodation, mobility and attractions sales teams have been brought together as part of the new Group infrastructure, enabling them to cross-sell all product lines and streamline client relationships as they will now have one point of contact for all sales activity.

&nbsp;

New fintech solutions

As part of the evolution to HBX Group, the company will introduce fintech products in 2024, including travel insurance, payment solutions, and multi-currency solutions. These products will be&nbsp;embedded into the company’s core business to offer its clients and partners these services across their total business volumes.

The size of these opportunities is already large and growing. For example the travel insurance sector alone is currently worth €15 billion and is expected to grow to €99bn by 2030, according to research by Spherical Insights &amp; Consulting.

“As travellers increasingly seek the connected trip experience with all aspects of their travel included in the same ticket, we must ensure we’re meeting this need through travel insurance and associated financial products,” added Nicolas Huss. “We have offered hotels since our inception in 2001, later adding car hire, transfers and attractions. Financial services are the natural next step in our business development and one our clients have asked us to provide.”

Learn more about HBX Group at www.hbxgroup.com

###

&nbsp;

About HBX Group

HBX Group is a leading B2B ecosystem player in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel. We drive growth for our clients &amp; partners while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products &amp; services, while rich data and intelligence seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide.

We have over 3,000 experts worldwide, including specialists on the ground who provide insights and support to boost trading even further, especially in the most hard-to-reach segments. This unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for all businesses aiming to unlock their full potential in the travel arena.

Follow us:

LinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbxgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbxgroup

&nbsp;

HBX Group Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;

media@hotelbeds.com


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HBX Group

HBX Group marks start of new era for Hotelbeds

Palma, Spain, 11 October 2023 – Hotelbeds and Merlin Entertainments have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for its six LEGOLAND® Hotels at LEGOLAND® Resorts in the United States. 

The two companies have had a long-standing successful theme parks and attractions partnership, but this new contract will be their only hotel offering. Encompassing LEGOLAND® New York Hotel, LEGOLAND® California Hotel, LEGOLAND® California Castle Hotel, LEGOLAND® Florida Hotel, LEGOLAND® Florida Pirate Island Hotel, and LEGOLAND® Florida Beach Retreat Resort, Hotelbeds will be the sole partner of B2B accommodation bookings globally.

Chris Leonard, Managing Director of Mobility and Experiences at Hotelbeds, said: “This partnership marks a new phase in our relationship with Merlin and is an endorsement of our joint success to date. Thanks to our extensive global footprint, we are able to now support LEGOLAND® Hotels in attracting customers from around the world while also helping agents attract new customers seeking new holiday experiences.”

Reservations made by travel agents will include access to LEGOLAND® Resort’s signature Halloween extravaganza “Brick-or-Treat” running on select nights until 29 October 2023. 

Additional benefits of staying at LEGOLAND® Hotels include:


	Early access to LEGOLAND® theme parks
	Easy access to the LEGOLAND® Water Park in California and Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida
	Complimentary breakfast 


“Bringing families with children ages 2 – 12 together to create awesome family memories is what we excel at and we’re excited Hotelbeds is able to work with us to offer families across the globe the unique LEGOLAND® experience,” said North America Director of Public Relations for Merlin Entertainments Julie Estrada. 

LEGOLAND® Hotels become part of Hotelbeds’ portfolio of more than 300,000 hotels and 16,000 experiences worldwide. 

###

About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serve as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

&nbsp;

About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe’s number one and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates more than 140 attractions, 24 hotels and six holiday villages in 24 countries and across four continents. &nbsp;Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, thorough its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees.

Visit&nbsp;www.merlinentertainments.biz&nbsp;for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews.

&nbsp;

Follow us:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com 

Merlin Entertainments Media Contact

Julie Estrada – Julie.Estrada@Merlinentertainments.biz

Public Relations Director North America


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Hotelbeds signs exclusive partnership with Merlin Entertainments

Palma, Spain, 4 October 2023 – Bedsonline, the leading global provider of accommodation and ancillary products, has launched a new web portal that will revolutionise the travel industry by providing tailored recommendations to travel agents that best suit their customer’s needs. 

Powered by artificial intelligence, Insights guides travel agents to offer a personalised experience based on targeted data collected through real-time customer interactions while helping them to grow their business by showing destinations, hotels, and experiences booked in their local market and adapted to the individual needs of the end customer.

“Insights allows travel agents to seize any opportunities and create a truly tailored experience for their customers,” said Bertrand Sava, Managing Director of Bedsonline. “The AI-utilisation allows interaction while the real-time data ensures they are providing the most accurate availability and options ensuring they can make the most of every enquiry.”

This new platform, which has been rolled-out globally following a successful pilot programme, guides travel agents through the search and booking process to provide their clients with the best travel options by:


	Including new interaction features in its innovative interface, that the user can adapt the page according to their preferences and business, as well as a more attractive web design.
	Presenting relevant information, with a simple and easy-to-use visual design to each travel agent.
	Identifying which destinations and markets that have more opportunities for accelerated and efficient business growth.
	Enabling travel agents to explore these new opportunities and manage recommendations through the platform’s save and modify resources. 
	Working with advanced AI technology, this booking engine and marketing tool offers personalised options where the travel agent can know using real data why those destinations, experiences and hotels represent their best opportunity, on lowest to highest scale.


Furthermore, Insights allows clients to quickly and easily create branded promotional materials with personalised messages and a selection of hotels of their preference. These promotions can be downloaded or shared directly by email, WhatsApp, or other social channels.

Insights is the latest offering by Bedsonline to help travel agents better serve their customers. Earlier this summer, the company launched Olivia, its first AI-based virtual assistant.

###

About Bedsonline

Bedsonline is the leading global provider of accommodation and complementary travel products, catering exclusively to travel agents. Through its online platform, it distributes accommodation, experiences and mobility services sourced from 195 countries, to more than 64,000 travel agencies worldwide.

With the support of local service and sales teams across the globe, Bedsonline’s expansive portfolio serves travel partners and customers in more than 150 markets, while its powerful booking engine facilitates intuitive search and a seamless booking process. Owing to its evolving technology, wide catalogue of products and warm customer service, Bedsonline is the defacto partner for many travel bookers around the world.

Headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Bedsonline is part of Hotelbeds, the world’s leading B2B TravelTech company.

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com&nbsp; 


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Bedsonline offers new Insights for travel agents

New agreement connects Hopper customers with Hotelbeds 300,000 hotels 

Palma, Spain, 27 September 2023 – Leading TravelTech company Hotelbeds has signed a new strategic partnership to provide Hopper with access to its portfolio of 300,000 hotels across 195 countries.

The agreement enables Hotelbeds to continue growing its business in the U.S. while opening up new markets for Hopper, which is North America’s third largest online travel marketplace and number one downloaded travel app. Data from the U.S. International Trade Administration reports that total travel and tourism output was valued at $1.7 trillion in 2021.

“This new partnership will help us expand our footprint further in the dynamic U.S. market,” said Carlos Muñoz, Hotelbeds Chief Commercial Officer. “Joining forces with Hopper – the world’s fastest growing travel app – will also help us reach new client sectors, across both trade and consumer segments.”

As a global B2B travel ecosystem player, Hotelbeds will enable Hopper to source more diverse inventory for its customers. Hotelbeds’ booking platforms provide fast and reliable access to properties across the world, including those in the luxury sector and more than 37,000 sustainable hotels.

Hopper, meanwhile, is a travel agency, fintech provider, and e-commerce platform, powering the Hopper app and partners’ direct channels. The Hopper app has more than 100 million downloads and is predominantly used by Gen Z and millennials, with 70% of Hopper customers made up of travellers under the age of 35. 

“We’re proud to partner with Hotelbeds – a global, hotel contracting powerhouse,” said Dakota Smith, President and Co-Founder of Hopper. “Ensuring that travellers have transparency and optionality has always been at the core of Hopper’s offerings. Partnering with Hotelbeds will allow us to supercharge our efforts in building a best-in-class global hotel supply network.”

###

About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us:

Linkedin:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds 

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Hotelbeds Media Contact

Clara Truyols –&nbsp;clatruyols@hotelbeds.com 

About Hopper

Hopper is a leading travel platform which powers Hopper’s mobile app and HTS partners' direct channels. Hopper uses data to bring transparency, optionality and cost-savings to travelers globally. The company has also developed several unique fintech solutions that address everything from pricing volatility to trip disruptions. The Hopper platform serves hundreds of millions of travelers and continues to capture market share around the world. Through HTS, Hopper supercharges its partners’ direct channels with its travel agency, fintech, and e-commerce offerings. To find out more about Hopper, visit&nbsp;Hopper.com.


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Hotelbeds signs global distribution partnership with Hopper 

Palma, Spain, 13 September 2023 – Hotelbeds popular MarketHub is returning to Asia later this year to bring travel professionals from across the globe together in Bangkok from 21-23 November 2023. 

Amari Bangkok will host the upcoming edition of MarketHub Asia which, under the theme “Where next?”, will feature a dynamic series of interactive sessions, engaging panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to promote business growth and innovation. Participants will hear valuable insights from travel leaders, as well as exchanges with a range of industry experts, helping to shape the future of travel in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. 

“MarketHub Asia showcases the value of bringing leaders from across the travel industry and beyond together to learn and uncover all the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Carlos Munoz, Chief Commercial Officer of Hotelbeds. “We believe that with its strategic location in Bangkok, this event will provide a gateway for global travel professionals to tap into the potential of both the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets and explore business opportunities across the regions. MarketHub’s return to Asia reflects the progress made in the travel sector’s recovery and signifies renewed confidence in the future of tourism.”

The latest data from Hotelbeds shows that Thailand has experienced remarkable growth as a travel destination, with an impressive 180% increase compared to this time last year. Among the top destinations chosen by travellers when visiting the country are Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya and Phuket. 

This is supported by recent figures from the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which show that the country has welcomed almost 12 million international tourists since the beginning of the year. SiteMinder, Meituan and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) found that Chinese travellers led the boom, with more than 1.3 million arrivals.

Previous editions of MarketHub, held in Amsterdam and Cancun earlier this year, were a resounding success, attracting industry professionals and thought leaders eager to collaborate, explore emerging trends and showcase the industry's resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing environment. 

MarketHub Asia is an invitation-only event attended by key Hotelbeds partners from across Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

Amari Watergate Bangkok is part of the ONYX Hospitality Group, an established hospitality management company with more than five decades of experience in the Southeast Asian hospitality industry. As part of the group, which includes brands such as Amari, Shama and OZO, the hotel is dedicated to meeting the discerning needs of business and leisure travellers. Committed to sustainability, Amari Watergate Bangkok actively prioritises the reduction of travel footprint to preserve travel privileges for future generations, while ensuring a luxurious and welcoming ambience.

For more information about the MarketHub Asia, please visit the website.

###

About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com


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MarketHub Asia 2023: Shaping the future of travel in Bangkok


	Global Travel &amp; Tourism is soaring, and so are the Balearic Islands
	Palma continues to be a trend-setting destination 
	Local contribution to the sector surpassed €1.5BN, a 128% jump versus 2021 


Palma, Spain; 11 September 2023: The World Travel &amp; Tourism Council (WTTC) partnered with Hotelbeds to bring sector leaders together in Palma, Mallorca, to delve into the ever-evolving dynamics of global Travel &amp; Tourism.

Titled “Global Trends in the Tourism Sector”, the event provided a platform for attendees to gain valuable insights into the current state of Travel &amp; Tourism through presentations and discussions led by Julia Simpson, WTTC President &amp; CEO, and Hotelbeds’ CEO Nicolas Huss.

The event acknowledged the thriving tourism landscape, both on a global scale and within the Balearic Islands. In 2022, global Travel &amp; Tourism experienced an extraordinary growth rate of 22%, primarily driven by the lifting of pandemic restrictions and a surge in spending by foreign visitors. 

Julia Simpson, WTTC President &amp; CEO, said: “Today, we witness a thriving Travel &amp; Tourism sector, not just in the Balearics, but worldwide, with strong performance in Spain.

“Post pandemic leisure travel is booming. But travel patterns are changing. In the Balearics we are seeing a longer season. Luxury travel is particularly strong with hotels leading with new products for this market.

“Travellers want to travel more sustainably. Travel &amp; Tourism can grow and protect the planet.&nbsp;Let us come together to shape a sustainable future for travel and tourism.”

During the event, held at the TravelTech Lab in Hotelbeds’ headquarters in Palma, Spain was recognised as a global leader in tourism, with the sector, contributing significantly to its economic landscape. Projections indicated that by the end of 2023, this sector will represent a remarkable 14.6% of Spain’s GDP and provide employment to nearly three million Spaniards, underscoring its crucial role in job creation.

Nicolas Huss, Hotelbeds CEO, said: “As we come to an end for the summer season, we should reflect and celebrate what the sector has achieved this year. The strong commitment of companies throughout the tourism ecosystem to work together with external partners, including those in the innovation sphere, will be critical to ensure Travel &amp; Tourism continues to thrive.”

The CEOs also spotlighted the sector’s shift from corporate to leisure travel, with the latter currently accounting for a significant 88% of travel spending in Spain. This transformation is expected to continue, further strengthening the leisure travel segment.

Balearic Islands, an international tourism model

Hotelbeds’ data shows that this summer the traditional flows of travellers have not only been maintained but also increased, coming from the United Kingdom (+17%) and Germany (+29%) to the Balearic Islands. In addition, countries including France and Portugal have seen growing demand to the islands while long-haul markets out of Europe, such as the United States, are also growing. 

Palma, a rising role in international travel

Meanwhile, according to WTTC’s latest Cities Economic Impact Research, Palma’s Travel &amp; Tourism contribution to the city’s GDP saw an incredible 128% jump, to reach more than €1.5 billion, representing 6.3% of the local economy.

In terms of employment in Palma, last year the sector supported nearly 20,000 jobs, representing 6% of the local workforce, although this figure still trails 2019 by 11,000 jobs.

Tourism trends

Hotelbeds predicts that three trends that will continue to define the traveller of the future, namely: 


	Trips that combine leisure and business supported by the shift to remote working in recent years
	Sustainable travel, driven largely by Gen Z who are more conscious of their environmental footprint. Both companies are committed to this shift and have signed an agreement for Hotelbeds to join the WTTC’s Sustainability Basics programme to raise awareness and encourage properties to be more environmentally friendly
	The rise of personalised travel; While people want to be able to book their trips at the click of a button, technology is being increasingly used to deliver tailored experiences, often supported by artificial intelligence


The breakfast event fostered an environment for local leaders to engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of Travel &amp; Tourism. Attendees had the opportunity to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, setting the stage for continued collaboration and growth.

-ends-

World Travel &amp; Tourism Council

The World Travel &amp; Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel &amp; Tourism.

WTTC promotes sustainable growth for the Travel &amp; Tourism sector, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, drive exports and generate prosperity. Council Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading private sector Travel &amp; Tourism businesses.

Alongside our Council Members and board of Vice-Chairs, Op-Co and Executive Committee, from our Member organisations, our WTTC directors are responsible for guiding the work of the Council in the fulfilment of its mission. The WTTC Directors, based across the world, have expansive knowledge not only in their fields but also in Travel &amp; Tourism as a sector and work with knowledgeable teams to bring the mission to life.

About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us:

Linkedin:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds 

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;

Clara Truyols –&nbsp;clatruyols@hotelbeds.com 

&nbsp;

&nbsp;


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WTTC and Hotelbeds uncover Global Tourism Trends

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