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It's no secret that the travel distribution landscape can be complex, and finding the right distribution mix for your property isn't an easy task nowadays.&nbsp;&nbsp;At Hotelbeds, we simplify these complexities by offering you the advantages of a B2B distribution channel. This means getting you access to a global market without having to negotiate individual contracts with each distributor, and attracting more high-value guests, among many other benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Apart from this, when you partner with Hotelbeds, you don’t just connect to a distribution network — you unlock access to a rangeof tools and services designed to help you increase occupancy, boost revenue, and reach your goals faster.&nbsp;Some are included in your agreement from day one. Others can be activated whenever you need extra support — whether that’s more visibility, smarter pricing, or deeper insights.&nbsp;No matter your hotel’s size or style, you’ll find solutions tailored to help you perform better and grow with confidence. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find in this free guide:&nbsp;&nbsp;Hotelbeds’ distribution strategy explained&nbsp;An overview of the strategic partners you'll have access to&nbsp;How Hotelbeds' Partner Portal will bring you the autonomy to easily manage your hotel distribution&nbsp;Why the regional and global Marketing Campaigns are a key advantage in your strategy&nbsp;Two Optimisation Campaigns that will take your property to the next level from day one&nbsp;The exclusive Marketing Suite, a full range of marketing solutions based on your needs&nbsp;Hotelbeds' Preferred Partnership, a bespoke commercial solution designed to evolve with you&nbsp;Go beyond distribution: Discover HBX Group's extended portfolio with fintech, insurtech, and digital marketing solutions for your property, and much more.&nbsp;Get your copy now and discover what's in store for your property!

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[GUIDE] How to Boost Hotel Revenue with the Right B2B Strategy

You could have the most scenic lake-view rooms, the finest Japanese wellness experiences, or the most aesthetic property design. But if you can't reach your ideal guests, it’s hard to fill rooms.&nbsp;In today’s digital-first landscape, travellers book online, compare fast, and expect personalisation. According to the 2025 Hotels and Resorts Marketing Report, over 57% of travellers book hotels online, making a strong digital marketing strategy essential.&nbsp;AI and Machine Learning are transforming how hotels attract and serve guests, from personalised campaigns to real-time recommendations. Travellers increasingly are seeking meaningful, tailored stays.&nbsp;With the right hotel marketing techniques, you can connect with the right guests, build trust, and drive bookings before they ever arrive. And this guide outlines effective hotel marketing strategies for 2025 and shows how Hotelbeds’ B2B distribution solutions can help boost visibility and drive more bookings.How to build an effective hotel marketing planLike any business goal, marketing for a hotel needs a clear roadmap that aligns with your broader business objectives. Start with:&nbsp;Clear goals: If your business goal is to increase revenue, your marketing focus should be on boosting bookings. If you’re expanding into new regions, your strategy should target new audience segments. Establish your budget, KPIs, timelines, and the teams involved from the start.&nbsp;Know your target market: Marketing only works when it reaches the right audience. Use past guest data to define profiles beyond demographics, consider motivations, interests, and booking behaviour.&nbsp;Analyse past performance and competitors: Review what’s worked, monitor seasonal trends, and track what competitors are doing in your region. A good strategy adapts to both industry shifts and guest expectations.&nbsp;Choose the right channels: Use Instagram and TikTok for younger audiences, LinkedIn for business travellers, and email or influencer marketing based on your goals and spend.&nbsp;Finally, track results: Use analytics tools to measure performance, test new ideas, and improve over time. A strong plan is flexible, data-driven, and evolves with your guests.&nbsp;Top hotel marketing strategies for 2025&nbsp;Leverage the power of digital marketingDigital marketing remains one of hospitality’s most effective tools—cost-efficient, highly targeted, and scalable. 89% of marketers reported a positive ROI from personalised campaigns according to WebFX’s 2025 Digital Marketing Statistics.&nbsp;Here’s how you can build a strong digital presence:&nbsp;Adopt AI for personalised engagement: According to The Business Research Company’s Hospitality Market Analysis 2024 report, the hospitality AI market is expected to reach $0.92 billion by 2028, growing at 57.5% CAGR. Use it to personalise emails, automate guest support, build itineraries, and analyse data to drive smarter engagement.&nbsp;Prioritise SEO and content marketing: With 95% of web traffic coming from search engines, and only 30% of users clicking past page one, SEO is critical!Build an AI-friendly, mobile-optimised site with blogs, guides, and a strong Google Business Profile. Focus on Local SEO to reach nearby guests first.&nbsp;Use advertising solutions and metasearch to drive direct bookings: Google PPC offers up to 200% ROI and increases brand awareness by 80%. Metasearch platforms like Google Hotel Ads and TripAdvisor help reduce OTA reliance with real-time rates. Choose CPC or commission-based models. Remember, 27% of global users now use ad blockers, and traditional banner ads are less effective. Implement high-quality, targeted promotional strategies for your hotel.&nbsp;Drive loyalty with email marketing: Targeted email campaigns can boost ROI by 22%. Use them to promote offers, reward return guests, and introduce perks like early check-ins through subscription models.&nbsp;Engage where your audience is:77% of marketers use Instagram for business500M+ users are active on Twitter/X80% of weekly Pinterest users discover new brands&nbsp;Choose your platforms wisely—Reels for visuals, X for updates, LinkedIn for B2B.&nbsp;Build online reviews and loyalty programs: 72% of travellers say reviews influence bookings; only 4% ignore them, according to the 2025 Local Consumer Review Survey. Encourage feedback post-stay, share testimonials, and launch loyalty programs.&nbsp;Stand out with destination or niche marketing: If you're located in a high-demand destination, use it as a marketing hook. If not destination-led, lean into your niche such as wellness travel, sustainability tourism, or experiential travel, to reach high-intent guests. Choosing between luxury hotel marketing strategies or targeted small hotel marketing approaches is essential to highlight your specialty.&nbsp;Invest in influencer marketing and UGCInfluencer marketing continues to deliver results especially through micro-influencers who drive high engagement. Choose partners aligned with your niche to ensure authentic storytelling.&nbsp;Not ready to invest? Start with user-generated content (UGC). Guests already post about their stays, resharing their content builds trust, boosts visibility, and costs nothing.Don’t overlook offline marketingWhile digital leads today’s strategies, offline efforts still hold value. Strengthen your local presence through event sponsorships, local partnerships, travel magazine placements, or trade shows. These hotel marketing ideas build community connections.Adopt the right hotel tech stackModern marketing runs on smart tech. To personalise at scale, integrate PMS &amp; CRM systems with revenue management tools to optimise offers, track bookings and behaviour. With the right stack, you can build rich guest profiles, deliver custom experiences, and run high-converting campaigns with measurable ROI.&nbsp;B2B Channels: Unlocking a powerful marketing advantage for hoteliersIt’s easy to overlook one of the most effective tools in a hotelier’s marketing toolkit: B2B distribution channels. That’s where Hotelbeds comes in with our powerful, ready-to-launch B2B marketing solutions that drive visibility and demand.Pre-defined campaigns: Instant visibility, zero setupOur pre-defined marketing campaigns are a powerful way for hotels to gain targeted visibility without the time or cost of building campaigns from scratch. These ready-to-launch campaigns are aligned with key booking seasons and tailored to specific source markets or traveller segments. These 3 to 6-month campaigns are strategically placed across Hotelbeds and Bedsonline, trusted by thousands of agents globally.&nbsp;How it worksAppear in curated email marketing, landing pages, social media, and moreTailored by region or market segmentChoose from:Hotel HighlightsNew Additions (recently added hotels)&nbsp;Some key features:4 exposure levels for Hotel Highlights, 2 for New AdditionsAdd-ons like priority ranking, social media, banners, and newslettersPlacement in closed user groups where real booking decisions happen&nbsp;Benefits for hoteliers:Boost visibility in competitive marketsReach high-value travel professionalsGet real-time dashboards, engagement metrics, and post-campaign ROI reports&nbsp;Bespoke solutionsFor a more hands-on approach, discover our complete suite of marketing services designed to help hotels inspire and convert unique segments in the travel space. The HBX Group Marketing Suite gives you premium visibility across trusted channels—from display ads and sponsored newsletters to native content and social campaigns.&nbsp;Traditional marketing channels are fragmented, and internal teams often lack the time or expertise to manage complex campaigns, so we come in with a full-service marketing solution that simplifies strategy, execution, and reporting.&nbsp;Key features:Multi-channel exposure across B2B and B2C booking journeysRegional targeting and source market insightsFull campaign support: strategy, creative, reporting&nbsp;Benefits for hoteliers:Consistent presence where bookings happenStreamlined execution from start to finishBooking trend data and actionable performance insightsA team with decades of hotel-focused marketing experience&nbsp;Whether you’re a boutique hotel or a global chain, we design custom strategies that help you attract the right guests on the right channels at the right time.&nbsp;Not yet on board? Register your property to access a global distribution network of over 60,000 travel distributors, including 50,000 travel agencies and 3,500 tour operators, and build campaigns that grow bookings, brand trust, and long-term success.&nbsp;If you're already a hotel partner, do not hesitate to get in touch with your Account Manager to find the best option considering your needs.&nbsp;Choosing the Right Hospitality Marketing SolutionsThere are many aspects to how to market a hotel. Each aspect provides differently weighted benefits for each hotel, depending on whether you’re a boutique hotel, or a large chain.&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides the options mentioned above, consider implementing other equally successful hotel marketing strategies such as hotel reputation management, offer loyalty programmes, develop upselling techniques, among many other marketing strategies.These initiatives, combined with your in-house hotel marketing, will significantly improve your hotel's exposure to travel buyers and their end customers - which means higher occupancy rates for you!&nbsp;&nbsp;Register your property

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Hotel Marketing Strategies to Elevate Your Property in 2025  

&nbsp;Why are Booking APIs Essential?Booking API’s, in today’s industry, are an almost integral solution for travel distributors offering valuable travel products to today’s traveller, as they enable more automated processes, expanded reach, and more efficient, customised booking and customer experiences.&nbsp;This is achieved through:Real-time access to inventory.Integration with various suppliers.Automated tasks such as payment processing and ticketing.Streamlined booking processes.&nbsp;If you haven't yet discovered the full suite of API solutions offered by Hotelbeds, read more about our comprehensive travel API solutions here, and the value they offer for travel professionals looking to increase their efficiency, scalability and profitability in this competitive industry.&nbsp;A good booking API allows end-to-end management for all bookings, making the online booking experience seamless for both travel distributors, aggregators, and end customers.&nbsp;But, how does this benefit you in the real-world? Here are a few key ways that a booking API enables you to optimise your success.&nbsp;Real-time Data and Inventory AccessEquals improved reach and live pricing.&nbsp;Live pricing and availability: Booking APIs provide access to up-to-date information, including real-time pricing, availability, and special offers from suppliers.&nbsp;Global reach: Distributors can access, and therefore sell, a wider range of inventory from various suppliers, both domestically and internationally, without needing to manage multiple systems manually. This streamlines the ability to offer more products to in-market customers without creating additional operational processes.&nbsp;Streamlined Booking ProcessesMost APIs automate various steps in the booking process, and this can range from search and selection to confirmation and ticketing, which helps to reduce manual effort for distributors, and potential human errors, and improves customer experience!&nbsp;As part of these automated processes, customers have a more intuitive and convenient booking journey, which encourages more positive experiences and increases the likelihood of returning customers.&nbsp;This is where the key features of Hotelbeds’ booking API come into their own, offering a seamless booking experience for customers thanks to its fast and easy integration:Instant booking confirmation.Flexible check-in dates.Find products by geolocation and keywords.Push notifications.Advanced filtering options.&nbsp;Supplier Integration and AutomationAPIs help to facilitate a more seamless connection between distributors and various travel product suppliers through integration and automation; this can include hotels, rental car companies, local and global experience providers, and airlines.&nbsp;This integration and communication between systems allows for increased automation, such as the aforementioned points on automated payment processing and ticketing. But APIs can streamline numerous manual processes including invoicing, refund procedures, generating and delivering tickets and vouchers to customers.&nbsp;This reduces the operational demand required for these processes and allows a more efficient way of working. Not to mention that this also improves customer experience due to the effective completion of these crucial booking journey aspects, all of which impact whether or not a customer will return to you as a travel distributor.&nbsp;Increased Efficiency and ScalabilityFeeding into this idea of reduced operational demand, is the consequent efficiency and scalability that comes with the use of a reliable booking API when it comes to:Cost and time savings: through the reduction of manual work, automation allows for faster, more efficient operations.Scalability: through increased automation and the level of integration available with a booking API, distributors can more easily scale their operations to meet and capture more demand, without significant changes or strain on their infrastructure.Reduced development costs: using a pre-built API allows distributors to avoid the costs and complexities of building their own booking system from scratch.Improved core responsibilities: through automating operational tasks and providing a more streamlined booking process, distributors can better focus on areas they can provide increased value to customers, such as marketing and customer service.&nbsp;Hotelbeds’ Booking APIs – Hotels and ActivitiesNow that we understand a few of the key benefits of booking APIs, where does Hotelbeds come in? And what APIs do we offer to enable a more optimised, efficient and ultimately successful business for you?&nbsp;Let us introduce our Hotel and Activities Booking APIs:&nbsp;The Hotel Booking API from HotelbedsWhen it comes to hotel reservations in particular, there are a few ways to gain access to hotel data and booking capabilities:Connecting via travel ecosystem players, like Hotelbeds.Direct connection via property management (PMS) and central reservation systems (CRS).Connection via channel managers.Connection via aggregators, such as GDSs.Partnering with big OTAs.&nbsp;The Hotelbeds Hotel Booking API is designed to streamline the integration of hotel reservations into websites and apps. Partners gain access to Hotelbeds’ extensive global accommodation inventory in real-time, simplifying tasks like searching for options, confirming bookings, managing reservations, and more.&nbsp;Our Hotel Booking API is the main hotel API in our API ecosystem, covering the complete booking process. Designed to book hotels in real-time, in just a few steps, this API generates full lists of hotels, confirms bookings, and enables seamless booking management and modification.&nbsp;Our Hotel Booking API works in conjunction with our Content API to obtain important content information from the hotels, such as pictures, descriptions, facilities, and services.&nbsp;Key Features of Hotelbeds’ Booking APIStreamline your booking funnel with our API Suite’s powerful Hotel Booking API to deliver a fast, intuitive booking experience with the following features:Fast and easy integration with various global suppliers.Quick access to a global inventory of accommodations.Streamlined integration of hotel reservations into websites and apps.Simple search functionalities for accommodation options.Advanced filtering options, including the ability to find products by geolocation and keywords.Quick and direct confirmation of bookings.Real-time access to updated information on pricing and availability.&nbsp;How does our Hotel Booking API work?Our Hotel Booking API uses three different methods to manage booking functions: Hotels, CheckRates, and Bookings.&nbsp;Hotels: this method (/hotels) is used to request room availability, where filters and special features can be applied before sending an availability request; offer a flexible date search; generate a list of hotels with room, board and rate types for these hotels and restricted to the selected dates; and return cancellation fees within the availability response.&nbsp;Check Rates: this method returns up-to-date availability and prices on hotels that require this information to be obtained prior to booking.&nbsp;Bookings: this allows distributors to confirm a booking, obtain a list of bookings, modify or cancel any booking, or simulate a cancellation to see any cancellation conditions.&nbsp;The Activities Booking API from HotelbedsOur API solutions also offer the ability to book activities and in-destination experiences, allowing you to provide even more travel products to customers and expand your value to them.&nbsp;This Activities Booking API is designed to:Enable the construction or creation of a complete activities website or mobile application (app).Integrate activities and experiences into existing systems, both internal and external.Integrate content for these activities and experiences into a common CMS, applicable to all travel products being distributed.&nbsp;How does the Activities API work?Our Activities Booking API can be split into three main functions:Availability / Search: offers a real-time list of available activities and experiences depending on the filters and special features applied.Details / CheckRate: return real-time availability for specific activity codes and operational dates, along with essential details.Booking /Post-booking: confirm, manage and modify all bookings.&nbsp;Discover more information about our comprehensive APIs here.&nbsp;If you’re not yet one of our valuable partners, to access our API solutions and begin optimising your booking success with Hotelbeds, sign up today.&nbsp;It’s our mission to empower choice for our partners and travellers worldwide:Presence in 170+ countries worldwide – with 250,000+ hotels and 23,000+ in-destination experiences, global transfer route coverage and car hire.Access to dedicated Account Managers, whose goal is your growth.1000 sourcing and destination experts, negotiating vital rates and availabilities.Seamless API integrations tailored to your business needs.Intelligent campaigns – to assist in the capture of seasonal demand.&nbsp;Become a Hotelbeds partner today&nbsp;

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Travel Tech Solutions: Access Optimised Booking Processes with Hotelbeds’ Booking APIs

Sustainable travel has become a significant concern for travellers around the globe. As hotel guests grow increasingly aware of environmental issues, they expect the companies they support — including hotels — to reflect these values and prioritise sustainability in their operations.&nbsp;In line with World Environment Day 2025, which this year focuses on the critical issue of ending plastic pollution, it’s more important than ever for hoteliers to confront the challenge of single-use plastics. Taking action now demonstrates a genuine commitment to sustainability — one that today’s eco-conscious guests expect and value.&nbsp;This article aims to support hoteliers interested in embracing sustainable practices and attracting travellers who actively seek out environmentally responsible accommodations. We’ll explore why plastic-free hotels are gaining preference, how your property can benefit, practical tips to eliminate single-use plastics, and a real-world success story from a leading hotel group.&nbsp;We’ll also explain how to showcase your sustainability credentials to our network of over 60,000 travel distributors.&nbsp;Why do guests prefer plastic-free hotels?It’s no secret that there has been a paradigm shift that has influenced the lifestyle of millions of people, affecting all areas of life, including travel and leisure.&nbsp;Sustainable travel has become a significant concern in today’s world, and there are many ways to support the cause. Focusing specifically on one of the main issues – single-plastic use –, we believe that hoteliers have a great potential to become a force for good.&nbsp;Guests believe it as well, and by paying attention to their concerns and catering to their needs, your hotel could benefit from improved positioning in front of eco-conscious travellers…and increase your room nights.&nbsp;People now expect the brands they engage with to reflect their values. This includes how hotels address sustainability. According to Statista, 81% of travellers state that sustainable travel is important to them, and 74% want travel companies to offer more sustainable options. Furthermore, 65% say they’re more likely to book accommodation with recognised sustainability certifications.Also worth noting: 56% of people consider reducing single-use plastics a personal priority, and these habits often extend to their travel choices.&nbsp;Beyond meeting guest expectations, ignoring plastic pollution can have reputational consequences. A hotel’s credibility may suffer if there is no clear commitment to reducing plastic waste. That’s why sustainability — particularly when it comes to plastic — isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business.&nbsp;How can plastic-free initiatives benefit your properties?Whether you manage a boutique hotel or a major chain, transitioning away from single-use plastics takes effort — but the benefits are considerable.&nbsp;Helping the planet is reason enough, but there are other compelling advantages:&nbsp;A clearly defined sustainability strategy can differentiate your hotel from competitors.&nbsp;Certification through recognised programmes boosts your visibility and credibility among eco-conscious travellers.&nbsp;Your property could become eligible for our Sustainable Hotels Programme, giving you access to increased visibility across our global network of travel distributors.&nbsp;In addition, governments around the world are introducing stricter regulations around plastic usage. By taking proactive steps now, you’ll stay ahead of compliance requirements and avoid costly last-minute changes.&nbsp;However, all these benefits depend on communication. If you don’t clearly share your sustainability initiatives — including the elimination of single-use plastics — you may miss the opportunity to connect with your ideal audience.&nbsp;As mentioned in our article on the importance of green hotels, only one third of hotels are communicating their sustainability efforts, such as implementing alternatives for single-use plastics. To make an impact, you need to let travellers know what you’re doing — and why it matters.&nbsp;No matter what the size of your hotel, small actions can make a big change. Are you lacking in ideas? Keep reading, as we provide you with some valuable tips.Practical steps for hotels to embrace sustainabilityThere are certain items that you can replace or reduce in your objective to become a plastic-free hotel.&nbsp;However, there’s one thing that you should take into account to help you reach your goal in the most seamless way possible: it’s necessary to educate your suppliers and employees to better understand how important this purpose is and how they can easily commit to it.&nbsp;For example, you could start by creating a working group where employees from the departments using single-use plastics participate. In this working group, it would be beneficial to identify all single-use plastics in your operations and try to propose alternatives.&nbsp;But it doesn’t stop there: it’s also important to chat with your suppliers and explain your aim to reduce plastic in your properties. They may be able to help you with the task by giving you ideas of which options they have available, such as multi-use items or products made of responsible materials.&nbsp;Here are a few practical changes to begin your plastic-free transition:&nbsp;6 Essential tips for eliminating single-use plastics in hotelsRemove plastic water bottles. Offer refillable glass or metal bottles, and install modern water bottle filling stations for guests — fast, efficient and eco-friendly. Modern versions of these stations can refill a one-litre bottle in 10 seconds to minimise queues, whilst other stations cut off the water after 20 seconds to prevent wastage.&nbsp;Switch to bulk bathroom amenity dispensers. Offer shampoo and gel packaged in wall-mounted refillable dispensers, or consider providing these amenities only on demand. Switching to plastic-free hotel amenities, such as toiletries, is one of the easiest changes to implement, but is also a change which will be first recognised by your guests!&nbsp;Offer non-plastic slippers that are washed in-house and reused. Replace items such as stirrers, shoe shiners, razors, combs, sewing kits, and plastic packaging materials with sustainable alternatives, or remove them altogether.&nbsp;Use recyclable paper for wrapping bathroom amenities, reusable bathroom cups, reusable fabric laundry bags, and paper containers for takeaways, among others.&nbsp;Offer biodegradable rubbish bags that are more environmentally friendly alternatives. Make sure that they’re truly biodegradable.&nbsp;Choose tableware and cutlery made from durable, biodegradable materials. For example, cut down on plastic straws and replace them with ones made of bamboo.&nbsp;For extra support, consider partnering with sustainability consultants who specialise in reducing single-use plastics in hospitality settings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Accor Hotels: A Successful Case Study In Going Plastic-FreeSome major hotel chains have already made a step forward in order to tackle this issue. One good example is Accor Hotels, which joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in 2022 and have since announced two global partnerships with Green Key and Green Globe certifications.&nbsp;&nbsp;As previously mentioned, going plastic-free could be a challenging task. But here’s the proof that such an aim is both attainable and rewarding. In the following video, Jordane de Villaret Bentinck, VP of Sustainability Communications &amp; Change at Accor, explains the actions the chain has implemented so far and how they have been received by customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enhancing plastic-free communications with our sustainable hotels programmeWe’re getting close to the end of this article, and we don’t want to finish it without helping you to communicate your plastic-free efforts.&nbsp;Whether your hotel is just beginning its sustainability journey or has already implemented changes, it’s vital to share your progress. Let the world know you’re committed.&nbsp;Our Partner Portal will be your ally: to gain a prime position in front of over 60,000 travel agents and their clients, mark your hotel as single-use plastic free by following these steps:&nbsp;Log into the Partner PortalSelect ‘Hotel Info’ and click on 'General Information'After clicking ‘About Hotel’, scroll to the section titled ‘Things to Keep in Mind’Tick the ‘Single-use Plastic Free’ box&nbsp;But you can take one step further when it comes to communicating your commitment to sustainable practices. Hotelbeds’ Sustainable Hotel Programme aims to identify and provide enhanced visibility to partner hotels that are certified and accredited according to the rigorous criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or that have sustainability programmes aligned to these criteria.&nbsp;To date, the Sustainable Hotels Programme portfolio contains over 40,000 properties certified as sustainable. Have a look at this step-by-step guide on how to join this hotel sustainable initiative, and begin to cater to a real demand by helping travel bookers to identify those properties committed to sustainability.&nbsp;Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be visible under the ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter in our Booking Engine. But this won’t be the only benefit – you’ll also be eligible for relevant, sustainability-focused campaigns, in which we will push sustainable hotels to our clients.&nbsp;If you have already registered your property with Hotelbeds, access here and select this filter now.&nbsp;Still need to register your hotel with us? It's easy, free, and in a short time, your property will be seen by a worldwide network of 60,000 travel distributors.&nbsp;Register your property

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Plastic-Free Hotels: A Practical Guide to Attracting Eco-Conscious Travellers

&nbsp;Did you know that around 80% of global travellers have suggested that sustainability is important to them? Or that 6 out of 10 visitors prioritise hotels that are single-use plastic free?&nbsp;And considering that this year’s theme for World Environment Day is #BeatPlasticPollution, it’s critical that as a travel distributor, you’re aware of the responsibility to cater to the growing demand from travellers seeking sustainable options; not only for the longevity of the industry, but for the conservation, protection, and prioritisation of the planet.&nbsp;With our range of travel booking tools and products, our strong commitment to sustainability as a business, and our continuous focus on empowering both travel providers and travellers themselves with opportunities that cater to their specific needs, we strive to provide the best possible travel experience for all.&nbsp;Let’s take a look at how we’re helping you to help your clients travel sustainably.&nbsp;Make Sustainable Travel Front and CentreWith more and more travellers aligning their values with their spending habits, it is evident that the industry is moving towards a permanent shift to sustainability.&nbsp;Our CEO Nicolas Huss suggests ‘travellers are much more conscious of their carbon footprint and impact on the environment than ever before’, and research supports this notion, with around 43% of global travellers willing to spend more for the knowledge that their stay has a reduced impact on the environment.&nbsp;So it’s important that you’re able to offer trustworthy and approved sustainable options. Not only for ultimate peace of mind, but also to maximise the reputation of your business in today’s conscious industry, and for the betterment of the planet, too.&nbsp;Sustainable Hotels ProgrammeWe have our Sustainable Hotels Programme (formerly our Green Hotels Programme) offered in line with our parent company, HBX Group.&nbsp;Since its beginnings in 2020 our Sustainable Hotels Programme has continued to grow, from offering 15,000 to around 40,000 sustainable hotels and our collection of single-use plastic-free hotels has expanded significantly from 500 to 6000, aided by a collaboration with Accor.&nbsp;The Sustainable Hotels Programme was established to provide hotels worldwide with a platform to demonstrate their commitment to transforming travel, catering to the growing importance of conscious travel choices for consumers, and facilitating the integration of sustainable options into the booking process for our registered partners.&nbsp;As such, our ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter forms part of a crucial Sustainability Waves initiative, formed in 2023, to drive real, measurable change in the travel and hospitality industry. This programme helps hotel partners implement and showcase sustainable practices while improving their overall ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance.&nbsp;And by making these hotels easily accessible to our distributor partners and end customers, we’re connecting the industry to a more conscious way of discovering all this world has to offer.&nbsp;The Sustainable Hotels Programme was established to:Provide hotels worldwide with a platform to demonstrate their commitment to transforming travel.Cater to the growing importance of conscious travel choices for consumers.Facilitate the integration of sustainable options into the booking process for our registered partners.&nbsp;This leads us onto our next point...&nbsp;The ‘Sustainable Hotels’ Filter in our Booking Travel PlatformOne of the fastest ways for our registered travel partners to access, identify, and promote our collection of sustainable hotels is by using the ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter in our Booking Engine.&nbsp;Hotels are only shown in our ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter in our travel booking platform, if they have sustainable certification, provided by industry-leading organisations such as the World Tourism and Trade Council (WTTC) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC); or have developed sustainability programmes of their own, with equal or higher sustainability standards.&nbsp;To appear in our Sustainable Hotels Programme all hotels will have achieved one form of sustainability certification or another, by:Implementing the 12 basics of sustainability defined by WTTC. These basics include Measure &amp; Reduce Energy Use, Measure &amp; Reduce Water List, No SUP water bottles, Bulk amenity dispensers or Community Benefit, among others.Providing evidence of these sustainability efforts to their verification partner, to comply with the Basic Hotel Sustainability standard.Working with a Certification Body towards achieving full GSTC requirements compliance, the highest social and environmental standards on the market.&nbsp;By selecting 'Sustainable Hotels' in our Booking Engine, you and your clients can have peace of mind knowing that the hotels and resorts recommended are accredited with the highest levels of sustainability.&nbsp;Not signed up yet? Sign up and start taking advantage of our 40,000 sustainable hotels!Join the Hotelbeds network&nbsp;Communicate your Sustainable Travel Offering EasilyOnce you have access to our growing sustainable travel portfolio, you’d be remiss not to broadcast this far and wide to your potential customers. For web-based partners, you can easily communicate your sustainable offerings during the search process to your ideal audience:Easy Hotel Comparison in the Booking EngineOnce you and your client have found suitable sustainable options for their needs, it might be tricky for them to narrow down their choices.&nbsp;Luckily, our Hotel Comparison Tool in the Booking Engine makes this simple.&nbsp;Simply select the sustainable hotel options that have caught your clients’ eye, and hit the ‘Compare’ button in our booking platform. It’s that easy.&nbsp;Our Booking Engine allows you to compare up to four hotels at the time of booking, offering a quick glance at each list of facilities to help your client make the decision.Bespoke Marketing Materials and FlyersQuickly create eye-catching marketing flyers to highlight any travellers’ sustainable hotel choices in just a few clicks.&nbsp;Insights, our intuitive search and recommendation tool, offers a Custom Flyer Tool makes sharing bespoke promotional materials with clients even easier. Once you’ve refined your search based on customer requirements, up to 8 hotels can be collated into a user-friendly flyer which can be personalised with a disclaimer for customers on an individual basis.&nbsp;Plus, as you can share any travel marketing materials through a variety of methods including WhatsApp, Email, Downloadable files, even a personalised QR code, Insights gets your promo material directly onto customers’ screens, making sure that you stay connected and convenient for travellers.&nbsp;Our Sustainable Travel CampaignsWe believe that offering timely, incentivising, and seasonal campaigns is a crucial aspect of being a good partner, and our mission is to provide the best travel products to our partners in a way that excites and delights their clients.&nbsp;Therefore, it is only natural that we run these types of campaigns to meet your needs and the needs of your ideal audience to meet growing industry demands.&nbsp;Our campaigns serve as a crucial platform to showcase valuable and sought-after products that keep you ahead in the travel industry.&nbsp;This includes promoting sustainable options, exemplified in our previous Single-Use Plastic-Free campaigns and our upcoming Environmentally Friendly Hotels campaign which provides easy access to thousands of single-use plastic-free hotels and those with sustainability at their core.&nbsp;We’ve seen huge success with our sustainably focused campaigns and are dedicated to constantly improving our offering of eco-conscious options, and our single-use plastic-free portfolio now stands at 6000 hotels all around the world.&nbsp;Since launching several ESG-focused campaigns as part of our Sustainability Waves initiative, we have worked towards:Eliminating single-use plastics across hotel operations.Improving accessibility to ensure a more inclusive experience for all travellers.Implementing zero-waste practices to reduce environmental impact.&nbsp;View our most recent ESG (Environment, Social and Governance Report here or sign up today to begin benefitting from targeted and seasonal campaigns to help you uplift your bookings.&nbsp;Access to Sustainable Products and Industry InitiativesHotelbeds, as part of the HBX Group, takes its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities seriously.&nbsp;It’s important that for any business in the travel industry, you’re getting access to the travel products and wider network to facilitate your own success in your market, as well as working to make travel a force for good.&nbsp;Amplify your own offering by providing the inclusive, sustainable, and accessible travel experiences the industry is demanding, by working with a travel partner like Hotelbeds.&nbsp;Here are just a few of the initiatives we’re working towards to champion sustainable product offerings, improve our environmental processes and optimise our contribution to travel as a force for good:Hotel Collaboration on Sustainable Projects – working together to champion sustainability with the likes of Hyatt hotels, and their plastic recycling scheme, which turns plastic pool floats into fabric.Facility Campaigns – in addition to our single-use plastic reduction efforts, we’re also launching or expanding campaigns to make it even easier for our partners to book and promote sustainable and inclusive travel, including:Hotels which accommodate eco-friendly electric charging points.Accessible hotels for guests with mobility assistance requirements.Pet-friendly hotel options.A new Environmental Management System – a structured framework including new policies, training, evaluation and analysis to improve our environmental operations and procedures as a business.&nbsp;Read more about why travel distributors should offer single-use plastic-free hotels here.&nbsp;So there you have it. While this is a few of the key ways that as a travel parter we make it easy for you to offer sustainable options to travellers, you’ll only be able to ascertain the true value of providing sustainable alternatives to your clients once you begin.&nbsp;Start catering to the demands of today’s traveller and focus on bringing sustainability to the forefront of your promotion, and if you haven’t already, sign up to access a global portfolio of sustainable hotel options. &nbsp;&nbsp;Join the Hotelbeds network&nbsp;

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World Environment Day: How Hotelbeds Helps Travel Distributors Promote Sustainable Travel

As technology evolves, so do travellers. The days of relentless hustle, logging extra work hours and meticulously calculating leave just to tick off a list of travel destinations are gradually fading. A quiet revolution, Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), is reshaping the travel industry.&nbsp;Named a top trend for 2025 by several leading travel companies, including in our Hotelbeds' Travel Trend Guide for Hotels, JOMO travel is the mindset of intentionally missing the 'top 10' spots and instead savouring meaningful, often unscripted, experiences. Think sipping coffee while listening to a cafe owner’s stories, hiking for a few days with no network connection, or spending an entire day in a hotel bed, guilt-free.&nbsp;For hoteliers, this shift is more than a passing trend. It's a golden opportunity to deepen guest satisfaction and build loyalty in this new landscape.&nbsp;And this guide will help you understand the JOMO phenomenon and how you can adapt and thrive in this new era of intentional travel.&nbsp;What’s JOMO in Travel?While the concept of slow travel has been around for years, JOMO represents its modern, wellness-forward evolution. It’s a conscious shift away from fast-paced, FOMO-driven itineraries toward deeper, more intentional experiences.&nbsp;Instead of chasing bucket lists, travellers are opting for offbeat destinations, travelling in shoulder or off-seasons, and skipping the crowds and chaos. The appeal lies in the absence of urgency and in the joy that comes from presence.&nbsp;JOMO naturally aligns with today’s leading hospitality trends:&nbsp;Sustainable travel and support for local communities&nbsp;Wellness-focused stays for mental and physical health&nbsp;Digital detoxing to reduce screen time and stress&nbsp;A preference for nature tourism and minimalist lifestyles&nbsp;Experiential travel that fosters real connection&nbsp;According to Expedia’s Unpack ‘25 Travel Trends, 62% of travellers say JOMO travel reduces stress and anxiety, and nearly 50% believe it helps deepen relationships with loved ones.&nbsp;Why JOMO travel matters more than ever?According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, over 20% of travellers are embracing 'soft travel' — a style rooted in spontaneity, ease, and simplicity. This aligns perfectly with JOMO values: slowing down, disconnecting from digital noise, and moving through the world with intention.&nbsp;For hotels, understanding and adapting to evolving traveller preferences is essential to staying ahead. Today’s guests aren’t just booking rooms to crash after sightseeing. They’re seeking destinations where nature, wellness and sustainability are integral to the experience and not just as optional add-ons.&nbsp;The data backs this shift. One in five global travellers are leaning into “Hurkle-Durkling” — a Scottish term for staying in bed all day, highlighting the growing desire for genuine rest while on holiday. In the same report, 1 in 4 leisure travellers intend to travel more mindfully in 2025.&nbsp;Sustainability is also front and centre. A recent Booking.com report reveals that 93% of travellers want to make more eco-conscious choices, with over half aware of their impact on local communities and the environment.&nbsp;Preferences of JOMO travellersSilent tripsTravellers are looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with themselves—literally turning off their devices in exchange for the sounds of nature. Expedia’s research shows that 87% of travellers want to spend more time in nature, and silent trips align perfectly with this preference. Offer guided nature walks, birdwatching, or forest bathing to foster a deeper connection with the environment.All-inclusive staysConvenience continues to be a key driver of traveller satisfaction, especially among younger audiences. According to Hotels.com, there has been a 60% increase in travellers filtering by "all-inclusive" options. From Gen Z to older millennials, more people are seeking seamless stays where food, experiences, and hotel amenities are bundled as per their travel purpose. This allows for a stress-free experience where guests can truly switch off.Laid-back luxury travelToday’s travellers are redefining what luxury looks like. Instead of grand lobbies and ultra-formal service, they’re gravitating toward laid-back, boutique properties that prioritise design, comfort, and authenticity. If you are a smaller hotel, feature natural materials, local products, and a personal touch. Offer regional luxury that feels more lived-in than showy.Digital detox packagesIn response to digital fatigue, many travellers are actively limiting screen time during their trips. The 2025 Hilton Trends Report reveals that 27% of adults plan to reduce social media use on holiday, with younger generations particularly motivated to disconnect. You can respond to this appeal by offering screen-free zones, no-WiFi rooms, and wellness-focused experiences that support digital detoxing.Regenerative and sustainable tourismNot just sustainability, travellers are seeking regenerative travel experiences that leave a positive impact. Whether it’s supporting local artisans, contributing to conservation efforts, or staying at properties that give back to the community, these people want their money to do good.&nbsp;Promote and implement eco-initiatives like reducing plastic, supporting nonprofits, and partnering on sustainability conferences. Offer real-time dashboards to track energy, water, and carbon impact. Highlight bike rentals, EV charging, and zero-waste amenities, and clearly communicate all efforts across booking platforms and in-room materials.Wellness toursWellness is no longer a niche; it's foundational to the way people travel. Properties that invest in robust wellness offerings are seeing high returns on guest satisfaction and loyalty. Outdoor wellness programs such as full moon beach yoga, forest walks, and sunrise meditation sessions are on the rise. Provide a diverse wellness menu with yoga, guided meditation, a 24-hour fitness gym, aromatherapy, or spa experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Actionable tips for hoteliersAs travellers seek presence over pressure, hoteliers can adapt their offerings to meet the growing demand for restoration, mindfulness, and purpose-driven stays.Integrate with natureLet nature in with indoor plants, natural textures, and abundant natural light to enhance guest wellbeing.Position your property as a peaceful retreat by incorporating outdoor relaxation areas, such as rooftop gardens or forest-view terraces.Create spaces for stillnessDesignate areas like libraries, meditation rooms, and garden lounges as digital-free quiet zones.Use calming design elements such as soft lighting, minimalistic decor, and neutral colours to encourage relaxation.Promote these as sanctuaries for solitude, reflection, and mindfulness.Develop intimate settingsInvest in boutique-style accommodations, private villas, or standalone suites that offer quiet and exclusivity.Introduce features like private dining, in-room wellness treatments, and on-call concierge services.Mindful designUse neutral tones, natural materials, and uncluttered layouts to promote tranquillity.Create open-air lounges, meditation pavilions, or spa-inspired bathrooms to support mindfulness.Focus on design that encourages slow living and sensory awareness.Marketing strategiesShift campaign messaging from just luxury to emotional well-being, purpose, and restoration.Collaborate with influencers focused on slow travel, sustainability, and mental health.Embrace hotel upselling strategies to build all-inclusive stays.&nbsp;Conclusion: Ready to embrace JOMO travel?By adopting the JOMO travel style, hotels can create spaces that foster presence over pressure, simplicity over excess, and quality over quantity.&nbsp;If your property is already prioritising these elements, you're on the right path. And if not, now is the time to evolve. Want to dive deeper into what 2025 has in store for hospitality? Download our full 2025 Travel Trends Report below and explore the key insights shaping tomorrow’s travellers.&nbsp;Not yet working with us? Register your property today and get access to over 60,000 travel distributors, including 50,000 travel agencies and 3,500 tour operators, as well as airlines, affiliates, and other businesses. Let’s create guest experiences that are not only unforgettable but also aligned with the mindful future of tourism.&nbsp;Register your property

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The Rise of JOMO in Travel: What All Hoteliers Should Know

Dusit Hotels &amp; Resorts, a globally recognised hospitality brand known for its Thai-inspired graciousness, has built a strong and productive partnership with Hotelbeds (part of HBX Group), focused on enhancing digital distribution and tapping into global leisure demand.&nbsp;This success story explores the collaboration’s objectives, key challenges, strategic direction, and the results of working with one of the world’s leading B2B travel platforms.About the hotelDusit Hotels &amp; Resorts, the flagship brand of Dusit International, operates more than 290 properties in 18 countries across four continents. With a proud heritage rooted in Thai hospitality, the group combines local authenticity with global standards across its hotels and resorts.&nbsp;Founded in 1949 with the opening of the Princess Hotel in Bangkok, Dusit was among the pioneers of modern hospitality in Thailand. The brand continued to lead with innovations such as launching the nation’s first Thai-operated resort in 1987. Today, it continues to evolve, blending tradition and modernity to offer enriching experiences to travellers worldwide.&nbsp;Previous situation and challengesLike many established hotel brands, Dusit Hotels faced the challenge of modernising its approach to leisure distribution. While working with a variety of partners across business segments, the distribution strategy lacked the agility and integration needed to compete in a fast-moving, digital-first environment.&nbsp;As Nichlas Maratos, Head of Commercial at Dusit Hotels &amp; Resorts and company representative at HBX Group’s MarketHub Asia summit in 2025, explains:&nbsp;‘Our challenge – or opportunity – for the last many years has been moving distribution into a more digital, connected environment.’&nbsp;&nbsp;Dusit needed a platform that would provide scalability, technical connectivity, and access to diversified source markets – all without adding complexity to their operations.Choosing HotelbedsHotelbeds emerged as the ideal partner to meet Dusit’s evolving needs. Hotelbeds' extensive global network and advanced technology infrastructure offered a solution that could support long-term digital transformation.&nbsp;‘We partner with different companies for different parts of the business,’ said Maratos, ‘but we see Hotelbeds as being able to deliver unique opportunities in terms of the breadth of the market they can cover.’&nbsp;Beyond market access, working closely with teams across the organisation, Dusit benefits from a partnership built on collaboration, trust, and shared ambition.&nbsp;‘We work with many people within the organisation, at many different layers, to help us deliver on what we need for our business,’ Maratos pointed out. ‘For me, it’s very much about synergy and collaboration that gets us to the right results.’&nbsp;The outcomesThrough its collaboration with Hotelbeds, Dusit Hotels has significantly advanced its digital distribution strategy.&nbsp;Hotelbeds has played a pivotal role in enabling this transition, offering not only technology and reach but also a high degree of collaboration. The relationship has allowed both sides to continuously identify new opportunities while addressing challenges proactively.&nbsp;As Maratos put it:&nbsp;‘It’s never an easy process to move distribution to a different space. But we have a very collaborative working relationship, and we’re constantly surfacing opportunities and challenges on each side that we’re able to solve together.’&nbsp;The partnership has delivered tangible results, but more importantly, it has laid the groundwork for scalable, future-focused growth in a rapidly changing travel environment.&nbsp;Key highlights of the partnership’s results include:&nbsp;Direct connectivity currently covers 39 Dusit hotels globally, with more properties expected to be added in 2025.&nbsp;Room nights production grew 103% year-on-year (YTD April 2025), demonstrating a significant uplift in business volume.&nbsp;Booking creation increased by 95% year-on-year (as of May 2025), reflecting strong demand generation and effective distribution via Hotelbeds’ network.&nbsp;Why work with Hotelbeds?Hotelbeds, part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem, is a global leader in B2B TravelTech and distribution. It helps partners tap into previously inaccessible demand through a suite of tailored solutions and a powerful, connected network.&nbsp;Access to over 60,000 travel distributors: Including 50,000 travel agencies and 3,500 tour operators, as well as airlines, loyalty programmes, affiliates, among others.&nbsp;Global reach in more than 190 source markets: Whether you're looking to attract long-haul travellers or boost local bookings, Hotelbeds helps you connect with the markets that matter most.&nbsp;No competition with your direct channel: Hotelbeds distributes exclusively to B2B partners, supporting rather than undermining direct strategies.&nbsp;Effortless visibility: From positioning to promotion, Hotelbeds ensures your property gains exposure where it matters most.&nbsp;Interested? Become our partner today and discover how we can boost your property’s success.&nbsp;Register your property

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Dusit Hotels & Hotelbeds – A Strong Partnership Consolidated Thanks to B2B Distribution

&nbsp;In the highly competitive travel industry, working with a partner who is proven to open new avenues of revenue generation and who provides comprehensive travel products and tailored support is essential when seeking to increase market share for any travel business.&nbsp;In this success story, we identify how tiket.com, a leading Online Travel Agent based in Indonesia, was able to expand into new international markets and capture increased customer demand thanks to a strategic partnership with Hotelbeds.&nbsp;About tiket.comEstablished in 2011, tiket.com is a leading Online Travel Agent (OTA) based in Indonesia. Becoming an affiliated company of Blibli in 2017 and a consolidating subsidiary in 2021, tiket.com has quickly positioned itself as one of the largest and comprehensive OTAs in its market.&nbsp;tiket.com offers a range of travel products to both domestic and international travellers, including flights, trains, accommodation, event ticketing, car rental and other essential travel experience products through both web and mobile booking platforms.&nbsp;The Challenge: What did tiket.com need from this partnership?Cisyelya Bunyamin, SVP of Accommodation for tiket.com and representative for our valuable partner at HBX Group’s MarketHub Asia summit in 2025, suggested that one of the main challenges for tiket.com in 2018 was its desire to expand to other global markets, outside of its established domestic market within Indonesia: ‘Our mission is to expand our markets globally, to global markets rather than just domestic market.’&nbsp;Bunyamin confirmed the global reach of Hotelbeds as a primary benefit to tiket.com: ‘By partnering with Hotelbeds, it helps us to [get] access to your global inventories, and at the same time will then help us also to be able to offer a wider range of products to our customers.’&nbsp;Therefore, the goal for tiket.com was to increase its revenue generation, capture more demand, and increase its positioning within the competitive global OTA sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Solution: How was Hotelbeds able to help?tiket.com’s partnership with Hotelbeds began in late 2018, and since then, both entities have benefited from a profitable, successful and strategic partnership. tiket.com has increased its expansion into international markets, and Hotelbeds has been able to deepen its relationship with a pioneering OTA in Indonesia.&nbsp;As a solution to tiket.com’s primary challenge of expansion into international markets was the global inventories that became available to them.&nbsp;Curated as a result of decades in the industry, our expansive travel product portfolio enabled tiket.com to not only access this wide range of travel products to offer and sell to their customers, but also empowered them to diversify the scope of their offering. In doing so, tiket.com were more readily able to capture increased demand, especially within international markets, due to streamlined access to a global inventory.&nbsp;Speaking with us, Cisyelya Bunyamin also suggested a key differentiator of Hotelbeds to other entities within the TravelTech sector was also the valuable pricing plans and rates our destination and sourcing experts can negotiate, and the consequent competitiveness this offered tiket.com as they expanded into new markets.&nbsp;This was a crucial factor for ticket.com when evaluating which partner would provide the most advantageous relationship and improve upon their current positioning. As Bunyamin suggested, ‘For us it's very crucial to be able to partner with a wholesaler that has a very deep pricing and rate plan, to help us improve our overall competitiveness.’&nbsp;Through streamlined API integration, tiket.com have been able to offer a wide range of accommodation options to a broader spectrum of customers. Fulfilling more demand with varying products from affordable stays, resort-type hotels, to apartments and villas, as well as other valuable travel experience products.&nbsp;This comprehensive experience, for their customers, ‘is something that there's no way we can do on our own in such a short time’, according to Bunyamin.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Outcome: Why was Hotelbeds the right choice?tiket.com has been able to significantly increase their market positioning both domestically and in the international markets they’ve been empowered to capture by accessing Hotelbeds’ global inventories.&nbsp;Owing also to the combination of tiket.com’s reputation as a leading OTA in their own market and our dedicated sourcing experts, tiket.com has seen notable increase in their own competitiveness.&nbsp;Benefiting from highly competitive, often exclusive rates, expertly negotiated by our experienced sourcing teams with on-the-ground, local knowledge, tiket.com has been able to increase their presence within international markets, which at the beginning of their partnership with us were inaccessible.&nbsp;Reliable access to real-time pricing through our API integrations has also helped tiket.com ensure their competitiveness even in times of flux, and empowered their growth within a relatively short time frame.&nbsp;But access to a global portfolio and seamless API integration is not the whole picture, and tiket.com also appreciated the mutually beneficial and supportive working relationship that both parties have been able to foster over the years. A key factor of this partnership, Bunyamin revealed, is the support received from the commercial and product teams, alongside the numerous API specialists at Hotelbeds.&nbsp;Dedicated and proactive guidance from a specialist Technical Account Manager ensured that any technical issues that arose were dealt with effectively, without unnecessary delays, alongside post-sales support, customer service, and customised strategic guidance from an expert Strategic Account Manager.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why Partner with Hotelbeds?In addition to offering travel businesses crucial opportunities to expand, as demonstrated in the profitable partnership with tiket.com, we offer a wide range of tailor-made solutions to travel businesses across the varying sectors.&nbsp;As part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem – a leading provider of TravelTech and expert B2B travel solutions – Hotelbeds offers long-standing experience in the B2B travel sector as a major travel distribution and wholesale partner connecting the fragmented industry into a cohesive network.&nbsp;It’s our mission to empower choice for our partners and travellers worldwide:&nbsp;Presence in 170+ countries worldwide – with 250,000+ hotels and 23,000+ in-destination experiences, global transfer route coverage and car hire.Access to dedicated Account Managers, whose goal is your growth.1000 sourcing and destination experts, negotiating vital rates and availabilities.Seamless API integrations tailored to your business needs.Intelligent campaigns – to assist in the capture of seasonal demand.&nbsp;Take your business even further with Hotelbeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up today to see how we can optimise your success in the ever-evolving world of travel.&nbsp;

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Strategic Partnership: How tiket.com and Hotelbeds Achieved Profitable Global Expansion

&nbsp;The last few years have dramatically shaped traveller behaviours and preferences, with many of today’s travellers actively seeking more enriched in-destination experiences which we’ve previously reported on in our travel trends predictions, such as culinary tourism (54%), exploring natural landscapes (49%) and immersing themselves in the local culture (44%).&nbsp;It’s clear however, that whether they are seeking the next solar eclipse, dark skies to marvel at, or are plotting hiking routes for new destinations, today's travellers are firmly leaping into the great outdoors.&nbsp;So, what is nature tourism, and what does today’s adventurous traveller look like?What is nature tourism?Nature-based tourism, according to the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) is defined as “responsible travel to experience natural areas and their landscape, flora, and fauna, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life of locals.”&nbsp;Popular excursions include star-bathing in dark sky parks, chasing the Aurora Borealis, heading to the beach to see marine life, or mountaineering to soak in natural hot springs, ‘cool-cationing’ in some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most breathtaking locations, to venturing out into the wildernesses around the world from the comfort of a guided tour. But travel is personal, and so how travellers choose to get out and about is as wide and varied as how many travel experiences exist.&nbsp;Around 34% of global travellers report a growing interest in nature-based tourism, and 29% expressed interest in nature-based adventure. Many of these travellers will go to great lengths to witness natural phenomena, and aren’t shy of spending to do so. In fact, Future Market Insights forecasts that the global adventure tourism industry is expected to grow at 16.2% per year until 2033, potentially making it worth around $1.5 trillion. This, combined with the current demand for sustainable, nature-based experiences for today’s traveller, makes nature tourism a travel trend worth paying attention to.&nbsp;5 Key Nature Travel Trends to Consider‘Noctourism’ and astrotourism: travellers are looking skywardsThe industry is seeing a global rise in astrotourism: experiences such as stargazing, star bathing, and chasing the Northern Lights. 61% of travellers, according to recent Skift and Expedia reports, suggest that seeing the sky lit up by the Aurora Borealis is their most sought-after phenomenon, and this is set to be one of the must-see moments for many in 2025 and beyond.&nbsp;In fact, SkyScanner has reported that around 44% of 25-34-year-olds are interested in using astronomy to determine their next trip in 2025, whether that’s seeking the next solar eclipse, chasing the Aurora Borealis, or simply staying somewhere with wide expanses of uninhibited natural sky.&nbsp;The recent solar eclipses generated huge travel demand, with millions of people travelling to see this solar event. Recent findings from Skift showed that search interest within the US, for example, surged to four times its usual amount for ‘totality destinations’, while international bookings were up 133%.&nbsp;Elsewhere in hospitality, hotels and resorts in remote, light pollution-free areas, perfect for star-bathing, stargazing and seeing the Northern Lights – such as Iceland, for instance – are enhancing guest experiences by offering unique hospitality features and services. This can include additional wake-up calls, in case the Northern Lights occur late at night, on-site observatories, and complimentary snow suits. This is the kind of experience guests will remember and pay extra for!&nbsp;Nature and adventure Travel: digital nomads and ‘soft’ adventure-enjoyersProfessional meets personal for adventure-seeking digital nomadsNotably, there has also been a notable rise in digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs all actively seeking outdoor-based travel experiences, chasing adventure in between office hours.&nbsp;PassportCard Nomads recently discovered that 82% of digital nomads are seeking adventurous and culturally immersive travel experiences, eager to go beyond just sightseeing. These modern workers have been altering the way that travel integrates with work for years now, but they’re going one step further and changing the face of adventure travel too.&nbsp;For an increasing number of digital nomads and remote workers, travel is not simply seeking a refuge or fog-clearing shake from being behind the screen. These ‘modern adventurers’ are combining professional ambitions with the thrill of frontier-chasing, and travel is a way to blend rejuvenation and personal growth for a growing number of digital nomads.&nbsp;‘Soft’ Adventure vs Frontier ChasersAs a contrast to ‘frontier travel’, one of the newest buzzwords in travel is ‘soft adventure’.&nbsp;Fuelled by the ever-increasing demand for mindful, meaningful travel and unique experiences, ‘soft adventure’ consists of travel which prioritises comfort and pleasure over extreme thrills; experience-led travel which often combines an explorative itinerary with leisure or wellness activities.&nbsp;This is by no means a small segment of the adventure travel or nature tourism market, either. Activities like hiking, cycling and wildlife watching represent the largest share of tourism opportunities, accounting for around 60% - 80% of the market according to Tourism Economies. Not only this, but the soft adventure sub-trend is estimated to capture around 72% of the market share in 2025! We anticipate this trend of travellers seeking accessible exploration will only become more prevalent, representing a key opportunity for savvy professionals in the industry with an expansive portfolio of experiences that can accommodate this broader definition of adventure travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cool-cationing: the escape to colder destinationsTravellers are looking to shake off the heat of rising global temperatures, are discovering how ‘traditionally’ cold-weather destinations are great all year round, and are seeking alternative locations for a refreshing dip in summer.&nbsp;Instead of seeking warmer climates during the hotter months, global travellers are seeking experiences in destinations with cooler climates, while also trying to travel more sustainably.&nbsp;In fact, recent studies from Booking.com report that around 42% of UK travellers would prefer to use their trips as a chance to experience cooler destinations rather than heading to more traditionally common international destinations.&nbsp;Searches for ‘cooler holidays’ have surged by over 300% in some cases, with destinations seeking spikes in popularity including those within Northern Europe and the Arctic, with trips to the Arctic rising a staggering 235% from 2022 to 2023 (as reported by Skift.) Notably, this upswing in demand for these destinations also intersects with the demand for nature tourism, with many travellers seeking active, nature-based itineraries.&nbsp;For travellers looking to get out there, fjord cruises, hiking in the Nordic countryside, and Arctic expeditions offer unforgettable ways to embrace nature’s raw beauty.Natural phenomena and hands-on immersionThe evolution and increasing demand for natural experiences reflect the growing desire for authenticity and immersive experiences that the industry has seen across the board.&nbsp;Of course, the scope of nature tourism is broad, and often there is a valuable intersection between enjoyment of natural phenomena and sustainable, authentic experiences which benefit the host region or country, as well as fulfil the traveller.&nbsp;Whether travellers want to lean into the educational aspect, common within adventure travel, with hands-on learning experiences in the ‘field’ with experts, conservation efforts, regenerative experiences, or simply get up close and personal with the natural landscape, this demand hinges on one thing: meaningful connection.&nbsp;To offer incentivising experiences and secure bookings, it’s key that you understand the why of a traveller’s experience, what they want from it, and how you can fulfil that.&nbsp;Here are a few key in-destination experiences which are proving popular for today’s traveller:Solar and lunar eclipses: demonstrated with the 133% increase in international bookings to see the recent 2024 solar eclipse in the US.Seeing/tracking the Northern Lights in Norway, Canada, and Finland.Active volcanic eruptions: such as in Iceland or Hawaii.Wildlife migrations: the Great Migration in the Serengeti, or penguin gatherings in Australia, for example.Conservation efforts: such as joining expert marine biologists or tracking endangered species with ecologists.Expertly led tours and guides: with a focus on local voices to ensure authenticity and benefits to the local economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luxury travellers: high-end sustainabilityAccording to Virtuoso, 74% of luxury travellers would be willing to pay more to travel responsibly, especially if it’s clear how the money will be used. In fact, luxury travellers are re-prioritising their travel experiences and choosing positive-impact tourism in their destination of choice - a method of travelling which leaves a place in a better state than how it was found - over the ‘traditional’ understanding of luxury.&nbsp;The ‘fusion’ of nature travel experiences and high-end hospitality is a sector poised for significant growth and expansion, as travellers move away from five-star hotels towards meaningful, connected travel experiences and options such as off-grid accommodations, solar-powered retreats and green construction materials.&nbsp;It’s also worth noting that today’s luxury traveller is much more likely to be younger. According to recent studies, the average age of travellers on private jets is 38, and while the 'Baby Boomer' generation still constitutes a large portion of the luxury segment, Millennial travellers spend an estimated $200 million on travel annually and make up 50% of the global market share.&nbsp;&nbsp;Younger travellers are those proven to want to, and are happy to pay for, travel as a priority compared to other generations, and the 'new luxury' traveller, as found by a recent McKinsey study, found that the 'aspiring' luxury traveller is growing in spending power. This younger demographic has been found to spend around $84 billion on luxury travel annually - more than any other cohort.&nbsp;These travellers may not have what is considered 'very high' or 'high' worth individually, and their earnings might not be the same as those in the ultra-wealthy segment. But factors like the growing wealth in China, for example, are contributing to a much leaner segment of the luxury travel industry who are younger and willing to spend a larger portion of their salaries on travel experiences.&nbsp;So, factoring what today’s younger travellers want into your recommendations when considering luxury is key, and this, of course, is sustainability.&nbsp;This is a unique position for both traveller and industry, given that in many cases, high-end travellers are in a position where they can support conservation efforts in the destinations they visit. To facilitate and leverage this, many existing and newly established luxury travel experience providers are offering unique experiences, creating their own conservation efforts which travellers can support, or donate to local efforts.&nbsp;For example, since the opening of the Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, cheetahs have been successfully re-established, demonstrating the real-world impact that the luxury segment can have on conservation.&nbsp;&nbsp;How can Travel Distributors Leverage Nature Tourism?The increasing popularity of nature-based travel presents a significant opportunity for travel businesses currently offering travel products for this traveller type, or are wanting to broaden their appeal to this growing segment.&nbsp;Understanding the current and future demands of this traveller is key to success, and the four key sub-trends within nature travel we’ve discussed offer an introduction to the types of demands this traveller segment is making of the industry.&nbsp;Book a room with a viewAround 80% of travellers, according to recent studies, would prefer to stay in a location that offers a ‘prime viewing spot’ for natural phenomena such as the northern lights, and for geological phenomena like volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. That’s not a decision-making factor to overlook.&nbsp;Offer seasonal experiencesWith Hotelbeds, you can offer seasonal deals and opportunities to clients to maximise your appeal to travellers no matter their destination, increasing the likelihood of securing those all-important sales.&nbsp;What’s more, Hotelbeds partners receive exclusive access to specially negotiated offers thanks to our expert sourcing and destination teams, neatly packaged in our global and regional campaigns.&nbsp;Understand your clients’ demands and offer accordinglyHowever, in an era where personalised offers are so vital for the consumer journey, success hinges on meeting this audience where they are – and that requires offering the right products at the right price, at the right time in a way that makes sense for that traveller or audience.&nbsp;As Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, a leading travel ecosystem player in the B2B space, this is where we specialise, offering intuitive and innovative TravelTech solutions which reduce friction from the end-to-end travel experience, both for the end traveller and for travel industry professionals all around the world.&nbsp;An expansive global portfolio allows you to meet and exceed the needs of even more travellers in your ideal market – including 23,000+ in-destination experiences to better accommodate experience-first travel.Easy access to travel products with competitive, preferred conditions, exclusive availabilities, and differentiated rates as a result of our expert sourcing and destination teams.Sustainable Choices – our Sustainable Hotels Programme offers 40,000 options for eco-conscious travellers, including 5500+ single-use plastic-free accommodations.Our fast, intuitive API solutions mean you can take advantage of seamless distribution across even more booking touchpoints.Intelligent data-driven campaigns offer you the right price on travel products throughout the year, letting you capture and generate demand.A powerful online travel booking platform lets our web-based partners work and earn at speed, with complex algorithms, intuitive searches, and integrated revenue-boosting tools.Expert business insights to ensure you’re capitalising on every opportunity for growth, as well as competitor analysis, sales recommendations and sales optimisation.&nbsp;Sign up to join the Hotelbeds network today&nbsp;&nbsp;

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nature tourism adventure travel hotelbeds

Travel Trends: Nature Tourism and the Evolution of the Adventurous Traveller

Inclusive travel is more than a trend. It’s a redefinition of what it means to truly welcome every guest. Hotels can join in by creating spaces and experiences that cater to all travellers — think features like smart room controls, activity recommendations for people with physical disabilities, or trained staff who are aware of diverse needs. These thoughtful touches show that your hotel values inclusivity, which in turn attracts guests.What are inclusivity and accessibility in the tourism industry?Inclusivity and accessibility in the tourism industry refer to making travel experiences welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their background, physical abilities, age, gender, or other personal circumstances.The importance of inclusive and accessible travelNot everyone experiences travel the same way.&nbsp;Expedia’s Journeys for All report sheds light on the travel experiences of four underserved communities: Black travellers, Latino travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, and travellers with disabilities. Some key statistics from the report include:&nbsp;More than 80% of travellers from underserved communities prioritise destinations where they feel safe and welcome.&nbsp;Nearly half of them feel their identity restricts their travel options.&nbsp;Only 15% of underserved travellers feel well-represented in travel ads.&nbsp;68% would like to have advanced accessibility filters when booking online.&nbsp;For these travellers to have a smoother experience, inclusive and accessible travel needs to be more widespread in hotels, tours, and transportation.&nbsp;Increased accessibility benefits not only travellers, but also businesses. In fact, in 2025, UN Tourism called accessible travel a “game changer for improving mid- and low-season performance.” Indeed, an inclusive, accessible hotel attracts a wider range of loyal guests, while also strengthening your brand reputation.&nbsp;Making your hotel an inclusive place: 7 key areas to focus onTo create a hotel that’s welcoming for everyone, you may need to make some modifications to your property, invest in staff training, and explore partnerships with diverse travel partners. Here are the key areas to look at:Improving your hotel’s accessibilityConsider different types of accessibility in tourism. For example, physical accessibility supports guests with mobility challenges, and sensory accessibility helps travellers with hearing and visual impairments.&nbsp;Then, look for ways to improve your hotel’s rooms, common areas, and services. These include:&nbsp;Making sure there are ramps and lifts, or at least rooms on the ground floor&nbsp;Placing warning buttons, phones, and sockets at a height that wheelchair users or travellers with reduced mobility can reach&nbsp;Keeping hallways and corridors obstacle-free&nbsp;Offering leaflets written in braille for visually impaired guests&nbsp;Using bright, visual fire alarms and alarm clocks to make your hotel hearing accessible&nbsp;Assisting upon arrival, including help with luggage and check-in for guests with mobility or sensory impairmentsTraining your staff on inclusive practicesFor your hotel to attract diverse travellers, your staff needs to be aware of the challenges faced by different groups and how to address them. This is best done through professional training programmes, such as:&nbsp;Cultural sensitivity training: Staff learn about respecting dietary needs, cultural preferences, and communication styles of guests from different backgrounds.&nbsp;LGBT inclusion training: Programmes like Travel Proud by Booking.com familiarise customer-facing staff with the challenges faced by LGBT travellers.&nbsp;Accessibility training: Staff learn how to support travellers with disabilities or specific accessibility needs. A good example is The Accessible Group’s Inclusion Training, which offers role-specific guidance for all hotel staff, including housekeepers, receptionists, and marketers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Creating an inclusive work environmentA truly inclusive hotel embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion from within. Make sure all your employees feel valued and supported, and aren’t discriminated against based on their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or background. This means hiring people from diverse backgrounds, offering equal opportunities for everyone, and gathering feedback from employees.Representing diversity in your marketingIn Expedia’s Journeys for All report, 70% of the underserved travellers said they would be more likely to plan trips when they see people they relate to in travel ads. It may be time to reassess your marketing initiatives. Do your website, social media, and promotional material reflect the diversity of the guests you want to attract? Or does it focus on a single demographic?&nbsp;Here, you’d want to represent diverse guests without reinforcing stereotypes or appearing inauthentic. Since this is a delicate balance, consulting hotel marketing experts will be a good idea.&nbsp;Personalising guest experienceAI and hyper-personalisation techniques can help make your hotel more inclusive. Here are some examples of how:&nbsp;Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system: This will allow you to gather data from guests’ bookings, room and service preferences, and satisfaction surveys. You can then filter this data to identify recurring needs, which could be anything from wheelchair-accessible rooms to braille menus.&nbsp;Make tailored recommendations: You can use AI and machine learning to suggest meal options for vegetarian or vegan guests, recommend accessible travel activities to travellers who use a wheelchair, or create personalised loyalty programmes. These are only some examples.&nbsp;Consider voice-activated assistance and chatbots: Voice assistants can read out hotel information, services, or menus, while also helping guests control the room without moving around. This makes the hotel more accessible for low-vision guests and travellers with reduced mobility. As for chatbots, they can be helpful for guests with hearing impairments, as the output is usually text-based. International guests who don’t speak your language would also appreciate this feature, as chatbots can answer in different languages.&nbsp;Working with inclusive travel partnersAs the experiential tourism trend suggests, travellers want to connect with a destination and a culture instead of just ticking off tourist attractions. Your hotel can help guests find the best experiences through a wide range of partners, including travel agencies and tour operators. If you’re welcoming diverse guests, you’ll want to make sure these partners are inclusive and offer accessible experiences. For example, for nature travel activities, this could mean working with tour operators that offer wheelchair-friendly trails.&nbsp;You can connect with these travel partners on Hotelbeds — we have 50,000 travel agencies and 3,500 tour operators, including companies that prioritise inclusivity and accessibility.&nbsp;Updating your facilities, services, and reviews regularlyTravellers will want to research in advance to make sure they’re welcome in a specific destination or hotel. And this is no easy task.&nbsp;Recent reports suggest that finding information is difficult for diverse travellers. To be exact, 73% of Black travellers, 74% of Latino travellers, 71% of LGBTQIA+ travellers, and 67% of travellers with disabilities said finding travel information should be easier.&nbsp;Make sure your website includes detailed information about all your features, such as wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms, pet-friendly policies, and dietary requirements. You’ll also want to show reviews from diverse guests to build trust and make travellers’ research easier.&nbsp;Next steps for inclusive hospitalityEvery traveller deserves to feel safe, welcome, and cared for. By prioritising accessibility and inclusion in your hotel, you’d be doing your part. And your hotel would benefit from it in many ways — new guests, more travel partners, and an increased reputation.&nbsp;Hotelbeds makes it easier to reach inclusive travel companies and high-value guests. Become our partner today or log in to your account to get access to over 60,000 travel distributors operating in 190 source markets.&nbsp;Register your propertyFor more insights on this year’s travel trends, download our Travel Trends Report for 2025 below!

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Inclusivity and Accessibility in Hotels: 7 Key Areas to Focus on

Think of hotel marketing campaigns as a fast track to increase your exposure and bookings. At Hotelbeds, we hold quarterly and annual campaigns at strategic times, determined by our expert team and an advanced algorithm. Participating hotels get in front of thousands of travel distributors, as we promote them through various channels.&nbsp;Below, we answer all you need to know about Hotelbeds marketing campaigns, including how they work, how they drive results, and how you can join them.What are the Hotelbeds marketing campaigns?Hotelbeds marketing campaigns are global and regional campaigns that aim to increase bookings, visibility, and revenue for our partner hotels. What sets us apart is our B2B network of over 60,000 travel agencies, airlines, tour operators, online travel agencies (OTAs), among others. These travel partners represent high-value guests who book in advance, stay longer, and spend more.&nbsp;During the Hotelbeds campaign period, participating hotels gain increased visibility among these B2B travel partners at no extra cost, resulting in additional room nights. They only need to adhere to certain conditions determined by our advanced algorithm, and they’ll then benefit from increased exposure through landing pages, social media, emails, banner placement on our booking engine, and more.&nbsp;All campaigns are aligned with seasonal trends and market demands. They also take into account the peak travel times, as these are when our B2B partners are most likely to book. Some of our most popular campaigns include Black Friday, New Year Sales, and March Markdowns.&nbsp;Results: The value of Hotelbeds marketing campaignsHere are some statistics from some of our most popular campaigns from 2024 and 2025:&nbsp;Black Friday: Participating hotels performed 51% better than their benchmark on average.&nbsp;New Year Sales: Participating hotels performed 70% better than their benchmark on average.&nbsp;March Markdowns: Participating hotels performed 52% better than their benchmark on average.&nbsp;How do Hotelbeds’ marketing campaigns work?Below, find out more about how we organise, promote, and measure the results of these campaigns.When are hotel marketing campaigns set?Hotelbeds launches several themed campaigns every quarter. Some of these are global campaigns, centred around events like New Year and Black Friday, while others are regional, focusing on promoting a specific area.&nbsp;Before each quarter, you’ll receive an email outlining all the campaigns relevant to you, both global and regional. A few days before each campaign’s start date, we’ll follow up with another email to remind you that there’s still time to join. Besides these two specific emails, you’ll also hear about the campaigns in our newsletters and through the dedicated banner on our Partner Portal.&nbsp;Who can benefit from our campaigns?All Hotelbeds partners can participate in the campaigns free of charge, regardless of the property’s size, location, or category. There is only one condition: hotels must adhere to the commercial conditions, which will be communicated beforehand. In most cases, these include offering a specific amount of discount and having availability on certain dates.&nbsp;Not a Hotelbeds partner yet? Learn more about our B2B distribution strategy and how it can help your hotel.How do we promote participating hotels?When you participate in a campaign, we promote your hotel to our global or regional audience (depending on that particular campaign) who are actively looking to book during this period. Our promotion process includes:&nbsp;Creating landing pages and banners on Bedsonline's Booking Engine for travel agents and Hotelbeds’ Booking Engine for wholesale clients.&nbsp;Sending emails and newsletters to our network.&nbsp;Sharing social media posts in various languages.&nbsp;What tools do we use?Just like how hotels use AI to personalise their offerings, we use algorithms to define the optimal conditions for hotel performance during a campaign. These algorithms consider factors like property type, destination, and the traveller profiles who are most likely to book. Based on these insights, our teams create campaign criteria, such as the required discount that participating hotels must offer.How do we communicate results?At the end of each campaign, you’ll receive a final follow-up email outlining the campaign results. This email will include a comparison between similar hotels that participated in the campaign and those that didn’t, so you’ll clearly see the added value of joining the campaign.&nbsp;Boost your visibility and bookings through campaignsAll you need to do to join the Hotelbeds marketing campaign is to become a partner and keep an eye on your inbox. We launch campaigns every quarter, and send regular reminders on what you need to do to join them.&nbsp;Not a Hotelbeds partner yet? Register your property today to access over 60,000 travel distributors, including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, and affiliates in more than 190 global markets.&nbsp;Register your property

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 Hotelbeds' Marketing Campaigns: Expand your hotel’s visibility and bookings

&nbsp;What are detour destinations?A ‘detour’ destination is a lesser-known location near a popular tourist area or an alternative destination that offers similar experiences. While this growing demand for ‘sister’ destinations is not new, this travel trend can be intrinsically linked to a focus on seeking respite from overtourism, genuine interactions and refreshing perspectives on a region or country, as one of the key drivers for why ‘detour’ and alternative destinations are on the rise. Forbes has termed this sentiment ‘untouched tourism.’&nbsp;The Rise of the ‘Detour’So, why are alternative destinations a key consideration this year and as the travel industry evolves?&nbsp;Overtourism vs authenticityToday’s traveller seeks more authentic connection during their trips, but overtourism has led to significant crowding, local unrest, environmental damage, and negative impacts on local communities. Consequently, an increasing number of travellers are opting for ‘detour destinations’ to achieve their desired genuine connection and authentic experience, with research showing that approximately 63% of travellers are likely to choose a detour destination on their next trip, as suggested in a recent Expedia report.&nbsp;As a few examples, instead of the Bahamas you might send travellers to Kaua’i; Reims instead of Paris; Fukuoka instead of Tokyo or Osaka; Cozumel in place of Cancun; Waikato for travellers wanting Auckland; and Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai. Stand-out growth in travel to new and emerging markets is also expected, including the likes of Saudi Arabia and Albania as two examples, which achieved visitor arrival growth of 80% and 74% respectively in 2024 compared to 2019.&nbsp;Responsible travelFirstly, travellers are increasingly aware of the impact of travel on the environment, local communities, and economies. Although about 83% of people agree that responsible travel is important (as suggested by Booking.com's recent Sustainable Travel Report) there remains a gap between sentiment and action. Here is where the responsibility falls on travel distributors to facilitate sustainable travel choices, such as promoting alternative destinations to alleviate overtourism, which we explore further in this article.&nbsp;Personalised itineraries and 'niche' travelWith the rise in traveller preference for tailor-made travel experiences and the growth of 'niche' tourism, this can extend travellers itineraries beyond traditional sightseeing to more personalised trips that include ‘secondary’ destinations to satisfy their unique values and interests.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, when it comes to experience tourism, key drivers of demand are gastronomy, music and events tourism, and film and tv tourism, termed ‘set-jetting’.&nbsp;Budget-consciousnessWhile travellers intend to spend about 9% more on travel this year, demand for cost-effective alternatives is not slowing down. For example, if travellers can’t afford Tokyo during peak season, Yokohama, just a short train ride away, offers a similar experience.&nbsp;Sustainable regulation is on the riseWith many popular countries suffering from the effects of overtourism, increased regulations are becoming more common. Short-term rental bans, heightened tourism taxes, emission mandates, and even reservation systems in some popular destinations are expected to impact travel bookings and in-destination experiences.&nbsp;Additional Factors Shaping the Demand for DetoursJust who, and what, are we seeing as impactful drivers of this demand for alternative destinations, and why does it matter?Gen Z as Detouring TrailblazersOver the past decade, the travel landscape has been reshaped by the growing presence of the youngest generation of travellers: Gen Z.&nbsp;It is no surprise that detour destinations and alternative locations are becoming key trends for travel buyers, sellers, and distributors across the industry. Young travellers are not ‘the next generation of travel’, they’re making significant waves in the industry now.&nbsp;Gen Z travellers are incorporating a humanistic element into their travel experiences, much more so than previous generations. The shift towards increased authenticity, experiential tourism, and preference for local immersion, may be popular with Millennial travellers, but Gen Z is amplifying the demand for people-first travel.&nbsp;Not only do 57% of global travellers express a keen interest in the ‘next best thing’, aligning with this surge in preference for new destinations and unique experiences, but 70% of Gen Z travellers actively look for travel experiences which are ‘off the beaten path’ and which their family and friends might not be aware of.&nbsp;Mental health mattersAlongside this consciousness around unique experiences, around 73% of Gen Z travellers plan holidays and leisure trips to enhance their mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and 61% specifically look for personal wellness and well-being experiences.&nbsp;These key motivators are crucial to consider as travel distributors, especially when it comes to which products and places might resonate with this large travel segment, and also where any gaps in your portfolio or offering might be present.&nbsp;De-influencing as a CountertrendThe rise of social media has given birth to the concept of ‘de-influencing,’ which is increasingly becoming a backlash against the influencer market. De-influencing seeks to counteract the trends and consumer habits that influencers typically promote and get us to rethink what we buy, or book.&nbsp;This movement highlights the negative impacts of consumerism on both the environment and mental health. When it comes to travel and tourism, this concept applies to ‘de-influencing’ travellers from visiting overcrowded areas, offers alternatives and unknown areas which might offer a similar experience, and in some cases, discourages tourism altogether for its impact on the environment.&nbsp;While the aim, naturally, is to continue selling travel, this notion of 'de-influencing' popular choices can be better considered as 're-influencing' travellers to consider the repercussions of viral locations, and the impact this has on local communities, the environment, and also the authenticity of the experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;This notion of 're-influencing' more positive travel behaviours, and 'de-influencing' visitation to popular hotspots also impacts more than just the end travellers' experience. During the pandemic, travel and hospitality was one of the hardest industries hit, and regions like Asia Pacific experienced a 95% drop in international arrivals from January 2021. Now, underserved and underrepresented communities can benefit from renewed and redirected attention and visits from international and domestic travellers alike.&nbsp;While the influencer economy is valued at approximately $250 billion, with Goldman Sachs predicting it will grow to nearly half a trillion dollars by 2027, the message of de-influencing resonates strongly with younger audiences. On platforms like TikTok, billions of views have been generated on 62,000 relevant posts, signalling that savvy consumers are taking heed of this growing movement.&nbsp;This is especially relevant when it comes to the 'Instagram vs. Reality' epiphany that many people experience when visiting a viral destination or place, which again, ties back to the notion of wanting to escape overcrowding, and the occasionally disillusioned view of a destination new visitors can have thanks to expectations driven by social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Dupes’ Are the New Next Best ThingAn increasing number of travellers are embracing an ‘against the grain’ mindset – one which has always present in adventurous travellers, the travel segment previously commonly seen detouring from the norm, and seeking remote places.&nbsp;But ‘detour’ isn’t synonymous with ‘remote’, and in fact the intersection between that adventurous mindset of wanting to discover something new, and the desire for genuine connection is where the magic of the ‘detour’ destination lies. This is why ‘dupes’ - destinations that ‘feel-like’ their more popular counterparts - are rising in popularity and could very well be the key for travellers who don’t want to venture too far outside their comfort zone when it comes to avoiding crowds.&nbsp;An increasing number of social media posts feature ‘feel-alike’ alternatives to popular destinations, with #dupe on TikTok accruing 5.9 billion views. The trend involves travellers opting for lesser-known ‘second’ or ‘sister’ cities as alternatives to overrun tourist hubs.&nbsp;Similarly, searches for ‘hidden gem holiday destinations’ have surged by 150%, confirming that alternatives represent the future of many travel experiences. Flight data reinforces this trend, showing remarkable increases in interest for destinations such as Taipei (up 249%), Curaçao (185%), Perth (109%), and Liverpool (97%), all emerging as appealing options compared to their more popular counterparts.&nbsp;Promoting and booking these alternative destinations not only addresses the challenges of overtourism but also enhances the overall travel experience for the end traveller, fostering deeper connections with places previously overlooked. This, combined with a genuinely valuable portfolio, makes any travel distributor a go-to provider for today’s traveller.&nbsp;The Responsibility of Tourism DispersalAccording to recent McKinsey &amp; Company analysis, around 80% of travellers visit 10% of the world’s top tourist hot spots, and in response to the challenges posed by overtourism, many destinations are actively advocating for a more even distribution of tourism throughout their regions.&nbsp;This can be seen recently in France for example, where approximately 80% of tourism is concentrated in just 20% of the country. To combat this, the government recently launched a €1 million campaign encouraging both domestic and international travellers to explore beyond popular hotspots.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a similar vein, the implementation of protective measures by local governments, such as higher tourism taxes during peak seasons and short-term rental bans, is increasingly bringing the adverse effects of unsustainable tourism to the forefront for modern travellers – not to mention impacting their experience.&nbsp;Here, it’s clear that there lies a measure of responsibility on travel sellers and distributors worldwide to alleviate the pressure on heavily impacted tourist areas, for local communities, host regions and the experience of the end traveller.&nbsp;In fact, in an effort to counter overtourism, Intrepid Travel even created a ‘Not Hot’ list in collaboration with Globetrender, highlighting 10 underrated destinations ideal for exploration.&nbsp;These locations are unveiling new routes of travel, improving their infrastructure, launching incentivising initiatives to make them unmissable when it comes to visitation, attention, and conservation. All of which are key factors when it comes to sustainably diversifying tourism levels around a region. Some of these featured destinations include Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, Disko Island in Greenland, and Accra in Ghana, among others.&nbsp;This is a prime example of accountability when it comes to diversifying traveller awareness of alternative destinations, but also of recognising the shift that must take place to alleviate the strain felt by that smaller percentage of the world’s locations which accommodate the vast majority of global tourism.&nbsp;Booking Alternative Destinations for Today’s TravellerIn an era characterised by hyper-personalisation and overtourism, travellers are on the lookout for experiences tailored to their individual preferences, while simultaneously getting a ‘real’ flavour of their destination and avoiding crowds of visitors all doing the same. Therefore, for those seeking alternatives to the typical ‘must-see’ sites, a comprehensive portfolio of unique travel options is necessary to meet their needs.&nbsp;But not only this, you need to be able to offer the right products at the right price, at the right time.&nbsp;As Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, a leading travel ecosystem player in the B2B space, this is where we specialise, offering intuitive and innovative TravelTech solutions which reduce friction from the end-to-end travel experience, both for the end traveller, and for travel distributors all around the world.&nbsp;An expansive global portfolio allows you to meet, and exceed, the needs of even more travellers in your ideal market with easy access to competitive conditions.Including preferred conditions, exclusive availabilities and differentiated rates.Our fast, intuitive API solutions mean you can take advantage of seamless distribution across even more booking touchpoints.Intelligent data-driven campaigns offer you the right price on travel products throughout the year, letting you capture and generate demand.A powerful online travel booking platform lets our web-based partners work and earn at speed, with complex algorithms, intuitive searches, and integrated revenue-boosting tools.Expert business insights to ensure you’re capitalising on every opportunity for growth as well as competitor analysis, sales recommendations and sales optimisation.&nbsp;Sign up today&nbsp;To start your journey with Hotelbeds, and position your business as a key player in the industry with the helping hand of our powerful, business-enhancing tools and platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;