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OTA Solutions: Travel Inventory Management 

&nbsp;Why are cybersecurity issues so prevalent in the travel sector?&nbsp;&nbsp;The tourism industry holds hugely valuable and sensitive data on every traveller, and it is crucial for travel agencies and distributors to recognise that cybercriminals are constantly developing advanced techniques to access and steal this information from booking websites, internal systems, servers, and mobile platforms.&nbsp;The rise of online travel booking has created new opportunities for cybercriminals. With the increasing digitalisation of booking processes and the sharing of personal data online, the risk of security threats has also grown. Mobile travel apps, which are widely used by online travel agencies, have become prime targets for threat actors.&nbsp;In the following sections of this article, we will delve into the advantages and security measures provided by virtual credit card tools.&nbsp;However, let's first examine the potential risks involved in managing, creating, and processing online transactions, the implications for travel distributors like yourself, and the role that Hotelbeds plays in this landscape.&nbsp;Security and the Travel Sector: RisksOne of the reasons why cybersecurity risks are so prevalent nowadays is that a whole ecosystem has developed – forget the eras of ‘one-man hackers’, cybercrime has become ‘CAAS’, cybercrime as a service. &nbsp;&nbsp;There is a lot of money to be made from cybercrime, and the travel sector is a low-hanging fruit in the eyes of many cybercriminals, as a highly dynamic sector, with multiple stakeholders and constantly evolving interactions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Social Engineering, as a prevalent method of cybercrime discussed in our article on top cybersecurity threats, is particularly prevalent within the travel and tourism industry.&nbsp;Social Engineering plays off the nature of the sector, taking advantage of the customer service mindset to manipulate a situation to the benefit of the cybercriminals and at the cost of whichever hospitality business is in their sights.&nbsp;So, what can be done, especially when it comes to digital bookings? &nbsp;&nbsp;Data Regulation ComplianceData regulation gives more control over personally identifiable information and aims to simplify the ‘regulatory environments’ for international businesses dealing with this sensitive data.&nbsp;UK and EU businesses must operate in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is the US equivalent, and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) applies to businesses and data subjects—people—in Asia. &nbsp;&nbsp;Travel marketers must pay close attention to data handling compliance when executing marketing campaigns and sending enticing offers to customers for bookings. This involves the careful processing, storing, and utilisation of customer databases to ensure everything is handled according to regulations and best practices.&nbsp;Incorporating the core principles and rules of global data protection regulations into your business is critical! These principles include: data minimisation, purpose limitation, storage limitation, accuracy, integrity, and security. Make sure to search for your countries’ relevant data protection regulation to see the most up-to-date rules.&nbsp;Sticking to the strict rules laid down by worldwide data protection regulations helps to:&nbsp;Ensure data accuracy.Protects data against unauthorised access - using two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of protection.Empowers people to exercise their rights over their own data.How is this linked to travel booking?Utilising any form of online booking software encompasses a range of activities falling under the broad scope of 'processing'. This includes collecting, recording, storing, using, and disclosing data through various means such as transmission. From basic contact information to sensitive payment details and personal preferences, every piece of data gathered by travel agencies is subject to stringent data protection regulations.&nbsp;As travel distributor, it’s vital that you’re processing, storing and using data lawfully and transparently.&nbsp;Using online booking systems that adhere to these strict rules not only means that you’re meeting global requirements as a handler of data, but also ensures the privacy and security of your customers’ data.&nbsp;Using Safe Providers for the Booking ProcessThe use of booking software goes hand in hand with travel distributors, even in brick-and-mortar travel businesses, the booking is completed using an online booking platform or portal. &nbsp;&nbsp;The majority of websites use SSL encryption to protect any data that’s transmitted between a website and a shopper.&nbsp;HTTPS website security is crucial for building guest trust and securing online transactions. &nbsp;&nbsp;Those in the travel and tourism industry must take proactive steps, including appointing a compliance champion, educating staff, controlling data access, and collaborating with PCI-compliant vendors, to adhere to these standards and protect against data breaches and hefty fines.&nbsp;Online bookings are dictated, much of the time, by user trust, and the vital importance of visible security:&nbsp;Security mistrust can deter bookers: 84% of users would abandon a purchase if data was sent over an insecure connection, and a large majority are concerned about their data being intercepted or misused online.General data privacy concerns: Consumers will walk away from an online purchase due to broader data misuse concerns.Brand reptuation as a decision-maker: 75% of consumers state they will refuse to purchase from an organization if they do not trust how their data is handled.&nbsp;So, what are the main risks involved with online booking experiences, and how can we ensure that bookings made using travel booking software are secure?&nbsp;Focus here needs to be on the weaker links in the chain: the users. Although there is opportunity for the booking software itself to be hacked, in an example where you have users who can log into a booking experience, this account, the users' account, is easier to hack than the booking software. Once this is compromised, the hacker effectively becomes the hotelier, or distributor, with direct access to all guests and travellers via legitimate communication channels.&nbsp;This situation provides hackers with an ideal chance to engage with actual end users in a seemingly authentic manner, serving as a significant force amplifier in the cybercrime domain. By hacking a single account, the potential for profitable scalability is enormous.&nbsp;How can online booking risks be mitigated?&nbsp;Multi-factor authenticationManaging the risk involved in stolen or hacked passwords is key! MFA (multi-factor authentication, sometimes also called two-factor authentication) helps reduce the chances of stolen credentials and the consequent risk of unauthorised access, identity theft, or compromised data.&nbsp;Another key risk is third-party security, especially when it comes to travel distributors such as Online Travel Agents (OTAs). The issue here, for OTAs, is that income pivots around products which are provided and sold by different suppliers, like airlines, hotels, car rental companies, or travel insurance, just as an example. The combination of this dynamic and changing collection of suppliers, along with the ‘inoperability’ between these businesses – for OTAs—opens a prime environment for hackers.Implement Security Standards for PaymentsThe Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a crucial industry standard mandated by major credit card companies. It plays a vital role in ensuring the secure processing, storage, and transmission of credit card information. This standard directly impacts every single credit card transaction, emphasising the importance of compliance and adherence to these rules.&nbsp;Should a guest use their credit card to pay for something at a hotel, for example—be it a room reservation, spa treatment or coffee—or a traveller use their credit card to secure a booking with you, PCI DSS applies to that purchase.&nbsp;When it comes to digital booking, the most important factor is that you’re selecting an online travel booking experience that is fully PCI DSS compliant—like the Hotelbeds Booking Engine.&nbsp;But for day-to-day practices that will also ensure that you’re storing and handling data correctly, here are a few pointers: &nbsp;Name an owner or champion of PCI DSS compliance within your organisation.Be proactive: teach staff why data security is important and the impact any breach may have. &nbsp;Protect physical data.Restrict access to payment or personal data to only staff who require this information to do their job. Use individual logins and access codes to systems.Clarify the role vendors play in terms of compliance with data-related standards, and seek PCI DSS compliant partners.Secure online booking data: While you may need a paper copy of a reservation, do not print credit card details of customers from your online systems.&nbsp;Virtual Cards and Secure PaymentsIn today's travel and tourism industry, it is crucial for businesses to cater to travellers for whom the payment method plays a significant role in their decision-making process. In fact, around 1 in 4 travellers will choose to take their business elsewhere if their preferred method of payment is not available on a hotel's website.&nbsp;In answer to this challenge, virtual credit cards (VCC) are a tokenised version of the physical payment formats used by millions of people, companies and organisations worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a booking-related environment, many travel distributors have API connections to banks, and anytime a booking is created, a one-time VCC, specific to that booking is created.&nbsp;The virtual card is specifically coded for a designated supplier, amount, and in certain cases for travel or hotel bookings, the associated check-in and check-out dates. This ensures that the virtual card cannot be used for unauthorised transactions, even with the same supplier. After the payment is made, the virtual account number is deactivated and cannot be reused. This method of payment not only enhances security but also minimises the risk of fraudulent activity. &nbsp;&nbsp;Fraud rates on virtual credit cards are much lower than the 0.3% rate on regular consumer cards. This is incredibly important when you consider that sales made on behalf of hotels is a significant industry, with leisure sales by travel intermediaries are valued at around $98 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.05% through 2031, according to recent data from Mordor Intelligence. Not to mention that:Online travel agencies (OTAs) hold the largest share of intermediary distribution at around 48%.Online channels drive the majority of intermediary and booking volume—68-78% depending on sub-segments—led by mobile app-based bookings.Mitigating fraud risks within a sector with such complex and often fragmentary booking processes is therefore vital, to begin lowering general privacy concerns by bookers, encouraging trust, and establishing secure booking processes which can be scaled with confidence.&nbsp;Virtual Credit Cards and HotelbedsVirtual credit cards are widely supported and used by many travel product suppliers we partner with at Hotelbeds.&nbsp;Much of our supplier finance management processes hinges on the secure processing of virtual credit card transactions, with an E-Billing system specifically designed for VCC suppliers and the effective, safe management of all VCC payments and transactions. &nbsp;&nbsp;This means that when you’re confirming a booking using the Hotelbeds Booking Engine, there are layers of security and encryption involved when your customers’ data and payments are being transferred from their bank accounts to the travel product provider.&nbsp;Discover more about the benefits of partnering with Hotelbeds today or sign up to become one of our valuable partners, and access a world of interconnected products and solutions as part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem.&nbsp;Become a partner today&nbsp;And for even more understanding of cybersecurity, as vast and ever-evolving as it is, discover more guidance on the Americas Cyber Defense Agency, which 'provides information on cybersecurity best practices to help individuals and organisations implement preventative measures and manage cyber risks.'&nbsp;

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Cybersecurity: Staying Safe in a Digital Booking Landscape as Travel Distributors

&nbsp;The issue of cybersecurity attacks is not a new phenomenon. Cyber threats have been prevalent since the inception of the internet, but in recent years, their frequency and severity have grown significantly. The average cost of a data breach sitting at $4.99 million according to IBM—a 12% increase since last year, and a record high. As a result, it is imperative for businesses to enhance their security measures to combat the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.&nbsp;Cybercrime can have a significant impact on various sectors and industries, with the travel and tourism sector being particularly vulnerable. The vast amount of secure and personal data handled by the travel and hospitality industry makes it a prime target for cyber attacks. Therefore, it is crucial for travel businesses to prioritise cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and protect both their businesses and their customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the digital ecosystems of the travel and tourism industry continue to expand, they will also become increasingly susceptible to cybercrimes. It is crucial for companies within the travel and tourism chain to prioritise cybersecurity awareness, strategies, and safeguarding in order to ensure the utmost security of their data.&nbsp;Why is the travel industry susceptible to cybercrime?As a global industry with many – literal – moving parts, the travel industry is often targeted by cybercriminals. Analysis of data breaches and cyberattacks have identified numerous reasons for this, such as:&nbsp;The industry’s huge fragmentation.The complexity of the travel booking and payment networks/platforms.The existence of many travel agents and third-party service providers.Poor security systems when it comes to IT and point-of-sale (POS).Human error.The millions of travellers all interacting with travel distributors within cyberspace.How can travel businesses mitigate cyber-attacks?Human error was identified as one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity, so many common cyberthreats may be avoidable with the right education.&nbsp;It’s estimated that around 99% of data breaches will be caused by a misconfiguration within settings or installation by an end user. So, this suggests that with proper education and a thorough cybersecurity strategy, travel distributors will be able to mitigate the impact and severity of many common cyberthreats.&nbsp;What a good cybersecurity strategy should involve:Contingency planningImmediate actions outlined – for varying types of breach or attack once discoveredPost-breach responses &nbsp;An understanding of current cyber risks&nbsp;Here is where consolidating your tools and resources, and leveraging third-party expertise to manage complexities and augment capabilities, can give you a leg-up when it comes to protection against those more common threats.&nbsp;&nbsp;As cyberattacks continue to evolve and grow more sophisticated, it is clear that implementing frequent company-wide training can be an effective strategy in mitigating the risks associated with data breaches. The alarming statistics on data breaches underscore the importance of staying updated on the latest threats and taking proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information.&nbsp;But for now, let’s look at some of the most common cybersecurity threats and what shape they take, to help you as travel distributors improve your awareness.&nbsp;AI-Accelerated CybercrimeAccording to recent IBM data, the use of agentic AI has significantly grown the scale of cybercrime operations in the last few years:&nbsp;44% YoY increase in public-facing software or system applications being exploited.The share of disclosed vulnerabilities that did not require authentication to be exploited rose to 56%.The number of AI chatbot credentials listed as for sale on the dark web rose to 300,000.49% increase in ransomeware groups noted as active, compared to 2025.With common operations scaled through the use AI, the security of people, data and business security infrastructure must be proactively protected by robust measures.Such measures include autonomous security operation centres, which also use agentic AI, to augment the roles of security workers, and can mobilise agents to work across the entire threat cycle, from 'threat-hunting' (the search for risks and anomalies), to recovery and remediation.However, it's important to understand the types of commonly encountered cybercrime in order to proactively work against these operations, even if they are being accelerated by AI:&nbsp;Social EngineeringSocial engineering is widely recognised as one of the most common and hazardous tactics used by cybercriminals. This is mainly due to the fact that social engineering, in its many forms, exploits human mistakes rather than technical weaknesses. It is much simpler to deceive or influence individuals than it is to penetrate a security system, and it is apparent that cybercriminals are well aware of this fact. Research indicates that around 60 to 62% of all data breaches stem from human interaction or error.&nbsp;Over recent years, social engineering techniques played a crucial role in cybercriminals gaining access to employee data and credentials for the purpose of carrying out cyberattacks.&nbsp;Among these techniques, phishing stands out as a leading cause of data breaches, with data from Verizon 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report suggesting that:More than 31% of all breaches now start with software vulnerabilities.&nbsp;There are 40% higher click rates for mobile devices, via fake texts or a scam calls, which make them the 'new favourite target' as people become savvier at spotting traditional phising emails.&nbsp;It is important to note that these tactics are continuously adapting to leverage emerging trends and technologies in order to stay ahead of security measures.&nbsp;What can phishing attacks look like?Spear phishing – this targets specific individuals or organisations, hence the term ‘spear’, most typically using malicious emails. The goal of these emails is to obtain sensitive data, such as login credentials, or to infect the users’ devices with malware (which we will explore later).Whaling – a type of attack that targets senior or C-level executive employees, with the aim of stealing money or information on the business, or to gain access to their devices to carry out further attacks.Vishing – the use of fraudulent phone calls or voice messages, often masquerading as a legitimate business, to convince individuals to share sensitive, private data such as bank details and passwords.SMiShing – the use of fraudulent text messages, in much the same way as ‘Vishing’, to steal sensitive, private data. This can often take the shape of your bank or a shipping service.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other social engineering techniques can involve:Business email compromise (BEC) - a prominent technique in which attackers assume the identities of trusted email addresses – often internal business users – to trick other employees or clients of the business into sharing data that could compromise the business, or make payments, amongst other goals.Pretexting – here cybercriminals gain access to a system or a user account using a false scenario that gains the victims trust through manipulation. Attackers could pose as a HR employee, or an IT specialist, for example.Disinformation campaign - these spread false information, usually with the goal of amplifying fake narratives using bots and fake accounts on social media networks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among these techniques, travel distributors are most likely to encounter business email compromise attacks, primarily due to the extensive chains of internal communication. Once attackers gain access, they typically send phishing emails to employees or clients of the business to obtain more sensitive data or prompt financial transactions. They may also utilise the compromised account to launch attacks against other employees or the businesses' systems.&nbsp;Business email compromise attacks can be carried out in multiple ways, including:Phishing – as explained above, this type of attack often uses emails to trick employees into sharing sensitive data and are usually from a ‘trusted’ source. Social engineering techniques are then used to prompt the recipient into action.Malware – this is the use of malware – malicious software - to infect a user’s computer and therefore gain access to their email accounts. Once installed, this malware can steal other sensitive data from this computer.Social engineering – often, this type of attack (closely linked to phishing), tricks employees into divulging sensitive information or grant access to their email accounts. Usually, this involves impersonation to gain trust.Manipulation of weak passwords – if employees use ‘weak’, reused, or easily guessable passwords, cybercriminals can obtain access to internal email systems by guessing these passwords.&nbsp;&nbsp;How can travel distributors protect against business email compromise?Train employees on how to identify and avoid phishing emails.Insist employees use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. &nbsp;Keep software and cybersecurity systems up to date.Implement email cybersecurity measures, such as spam filters.&nbsp;Third-Party Security TreatsThird-party breaches are ever-numerous for companies, as independent contractors have become far more commonplace over the last few years.&nbsp;Consequently, this has led to a larger pool of less secure networks that have access to the main target, all of which were associated with these third parties. These less-secure networks are exploitable by hackers, as seen in the memorable attack on the U.S’s Colonial Pipeline in 2021, by obtaining compromised credentials, accessing a VPN without multi-factor authentication, and demanding a $5 million Bitcoin payment to regain access.&nbsp;In fact, around 73% of executives and business leaders cite distributed and third-party workers as a major cybersecurity vulnerability, according to remote-first data from Forbes. This brings about ongoing challenges in third-party security threats for businesses of all sizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud VulnerabilitiesWith many more businesses adopting cloud-based systems, the growth of cloud-based cyberattacks likewise grows. It’s estimated that cloud security is the fastest-growing cybersecurity market, especially with the weaponisation of artificial intelligence and an explosive growth in machine identities.&nbsp;In today's fast-paced environment, with cloud-based systems taking on more corporate workload, businesses are turning to 'zero trust cloud architecture' for enhanced security. This approach, designed to assume a system has been compromised, requires additional verification before granting access to recognised devices, or any device within the perimeter of the network.&nbsp;Keeping on top of cloud security practices is critical, and can include:Monitoring access to sensitive resources. &nbsp;Enforcing strict password requirements. &nbsp;Implementing a sound data backup plan.Leveraging data encryption.&nbsp;What are the most common cloud-based threats?Commonly referred to as the ‘egregious eleven’ by security professionals, these are the most ‘popular’ access points:Data breachesMisconfiguration and inadequate change controlLack of cloud security architecture and strategyInsufficient identity, credential, access and key managementAccount hijackingInsider threatInsecure interfaces and APIsWeak control planeMetastructure and applistructure failuresLimited cloud usage visibilityAbuse and malicious use of cloud services&nbsp;&nbsp;Supply Chain AttacksA recently emerging tactic, supply chain attacks involve the breach of supply chain technology, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API systems), commonly found in the travel industry. This infiltration allows access to source codes, build codes, and other software components. The attackers then exploit these legitimate platforms and applications to disseminate malware throughout the supply chain systems.&nbsp;Considering how often supply chain systems are used within the travel and tourism industry – particularly through API integration – it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of this kind of attack.&nbsp;In the modern travel industry, travel APIs are a powerful tool that many businesses utilise. By allowing different systems to communicate seamlessly, they create a unified platform where customers can easily access all travel products in one place. These API systems are highly effective in helping travel businesses create user-friendly systems that stay ahead of hospitality tech trends. It also means travel businesses can enhance their business success by increasing their distribution through API integration, offering customised tour packages or itinerary planning, providing quotes, or displaying availability and booking options.&nbsp;However, these systems are also vulnerable to attacks. But hope is not lost! There are many ways to protect against supply chain threats, including:Use endpoint monitoring tools to spot and stop suspicious activity. &nbsp;Stay current with all system patches and updates. &nbsp;Implement integrity controls to ensure users are only running tools from trusted sources. &nbsp;Require admins and other users to use two-factor authentication.&nbsp;RansomwareWhile certainly not a new threat, ransomware attacks have become significantly more expensive in the last few years – with costs expected to reach $265 billion by 2031 - and so continue to present considerable challenges to businesses of all sizes.&nbsp;Ransomware, in essence, is a form of malicious software that restricts access to computer systems until a ransom is paid. This involves utilising malware to seize control of computer systems, retrieve data, files, or sensitive information, and then requesting payment in exchange for restoring access to the original user.&nbsp;Of course, before the ransomware attack can take place, hackers must obtain access to their targets’ systems. The most common methods of infiltration include: &nbsp;PhishingRemote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and credential abuse - wherein hackers use ‘brute-force’ or purchase credentials with the goal of logging into systems to distribute malware.Exploitable software – such as unpatched or out-of-date software.&nbsp;&nbsp;Modern endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology can often protect against ransomware attacks, by stopping the execution of malicious software in the first place. Many businesses also benefit from the setting of cybersecurity parameters, to keep employees from straying too far from safe browsing locations on their corporate devices.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Internet of ThingsIn the realm of technology, physical objects, the 'Things' in 'Internet of Things, are evolving to be more intelligent by integrating sensors, software, and other advanced technologies. As we continue to depend on these interconnected Things to communicate and exchange information online, their vulnerability to cyber threats also increases.&nbsp;While there are multiple ways that smart devices and objects are connected to an online network, some of the most common methods are:&nbsp;&nbsp;Default passwords: Hackers can exploit default passwords often supplied for smart devices, or easily guess reused and weak passwords or access codes for individual or business devices. These are then used to gain access to the device, its data, and facilitate further attacks.&nbsp;Unsecured Wi-Fi networks: public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured or use weak encryption, and these can be exploited to intercept data.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, there are ways to protect your devices, including: &nbsp;Having users select secure passwords, changing them frequently, and not sharing this information. &nbsp;Staying current with Operating System (OS) and software updates.Encouraging clients to encrypt their data.Installing antivirus or anti-malware protection.Changing default passwords. &nbsp;Avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi networks. &nbsp;Being cautious of suspicious emails or links.&nbsp;Financial and reputational lossThe repercussions of a cybersecurity breach can have widespread and severe implications for businesses, regardless of their size. Small businesses may never fully bounce back from an attack, and larger businesses could be subjected to penalties, legal action, a decrease in clientele or staff, as well as tarnishing their reputation.&nbsp;For many travel businesses, one of the key consequences will be the loss of reputation, which—should the business recover—will involve a long and detailed strategy to recover this reputation both for existing and potential customers. After all, how many people are going to choose a company that, from an external perspective, hasn’t protected its customers?&nbsp;Another main consequence is the disruption to operations following a breach or attack, the consequence investigation that must take place, and the change to business practices after the resolution of the attack. &nbsp;&nbsp;Deepfakes and the escalating threat of simulated contentDeepfakes are a significant threat within the realm of synthetic media, utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning to produce highly convincing videos, images, audio, and text that depict fictional events.&nbsp;Beyond ‘face swapping’ and lip syncing, which can convincingly alter individuals' expressions, deepfakes also create 'puppet master deepfakes,' mapping faces onto different bodies. While content manipulation is not new—with 'cheapfakes' existing for years—advancements in deepfake technology make it increasingly accessible and sophisticated, posing a rising threat.&nbsp;What sets deepfakes apart is their ability to be created with minimal technical skill, complicating the task of discerning authentic content from fabricated material. This evolution represents a direct threat to national security, law enforcement, and society at large.&nbsp;This threat landscape is influenced by various factors, including the growing prevalence of AI-generated content, legal regulations, and public trust in visual media. As awareness of deepfakes increases, malicious actors may accelerate their activities, intensifying risks for vulnerable individuals and organisations across all sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ensuring that your business has strong cybersecurity protection and awareness at all levels is essential to defend against the common cyber attacks mentioned earlier. Seeking expert training and advice from security professionals will help keep your business practices, cybersecurity strategies, and overall understanding of cyber threats current and effective.&nbsp;&nbsp;And for even more understanding of cybersecurity, as vast and ever-evolving as it is, discover more guidance on the Americas Cyber Defense Agency, which 'provides information on cybersecurity best practices to help individuals and organisations implement preventative measures and manage cyber risks.'&nbsp;

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Cybersecurity: The Top Threats To Look Out For

In our 2026 travel trends report we highlighted creative tourism as a key trend for this year and beyond, as travellers reported interest in art, culture, and hands-on experiences. Creative tourism may make you initially think of experiential travel, the demand for living like a local, or maybe even fandom tourism when it comes to certain aspects of the passionate, high-intent traveller; but creative travel is more—it’s maximalist in every sense.Creative tourism often focuses on encompassing more of every experience. Think more colours, more style, and more active participation by travellers. Though of course, every travel experience is unique to the traveller booking it, so this is where understanding your customer needs is vital.&nbsp;Here’s what you should know about the Creativity Boom as a current travel tourism trend:Why is creativity a global travel trend in 2026?According to a recent report from Marriott Bonvoy, 68% of travellers have been on a trip driven by passion. This can include hobbies like making music or interests such as visiting art galleries. In short, all types of creative activities.&nbsp;Travellers want to see creativity everywhere, from carefully selected art pieces in hotel lobbies and inspiring community initiatives, to local exhibitions, street art, and even themed hotels.&nbsp;&nbsp;As with any tourism trend, there are several sub trends that are worth noting when it comes to the 'Creativity Boom'.&nbsp;Younger travellers are particularly interested, with around 82% of Gen Z having already taken a passion-led trip, compared with the 68% for other traveller demographics who responded to a recent survey by Marriott Bonvoy.Cultural immersion travel plays a big role, and not just in the traditional sense of visiting museums and UNESCO heritage sites, but also participating in workshops, interactive exhibitions, and art residencies.40% of travellers are highly-motivated by cultural experiences, and book at least one experience that is connected to local culture during their trip.&nbsp;Travellers want to learn by doing: there is an innate connection between hands-on experiences and the Creativity Boom trend, where travellers are seeking immersive travel experiences that let them truly identify, engage and interact with a destination's culture and arts.‘Skillcations’ and hobby-driven travel are great examples of what people expect from creative travel. In a 2026 report conducted by Hilton, 72% of travellers said they would like to take time off to explore a hobby or a skill.&nbsp;Literary trips and travel experiences linked to the literary world are on the rise: from book-related and reading retreats to literary conventions, book-lovers are on the move.What are hotels doing to be part of the creative tourism trend?Cleanliness, price, and location are a given when it comes to booking motivations; but travellers are expecting more from their accommodation. Travellers increasingly want their hotel to align with their travel style and values, whether that’s solo-friendly stays or sustainability-focused accommodation.Creativity can also be part of this list.&nbsp;Here are two of many examples of how some hotels are appealing to travellers seeking a creative-leaning stay:&nbsp;The Fife Arms in the Scottish Highlands expresses creativity through themed rooms. Each of its 47 rooms and suites is inspired by Scottish nature, culture, art, and poetry. The royal suites, for example, feature artwork, antiques, and furniture linked to royal figures who had a deep connection to the Highlands.&nbsp;&nbsp;Considering the 'boom' in demand for unique stays—where the hotel is recognisable as a vehicle for storytelling, as a destination in its own right—the impact of social media on the virality of a hotel, and the millions of views on influencer accounts who travel to unique hotels and accommodations, a themed hotel is a memorable way to offer an artistic retreat to your customers.&nbsp;Enchantment Resort in Arizona offers art-focused experiences that allow guests to express themselves and engage with creative practices. Their Artist Cottage hosts a range of workshops from pottery to wood burning, while others involve the local community and culture, such as the gourd decorating workshop using locally-grown gourds, for an experience that is deeply connected to local culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;Offering hands-on activities that combine local community, produce, cuisine or artistic practices aligns with the increasing demand for immersion in local culture from today's traveller.&nbsp;Distributor tip: When booking hotels or listing them on your platform, look for rooms that tell a story, lobbies that feel like art galleries, or experiences that evoke curiosity. Working with a B2B partner can help with global travel distribution. Hotelbeds members get access to over 300,000 global properties, including art-led and creative hotels, for example—among many other competitive benefits, as part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem.&nbsp;You can also book both of the aforementioned hotels, along with many others offering a stay which aligns to arts and culture-inspired travellers, on the Hotelbeds Booking Engine. All you have to do is sign up to access thousands of hotels worldwide, alongside immersive experiences, car hire and transfer solutions.&nbsp;Sign up today to access the Hotelbeds portfolioWhy should global travel distributors consider creative tourism experiences?According to a recent UNESCO estimate the cultural sector contributed $4.3 trillion per year to the global economy. This includes both tangible (historic sites, museums, monuments) and intangible products (events, concerts, city tours, workshops) - the latter of which offers many opportunities for creative tourism experiences, including:&nbsp;Tours focusing on niche interests, such as culinary travel, fandom tourism, and street art.Festivals and live events as the main drivers of the trip.Community-driven initiatives where travellers learn more about the local culture.Hands-on workshops or art residencies.&nbsp;Distributor tip: Package interactive experiences with accommodations, maximise your earnings, and strengthen your reputation for delivering memorable trips. If you’re looking to broaden your portfolio, Hotelbeds gives you access to 23,000+ experiences around the world, to help you enhance every trip by offering in-demand and immersive travel experiences to every traveller.&nbsp;Access the portfolio by becoming a Hotelbeds partner today.Spotlight on literary tourism and ‘novel’ destinationsWant to see a creativity-driven trend in action? Literary tourism is on the rise.&nbsp;While travel inspired by books and fictional stories is certainly not new, what’s notable is the growing value of this niche tourism segment, and the scope of interest around the world. In fact, according to recent surveys:&nbsp;32‏% of travellers want to visit a destination mentioned in a book,18‏% would stay in book-themed accommodation,12% want to go on a writing and/or reading retreat.&nbsp;A particularly immersive example of literary travel is bookish retreats. Featured in outlets like BBC Travel and The Times, the popularity of such retreats has been booming in recent years. A popular format includes organising themed retreats, by book, of course, and travellers are guided around the destinations where the story is set.&nbsp;With around 40% of travellers seeking more cultural experiences during their trips, it is easy to see how literary themed trips, where the itinerary is set and the activities are guaranteed to be aligned to participants’ interest, are on trend for the modern traveller. Experiences such as reading retreats ideally blend the aspects of travel and community that today’s traveller is craving.&nbsp;However—readers aren’t just simply heading into the world to see where books are set; the bookish community is thriving in commercial and convention environments, too. Attendance at annual events like Hay Festival, drawing 300,000 attendees on average; the Edinburgh International Book Festival, with around unique 500 events; the Jaipur Literature Festival, a show-stopping event in the literary world; London’s Young Adult Literary Convention (YALC); BookCon in New York, and many more are at an all-time high.&nbsp;Book-lovers are seeking opportunities to connect with other readers, and with the surge in demand for special editions of popular books—some with a staggering resell value—the popularity of ‘BookTok’ spaces and the virality of reading among social media, the literary scene offers a compelling opportunity for distributors, and the travel industry at large.&nbsp;These travellers are high-intent, often with funds to burn on their passions, and who are willing to travel to engage and interact with their favourite authors and other readers in their chosen community—just as we are seeing on a larger scale with the growth in fandom tourism.&nbsp;Other examples of literary travel experiences include:Organising visits to book cafés and libraries.Attending book-related events, such as the NYC BookCon and international literary festivals.Building itineraries around author events, including book signings, talks, and launches.Curating a destination list based on locations featured in a travellers’ favourite fictional stories.&nbsp;Books aren’t just sparking interest; they’re sparking pilgrimages. And with 7 out of 10 travellers declaring that reading time is important to them on a trip, literary travellers shouldn’t be overlooked by distributors wanting to capture a ready-and-waiting bubble of revenue.How can global travel distributors capitalise on the creative tourism trend?Travellers interested in creative tourism are experience-driven and willing to spend more on authentic, memorable activities. Here are some travel strategies on how to use this trend:Personalise your offersCreative tourism covers a wide range of activities: ceramics, art, photography, music, wine tasting, staying in design hotels… The list goes on. Use customer data, previous bookings, and travel tech tools like Insights, our powerful recommendation tool, to find creative activities for every traveller.&nbsp;Powered by real-time data and based on your growth potential, Insights offers personalised destination and experience recommendations tailored to your market, for in-demand and competitive opportunities to sell.Implement filters for easily-refined searchesMake creative tourism products easier to find across your distribution channels for travellers at the point of booking. If you have a booking engine, consider adding filters for art-focused stays, craft workshops, or related in-destination experiences.Create packages for personalised travel experienceBundle accommodation, transport, and actitivities into tailored itinerariesFor example, for a trip to the Scottish Highlands, your package can include: anartistic hotel room, or perhaps a themed hotel for an immersive stay;a whiskey workshop to combine arts, local produce and culinary tourism; Outlander-inspired tours to tap into the high-intent book-loving traveller, and other activities your clients might be interested in to extend their stay.&nbsp;Distributors who join the Hotelbeds network can easily combine memorable stays with in-destination travel activitiesand transport solutions into one exceptional trip with the Hotelbeds Booking Engine.Market creative experiences and destinationsLet creative experiences take centre stage in your marketing, whether that’s your social media, newsletters, or blogs. These resonate well with travellers, show your expertise, and make a lasting impression. Instead of “We offer comprehensive Scotland experiences,” think “Experience Scotland in your own way: from Outlander-inspired tours to visits to fairytale castles.”Partner with local creatorsWork with local artisans, chefs, musicians, photographers, designers, and cultural organisations who know the creative scenes in their destinations inside out. This helps differentiate your offering from competitors and offers unique experiences to clients.Hotelbeds as your partner in creative travelAt Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, we equip you with data, technology, and a global network so you can offer the best creative experiences. As our member, you get to:Access our global portfolio of hotels in 170+ countries, with boutique, design, and luxury options.Choose from 23,000+ travel experiences: from workshops and guided or private tours, to hands-on experiences in big cities and emerging destinations.Use data-driven tools like Insights and reports to act on market trends earlyGet personalised upselling and cross-selling options integrated into your booking journey.Benefit from competitive rates from hotels in our Preferred Partner programme, so besides creativity, you also get reliability, exclusive prices, and excellent customer service.&nbsp;Become a part of the Hotelbeds network in just a few clicks today.&nbsp;

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hotelbeds travel trends creative tourism

2026 Travel Trends: Arts and Culture Tourism and the 'Creativity Boom'

... Why Some of This Year’s Most Valuable Travellers are the Ones Obsessed with SomethingAs we explored in our global Travel Trend Report, the travel landscape of 2026 is being shaped by a powerful shift: travellers are no longer motivated by passive sightseeing, but by deep passion, fandom affinity and identity-driven travel choices. From anime pilgrimages to collectable-focused trips, 'culture as currency' has become one of the strongest forces influencing global travel demand.For travel distributors, this cultural shift represents high-intent, high-spend customers who plan purposefully, book early and travel widely for niche interests. Below, we explore the key fandom-driven segments reshaping travel demand and the opportunities they create.Global Tourism Drivers: Anime Pilgrimages, 'Hallyu', and East Asian MediaWhile recent years have seen a boom in set-jetting and screen tourism, anime, manga, K-drama and C-drama inspired travel is increasingly moving into the mainstream.These media forms have long motivated dedicated fans to travel, but growing interest in East Asian culture across Western markets is turning fandom travellers into a significant tourism audience. Destinations connected to popular entertainment franchises are now recognised as major travel catalysts, driving both visitation and spending.South Korea: K-Pop and K-Drama Tourism SurgesInbound tourism numbers reached a staggering 18.9 million for South Korea in 2025, with foreign card spending surpassing 2 trillion won for the first time... in May of that year alone. While international interest in South Korean popular culture (termed 'Hallyu') has been making waves for years, global attention is now being paid in earnest with a sharply rising demand for this destination driven largely by K-Pop, K-Dramas and lifestyle exports like K-Beauty.Popular K-Drama locations including Bukchon Hanok Village, Gangnam COEX and Naksan Park have seen tourist spending increase by more than 50% in some cases. At the same time, visitors are increasingly seeking immersive lifestyle experiences. Notably, tourist spending at instant photo booths rose 65%, internet cafés 36%, karaoke rooms 18% and nail salons 17%, highlighting rising demand for authentic, ‘everyday’ cultural experiences.K-Pop remains a major economic force, with a global fandom of more than 156 million people and contributing at least 0.3% of Korea's GDP. According to Billboard's 2025 year-end Boxscore, K-pop achieved its highest-ever tour revenue penetration, accounting for 7.7% of the top 100 global tour grosses.&nbsp;This is evident in the industry's consecutive global successs: ENHYPEN 2025's performance broke BlackPink's 2023 Coachella record with over 400,000 livestream viewers—making it the second-highest livestream viewership in Coachella history; J-Hope of BTS shattered records with his recent "Hope on the Stage" solo world tour, grossing $84.7 million and selling out all 33 shows, becoming the highest-grossing tour by a Korean soloist in history; and Stray Kids' dominATE world tour attracted more than 2.15 million attendees across 53 shows worldwide, breaking K-pop touring records.&nbsp;With BTS returning to the road for their 2026/27 comeback tour, the sector is poised to generate even greater visitor growth and spending.Set-Based Tourism and Anime PilgrimagesJapan welcomed around 14 million international visitors arriving during the first four months of 2025 alone, representing a further 24.5% increase on 2024—which was the highest level of inbound tourism ever recorded for the country.These visitors contribute significantly to anime-related spending through merchandise purchases, pilgrim site visits, theme parks and exhibitions. In fact, the Japan Tourism Agency has reported that the proportion of visitors travelling specifically to anime and film-related locations has reached 7.5% in recent years.This phenomenon, known as seichi junrei ("pilgrimage to sacred places"), has transformed real-world locations into fan destinations. For example, fans of Attack on Titan, the global anime phenomen often travel to Hita City as the home of creator Hajime Isayama, and which offers in-destination attractions to commemorate the series.But the trend extends past Japan. In China, Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang, often referred to as "China's Hollywood", serves as the filming location for around 70% of the country's historical and wuxia dramas and consistently attracts millions of visitors annually. International fans are also increasingly making pilgrimages to destinations featured in or which formed the inspiration for popular C-Dramas, Light Novels and donghua, including Yunnan Province and Suzhou; while in Shanghai, the city is regularly overrun with sprawling advertisement banners and time-limited pop-ups for popular characters birthday events and series announcements.Key Opportunities for Travel DistributorsTravel distributors can capitalise on growing demand by:Packaging itineraries built around anime, K-pop, K-drama and C-drama locations.Aligning travel offers with concert schedules, fan events, drama releases and cultural festivals.Creating themed multi-city routes built around specific on-screen locations or media inspirations, to increase engagement and trip value.Access a comprehensive global portfolio of accommodation options, in-destination travel experiences and transfer solutions by signing up to become a Hotelbeds partner.Join the Hotelbeds network&nbsp;Collectable Tourism: When Products Become Travel MotivatorsCollectables are increasingly acting as travel catalysts rather than simple souvenirs. Today's fans travel specifically to acquire products that offer exclusivity, status and social currency.The Labubu EffectSince its launch, the viral POP MART collectable Labubu has blurred the boundaries between fandom, retail and travel, while generating billions in revenue in the process. Destination-based campaigns, tourism collaborations and regional product launches have fuelled extraordinary consumer demand for this item far beyond its initial scope.The strength of this demand is reflected in the resale market, where rare figures can command thousands of dollars. In fact, one life-size Labubu sold for more than US$170,000 at auction in 2024, reinforcing its status as a high-value cultural symbol rather than simply a toy.Pokémon: the 'Gotta Catch 'Em All' MindsetFor nearly 30 years, Pokémon has extended beyond entertainment into travel experiences, exclusive merchandise, in-destination attractions, conventions and fan events. Today, enthusiasm for the franchise continues to accelerate.Pokémon Centers in Japan, particularly Tokyo DX, Osaka DX and Shibuya, remain key tourism draws thanks to region-exclusive products, café experiences and limited-edition releases, with product launches regularly generate long queues and selling out immediately.&nbsp;The wider economic impact is significant. Recent editions of Pokémon GO Fest New York generated approximately $127 million in economic impact, while time-limited collaborations with major attractions, including London's Natural History Museum and Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, have generated such overwhelming crowds that in some cases these locations to close to cope with demand.Considered together, both these examples demonstrate how collectables and franchises have evolved into experience-led, destination-driven consumption. Fans are highly-motivated, and increasingly travelling specifically to access exclusive merchandise and limited-time experiences unavailable in their home markets.Café Pop-Ups and Pop-Culture ConventionsWhether its visiting themed cafés, merchandise pop-ups or fan-organised gatherings, travellers are increasingly planning entire trips around fandom experiences. Far from niche experiences, café collaborations and exhibitions are a core part of fandom tourism.Of course, this shift to immersive experiences is noted worldwide—cultural experiences account for around 40% of global tourism revenues, and more than 70% of travellers participate in at least one cultural activity per trip. Such pop-ups align with this shift because they combine storytelling, retail, food and social interaction within a highly shareable format.Importantly, fans rarely discover these events by chance. They track launches months in advance via social media, monitor collaborations closely via dedicated online fan spaces, and organise travel around specific dates, building itineraries that, often, prioritise emotional payoff over cost or distance.While it may not be practical for distributors to package every individual event, offering competitive accommodation and transport options in popular host destinations can help capture this highly motivated audience.Conventions provide similarly powerful travel demand. Anime Expo in Los Angeles recently welcomed more than 410,000 attendees from over 65 countries and generated an estimated $10 million in economic impact, making it one of the year's most significant tourism events in the United States.Likewise, global events such as the annual Comic Con conventions in San Diego, New York, London and Tokyo continue to attract hundreds of thousands of international visitors annually, with many more growing conventions held year-round across the world. Rising attendance figures and growing international participation demonstrate how fandom tourism has moved beyond niche status to become a mainstream travel motivator.Music Tourism: The Heartbeat of Fandom TravelMusic tourism remains one of the most powerful segments within fandom travel, driven by travellers seeking emotional, immersive experiences connected to their favourite artists.In 2025, the global music tourism market was valued at $103.7 billion and is forecast to reach US$330 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.8%. North America accounts for almost 38% of global revenue, while travellers aged 18-34 generate 64% of market spend, underlining the importance of younger audiences.Destinations hosting major tours frequently experience dramatic travel demand spikes, with hotel and flight searches rising by more than 90% around event dates.The economic impact can be transformative. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour generated more than $1 billion in revenue across over 150 shows and pushed hotel occupancy rates in some destinations to 100%. Bad Bunny's San Juan residency produced a sevenfold increase in flight searches, drew in 400,000 visitors to the island, and injected around $200 million into the local economy.Other artists are creating similar opportunities. Queer Destinations, who launched the Travel Conscious Platform in partnership with HBX Group, offer curated packages for Shakira’s Madrid residency. The packages combine concert tickets with stays at "Committed" hotels where 100% of staff have completed LGBTQ+ sensitivity training, appealing to value-driven travellers seeking inclusive travel experiences alongside major entertainment events.Key Opportunities for Travel DistributorsAs fandom travel becomes increasingly mainstream, distributors can create products around the destinations, events and experiences fans actively seek:Build fandom-led itineraries featuring anime and manga locations in Japan, K-pop concerts and K-drama sites in Korea, and C-drama studio visits in China.Develop exclusive fan experiences through partnerships with brands, entertainment companies and attractions to create premium, limited-access packages.Capitalise on collectable-driven demand by building trips around regional product launches, exhibitions, pop-ups and brand collaborations.Leverage major fan events such as anime conventions, esports tournaments, K-pop festivals, comic conventions and collectable fairs, all of which generate predictable booking spikes.Use fandom-focused marketing tied to trending franchises, viral merchandise and cultural moments to capture travel intent as it forms.With global accommodation, transfers, activities and destination services available through a single platform, Hotelbeds, as part of HBX Group, enables distributors to package, scale and monetise fandom-driven travel experiences efficiently.Join the Hotelbeds network&nbsp;Fandom Travellers Are a Power SegmentToday's fandom traveller is highly motivated, deeply informed and often willing to travel long distances and pay premium prices to express their identity through travel.For travel distributors, this represents one of the most valuable opportunities in the modern tourism economy. Whether travelling for a K-pop concert, anime pilgrimage, collectable launch, convention or music event, these travellers are purposeful consumers who book around specific experiences, spend more in destination and actively seek curated, premium offerings.Far from being a niche audience, fandom travellers have become a powerful and growing segment shaping the future of global travel.Discover more trends like this in our Trend Report for Travel Distributors, which unpacks global tourism trends shaping the industry, and how distributors can actively tap into these travel behaviours.

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2026 Travel Trends: Fandom Tourism 

&nbsp;Sustainable travel has become the buzzword of the last few years in the travel industry, and while it’s important to keep pushing towards an industry where sustainability is at the core of all business models, it’s also just as important to aim for more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Single-use plastic-free hotels and experiences are essential when we’re thinking about making tourism a force for good, which is a goal that lies near and dear to us at Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group.&nbsp;In line with this year's World Environment Day, with the theme 'Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Future', it is with increasing urgency that the global travel distribution system address the environmental impact of their operations, especially the presence and reliance on single-use plastics.&nbsp;Why? Plastic pollution and the prevalence of single-use plastics are among the main challenges facing the planet and the tourism industry, as plastic waste decreases the visual appeal of destinations, pollutes the natural environment, and can contribute to poor human and wildlife health.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tourism isn’t the only victim when it comes to single-use plastic waste, but the tourism industry itself is a large contributor to plastic pollution, and it’s time that the industry tackles this problem from the inside - just like our Certified Sustainable Hotels Programme, which now offers around 21,000+ sustainable hotels; 6300+ of which are single-use plastic-free.&nbsp;Read on for key reasons why travel distributors should be offering sustainable, single-use plastic-free hotels in today's travel landscape, and how Hotelbeds, as part of HBX Group, enables seamless distribution of sustainable travel and single-use plastic-free hotels.&nbsp;Meet The Demands of Today’s (and Tomorrow’s) TravellerHighlighting more sustainable hotels and travel options at the start of the booking process encourages travellers to make eco-friendly choices. This collaborative effort within the industry can help transform the typical traveller into a more sustainable one.&nbsp;So, who is it that you are trying to attract with these sustainable travel offerings?:&nbsp;Over 80% of global travellers consistently identify sustainable travel as an important factor (according to recent Statista reports).&nbsp;Gen Z and Millennials: are highly focused on transparency and sustainable certifications. These travellers are the most likely to engage in conservation activities, book properties that prioritise sustainability or travel that is immersed in community heritage, natural biodiversity, and authentic, meaningful experiences.&nbsp;Coincidentally, Gen Z is the demographic that spends the most on travel, indicating that, despite inflation, travel remains a top priority in their lives. Thus, providing sustainable travel options can help attract and retain these high-spending customers.&nbsp;Additionally, Millennials comprise about 20% of the world’s population, but contribute around 25% to global consumer spending, which represents significant purchasing power.&nbsp;And with the forecasts that the global sustainable tourism industry is expected to skyrocket over the next decade - due to the increasing impact of eco-conscious travel, verified carbon-reduction frameworks, community-led local tourism and shifting global regulations - there is significant uplift available for businesses who implement successful sustainable tourism opportunities, and who actively partner with businesses and brands with sustainability at the forefront of their business models.&nbsp;Hyatt: Why Does Sustainability Awareness Matter for Hotels?Going single-use plastic-free can be a challenging task for any business in the travel industry, but there is proof that such an aim is not only attainable but significantly rewarding for businesses that do, but that sustainability doesn't have to be inaccessible.&nbsp;With this in mind, Hyatt and HBX Group have partnered to co-create a guest-facing awareness campaign designed to integrate sustainability into the hotel experience.&nbsp;This collaboration with Hyatt and HBX Group reflects the broader industry dynamic, where partnerships across the tourism value chain become essential to meaningful change within the industry. Initiatives like this can extend beyond individual impact and contribute to a more consistent sustainability approach and narrative across businesses, destinations, and travel experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Certified Sustainable Hotels ProgrammeThis rising demand for sustainable hotels and experiences is also something we’ve clearly seen at Hotelbeds in the last few years.&nbsp;As part of our parent company, HBX Group, our Certified Sustainable Hotels Programme started in 2020. Today, this collection of hotels certified as sustainable consists of 21,000+ certified hotels, representing 13,85% of our total Direct Contract Portfolio.&nbsp;Similarly, our collection of single-use plastic-free hotels has expanded significantly from 500 to 6300+, with new properties around the world taking up the pledge to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics from their operations.&nbsp;Additionally, all of these sustainable hotels are easily accessible through the ‘Sustainable Certifications’ filter in our Booking Engine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Only hotels that have attained industry-certified sustainability levels, such as those offered by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or Travalyst, are displayed within this filter on our travel booking platform. The certification information and sustainability data provided by each hotel is also continuously verified and updated in real-time due to direct integration with BeCause, a leading sustainability data platform.&nbsp;This combined with the powerful, data-driven and user-friendly nature of our Booking Engine - which helps streamline daily tasks for travel distributors - means it is easier than ever to find certified sustainable properties for eco-conscious travellers in just a few clicks.&nbsp;Sign up to become a Hotelbeds partner today&nbsp;To access our growing portfolio of sustainable hotels and begin broadening your offerings to the most vital segment out there right now - young, sustainable travellers.&nbsp;Avoid Losing Business As Travel Goes SustainableAs more and more travellers are putting their money where their beliefs are, there is the potential risk that current hotspot destinations producing plastic waste will be left behind by an increasingly eco-conscious market.&nbsp;&nbsp;And for the communities which are so dependent on the revenue generated by tourism, as well as the travel distributors, like you, who are dependent on securing bookings from travellers themselves, keeping up with client demand is key.&nbsp;In fact, there are examples from all around the world, and across many different sectors within the industry, that demonstrate the growing appetite for plastic-free and sustainable travel opportunities:&nbsp;Recycling initiatives aimed at reducing landfill waste have gained significant momentum. For instance, since its launch in 2016, the Refill Not Landfill initiative based in Cambodia has expanded to 20 countries, including Thailand, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, and New Zealand, successfully saving thousands of tons of plastic from the oceans. Additionally, we are partnering with key hotel partners on recycling initiatives that convert discarded pool floats into fabrics.&nbsp;Circular economies are becoming more common, exemplified by Basecamp Maasai Brand (BMB), where discarded mosquito repellent bottles and plastic tanks are transformed by Maasai women into handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, and key rings. Programs like these provide economic benefits to local communities, help preserve cultural heritage, and simultaneously reduce plastic waste in popular tourist destinations, creating memorable experiences for visitors, and sustainable practices for locals.&nbsp;Demand for regenerative tourism and volunteering schemes significantly exceeds the industry's capacity to deliver restorative experiences. It remains an underserved segment of the travel industry and represents a crucial area for achieving much-needed sustainability and social responsibility goals for both local and global communities.Plus, regenerative tourism has become a key touchpoint for luxury travel, where value lies in authentic connection and positive impact. Consider using the Luxury Collection, a select portfolio of 11,500+ exceptional hotels, accessible via the Hotelbeds Booking Engine, to capture bookings from discerning travellers looking for authentic and responsible travel experiences.&nbsp;That said, while as many as 85% of global tourists want more single-use plastic-free alternatives, many travellers can also be quick to respond negatively if these alternatives are not convenient.&nbsp;&nbsp;Innovative solutions in destinations and embedded into travel experiences mean that sustainability becomes accessible and convenient for everyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Notable initiatives around the world and across the travel industry that are embedding sustainability into everyday operations include: destination-wide bans on single-use plastics in Bali and the EU, zero-waste luxury models from brands like Six Senses and Soneva, airline initiatives such as Qantas’ plastic-free flights, and tour operators like G Adventures eliminating disposable plastics across their itineraries.&nbsp;If destinations and travel experience providers do not implement accessible and fully integrated sustainability, and if travel distributors do not promote sustainable hotels and experiences in these regions, the risk of suffering a drop in business as customers choose sustainable alternatives becomes very real.&nbsp;And with around 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic entering aquatic ecosystems (lakes, rivers, seas) around the world every year, reducing the impact of single-use plastic pollution as a result of tourism has never been more important, especially in coastal and island destinations.&nbsp;&nbsp;As our head of Environmental, Social and Governance, Carlota Galvan suggests:&nbsp;"Considering that around 90% of the plastic in the oceans comes from land-based sources and that the annual damage of plastics in marine ecosystems amounts to approximately $13 billion a year, it is essential to be proactive on the issue."&nbsp;So, the motivation is two-fold for travel sellers to offer and promote single-use plastic free and sustainable alternatives to travellers at the very beginning of their travel plans. Not only to help fight the destructive impact of plastic waste, but to continually meet the needs of todays’ traveller, without compromising the traveller of tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;What’s the first step?&nbsp;Accessing a portfolio of thousands of sustainable hotels to offer your clients. And with 6300+ plastic-free hotels, and 21,000+ sustainable hotels participating in our Certified Sustainable Hotels Programme, we at Hotelbeds are in a prime position to offer exactly what your customers are after.&nbsp;Sign up to become one of our valuable partners today to begin optimising your offerings with sustainable properties and access high-value clients all over the world, even in hard-to-reach segments.&nbsp;What are Practical Ways to Help Travellers Avoid Single-Use Plastics?Make sustainable choices the default - use our ‘Sustainable Hotel’ filter in our travel booking platform to quickly find hotels that are certified sustainable. Doing so is a convenient way to capture the approximate 85% of travellers who suggest that sustainable travel is important to them, at the point of booking.&nbsp;Invest in ‘give back’ projects for your company - like tree planting, such as our HBX Group Forest. Or beach clean-ups, like those organised by our parent company HBX Group, in destinations as far-reaching as Shanghai, Mexico, and Mallorca.&nbsp;Partner with single-use plastic-free tour operators - collaborate with tour operators who actively reduce single-use plastic waste in their experiences. This can include encouraging travellers to bring their own reusable bottles or ensuring that plastic-free food and beverage items are provided when necessary.&nbsp;Offer travel experiences with embedded sustainability - such as tours that utilise eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric vehicles, public transport, or bicycles; or experiences that offer regenerative tourism and give-back experiences, operated by local inhabitants and business-owners to maximise their impact.&nbsp;Curate an end-to-end travel itinerary with businesses that have reduced or eliminated single-use plastics. Booking with businesses that are recognised for their sustainable operations at every touchpoint, including airlines and cruises, ensures that sustainability is normalised at the point of booking. This creates more embedded sustainability through the supply chain.&nbsp;Consider partnering with a sustainable reward programme. Nearly half (42%) of all travellers would be more inclined to travel sustainably if they could earn reward points doing so. Real-world initiatives like rewards help to bridge the gap between intention and booking decisions, and enable circular and refill ecosystems.&nbsp;What’s more, according to our platforms, tour operators and travel wholesalers are paving the way when it comes to booking sustainable hotels and experiences in some of our most popular destinations around the world. Which means, that when it comes to influencing travellers to make sustainable choices, travel distributors are essential.&nbsp;Promoting single-use plastic-free hotels is just the first step of many; but it’s certainly a start.&nbsp;Sign up today to access a growing portfolio of certified sustainable and single-use plastic-free hotels and attract the increasingly eco-conscious traveller of today and tomorrow.&nbsp;Sign up to become a Hotelbeds partner today&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Single-Use Plastic-Free Hotels: How Travel Distributors Can Appeal to Sustainable Travellers

&nbsp;Did you know that around 80% of global travellers have suggested that sustainability is important to them?&nbsp;&nbsp;And considering that this year’s theme for World Environment Day was Climate Action, centreing on the need to accelerate sustainable and climate-positive solutions, 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 ProgrammeSince its beginnings in 2020 our Sustainable Hotels Programme, offered as part of HBX Group, has continued to grow in size alongside the demand for sustainable travel offerings by today's travellers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, this collection of hotels certified as sustainable consists of 10,000+ memorable hotels, resorts and accommodations in stunning destinations around the world. This represents 13.7% of our directly contracted hotel portfolio.&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly, our collection of single-use plastic-free hotels has expanded significantly from 500 to 6500+, with new properties around the world taking up the pledge to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics from their operations.&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;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;This certification must have been provided by industry-leading organisations such as the World Tourism and Trade Council (WTTC) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC); alternatively, these hotels have developed sustainability programmes of their own, with equal or higher sustainability standards.&nbsp;As such, to be considered elligible for our Sustainable Hotels Programme, each hotel must be validated via a specific methodology that fully complies with European regulatory requirements, meaning:All ESG dimensions must be assessed (not only environmental criteria), andThe certification must be validated by an independent third party.&nbsp;Hotels can achieve one or &nbsp;can be achieved 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;This means that, by selecting 'Sustainable Hotels' in our booking platform, 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 thousands of sustainable hotels!&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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 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 6500+ 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 benefiting from targeted and seasonal campaigns to help you uplift your bookings.&nbsp;Sustainable Travel and HBX Group 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:Beach and forest clean-up activities through corporate volunteering.Launch of an environmental campaign in partnership with Hyatt across their hotels in the Balearic and Canary Islands.Recognition as a circular economy company by CAEB.Renewal, for another year, of our ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification.Ongoing work on the Sustainable Mobility Plan for our Palma de Mallorca headquarters.&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

Experiential travel has been on the rise for several years now. In 2026, it’s still going strong and taking new forms, as the definition of “experience” evolves. This article highlights “Journey as the Experience,” one of the key trends of our 2026 Travel Trends Report, a free-to-download resource for global travel distributors.&nbsp;According to this trend, the journey is no longer just a way to get from point A to point B but an important part of the travel experience, whether that’s through a road trip or a scenic ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;To capture bookings from travellers looking for trips that align with this notion of the “Journey as the Experience” trend, travel distributors can design itineraries that focus not only on the destination, but on the journey as a whole.&nbsp;Travel trends for Distributors: What does “Journey as the Experience” Mean?For the journey to be seen as an experience, it needs to be positioned that way.&nbsp;&nbsp;For travel distributors, catering to this travel trend means rethinking how itineraries are presented and packaged:&nbsp;Highlighting how transfers and car hire (bus trips, rail journeys, or self-drive) add to the trip: whether that’s with a scenic view, comfort, or excellent service.Designing journeys with stopovers: in authentic, lesser-known destinations.Diversifying activity and destination portfolios: to appeal to different travel styles, so you’re able to offer the most suitable accommodation, activity, and transfer options.&nbsp;Travel experiences to highlight for journey-centric tripsThis travel trend is all about scenic routes over the fastest ones. Travellers want to enjoy memorable views and a stronger sense of place along the way, not just at the destination.&nbsp;Here is how this applies to different types of trips and segments:Multi-modal and multi-location tripsAccording to recent statistics, over half of travellers were more interested in exploring new places compared to two years ago. This suggests that they would be more willing to embrace the journey, whether that means taking less direct routes, adding stopovers, or discovering destinations along the way.&nbsp;Case in point: if you’re planning a trip from Paris to Lyon for your clients, think about how the experience changes if you choose a scenic route over the fast train. Along the way, you can organise vineyard visits in Burgundy, a tour of the Palace of Versailles, and stops in lesser-known villages.&nbsp;&nbsp;For transportation, you can then select a mix of buses, shuttles, or transfers that fit your clients’ travel style and needs. As a result, you get a journey filled with experiences, instead of one journey which might skip over memorable in-destination moments, which are all-important to today's traveller.&nbsp;How Hotelbeds can help: Our travel distributor partners get to choose from 150+ car hire suppliers, worldwide transfer routes, and 23,000+ in-destination experiences to enrich and extend any trip.&nbsp;Slow travel and responsible experiencesAs destinations invest in expanding their off-season tourism offers and travellers prioritise responsible experiences, slow travel remains prominent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar to the previous years, travel is less about visiting the most popular places and more about meaningful experiences.&nbsp;Along their journey, travellers will be interested in responsible travel experiences that align with their interests. Some examples are:&nbsp;Visiting local markets and buying authentic souvenirs.Staying in eco-friendly accommodation.Connecting with nature: such as stopping for a hike or visiting a waterfall on the way.“Live like a local” experiences: such as participating in local events that aren’t necessarily known by tourists.&nbsp;How Hotelbeds can help: Hotelbeds operates in 170+ countries, both across major cities and lesser-known places. By signing up, travel distributors can access a broad inventory of accommodation, transfers, and activities.&nbsp;Access a global travel portfolio as a Hotelbeds partner&nbsp;Luxury at SeaRecent years have also seen renowned luxury hotel brands expand further into the cruise segment. If your clients are luxury travellers, cruises that go beyond the usual hotspots might be of particular interest.&nbsp;A good example comes from Four Seasons Yachts, which prides itself on combining exploration and exclusivity. Besides spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalised service, it has created itineraries beyond the expected. Its Greek island cruises don’t just go to Santorini and Mykonos, they take visitors to spots like Hydra, Paros, and Milos, which enriches both the journey and the experience.&nbsp;How Hotelbeds can help: Through The Luxury Collection, our exclusive portfolio of exceptional stays and experiences, complete with guaranteed booking benefits and concierge services, Hotelbeds offers carefully vetted luxury hotels around the world, including in cruise departure cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Discover more about how Hotelbeds empowers you to cater for luxury travel.&nbsp;Opportunities for travel distributorsHere are four steps to position the journey as the experience and capture more bookings from experiential-driven travellers as part of this growing travel trend.1. Create narrative-driven journeysThink about what’s unique in the route you’re offering and build a narrative on top of it. It can be the views from the bus, the scenic villages you’ll visit, or the bucket list activities on the way. This will help you tell a story that resonates with travellers.&nbsp;For example, instead of “bus and shuttle transfers from Paris to Lyon,” you could say “a journey from Paris to Lyon through the French countryside, with rolling vineyard landscapes, village dinners, and boutique hotel accommodation.”2. Plan for personalised, authentic travel experiencesThere are many personalisation opportunities in journey-driven trips. For example, on a Tuscany trip, wine lovers would love visiting the region’s vineyards, while culture-focused travellers would be interested in UNESCO-listed sites like Val d’Orcia.3. Position the journey as the highlightInstead of focusing only on destinations, let the journey take the spotlight in your “Journey as the Experience” packages. Consider working these into your offer:&nbsp;What will travellers see, do, and eat on the way?How does this help them slow down and enjoy new experiences?Why is this experience richer compared to a single-destination experience?&nbsp;4. Offer seamless packages with travel partnersFor the “journey” part of the trip to be smooth, you need reliable car hire, shuttle bus, and transfer partners in various destinations. Partnering with an expert in global travel distribution solutions, just like Hotelbeds as part of HBX Group, helps you find reliable partners around the world.Hotelbeds as your “Journey as an Experience” partnerAs a provider of B2B distribution solutions for travel and tourism, Hotelbeds connects you with industry partners and offers a wide range of benefits. These include:&nbsp;Exclusive hotel prices and availability: When you join Hotelbeds, you access hotels that are part of our Preferred Partner Programme. These hotels have special deals with Hotelbeds, meaning they agree to offer exclusive rates and availability to our partners.&nbsp;Brand reputation and excellent customer service: We carefully vet all our travel partners, including hotels in our Preferred Partner Programme. This minimises last-minute availability issues and rate discrepancies, while improving your clients’ experience.&nbsp;Thousands of global transfer routes: Access our transfer portfolio, which includes private cars, shuttle buses, and VIP options. We also offer car hire services, with our partnerships extending to 150+ suppliers.&nbsp;23,000+in-destination travel experiences: From guided tours to museum passes, offer a wide range of activities around the world to enrich your customers' stay and streamline their booking journey.&nbsp;A central point for all your operations: Book accommodation, experiences, and transfers in one place. In addition to this, access data and insights on what's performing in your market and tools to increase your profitability with Insights.Sign up for Hotelbeds to access partner-only benefitsBecome a Hotelbeds partner to access our worldwide inventory, data tailored to your market and business, and expert advice from our destination experts.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can also benefit from access to the expert services offered as part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem, designed to reduce friction and empower travel businesses across the industry.Become a Hotelbeds partner today&nbsp;&nbsp;

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hotelbeds 2026 travel trends journey as the experience

2026 Travel Trends: The Journey as the Experience

Executive SummaryFrom its origins as a one-man company operating out of a small apartment in Toronto in the 1970s, Goway Travel have expanded into a global tour operator specialising in ‘tailor-made’ vacations on a global scale.&nbsp;When Goway Travel partnered with Hotelbeds in 2011, they were in the midst of expanding beyond their long‑standing focus on Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Their ambition required a partner that could instantly connect them to global markets and provide the scale, stability, and availability needed to compete internationally.&nbsp;Hotelbeds, as part of the global travel ecosystem HBX Group, offered exactly that: broad global distribution, strong destination coverage, and instant access through seamless API connectivity. For Goway Travel, this meant the difference between being constrained by limited regional supply and being able to activate new destinations at speed.&nbsp;The Challenge: Manual Processes Hindering GrowthWe spoke to Sacha St Germain, Director of Technical Development at Goway Travel, who suggested that before working with Hotelbeds, Goway Travel’s business model depended heavily on manual workflows. Contracting processes were conducted via email, with rates loaded manually into internal systems, which was labour-intensive and limited operational speed alongside Goway Travel’s scalability.&nbsp;“We were working with other companies,” Sacha revealed, “but we didn’t have an API connection.” Everything was manual for Goway Travel, including retrieving online content and re-entering it in-house: “We had to log online and then go and double-handle it somewhere else.”&nbsp;This introduced delays, errors, and inefficiencies, all of which became increasingly problematic as the company sought to expand beyond its traditional core.&nbsp;By choosing Hotelbeds, Goway Travel secured a partner capable of sustaining their global ambitions while giving them the technological capability to scale operations without proportionally scaling workload.&nbsp;Why Choose Hotelbeds? Connectivity, Automation &amp; ReliabilityWith a strong desire to grow globally, but with manual processes and a lack of API connectivity holding Goway Travel back, they needed a partner that could provide both instant availability and reliable access to new markets. A technology‑driven partner capable of eliminating friction, reducing turnaround times, and enabling real‑time operations.&nbsp;“We needed to ensure that we could have instant availability to many destinations… we were branching out globally and needed a partner that could help us be globally connected.”&nbsp;Hotelbeds provided the critical infrastructure to solve these challenges through automation, connectivity, and a global product inventory.&nbsp;By partnering with Hotelbeds, Goway Travel secured that ‘breakthrough’ moment of automation: “[This partnership] allowed us to skip that step and was our first foray into automation”, marking their entry into more efficient, scalable, and technology-enabled operations.&nbsp;With the introduction of a handful of our time-saving distribution tools and services, Goway Travel were able to increase their operational efficiency significantly:&nbsp;API-driven connectivity: This eliminated manual steps and provided live access to availability, pricing, and inventory, dramatically improving speed‑to‑market and reducing errors.A global inventory aligned with Goway Travel’s expansion goals.Hotelbeds' broad, global reach: Allowing Goway Travel to scale into new regions without needing to onboard separate suppliers for each market.Real-time availability and rate reliability: This ensured Goway Travel could make faster, more accurate commitments to customers and tour operators.&nbsp;The shift from manual to automated workflows did more than streamline tasks; it allowed Goway Travel to focus on growth strategy rather than administrative burdens and inefficient operational structures.&nbsp;Sign up today to become a Hotelbeds partner&nbsp;Maintaining a Collaborative Working RelationshipSales &amp; Commercial CollaborationThrough regular monthly meetings with Hotelbeds, Goway Travel receives ongoing updates, strategic market insights, and forward‑looking recommendations. This proactive approach keeps Goway Travel informed about upcoming opportunities, product developments, and emerging destinations — ensuring they stay ahead of market trends.&nbsp;Sacha commented that the relationship has been nothing but respect: “I have nothing but respect for everybody from our sales side in our day-to-day dealings [and] meetings to keep us apprised of what's new, always prompting us to see what's coming down the pipeline, what we should be doing to keep active, to keep ahead of the curve.”&nbsp;This hands-on partnership model has become a defining strength of Hotelbeds’ relationship with Goway Travel. By offering technical guidance alongside commercial support, Hotelbeds has, and will continue to empower Goway Travel to learn to operate in more agile ways as they enter new markets and scale operations.Technical SupportHotelbeds' technical and strategy management teams offer swift troubleshooting and deep expertise in connectivity and system integrations, which helped to combat the lack of extensive in-house tech resources restricting Goway Travel’s growth. Throughout their growth, this support from Hotelbeds has been critical in helping Goway Travel maintain smooth operations and adopt new capabilities confidently.&nbsp;Sacha commented that this working relationship is inherently respectful, while Hotelbeds provided critical support for integrations and troubleshooting; “We rely on our partner to help us out in that front.”&nbsp;This partnership model, combining commercial insight with technical enablement, has given Goway Travel the structure required to innovate continuously while feeling fully supported, which is key in today’s evolving landscape.&nbsp;Global Availability that Enabled International ExpansionMoving from a regional product specialist to a global operator requires inventory; something that Hotelbeds was well-positioned to offer. The breadth of Hotelbeds’ product inventory and the numerous countries where we have product available allowed Goway Travel to expand with confidence in a working relationship led by cooperation.&nbsp;By accessing a wider product range and reliable travel distribution technology via Hotelbeds, Goway Travel was able to compete in new markets, reduce operational barriers and accelerate market entry: “The experience has been great because everybody has partnered with us to help us work through how to do things bigger, faster, better”, suggested Sacha.&nbsp;This was particularly relevant when considering the complexities of navigating global contracting: “We started life as a South Pacific player, and we've grown globally, and we couldn't have done it without [this partnership]helping us along the way”, revealed Sacha, highlighting that the global availability provided by Hotelbeds was a significant enabler of Goway Travel’s geographic expansion.&nbsp;With Hotelbeds’ support, Goway Travel adopted new technologies, improved system stability, and embraced automation across their organisation. This resulted in an increased capability of adapting to new and evolving travel trends and consumer expectations, especially in emerging destinations.Strategic Impact: Enabling Company‑Wide GrowthOverall, Goway Travel’s partnership with Hotelbeds has influenced not only their accommodation strategy, but also their wider organisational approach to technology. As their first experience with API connectivity, Hotelbeds became the blueprint for how Goway Travel integrates with other sectors — from hotels to transportation and experiences.&nbsp;As Sacha commented, “[The partnership has] helped us not just with hotels and our increasing bookings, but on other aspects of our business as well, whether it's been connecting API, with our own company and our own office, [or] car rental companies.”&nbsp;A Deeper Understanding of Industry DirectionWorking with Hotelbeds helped Goway Travel understand emerging travel technology trends, including where the market was moving and how they needed to adapt: “[This partnership] has helped us with understanding what the market is, where the market's going, what we need to do on our side to become more technical; to understand how to connect everything.”&nbsp;This allowed deliberate expansion and growth for Goway Travel, enabling them to align their goals with the state of the current landscape and where the most appropriate opportunities for them as a business.Scalable Workflows across Multiple Product TypesThe automation capabilities unlocked by Hotelbeds enabled Goway Travel to expand into diverse travel verticals without overwhelming internal teams.&nbsp;Future Outlook“The level of support and guidance that has provided to us over the years has been excellent,” Sacha commented, further revealing that “HBX Group is going to play a role in helping Goway Travel expand, not just in destinations, but the method that people want to travel in the future.”&nbsp;Looking ahead, Goway Travel views Hotelbeds as a central partner in expanding not just where their customers travel, but how they travel. The future of the partnership will focus on enriching experiences, growing niche segments, and adapting to evolving market trends.&nbsp;From luxury travel expansion or multi-destination bookings and journeys, to capitalising on secondary and emerging markets, Hotelbeds’ expanding ecosystem supports Goway Travel’s strategy of offering complete, end-to-end travel experiences. As traveller expectations evolve, Hotelbeds, and the wider HBX Group system, will continue empowering Goway Travel with the technology, product, and expertise to grow, diversify, and innovate.&nbsp;Sacha mentioned that this is all with the view of “getting that instant availability and visibility, to not just the primary destinations... but all the secondary [destinations] that everybody wants to escape to today”, suggesting that, ultimately, when it comes to expansion, “HBX Group has got the product to help us get there.”ConclusionThe partnership between Hotelbeds and Goway Travel demonstrates the transformative power of strategic collaboration. With reliable technology, real-time connectivity, and global product depth, Hotelbeds enabled Goway Travel to scale beyond regional boundaries and evolve into a leading global travel company.&nbsp;As part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem – a leading global B2B TravelTech company – Hotelbeds is a dedicated B2B TravelTech partner for online travel distributors, wholesalers, suppliers and destinations.&nbsp;Hotelbeds connects travel distributors to an expansive portfolio of travel products and solutions via HBX Group, including accommodation, payment solutions, mobility services and experiences, to local and global brands, empowering our partners, no matter their sector, to satisfy the growing needs of the end traveller:&nbsp;Presence in 170+ countries worldwide – with 300,000+ hotels and 23,000+ in-destination experiences, global transfer route coverage and car hire.Access to dedicated Account Managers, whose goal is your growth.Expert sourcing and destination teams, 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, and the wider HBX Group ecosystem.&nbsp;Sign up today to see how we can optimise your success in the ever-evolving world of travel.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sign up today to become a Hotelbeds partner&nbsp;

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Hotelbeds Goway Travel strategic partnership

Strategic Partnership: How Hotelbeds and Goway Travel Drove Global Growth Through Innovation

&nbsp;When pricing packages as a tour operator, you need to factor in fluctuating accommodation rates, demand, airline fares, taxes, currency shifts, and more.&nbsp;A fixed pricing model doesn’t account for fluctuations, which means your prices can quickly become misaligned with real market conditions. As a result, you risk either eroding your margins or losing competitiveness.&nbsp;Dynamic pricing helps you adopt a smarter strategy and adjust your rates based on demand, availability, and similar factors.Why dynamic pricing is now essentialDynamic pricing means your rates are adjusted based on real-time demand, availability, seasonality, and market conditions.&nbsp;Here’s an example: let’s say you’re organising a culinary tour in Tuscany. With dynamic pricing in place, your tour will be priced lower off-season and higher when there are food festivals in the region. This allows you to:&nbsp;Protect margins: You’re already aware of the challenges that come with the fluctuating costs in the industry, such as flight fares, hotel rates, and demand affecting your profitability. Dynamic pricing helps you factor in these variables in your pricing and maximise your revenue.&nbsp;Respond to market changes: If an airline launches a new route to a destination you operate in and increases demand for your tour, dynamic pricing can automatically adjust your rates to reflect the market. Overall, you’ll be better prepared for factors outside your control, including weather conditions, competitor promotions, and local events.&nbsp;Offer competitive pricing: Many airlines and hotels already use dynamic pricing to adjust their prices in real-time, based on demand. Scaling beyond static pricing means you’re more aligned with their rates and are charging according to demand.Practical tips for implementing dynamic pricingYou don’t need to change all your strategy and systems overnight to get started with dynamic pricing. Instead, follow a structured approach, so the process is manageable.&nbsp;Here are some tips:Understand the logic behind dynamic pricingStart by identifying the products, tours, and destinations most exposed to volatility. For example, according to the European Commission, Croatia and Greece experience high tourism seasonality, meaning visitor numbers vary significantly throughout the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tour operators using dynamic pricing likely increase prices during peak travel periods and adjust them downward during slower seasons. Lower off-season pricing helps the destination’s economy during slower periods, generates revenue for the operators, and encourages sustainable travel, especially when overtourism remains a problem.&nbsp;Other volatility signs could include:Event or festival travel, where demand increases around specific dates.Time or weather-dependent travel, such as seasonal wildlife migrations or Northern Lights.Tours which are dependent on airline connectivity.Destinations sensitive to geopolitical developments, economic changes, or travel advisories.Tours with short booking windows.Last-minute availability.Use data insights to define pricing thresholds and triggersData can help you define clear pricing patterns for when to increase or decrease rates. For example, if a tour is underperforming and the departure date is approaching, you may choose to activate promotions to encourage some last-minute bookings. Look out for data related to:Occupancy levels.Booking pace.Lead times.Seasonal demand patterns.Cancellation trends.Align pricing strategies across teams.&nbsp;Make sure all teams are aware of the pricing strategy and its core rules. For example, you may set rules for:Minimum price (the lowest level a product can be sold for without harming profitability).Maximum price (the upper limit, ensuring pricing remains competitive and aligned with market expectations).Monitor performance regularlyReview performance regularly to assess what’s working and what isn’t. This way, you can refine pricing rules if needed, or adjust them based on data.Reduce complexity and risk with trusted travel partnersRelying on spreadsheets or manual processes may work early on, but as your product range and distribution channels grow, it becomes more time-consuming. Use revenue management software, booking platforms, and data-driven systems to streamline your operations.How Hotelbeds supports smarter pricing decisionsWith its global travel distribution solutions, Hotelbeds can support your pricing strategy, including dynamic pricing.Global portfolio with real-time ratesTour operators working with Hotelbeds have access to a broad portfolio of 300,000+ hotels, 23,000+ experiences, and 150+ car rental companies around the world. All the rates you’ll see on the platform are updated in real-time, which makes it easier to create packages with competitive prices.Data-driven insightsHotelbeds partners have the potential to grow their annual booking value by up to 10x, with the help of our destination experts. Our partners have access to the following data, which is essential for dynamic pricing and smart operations:Competitor analysis.Destination and product performance.Personalised sales recommendations.Corridor optimisation.Products with optimal coverage.A Powerful API suiteWith our API solutions, you can streamline booking management and minimise manual processes, including updating prices on your website, CRM, and the various OTAs you work with. In other words, your prices will be updated in real-time across all sales channels.Expert teamsHotelbeds partners get a dedicated account manager and access to a team of destination experts. They’ll identify growth opportunities, share insights tailored to your business, and inform you about upcoming promotions you may benefit from.&nbsp;A closer look at Hotelbeds’ tour operator solutionsOur B2B solutions for tour operators support your backend while you focus on creating unforgettable travel experiences for your clients. Working with over 60,000 travel distributors, our platform powers:A global portfolio in 170+ countries.Advanced technologies to support over 7 billion searches daily.An API suite with a response accuracy of at least 91%.Strong relationships with travel partners, including our Preferred Partner hotels, offering exclusive rates.Destination experts ready to help at all times.Personalised data and recommendations through Insights, our dedicated travel data tool.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up to become our B2B travel partnerOur global tour operators access our full inventory, our data intelligence via Insights, and smart pricing strategies. We’re able to offer the best prices thanks to our destination experts, who negotiate exclusive contracts with various travel partners.&nbsp;Sign up here to join us and grow your business with tailored, data-driven tour operator services.&nbsp;

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Hotelbeds tour operators and dynamic pricing

Tour Operator Solutions: Dynamic Pricing with Hotelbeds

Executive SummaryTraveloka is a leading travel platform in Southeast Asia, with 50 million monthly active users in Asia-Pacific and other regions. It offers flights, accommodations, transfers, and activities to travellers with diverse budgets and interests.&nbsp;&nbsp;Traveloka's partnership with Hotelbeds as part of HBX Group, a leading B2B travel marketplace, dates back to 2017. The collaboration began at a key stage in Traveloka’s growth, when the company was preparing to expand beyond its native Southeast Asia.&nbsp;To make sure it could offer its clients the best possible options, Traveloka was looking for a global travel partner with solid technologies. Hotelbeds’ extensive portfolio, reliable API technologies, and expert teams stood out, and a long-standing travel tech partnership started.&nbsp;Today, Traveloka operates in more than 100 countries, and its partnership with Hotelbeds, as part of HBX Group, remains focused on growth, especially following their new strategic agreement announced in 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this case study, learn more about how Hotelbeds helped Traveloka achieve its goals and how the partnership has evolved.The Challenge: Why did Traveloka choose Hotelbeds?Traveloka started as a flight OTA in Southeast Asia and then expanded its offerings into accommodations, attractions, and transfers.&nbsp;By 2017, five years after its founding, the company had established itself as a strong operator across the region. The next step was to expand into new markets, including the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, to give their clients more options.&nbsp;When we spoke to Tejveer Singh Bedi, Vice President at Traveloka about the partnership, he suggested that “early on in the partnership, Traveloka was consolidating in Southeast Asia, so our travellers needed options for when they were travelling outside of Southeast Asia... this is where Hotelbeds [part of HBX Group] really helped us.”&nbsp;To achieve their expansion goals, Traveloka needed stable connectivity, reliable API technology, and high-quality inventory from all over the world; and they also required a partner that would help them scale their offering in order to expand into a global tour operator.&nbsp;Tejveer suggested this was achieved through the partnership with Hotelbeds, which continues to this day. At the same time, the company recognised that travellers’ needs varied across markets and segments.&nbsp;Combined, all these requirements meant that Traveloka needed a global partner with strong industry expertise in travel distribution.&nbsp;“With the experience and technology they have, Hotelbeds [part of HBX Group] will be able to scale your business when you talk about your goals and give them the best insights,” Tejveer detailed, highlighting the high impact of utilising the scale of Hotelbeds’ supply scale when it is precision-merchandised, when the partnership is founded on a clear goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;This resulted in the consequent positive trajectory towards the goals outlined at the beginning of the partnership that Traveloka enjoyed.&nbsp;The Solution: Hotelbeds’ global portfolio, API technologies, and expertsHotelbeds’ solutions were a natural fit, as they ticked all the boxes for Traveloka:Global portfolio: Hotelbeds expansive portfolio includes 300,000+ hotels, 23,000+ experiences, and transfer services in over 170 countries. As part of its tour operator solutions, it provides partners with exclusive rates and guaranteed availability across its portfolio.&nbsp;API connectivity: Stable API connectivity was one of Traveloka’s priorities when they started working with Hotelbeds. They wanted to integrate global inventory while ensuring that pricing, availability, and other data remained accurate and consistent for users. Hotelbeds’ three APIs supported this across hotels, activities, and transfers.&nbsp;Expert teams: Hotelbeds’ account managers, destination experts, and tech teams were invested in Traveloka’s success from day one. Throughout the partnership, Traveloka collaborated with experienced product and commercial leaders, whose insights helped the company break into its target markets.&nbsp;When asked about the experience of working with Hotelbeds through HBX Group, Tejveer said in conversation with us that professionalism was the “first word” he could think of.&nbsp;“Whether it’s the commercial or product leaders, [Hotelbeds] bring a lot of experience and understand the travel market and the hotel business deeply. Their insights have been extremely valuable to us,” he continued.&nbsp;Combined with advanced API technologies, this expertise has been nurturing the partnership since 2017.&nbsp;The Results: Global expansion with 100+ countriesThroughout its ongoing partnership with Hotelbeds, Traveloka succeeded in expanding beyond Southeast Asia, offering hotels and experiences in over 100 countries, and car rentals and airport transfers in over 20 countries.&nbsp;In 2025, Traveloka opened three new offices in Japan, South Korea, and Australia, adding these markets to its focus alongside Southeast Asia.&nbsp;&nbsp;By providing relevant inventory, Hotelbeds supported Traveloka’s entry into these markets: “Hotelbeds helped us with our penetration into these markets, by helping us get access to relevant chain and non-chain inventory, and making sure that our customers had the best options,” Tejveer revealed.&nbsp;While expanding into new markets and broadening its portfolio, Traveloka also continued growing in Southeast Asia. In 2026, the long-standing Traveloka – HBX Group Partnership reached a new milestone when Traveloka integrated its Southeast Asia and APAC portfolio into HBX Group’s platform.&nbsp;“HBX Group’s strength in global inventory and our strength in Southeast Asia go hand in hand. Now, HBX Group partners can access Traveloka inventory, which has world-class price competitiveness and options in Southeast Asia. This partnership means both companies can grow while providing a wider range of options,” said Tejveer Singh Bedi.&nbsp;Looking Forward: Many more years of mutual growthFor nine years and counting, Traveloka has benefited from HBX Group’s B2B travel distribution solutions, including worldwide inventory, advanced technologies, and expert teams invested in their growth. Traveloka successfully expanded into new markets while strengthening its operations further in Southeast Asia.&nbsp;Tejveer Singh Bedi recommends travel businesses to explore partnerships with the HBX Group: “Partnering with HBX Group should start with a goal. Whether your goal is to get access to a global inventory or scale in a particular market, share your insights with the HBX Group team. This will make sure the partnership is targeted and goal-oriented.”&nbsp;The future looks bright, as the next chapter of the partnership will combine the strengths of both companies to help even more travellers.&nbsp;Ready to explore a partnership rooted in mutual growth? Sign up with Hotelbeds and tell the team what you’d like to achieve for your travel business.&nbsp;Sign up today to become a Hotelbeds partner&nbsp;

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strategic partnership traveloka and hotelbeds 

Strategic Partnership: How Hotelbeds Supported Traveloka’s Global Expansion

&nbsp;In today’s rapidly evolving travel industry, Online Travel Agents (OTAs) face increasing levels of competition. From direct bookings through hotel websites to global giants dominating the market share, the landscape is fiercely contested.Navigating the Challenges of Intense Competition in the OTA MarketThe online travel industry is more competitive than ever. According to a report from Phocuswright, online travel bookings surpassed $1 trillion during 2025, growing faster than offline channels across all major regions, according to Phocuswright's recent Travel Forward: Data, Insights &amp; Trends for 2026 report.&nbsp;However, this expanding market has also intensified competition among OTAs, leading to a crowded landscape where differentiating oneself is increasingly difficult.&nbsp;With rising competition from social commerce platforms, AI-driven bookings, short-term rentals, and increasing efforts from hotels to raise direct-channel bookings, online travel agents are experiencing increasing levels of competition in today's travel landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alongside increasing digital adoption, challenging traditional distribution, and direct supplier bookings applying ever-more pressure, acquisition costs are rising too, creating a highly competitive and threat-heavy landscape for OTAs to navigate.&nbsp;But with Phocuswright suggesting a gross booking value of $408 billion driven by OTAs in 2025, maintaining hold in spite of supplier pushback, and around 50% of travellers using OTAs while planning or booking international trips, according to Tourism Economics, the battle for visibility is worth it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why Is Price the Question for Today's Travellers?Despite forecasts that global travel demand will not slow, price is a major motivator for today's travellers, with high travel costs as a leading deterrent for 52% of respondents to a recent survey conducted by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail. Price, therefore, is a constant challenge for OTAs, with many travellers prioritising this factor when choosing where to book, and comparing multiple platforms before making a decision.&nbsp;This consideration in price-sensitive bookings intensifies the competition between OTAs and travel distributors, further squeezing margins and making it harder for OTAs, among other distributors, to differentiate based on value alone.&nbsp;In such an environment, offering competitive prices is no longer enough. To thrive, OTAs must be comprehensive themselves, meeting the flexible needs of today's traveller with relevant, personalised opportunities that capture the right audience where they are, with the product they want.&nbsp;&nbsp;To do this, you need exclusive inventory and strong supplier relationships, and a partner that can navigate an increasingly fragmented travel industry to create connections and streamline the booking journey—for both travellers and distributors.&nbsp;This is where Hotelbeds becomes an essential partner, empowering OTAs to stand out and succeed.&nbsp;Why Choose Hotelbeds? Unique Positioning in the Global MarketHotelbeds holds a distinctive position within the travel ecosystem, which is a strength that our Online Travel Agent partners can tap into.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a provider of distribution services for travel distributors and intermediaries across the industry, Hotelbeds offers access to an extensive inventory of accommodation options, in-destination experiences, transfers, car rentals and hire.&nbsp;This vast and diverse inventory allows online travel agents, tour operators and wholesalers to provide travellers with a wide array of options, often including exclusive rates and inventory not available via other direct booking means.&nbsp;Being able to better meet evolving traveller needs is especially important to retain relevance and competitiveness as new digital channels, such as social commerce, step into the traditional supply chain.Success Stories: Differentiation Through HotelbedsMany OTAs have harnessed Hotelbeds’ offerings to carve out a unique space in the crowded travel market. For example:&nbsp;Discover how tiket.com benefitted from highly competitive, often exclusive rates, expertly negotiated by our experienced sourcing teams with on-the-ground, local knowledge in order to to increase their presence within international markets.&nbsp;Read the full partnership story here.&nbsp;Or see how the partnership between lastminute.com and Hotelbeds has led to expanded operations, increased revenue, a broader customer base, and international renown for lastminute.com, enabling and empowering them to develop into and remain a leader in European dynamic holiday packages.&nbsp;Read the full partnership story here.&nbsp;These success stories underscore how Online Travel Agents leveraging Hotelbeds’ inventory, distribution solutions and support from our expert teams, can create a distinctive market presence, attract diverse customer segments, and boost revenue.The Power of Strong Supplier RelationshipsAt the heart of Hotelbeds’ value proposition is its focus on building strong, strategic relationships with suppliers.&nbsp;With a focus on optimising the supply chain, Hotelbeds provides OTA solutions that focus on: access to competitive rates, real-time availability, and flexible booking options. This helps OTAs deliver better value to global customers, enhancing that all-important competitive edge.&nbsp;These relationships translate into several competitive advantages for Online Travel Agents:&nbsp;Access to Global Inventory: Hotelbeds’ expansive product inventory ensures that OTAs can offer unique hotel options and rates that are not always available to competitors, giving them a significant edge in today's market, when personalisation and price are key motivators for travellers across markets.Competitive Pricing and Terms: Strong supplier partnerships often result in more favourable rates and flexible booking conditions, enabling OTAs to pass savings to customers while maintaining healthy margins.Differentiated Products: With the Preferred Partnership programme, our expert sourcing teams negotiate directly with a selected portfolio of hotels, offering better commercial conditions, improved availability, and stronger conversion.Priority Access and Flexibility: In high-demand periods, having a close relationship with suppliers means OTAs can secure inventory and special rates that others may not be able to, ensuring they can meet customer expectations even during peak seasons.Reliability and Trust: Long-standing relationships with many of our hotels allow us to help you offer reliable, satisfying experiences to your customers, to foster trust and loyalty.&nbsp;Hotelbeds invests heavily in maintaining these relationships through dedicated account management, supplier onboarding, and continuous collaboration, ensuring their partner OTAs are always well-positioned in the competitive landscape.&nbsp;How Hotelbeds’ Tools and Solutions Empower OTAsHotelbeds offers a suite of innovative tools designed specifically to address the pain points faced by OTAs:&nbsp;API Integration: Seamless integration with your platform allows real-time access to inventory, rates, and availability, ensuring your customers see the most accurate and competitive options.&nbsp;Dynamic Packaging: Combine hotel, transfer, and experiences into customisable packages, enhancing the customer experience and increasing the value of each booking - all from our powerful travel booking platform.&nbsp;Seasonal Campaigns: Capture bookings from international travellers with exclusive global and regional promotional campaigns, equipping our partners with in-demand, competitive offerings. Each campaign benefits from specially negotiated conditions, in line with each campaign’s specific goals.&nbsp;Revenue Optimisation: Advanced algorithms and analytics help OTAs maximise bookings and respond swiftly to market changes, using real-time data provided in our easily accessible Insights tool.&nbsp;Data &amp; Analytics: Insights into customer preferences and booking trends allow you as Online Travel Agents to tailor your offerings, improve targeting, and boost conversion rates.&nbsp;By leveraging these tools, our OTA distribution partners can streamline operations, offer more personalised experiences, and respond agilely to market demands—crucial factors in today’s competitive environment.&nbsp;Why Partnering with Hotelbeds Is a Strategic Move for OTAsIn a market where differentiation is key, partnering with Hotelbeds provides Online Travel Agents with the resources, inventory, and relationships needed to stand out. Here are some compelling reasons:&nbsp;Expand Your Inventory Quickly: Access thousands of properties and travel products globally without the need for extensive supplier negotiations.Offer Exclusive and Competitive Rates: Leverage Hotelbeds’ global inventory and negotiated rates to provide unique booking and experience opportunities to your customers.Enhance Customer Satisfaction: A broader and more diverse inventory allows for tailored options that meet varied customer preferences, building trust and loyalty in a market that values personalisation.Increase Revenue Streams: Easily increase basket value with hotels, experiences, car hire and transfers, through integrated solutions all available in our intuitive booking platform.Stay Ahead of the Competition: Innovative tools and strong supplier ties enable OTAs to be more responsive and flexible in a dynamic market.&nbsp;The travel industry’s competitive landscape demands that travel distributors continually innovate and differentiate themselves. Hotelbeds, with our extensive, exclusive inventory and advanced technological solutions, stands out as a strategic partner capable of helping OTAs carve out their niche, increase market share, and foster long-term growth.&nbsp;By building strong supplier relationships and leveraging Hotelbeds’ tools, OTAs can not only meet customer expectations but exceed them—turning challenges into opportunities and establishing a sustainable competitive advantage.&nbsp;To learn more about how Hotelbeds can help your OTA succeed, sign up with Hotelbeds today to explore the full range of solutions designed to elevate your business, as part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem.&nbsp;Join the Hotelbeds network today&nbsp;You can also download our comprehensive introduction to the distribution solutions offered to our Hotelbeds partners, with our guide below:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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