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Disclaimer: This article was first featured in our annual MarketHub Pulse magazine, published prior to October 2025. For this reason, there may be some discrepancies in details, such as job titles. Access your complimentary copy of MarketHub Pulse Review by clicking here.Across the MarketHub’s three regional events (Asia, February; Europe, April; the Americas, June), the topic of luxury loomed large, with HBX Group’s Chief Distribution Officer, David Amsellem, sharing how the embrace of this lucrative market isn’t just a matter of remaining in profit, but future-proof.Through the Regional Update at the MarketHub Americas (Panama), Amsellem revealed how Panama’s premium property market – 4* and 5* hotels – accounted for 65% and 20% of bookings respectively. With the global luxury travel market projected to reach $2150 billion by 2035 (with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%), what better time to lean in and grasp the opportunity?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a sentiment echoed by HBX Group CEO, Nicolas Huss, who shared via a June press release: ‘Luxury travel is the fastest-growing segment in our industry, [and] we are investing in the future of high-end travel services. By integrating The Luxurist into our global retail portfolio, we're empowering our worldwide network of travel advisors to excel in the luxury segment.’The Luxurist represents one of several actions taken by HBX Group to both accelerate growth for its partners, and to meet the demand of an increasingly discerning audience base: looking to Latin America alone, high-value travellers are driving demonstrable growth, with demand for premium cabins increasing significantly in early 2025. Across the region, bookings of this variety were up 17% year-on-year, with premium flights to Panama increasing by a notable 79% – this was according to ForwardKeys’ Olivier Ponti, who took to the stage to reveal prime opportunities in travel in the coming months, as evidenced by flight bookings.&nbsp;‘It’s not just about bringing travellers to your destination,’ Ponti said, ‘it’s about identifying the biggest opportunities, and in luxury travel, there is a lot to be done. These high-value travellers are driving overall growth [in the LATAM region], but where are they coming from? Mainly the US – Orlando, New York and Miami, but also Bogota and Buenos Aires.’Expanding his view beyond the LATAM region and typical travel corridors, Ponti implored his audience to think bigger, and to explore novel concepts – namely, attractive visa programmes, or simply the correct facilities to host high-spending travellers for the long term; among them, digital nomads and remote workers. ‘These travellers have a high economic impact – if the destinations you work with have such programmes in place, there’s the opportunity to attract those who spend a lot of money and time in a destination.’Destinations crafting policies to appeal to high-spending travellersCuraco: ‘Their ‘At Home in Curacao’ programme is very successful at attracting young professionals and families’, said Ponti, with data revealing that approximately 60% of high-end tourists brought to the region by such policies are aged 45 and under, with a particular concentration in the 26-35 age bracket. Costs for the programme start at approximately $300 USD, depending on the traveller profile, with permits granting stays from 6 months to 5 years, conditional on status (remote workers versus high-net investors).The Cayman Islands: ‘They decided to focus on the older demographic with their ‘Global Citizen Concierge’ programme,’ added Ponti, demonstrating through data that 50% of those partaking in such programmes were aged 46 and upwards. Applications for the Global Citizen Concierge programme ran from October 2020 to October 2022, entitling applicants with an annual income upwards of US$100,000 (plus an application fee of US$1,500) to live and work remotely on the islands for up to two years.&nbsp;‘Looking at the outcome of those programmes, we can see that both have managed to increase expenditure in accommodation and overall, at a destination level,’ shared Ponti. Indeed, ForwardKeys’ figures readily revealed a meaningful year-on-year increase in travel spend for both destinations: an increase of 5.1% for Curacao, and 10.8% for the Cayman Islands. Only a snapshot of a much bigger picture, Ponti’s keynote at the MarketHub Americas hinted at a growing propensity for high-end spending – from which, it would be reasonable to deduce a growing appetite for high-end travel at large. Enter the Luxurist.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Luxurist: Luxury Travel Experiences for Retail Travel Agents&nbsp;As the world’s first all-in-one luxury travel ecosystem, the Luxurist caters to the fastest-growing segment in the travel industry. Those who utilise this powerful arm of the HBX Group product offering will equip themselves with the ability effectively sell a wealth of premium products from a creme de la creme portfolio, including 5000+ exceptional properties; additionally, agents will benefit from the Luxurist’s unique value proposition: exclusive privileges, ranging from welcome treats (such as champagne on arrival) to complimentary late check-out (excluding peak season), and a 24/7 concierge service.&nbsp;&nbsp;Post-MarketHub, the brand has officially integrated into HBX Group’s Retail arm (Bedsonline), and has continued its expansion into key markets such as Spain, Mexico and Australia. Not a luxury specialist? No problem – the Luxurist’s immersion into the wider HBX Group offering empowers travel agents worldwide to excel in offering a premium offering, regardless of their historical brand positioning or client base. Rather, the luxury traveller has been brought into reach, democratising the ability for all agents to capture their share of the high-end wallet.&nbsp;Similarly, all traveller profiles can now sample a taste of affluence, with products across the Group’s wider portfolio able to be cross-sold: via the Bedsonline website, an agent can feasibly mix-and-match their offering, injecting a stint in the lap of luxury to an otherwise more affordable itinerary. For example, one might book-end a 5* resort stay with a couple of nights in a city B&amp;B, where comfort plays second fiddle to convenience; alternatively, travellers may choose to stretch their budget post-backpacking adventure to top off their trip in one of the world’s top-rated hotels. Ancillary products – experiences, transfers, car rentals – can also be booked via the platform, across a range of price points.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ready to lean into luxury? Support your clients in maximising both budget and enjoyment via Bedsonline, or carve out your luxury niche directly with the Luxurist. Learn how in our guide to B2B Travel Solutions for Retail Travel Agencies.&nbsp;See more from the MarketHub in our exclusive magazine, featuring travel insights, interviews with thought leaders, and hot topics from our regional events. Click to access your free copy now.&nbsp;

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Luxury Travel: Tourism's Reigning King?

Luxury Travel: Tourism’s Reigning King?

When we first partnered with Minor Hotels over a decade ago, we recognised we weren’t just supporting another hospitality group, we were becoming part of a long-term vision. As Minor grew from a flagship property in Thailand to a global portfolio across six continents, they consistently redefined what modern hospitality looks like.&nbsp;Recently, Minor Hotels set their sights on something even bigger: a bold expansion into markets like Australia and New Zealand. But even the leading brands face challenges along the way. They encountered familiar distribution challenges like fragmented systems, inconsistent reach, and the growing complexity across channels. That’s where HBX Group stepped in (again).&nbsp;As Fernando Vives, Head of Commercial at Minor Hotels Europe &amp; Americas, explains:'Minor Hotels realised that the partnership that we had built in Europe and Americas with HBX Group was something that could be expanded as it was giving and bringing a lot of benefit to the way we were distributing and how we were able to generate incremental revenues in our hotels. So the first thing that we did was we announced this year the addition to our partnership of our hotels in Australia and New Zealand.' And a few weeks later, they extended the partnership with hotels in Asia.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the story of how HBX Group helped Minor Hotels continue scaling their operations, without compromising control, pricing, or guest experience.&nbsp;About Minor HotelsMinor Hotels is one of the most dynamic hospitality groups in the world, with a strong foundation in sustainability, innovation, and guest-centric service. Since opening their first hotel in 1979 and launching the luxury flagship brand Anantara in 2001, Minor has expanded to 560+ properties across 55 countries. And they're not slowing down.&nbsp;With close to 300 new hotels planned by 2027, they’re set to cross the 850-property mark, which includes branded residences, wellness-focused offerings, and culturally immersive experiences.&nbsp;As they entered the Australasia region and beyond, the need for a reliable distribution partner became more urgent. That’s where our longstanding relationship took on a new purpose.&nbsp;The challenge: From diversification to precisionMinor’s original approach to distribution was rooted in diversification: working with a wide range of channels to ensure maximum reach. But as their revenue management strategies grew more sophisticated, so did the operational demands.&nbsp;They were pushing more than two million rates a day, planning pricing by the hour up to 18 months in advance. Managing that volume across fragmented systems quickly became unsustainable. 'In the end, the complexities that we have in terms of pricing, the complexities that we have in terms of distribution, massively increased,' Vives explains. 'Most of the different channels or partners that we had, had the capability to distribute not only our prices and inventory, but at the same time the right content.'Choosing HBX GroupWhat followed was a deliberate shift. They decided to move from a diversified model to a concentrated distribution strategy, where fewer but stronger partnerships would provide scalability without compromising control.&nbsp;'With this partnership, one of the objectives that we wanted to achieve was first to reduce our maintenance in terms of distribution partners, and to secure our improvement on brand awareness and price consistency,' Vives states.&nbsp;Beyond this, by leveraging HBX Group’s wide B2B channels, their focus was to acquire new clients and drive regional demand with high-value guests. 'Our goal of this agreement is obviously to expand into new markets that we haven’t specifically worked in before,' adds Dan Csortan, Head of Commercial at Minor Pacific. 'Being quite a resource-light organisation, we saw HBX Group as an extension to our sales team and it allowed us to focus on new clients and new markets inbound to the Australasian region.'&nbsp;In 2022, Minor formalised what Vives called a 'concentration of distribution through HBX Group.' This allowed them to simplify operations while gaining autonomy and efficiency.&nbsp;'What we have seen since we signed the strategic agreement with HBX Group has been an improvement on our distribution health score. We have more control over what we distribute, where we are present, and our pricing has gained consistency through the different markets and channels. And this is something that’s benefiting not only us, but the consumer too', shares Vives.&nbsp;&nbsp;The growth was measurable.&nbsp;The outcomes: Measurable, market-driven growthThe impact was immediate and significant. Within just a few months of expanding the partnership:&nbsp;New market penetration: Minor began receiving bookings from previously untapped markets.&nbsp;Distribution consistency: Across all properties, especially those included in HBX Group's preferred partner agreements, pricing became more consistent, and visibility improved.&nbsp;Operational efficiency: With HBX Group acting as an extension of their internal team, Minor could redirect focus to strategy, innovation, and growth.&nbsp;Collaborative innovation: Regular meetings and emails between teams sparked new ideas and market-specific campaigns.&nbsp;Stronger collaboration and innovation: What began as a tactical collaboration evolved into a strategic partnership, fostering idea-sharing and co-creation.&nbsp;Csortan adds, 'Our strategies are certainly coming together, and I'm looking forward to seeing that growth even further.'&nbsp;Two organisations. One team.In a world increasingly driven by automation and AI, the value of real human connection has only grown. 'And for sure, the team at HBX Group is a team that we can say we have a human-to-human connection', states Vives.&nbsp;It’s this collaborative spirit that turns strategy into success. Csortan adds, 'The sourcing team is great, and I see that as an extension to our sales team. We have regular catch-ups every week, and we bounce ideas off each other. But at the end of the day, our goal is the same. To provide further growth for both organisations. It's definitely not a one-way partnership.'&nbsp;Why should you choose HBX Group?Dan summed it up best: 'As a technology partner for us, they’re the obvious choice moving forward for our organisation.'&nbsp;This level of trust and shared purpose is what makes our partnership with Minor Hotels thrive. It’s the kind of relationship we strive to build with every hotel we support.&nbsp;At HBX Group, our mission is to simplify global hotel distribution while empowering hotels to reach their full potential. Over the past five years, we’ve invested heavily in rate intelligence technology, cutting rate leakages by 75% and achieving a rate discrepancy ratio of just 0.005%.&nbsp;Additionally, what you gain when partnering with us:&nbsp;Access to over 60,000 travel distributors worldwide&nbsp;Visibility in 170+ source markets, including long-haul and regional travellers&nbsp;Zero conflict with your direct channels as we sell through trusted B2B partners&nbsp;A dedicated onboarding and support team from day one&nbsp;Just like Minor, once you partner with us, you're never in it alone. If you are ready to grow your hotel with purpose, partner with us today!&nbsp;Register your property

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A Future of Possibility: How HBX Group is Powering Minor Hotels' Global Expansion 

Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year – and it's also a key date for the travel industry. Each year, travellers know they will find exceptional discounts for their future trips. For many, Black Friday is the perfect moment to book those holidays or experiences they’ve been waiting for all year.&nbsp;And how does HBX Group contribute to this? We satisfy this growing demand by offering the best hotels to our extensive network of travel distributors.&nbsp;This is where your property comes in. To help boost hotel room sales, we are once again launching our successful Black Friday campaign – one of the most popular among our hotel partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;Below, you’ll find all the essential details about the campaign and how you can take part to make the most of this opportunity.HBX Group’s Black Friday campaign: Why it’s good for your property&nbsp;To begin with, offering attractive deals during these campaigns is an excellent way to attract guests who tend to stay longer, come from distant markets, and spend more on average.&nbsp;Participating in our campaigns also gives your property visibility to over 60,000 travel distributors worldwide – including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, banking institutions, and more.How do we do it?&nbsp;We implement a wide range of promotional actions, including mass email campaigns, banner placements on our booking engines, dedicated landing pages, and social media promotion, among other initiatives. In this way, we reach a global audience eager to take advantage of this highly beneficial campaign.&nbsp;Targeted exposure: We use smart data and local insights to connect your hotel with the right type of traveller, at the right time, with the right offer – helping you stand out where it matters most.&nbsp;Increased visibility: The better your offer aligns with the campaign’s focus, the more exposure you’ll receive across landing pages, sales emails, banners, and more – all in multiple languages and promoted in over 190 countries.&nbsp;Open to all hotels: Our campaigns are open to any property that meets the relevant criteria – regardless of size, category, or location. Whether you’re a boutique retreat, a city business hotel, or a luxury resort, Black Friday is your chance to increase room nights, attract new guests, and appeal to travellers seeking extraordinary deals on extraordinary stays.&nbsp;Communication channels: Clients will see your property featured across landing pages, banners within Bedsonline’s booking engine for retail agencies and Hotelbeds’ platform for wholesale clients, sales emails, newsletters, and social media campaigns, among other channels.&nbsp;Track your impact: After the campaign, you’ll receive a performance report comparing your results with similar hotels that didn’t participate – helping you measure your return clearly and effectively.&nbsp;Need more reasons to join? Last year, hotels that took part in our Black Friday campaign achieved an average 50% increase in bookings compared to those that didn’t.&nbsp;All the details you need to knowHere are the key dates and details to help you make the most of HBX Group’s Black Friday campaign:&nbsp;&nbsp;The booking window for travel distributors will be from 14th November to 5th December 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;As for the travel window, customers will be able to travel between 14th November 2025 and 31st December 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you already work with HBX Group, you will receive detailed information by email about this campaign very soon, as well as guidance on how to take part.&nbsp;If you haven’t registered yet, now is the perfect time to maximise your partnership with us. Simply click below, complete the form, and we’ll get in touch to guide you through the onboarding process – so you can start distributing your rooms as soon as possible.&nbsp;The Black Friday campaign is one of our key global initiatives, but it’s not the only one. As an HBX Group partner, you’ll receive regular updates about upcoming global and regional campaigns, along with the conditions required to participate.&nbsp;On average, hotels that join our campaigns gain a significant competitive advantage over similar properties in their area that don’t take part. It’s a fantastic opportunity to stand out – whether you’re offering everyday comfort or a touch of luxury.&nbsp;Register your property&nbsp;

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Black Friday Campaign for Hoteliers: All You Need to Know 

Some sectors are more vulnerable to cyberattacks than others, and the hospitality industry is one of them.&nbsp;Due to the vast amount of personal and financial data it handles daily, combined with increasing digitalisation, cybercriminals are seizing new opportunities to attack this industry.&nbsp;This landscape demands that hotels improve their cybersecurity measures not only to protect their guests but also to safeguard their business continuity.&nbsp;This article will explore how cybersecurity is currently affecting the hospitality sector, as well as the opinions of experts in the field.Cybersecurity threats to the hospitality industry: An overviewCybersecurity is becoming an increasingly prominent topic—and for obvious reasons. By 2028, global cybercrime damages are estimated to hit $13.8 trillion annually, a staggering increase from the $10.5 trillion expected in 2025, report Cybersecurity Ventures and Statista.&nbsp;In hospitality, the impact will be especially evident: vulnerabilities in IoT and connected technologies are forecast to cost businesses over $3 trillion worldwide by 2026. This is particularly relevant as hotels increasingly adopt smart solutions like contactless check-in, automated services, and AI-powered guest experiences.&nbsp;What does this mean? Hotels will need to continuously strengthen their security measures to protect both their guests and their business, as the associated costs—especially regarding reputation loss and customer trust—could soar.&nbsp;In relation to this, Scott Patterson, CEO of The Knox Corps and an expert on cybersecurity best practices, points out that 'there are organisations that, if attacked today, would not survive tomorrow. A breach could lead to bankruptcy, and customers’ financial and confidential information could be at risk.' This brings us to the next section of this article.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why is the hospitality industry particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks?To begin with, as Christo Butcher, Global Lead for Threat Intelligence at NCC Group and Fox-IT, explains, 'the travel sector is particularly friendly, making its employees vulnerable to social engineering attacks.'&nbsp;The helpfulness of staff can become an entry point for cyberattacks. 'Additionally, cybersecurity levels in the hospitality industry are often lower than in other sectors', Butcher adds.&nbsp;Apart from these factors, there are other reasons why hotels are an attractive target for cybercriminals, including:&nbsp;Sensitive personal data: Hotels store large amounts of information, from passport numbers to credit card details, making this data a lucrative target.&nbsp;Multiple entry points: Regarding this point, Scott Patterson states that 'the many access points in this sector make it easier to become compromised. Between email communications, phone calls, third parties, partnerships, websites, and even payments, the travel industry makes itself a prime target for cybercrime.'&nbsp;Third-party providers: Hotels often rely on third-party service providers, whose security practices can introduce additional risks.&nbsp;Employee turnover: The high turnover rate in the hospitality sector can create gaps in cybersecurity training. This year, it's estimated that 70% of hotel staff will have access to sensitive data without continuous cybersecurity training, according to the World Economic Forum.&nbsp;Interconnected systems: The integration of property management systems (PMS) with other platforms increases complexity and attack potential.&nbsp;Considering all this, the more knowledge we have about potential attacks, the better prepared the sector will be. This principle is also supported by Paula Felstead, our Chief Tech, Data and M&amp;A Officer at HBX Group: 'In an increasingly interconnected world, it's essential to champion awareness and collaboration around cybersecurity, empowering everyone to not just react to threats but to proactively work together.'&nbsp;&nbsp;Common types of cyberattacks targeting hotelsThere is no doubt that the hospitality industry faces many challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. This happens more often than we might think, and it’s important to talk about it to understand what new threats for hotels exist, what tactics cybercriminals are using, and most importantly, what solutions are effective.&nbsp;As Christo Butcher points out, 'While companies may be reluctant to admit they’ve been victims of cyberattacks, sharing their experiences, especially the technical details of the attacks, with trusted authorities like Fox-IT and NCC Group is crucial. Anonymous reporting helps the travel sector build stronger defences by learning from collective experiences, rather than keeping mistakes to themselves.'&nbsp;Here are some of the biggest challenges in the hospitality industry when it comes to cybersecurity for hotels:1. Social engineering &amp; phishingSocial engineering exploits the hospitality sector's customer service mindset, manipulating situations to benefit cybercriminals at the expense of targeted businesses.&nbsp;Social engineering exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities.&nbsp;Email Phishing: Deceptive emails designed to steal credentials.Spear Phishing: Attacks targeting specific individuals.Voice Phishing (Vishing): Fraudulent phone calls to extract confidential information.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prevention:Regular staff training on phishing and suspicious communication.Strong spam filters and email validation.Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all critical systems.2. Supply chain vulnerabilitiesThe integrations between hotel systems and external suppliers are frequently targeted in cyberattacks. A weak point in an API can compromise the entire network.&nbsp;Prevention:Implement strict access control for third parties.Conduct regular audits of vendor cybersecurity policies.Use endpoint monitoring tools to detect anomalies.3. RansomwareThis type of attack involves locking down critical systems until a ransom is paid. These attacks are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, especially if adequate security solutions are not implemented.&nbsp;Prevention:Maintain secure, offline backups.Use advanced threat detection systems.Continuously educate teams on how to avoid suspicious links and downloads.4. Internet of Things (IoT) attacksThe growing use of IoT devices in hotels, such as smart locks and climate control systems, increases vulnerabilities. Many IoT devices connect to the network without robust security.&nbsp;Prevention:Ensure IoT devices use secure, unique passwords.Regularly update IoT device software.Encrypt data transmitted by IoT devices.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New &amp; emerging cyber threatsDeepfakes &amp; AI-generated attacksDeepfake videos or audio generated by artificial intelligence can now convincingly impersonate a company executive or supplier—convincing staff to transfer money or share sensitive access credentials.Prevention:Establish internal verification protocols for all high-risk requests.Train staff to be cautious, even when the “source” appears legitimate.Learn more about deepfakes via the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute.Identity theft &amp; credential hijackingAttackers are increasingly stealing staff or guest credentials, using them to gain persistent access to systems or resell on the dark web.&nbsp;Prevention:Implement 2FA or multi-factor authentication across all systems.Monitor for abnormal login patterns.Encourage use of secure password managers.New malware-based intrusionsModern malware doesn’t just aim to cause disruption—it seeks ongoing, hidden access. Attackers may try to steal your password, then install malware that quietly monitors activity long-term.&nbsp;Prevention:Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) software.Limit administrative access to only essential users.Keep operating systems and software fully updated.&nbsp;Practical cybersecurity tips for hoteliers1. Change passwords regularlyUse long, complex passwords and rotate them every few months. Avoid reusing passwords across systems. A compromised password is often the first gateway to broader attacks.2. Use two-factor authentication (2FA)2FA adds an extra layer of protection, requiring not just a password but also a verification code sent to a separate device. It’s a simple yet powerful way to block unauthorised access.&nbsp;Many hospitality systems now support 2FA, and we strongly recommend all partners enable it. Our team can help walk you through this setup.3. Run regular cyber risk assessmentsPrevention starts with visibility. Tools like Cybersential, from our trusted partner Wallbid (and available for our hotel partners in Europe and the UK), give hoteliers a clear picture of vulnerabilities before they turn into costly breaches.&nbsp;With a tailored cyber rating report and expert-reviewed action plan, you can:&nbsp;Safeguard guest data and protect your reputation.Prevent business interruptions from ransomware or data breaches.Save on recovery costs by addressing risks early.Ensure continuous security improvements with annual reassessments that track progress over time.&nbsp;As an HBX Group partner, you can access Cybersential at an exclusive rate—making it easier for your property to identify risks, mitigate threats, and uncover hidden blind spots. Get in touch with Wallbid’s team to learn more about the opportunities it brings to your property.Final thoughtsThe cybersecurity landscape for the hospitality industry in 2025 presents significant challenges, but also opportunities for those who are prepared.&nbsp;The evolution of digital threats, especially with the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence and IoT, requires hotels to remain proactive in their defences.&nbsp;As Scott Patterson mentions, 'Before focusing on trends, focus on the basics.' With a solid strategy and a collaborative culture, the hospitality industry can successfully face cybersecurity challenges ahead.&nbsp;That’s why we encourage you to invest time and effort in learning more about the potential threats your property can face, and rely on partners committed to cybersecurity that won’t compromise your hotel, like HBX Group.&nbsp;As Paula Felstead points out, 'At HBX Group, we see cybersecurity as a communal obligation. We all owe it not only to our own organisations, but also to every individual and business connected to us. Every transaction made within this ecosystem reflects our duty, and over the past three years, we’ve faced emerging threats head-on by investing significantly in security. With a dedicated cybersecurity team, we’re committed to ensuring that every transaction is handled with care.'&nbsp;Are you interested in experiencing it firsthand? List your property today!&nbsp;Register your property

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Hotel Cybersecurity: How to Protect Your Property and Avoid Risks

About Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni&nbsp;&nbsp;Conveniently located next to Cheongnyangni Station – a subway and KTX (South Korean High Speed Train) station in&nbsp;Seoul, South Korea&nbsp;– Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni houses 80 stylish rooms and puts guests close to the main attractions of the Korean capital.This hotel used to be part of the Korean chain ‘The Designers’, which included 9 properties in total. However, this property is now individually owned and managed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presented below are some of the main challenges this hotel faced, and how HBX Group was key to its distribution strategy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scenario and challenges&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result of its privileged location near the train station and the consequent high volume of transients, this hotel has been successful in attracting domestic travellers over the years. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, as Mr. Pilho Kim, Senior Manager at Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni, points out, the team realised the importance of expanding their reach overseas and increasing the number of long-haul travellers.&nbsp; ‘Although we worked with four major global OTAs, our business was highly concentrated on domestic markets,' stated Mr. Kim. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Considering their desire to expand the business, Mr. Kim reached out to HBX Group to diversify sales and explore new revenue streams.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Choosing HBX Group to achieve their goals&nbsp;&nbsp;Among the main reasons Mr. Kim and his team approached HBX Group was the chance to expand their market exposure, attracting tourists from a wide range of different countries, including long-haul travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having credit card payment at checkout also made HBX Group an attractive partner for the hotel, since it prevents payment delays.&nbsp;With this payment method, the property can cash the money as soon as the client checks out. As a result, your cash flow forecast will be protected, and you will be able to close the month with all bookings collected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The strategy&nbsp;&nbsp;With the help of our experts at HBX Group, we were able to develop a bespoke strategy based on the hotel's needs and potential.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One part of the Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni's strategy was to promote discounted long-stay products, which proved to be very successful.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our team also provided valuable help with last-minute bookings, which helped greatly with occupancy levels. HBX Group suggested monitoring the hotel's last-minute production closely and adjust rates for last-minute days when the hotel needed to drive production.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Results&nbsp;&nbsp;In just two months of our partnership with the property, some impressive results were achieved:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During this period, the hotel booked more than 150 room nights. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a 10-15% increase in sales every month for the Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sales became very stable, as they enjoyed many consecutive night stays, and price yielding made it easier due to increased longer lead time bookings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, Mr. Kim reports a significant increase in the number of last-minute sales. 'Previously, we used local platforms such as Yanolja or Good Choice (Korean-centric OTAs) to target last-minute bookings. However, when we did last-minute promotions with HBX Group, we found that sales increased with local Koreans and foreigners residing in Korea, which we really appreciated.', Mr. Kim said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As well as this, Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni highlights working with HBX Group means they receive guests from all over the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the exposure provided by HBX Group, their guests not only come from local and neighbouring countries, but also from long-haul markets, proving that HBX Group can expose the hotel to hard-to-reach markets. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Mr. Kim, ‘the diversification of our business partners contributes greatly to our sales improvement in securing quality customers.’&nbsp;&nbsp;As for the future, Mr. Kim and his team express an interest in maintaining and possibly increasing their overseas business. Moreover, they are eager to strengthen their partnership and increase demand for offline travel agents and possibly small groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why work with HBX Group?&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are looking for similar results to Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni and think our team at HBX Group can provide you with the help you need, it’s time to register your property and start your journey with us. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But what exactly can you expect? Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll get when partnering with us:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You'll have access to our portfolio of 60,000+ travel distributors. You’ll find over 50,000 travel agencies and 3,500 tour operators, plus 1,000 more partners, including airlines, affiliates, and other businesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You'll have global reach and be present in 170+ source markets. Whether you're interested in reaching long-haul travellers or a domestic audience, we assist you in gaining access to these markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We won't compete with your direct channel. HBX Group distribute directly to travel agencies and other wholesalers in the travel industry. We ensure that they get to know you and include you in their travel packages.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Don't worry about spending time and effort trying to gain visibility. We do it for you; simply tell us what markets you want to enter, and we'll connect you with agencies that operate in the market.&nbsp;Sounds interesting? Become our partner today!&nbsp;Register your property

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Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni - A Success Story on Reaching Long-haul Travellers

In a 2023 report, the Skift senior research team called Experiences “one of the most opportunistic and untapped markets in the travel industry.” At HBX Group, we share this view.&nbsp;Often positioned as ancillary services, Mobility &amp; Experience products cover a broad range. Some examples are car rentals, transfers, museum entrances, theme park tickets, guided tours, and many other travel experiences. &nbsp;Why sell ancillary products?&nbsp;Ancillary products have many business benefits. Below, we rounded up the top six:1. Increasing revenueAccording to McKinsey, the global travel experiences market presents an opportunity of over $1 trillion. By adding ancillaries, you can grow revenue without raising the price of your main product.&nbsp;2. Improving customer experienceTravellers increasingly plan trips around experiences. This means they might choose a destination thanks to an excellent tour, a theme park, a concert, or a museum. Offering these experiences as ancillary products helps improve their travel experience, thus satisfaction.&nbsp;3. Cross-sellingA client booking a trip to Paris may also be interested in skip-the-line tickets for Disneyland, guided museum tours, or a Seine River cruise. By cross-selling these products, you earn more while solving your client’s problem. What’s more, the client sees you as the trusted expert with great recommendations.&nbsp;4. Building relationships with clients and partnersYou provide clients with a more complete travel experience, strengthening your brand reputation. They will know you have relevant ancillary services in addition to your core product, so they may choose you over a competitor who only provides the basics. On the B2B side, you broaden your network and build stronger partnerships in the travel ecosystem.&nbsp;5. Expanding into new customer segmentsYounger travellers are especially experience-driven. In a McKinsey survey, 52% of Gen Z travellers said they’d prefer spending money on experiences, while only 29% of baby boomers said so. If you offer travel experiences that directly appeal to your target segment, they may be more likely to book with you.&nbsp;6. Standing out in a crowded marketIf your core product is similar to your competitors, you can use ancillaries to differentiate your offering. Ancillary services for travel providers can include skip-the-line tickets, car hire options, or tour add-ons. Non-travel businesses can also include travel-related ancillaries. For example, at HBX Group, some of our partners are companies that want to offer holiday discounts (ancillary) as a part of their employee benefit programmes (core product).&nbsp;How can your business benefit from ancillary products?&nbsp;Using HBX Group and its brands, businesses can sell travel ancillaries and broaden their network. Here is how we help different types of travel businesses:Retail travel agentsHBX Group supports retail travel agents with two dedicated platforms: Bedsonline and The Luxurist.&nbsp;Bedsonline offers a global portfolio with over 250,000 hotels, 500 car hire providers, and 23,000 travel activities in various niches. With the cross-selling module in the Bedsonline Booking Engine, agents can easily add transportation, car rentals, insurance, and activities to their bookings.&nbsp;The Luxurist is exclusively for luxury travel clients. In addition to more than 5000 high-end hotels, it offers luxury ancillaries, such as 24/7 concierge services and bespoke tours. Using The Luxurist’s Itinerary Builder, agents can manage all luxury trips in one place.&nbsp;Wholesalers, tour operators, and OTAsFor wholesalers, tour operators, and OTAs, the go-to HBX Group platform is Hotelbeds.&nbsp;Hotelbeds offers over 23,000 travel experiences, including theme parks, tours, sporting events, museum entrances, cooking classes, sightseeing activities, and more. It also has an extensive mobility portfolio, offering car hire, shuttle transfer, and chauffeur services.&nbsp;800 wholesalers, 3500 tour operators, and many OTAs already use Hotelbeds to strengthen supplier relationships, improve their value, and stay competitive.eCommerce solutions for airlines, employee benefits, and banksWith HBX Group’s eCommerce solutions, institutions can seamlessly offer Mobility &amp; Experiences as ancillary services. Here is how we help different partners:&nbsp;Airlines: Increase revenue by offering holiday packages, including high-demand experiences, transfers, and car hire services that travellers will need.Employee benefits programmes: Increase employee satisfaction by offering unique benefits through HBX Group, including exclusive deals, holiday packages, and discounts.Financial institutions: Create a new revenue stream by offering HBX Group’s travel products through a white-label solution, fully integrated under your own brand. Available for banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and more. &nbsp;&nbsp;Are you a Mobility &amp; Experience provider?Whether you offer transport services or cultural activities, partnering with HBX Group puts your products in front of 60,000+ travel partners across the globe.Sign up now to reach new audiences today.Proven partner results in Mobility &amp; Experiences&nbsp;Here are some results our partners achieved by incorporating HBX Group’s Mobility &amp; Experiences into their offerings.eSky Group experienced triple-digit growth in two years"When we added varied products, we managed to improve very much – it turned into triple-digit growth over the last two years, in trading and merchandising. We managed to capture the right momentum between seasonality in source markets, and this approach gave us the opportunity to be, at the same time, a global provider and a local supplier to our end customers who are booking from us online."Jaroslaw Grabczak, Head of Commercial ProductID90 Travel has continuously hit revenue goals as an HBX Group partner"Every year that we have worked with Hotelbeds, we have achieved our revenue goals that we had set forth. Hotelbeds has always come to us with the right kind of supply solutions, which have helped us achieve those goals."Vishal Singh, Head of Hotels and ActivitiesHBX Group: Your TravelTech partner for ancillary revenueIf you’re not offering Mobility &amp; Experiences, you might be leaving significant revenue on the table. Ancillary solutions create a win-win: you boost your revenue with relevant add-ons, while your clients enjoy a more complete travel experience. Connect with HBX Group today to make it happen!&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re a Mobility &amp; Experience provider, HBX Group can help you grow in a similar way. By joining our network, your products become accessible to thousands of B2B travel partners, including agents, advisors, wholesalers, hoteliers, and institutions. Get in touch with us to learn more.

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B2B Solutions: Mobility & Experiences

B2B Travel Solutions: Mobility & Experiences

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

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

About Experience Kissimmee:Celebrating a decade of success, Experience Kissimmee, the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida, is dedicated to creating economic opportunities by driving tourism to the region. Known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, Kissimmee offers a wide variety of accommodations, with convenient access to world-famous theme parks and just minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO). With a vision to be a trailblazer in destination marketing, Experience Kissimmee promotes Central Florida’s diverse tourism experiences to the world. By welcoming millions of visitors each year, whether for leisure, business, or sports events, the organisation is committed to support local economic growth and continues to position the region as a premier travel destination. For more information, visit www.experiencekissimmee.com.About Kissimmee:Located at the heart of Florida, Kissimmee is 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), close to world-famous theme parks and attractions, offers a variety of shopping and dining locations, and provides access to natural spaces" and outdoor adventures carefully preserved natural spaces and outdoor adventures. Also known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, Kissimmee has approximately 50,000 options of accommodations, including sprawling hotels and resorts, and more than 30,000 vacation homes ranging from two-bedroom condos to 15-bedroom mansions.&nbsp;The Challenge: What was Experience Kissimmee’s main goal?One of the main goals for Experience Kissimmee, which was one of the key motivators for their partnership with HBX Group, was the desire to increase the visitation levels to the destination. They wanted to expand on the global awareness of what Kissimmee offers, and more specifically to put it ‘on the map’ for a larger international audience.In addition, while Experience Kissimmee had established a memorable brand for Kissimmee as a destination, they were looking for external support to ensure their awareness campaigns turned into conversions: booked trips and increasing international visits.We recently spoke to Cristina López, International &amp; Domestic Sales Manager for North America at Experience Kissimmee, at our MarketHub Americas event who suggested that their main challenge was ‘support on conversions and increasing visitation to our destination, and primarily to let the world know where Kissimmee is, as the ‘Big Bold Heart of Florida.’López mentioned that ‘as we are very much a destination that is funded by Tourism Development Tax, we really needed help on the conversion portion of visitation to our destination, and a lot of the marketing campaigns [we ran] were focusing on impressions versus conversions.’&nbsp;&nbsp;The Solution: How did HBX Group help?In terms of storytelling, Experience Kissimmee had been curating impactful marketing and sales campaigns which showcased the ‘endless opportunities’ in the destination, and as López said, ‘we love to welcome all our visitors, international or domestic, not only to our world famous theme parks; but also to the rest, and have other unique experiences that are very much connecting with nature.’But when it came to the core focus of these campaigns, and uplifting the conversion levels of these marketing efforts, this is where Experience Kissimmee sought expert advice and guidance.This is what prompted Experience Kissimmee to reach out to HBX Group (then Hotelbeds) during 2020, in order to capitalise on our experience offering Marketing as a Service solutions for Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) all over the world, as well as our established position as a global partner for travel businesses across the industry.‘When we reached out and partnered with HBX Group, it definitely helped us to make it click and brought what we needed to make sure [our campaigns] would make sense,’ López revealed.Experience Kissimmee’s objectives were twofold – to increase global awareness and visitation levels for Kissimmee, and to implement marketing campaigns which resulted in higher conversion levels. This objective was compounded due to the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and the consequent need to increase awareness on an international scale as a result of decreased inbound activity.However, it was clear that the solution was interconnected: to drive higher conversions and uplift their global brand awareness, we needed to understand the core focus of Experience Kissimmee’s sales and marketing campaigns, to turn positive impression metrics into tangible bookings and ROI and revitalise international revenue streams.By establishing a close working relationship, based on transparency and clear communication, HBX Group were able to identify Experience Kissimmee’s core targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which enabled a realistic and goal-oriented marketing strategy.Plus, our Key Account Managers and destination marketing teams ensured that responsiveness was one of the key elements of this partnership, given that proactive guidance was vital for Experience Kissimmee: ‘We really love everyone at HBX Group that we've been interacting with, for the openness, communication, and the information [received] but above all the responsiveness. Which is very key in order for us to make things happen,’ López stated.This close partnership allowed HBX Group to better understand where the opportunities were present based on Experience Kissimmee’s past and current campaigns and marketing initiatives, to offer and implement bespoke marketing solutions that targeted their ideal audiences in a more granular and impactful way.By utilising our experience in delivering insight-driven, partner-centric strategic marketing campaigns, we were able to work collaboratively with Experience Kissimmee to generate more opportunities for exposure and market share.This approach was applicable to both domestic and international markets, which was key for Experience Kissimmee and their main objective of increasing global awareness levels for this destination.López also commented on the benefit of our reach and networking connections, which allowed Experience Kissimmee the increased exposure, especially at key events like the MarketHub, HBX Group’s flagship events: ‘We’ve been grateful to have your support not just domestically, but internationally, thanks to the networking and reach that HBX Group has. As well as providing the support that comes with having all our products covered and being able to deliver to our B2B clients and partners.’The established positioning of HBX Group within key international markets was a core benefit for Experience Kissimmee, as López confirmed:‘[The partnership] really helped us to stay afloat and immerse ourselves in our international markets, and be able to stay, be present, be relevant and continue increasing brand awareness and visitation into our destination.’&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Outcome: Why HBX Group was able to elevate Experience Kissimmee’s successThe result? A significant upward trend to the number of room nights booked to Kissimmee. In discussion with us, López suggested that ‘it's been wonderful to see the increase of room nights booked primarily into our destination because like I said, our destination is funded by our county on the bed tax. So HBX Group has helped us to drive that increase in room bookings, which brings [into focus] the value of targeting and accomplishing our KPIs as well.’Data-oriented, López highlighted the value of the actionable reporting that Experience Kissimmee have received throughout our partnership, which has allowed them to more accurately identify which potential markets represented the best, long-standing investment opportunities. López also revealed that this partnership has empowered Experience Kissimmee to establish new partnerships themselves, exemplified by the recent expansion into Puerto Rico as a new market, as a result of their scaled presence.As HBX Group is a leader in the B2B TravelTech industry and a key ecosystem player, we benefit from a wealth of experience not only for our sourcing teams, but also in travel marketing and assisting DMOs just like Experience Kissimmee in uplifting the success and impact of their destination.This meant that Experience Kissimmee had an expert team at their side, but also a transparent partner dedicated to their growth.López mused that this mutually beneficial connection has been one of the defining factors of this strategic partnership: ‘It really has set you apart, the strong relationship you have internationally [with the industry]. Because it was easy to secure the domestic market post-COVID primarily, which is right around the time when we were able to connect with HBX Group.’Through expert guidance and support to deliver converting campaigns, beneficial networking opportunities, and the established channels offered as part of HBX Group’s wider ecosystem structure, Experience Kissimmee have elevated their positioning in both domestic and international markets.Overall, this partnership has better established Experience Kissimmee in both their existing domestic and new international markets, empowered them to forge connections with valuable providers and clients across the industry, and drive more bookings to the destination as a result of stimulated demand.HBX Group has also been able to gain valuable experience in guiding a profitable partnership for Experience Kissimmee as a DMO, enhancing our reputation as a true partner and leader in the B2B travel distribution space.López mused on the success of the partnership in conversation with us, and where she sees this going in the future: ‘We are super excited to continue with HBX Group primarily because our relationship is really a true partnership that we've been building. It's really that collaborative marketing and sales between us that is really making it happen for our strategic goals.’&nbsp;&nbsp;Why partner with HBX Group?HBX Group is connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel.By delivering fast and reliable access to a global network of interconnected products and services, we empower choice for partners, while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience.•190+ source markets.•Over 60,000 travel distributors in our network.•Products in 170+ countries.•An expansive global portfolio – 250,000+ properties and 23,000+ experiences.•Powerful TravelTech booking platforms that handle 7 billion searches per day.•1000+ support agents for on-hand, expert advice and guidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Experience for yourself our best-in-class platforms, and bespoke B2B travel solutions, dedicated to your growth. Sign up today.

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Transforming Visitation: Experience Kissimmee's Partnership with HBX Group

In the dynamic world of European hospitality, where digital check-ins, online bookings, seasonality and connected guest services are the norm, cybersecurity is no longer just a back-office concern - it’s mission-critical.&nbsp;At HBX Group, we understand the evolving landscape hotels operate in. As properties embrace contactless technologies and cloud-based systems to enhance the guest experience, they’re also expanding the digital surface vulnerable to cyber threats. The numbers speak volumes: the average cost of a breach in the hospitality industry is $3.82 million, and 89% of those breached report being hit more than once in a single year.&nbsp;The Reality: Hotels Are Prime Targets&nbsp;Hotels have become increasingly attractive to cybercriminals due to the vast amount of sensitive data they manage. From payment card information to passport details, this valuable data makes them ideal marks for ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. The most common threats include:&nbsp;• Phishing &amp; Social Engineering: Tricking employees into revealing credentials.• Ransomware: Locking systems like bookings or payments until a ransom is paid.• Data Security Breaches: Stealing guest information to sell on the dark web.&nbsp;Why Hospitality Faces Unique Cybersecurity Challenges&nbsp;The hospitality sector in Europe faces a perfect storm of risk factors:&nbsp;• Contactless Technology: While convenient, it can open new cyber-attack vectors.• Open Networks: High guest turnover often leaves networks exposed.• Seasonal Staff: Frequent turnover leads to inconsistent cybersecurity training.• Fragmented IT Systems: Multiple property management systems across regions increase vulnerability.&nbsp;Read more about cybersecurity threats to the hospitality industry here.&nbsp;Our Solution: Proactive Cyber Risk Assessment&nbsp;In partnership with Wallbid, we’re offering our hotel partners in Europe a tailored Cyber Risk Assessment. This service provides an expert-reviewed cyber rating and actionable plan to strengthen their defenses—at exclusive rates below 80% of the market price.&nbsp;With our Cyber Risk Assessment, your hotel can:• Prevent business disruptions by identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do.• Protect your reputation by safeguarding sensitive guest data.• Save on recovery costs through proactive risk mitigation.• Continuously adapt with annual reassessments and updated action plans.&nbsp;&nbsp;Start with Insights, Improve with Actions&nbsp;Understanding where your hotel stands today is the first step toward a safer tomorrow. Don’t wait for a breach to act—assess your vulnerabilities now and get ahead of threats before they happen.&nbsp;Because in hospitality, trust is everything. And in the digital age, trust starts with cybersecurity.&nbsp;Ready to start improving your digital defences? Take your first step towards a safer and smarter cybersecurity environment with Cybersential, your cybersecurity solution for hotels.

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CYBERSECURITY: A TOP PRIORITY FOR EUROPEAN HOTELS

Cybersecurity: A Top Priority For European Hotels

What if there were a way of maximising revenues from every booking? Especially in the current state of the industry, with customer expectations rising, the market constantly changing, and emerging technologies becoming a part of how we work. Enter B2B solutions for travel agencies. With access to the right platforms and tools offered by partners like HBX Group, you can reach the right clients, broaden your portfolio, and access competitive rates.Below is a breakdown of how HBX Group’s B2B solutions can help with the top challenges you may face as a travel agent or advisor.Challenge: Maximising your earning potentialMany agents choose to focus on profitable niches like luxury or business travel, segments which serve clients with more complex and specific needs. However, higher rates do not always reflect the true value of a booking: you also need to consider the time spent on research, planning, and communication with clients. And since clients have high expectations, it often means you manage various platforms while booking hotels, experiences, concierges, transfers, and more.&nbsp;Solution: Find a platform with all travel partners in one placeInstead of booking hotels, experiences, and transfers separately, check out travel agent tools that centralise all your partners on one platform. This way, you’ll save time, broaden your network — thus increasing the value you bring to clients — and earn the ability to make more out of each booking.Bedsonline (part of HBX Group) boasts a global portfolio, connecting agents and advisors with over 250,000 hotels, 500 car hire providers, and 23,000 travel activities, all in one place – including those suited to higher-ticket travellers. By joining, you’ll not only gain access to a wide range of travel partners, but also exclusive rates offered only to Bedsonline members.For discerning luxury travellers, explore The Luxurist - a complete B2B ecosystem crafted exclusively for luxury travel professionals. With The Luxurist, travel agents can gain access to 24/7 concierge service (for both advisor and guests), 5000+ exceptional hotels, and exclusive privileges at no cost. Now available through Bedsonline, any booking tagged as ‘The Luxurist’ entitles your clients to premium privileges, including a 24/7 in-destination concierge service, welcome amenities, and check-out till 2:00 PM (outside of peak season). Alternatively, travel agents may prefer to book directly through the Luxurist’s own website.No matter how broad or niche your clientele, travel agents can experience the best of all worlds with HBX Group’s retail offering: whether catering to premium travellers, offering budget-friendly stays, or producing all-encapsulating itineraries (think stays, transfers, experiences and insurance as an example), adjusting your offering to satisfy all client needs could not be easier.Challenge: Finding the best rates and offersYou want to offer your clients properties that match their budget, activities that fit their travel style, and seamless transportation options to make the trip smoother. But it’s not always easy to find the right products, let alone competitive rates – especially if you need to navigate multiple platforms, keep up with fluctuating prices, and ensure supplier reliability. And when you add limited availability during peak seasons or last-minute changes, the process becomes even more complicated.Solution: Join a travel agent booking platformNo matter your needs as a travel advisor, we have the platform to support you – and deliver exceptional experiences for your clients.When you become a member of Bedsonline, you get access to its extensive product portfolio. The brand also negotiates the best rates for travel agents, which include exclusive agreements, agent-only offers, and priority availability for travel advisors.Bedsonline has over 2000 exclusive offers and a large network of hotels and experiences for all types of travellers, from budget-friendly to luxury. Partners get access to exclusive rates, with discounts reaching up to 60% off.Challenge: Standing out in a crowded marketWith so many options available to travellers, agents need to differentiate their offerings to stay relevant. This could mean promoting alternative destinations in the wake of over-tourism, finding reliable travel partners around the world, or using AI to improve customer service.Solution: Broaden your portfolio, equip yourself with the best tools, and keep up with current travel trendsWhile there are different ways travel agents can stand out, one effective strategy is to combine a broad, diverse portfolio with a clearly defined niche. That’s where HBX Group can help: Bedsonline’s travel portfolio covers various niches, such as eco-tourism, business travel and sports tourism – just explore the filters in its Booking Engine, with hotels and experiences to suit all client types. Of course, sticking to one niche isn’t necessary – serving all client types is no issue with Bedsonline’s vast product portfolio!In search of a distinctly premium travel offering? The Luxurist’s property portfolio can also be sought from within the Bedsonline Booking Engine - simply select ‘The Luxurist’ in the Booking Engine’s ‘Promos’ section.Alternatively, you can select 'Luxury Collection' within Bedsonline's 'Establishment Profile' category filter. Building on Bedsonline’s trusted reputation for competitive rates and seamless technology, the Luxury Collection introduces a carefully curated portfolio of luxury hotels designed to help advisors stand out, enhance every client journey, and capture new opportunities within the premium travel market. Learn more in this video:For more complex or multi-stop itineraries, advisors can go a step further with The Luxurist Itinerary Builder — a dedicated platform designed to plan, book, and manage luxury trips end-to-end, with exclusive content, dynamic roadbooks, and concierge support built in. To make use of this, head directly to the Luxurist website, submit your Bedsonline login email, and receive your Luxurist credentials.When you become an HBX Group partner, you’ll get plenty of inspiration on how to use the latest travel trends to grow your business. Each year, we publish actionable reports, share countless consultative articles across our brands’ Resource pages, and launch marketing campaigns, timed at opportunistic moments to support travel agents in selling more.Challenge: Streamlining operations, campaigns, and seasonal offersOrganising trips, finding the best deals, and staying on top of peak seasons’ demands can be time-consuming. You may find that you’re constantly juggling client requests, supplier availability, and different platforms for booking, tracking, and communicating with clients.Solution: Sign up for personalised, data-driven insights for business growth, and benefit from a range of powerful toolsBedsonline’s booking tool for travel agents simplifies and streamlines day-to-day operations. Through the platform, travel agents and advisors can manage bookings, add additional travel products, and make updates. Within its award-winning artillery, users will find a quote management tool, allowing them to keep track of the itineraries and quotes that they’ve spent time building. Similarly, Bedsonline offers a helpful comparison tool, making it easy for agents to compare up to four properties side-by-side in a visual PDF, which can be shared with their clients and in their own branding.Bedsonline also comes with Insights, an AI-driven search and marketing platform. By using real-time data, Insights helps identify trending destinations relevant to your market. It learns from your booking behaviour — such as the destinations you’ve booked, saved, or discarded — to offer you personalised recommendations. With advanced filters, it simplifies the search process, helping you quickly find the right options based on location, theme, traveller type, region, or hotel star rating.Elsewhere, the Luxurist’s range of tools continue to impress. Its powerful Itinerary Builder offers access to over 5000 curated luxury hotels; real-time availability and AI-powered suggestions to streamline planning; and dynamic roadbooks to delight clients and convert quotes into confirmed bookings.Are you a supplier looking to improve your distribution and reach travel agents?Whether you’re a hotelier, destination marketing organisation, experience provider, or car rental/transfer supplier, HBX Group can connect you with thousands of travel agents. Our booking engines process 7 billion searches and 90,000+ bookings a day; what's more, depending on your desired strategy, your products have the potential to be booked in 170+ markets around the world.Broaden your network and increase your earnings with HBX GroupAt HBX Group, our B2B solutions for travel advisors focus on broadening your network, simplifying your administrative tasks, and giving you personalised recommendations that save time. Once you join, you’ll also benefit from the best rates for travel agents, which we’ve thoroughly negotiated with our travel partners, exclusively for you.Learn more about HBX Group and become a partner today!&nbsp;

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B2B Travel Solutions: Retail Travel Agencies

Cash flow is a constant challenge for business owners – and the travel industry is no different, with hoteliers, travel agents, and other travel SMEs often facing seasonal variations, unexpected expenses, and urgent cash needs.One solution that has gained traction in recent years is the cash advance. But what exactly is a cash advance, and how can it benefit your business?&nbsp;Let’s explore how cash advance solutions can help hoteliers and travel agents maintain healthy cash flow, improve their operations, and manage unforeseen financial pressures.What is a Cash Advance?A cash advance is financial solution that provides businesses with immediate access to funds. More than being a specific form of lending product, there are several types of cash advance solutions available in the market, including credit card advances, app cash advances, merchant cash advances and payday loans, to name a few examples.&nbsp;Unlike traditional loans, cash advances are typically repaid through a percentage of daily revenue or sales, making them more flexible and adaptable to the flow of your business. They are designed for short-term cash needs and offer a fast, straightforward process to access funds.&nbsp;Cash Advance Solutions for the Travel IndustryFor travel businesses, especially those that experience fluctuating revenues or seasonal peaks, a cash advance can be a lifeline. The funds are generally based on the performance of your business – whether you are a hotelier with fluctuating guest bookings, or a travel agency with changing booking patterns.&nbsp;How Can Hoteliers Use a Cash Advance?Managing a hotel can be both a lucrative and cost-intensive endeavor – and funds don't always align with the outflow needed for maintenance, upgrades, or emergencies. Cash advances can help hoteliers bridge that gap. Here are a few common ways cash advances can benefit hotel owners:&nbsp;•Maintain Cash Flow: Cash advances help hoteliers maintain smooth cash flow management during off-peak seasons, allowing them to pay bills, staff salaries, and meet operational costs without stress.&nbsp;•Invest in Hotel Improvements: Whether you’re redecorating rooms, adding new services like a spa or restaurant, or investing in technology to improve guest experiences, cash advances provide quick access to funds without the need for traditional financing.&nbsp;•Cover Unexpected Expenses : Things like emergency repairs, sudden staffing shortages, or equipment breakdowns can disrupt operations. A cash advance ensures that you have the financial flexibility to handle such surprises without impacting your overall operations.&nbsp;•Seize New Opportunities: A cash advance can also be used to take advantage of growth opportunities, such as running marketing campaigns, expanding into new markets, or upgrading hotel amenities to stay competitive. &nbsp;&nbsp;Did you know that you can seamlessly expand your reach and develop new partnerships when you work with HBX Group? Our hotel partners are positioned in front of a global audience consisting of more than 60,000 distributors, including tour operators, travel agencies and wholesalers. What’s more, this access can be yours for free – register with us today. &nbsp;&nbsp;•Expand and Scale: If a hotel is seeing increased demand, a cash advance can be used to scale operations by expanding physical spaces, hiring additional staff, or investing in digital solutions to enhance operations.&nbsp;How Can Travel Agents Use a Cash Advance?For travel agents, fast flow is equally important, but can often be unpredictable. Travel agents depend on booking commissions, seasonal trends, and fluctuating demand, and a cash advance can provide the financial flexibility needed to handle these variations. Here’s how a cash advance can benefit travel agents: &nbsp;&nbsp;•Improve Cash Flow: For travel agents, cash flow can be tight during low seasons or between peak periods. A cash advance can smooth out these dips, allowing agents to manage day-to-day expenses, pay staff, and ensure that their business keeps running smoothly.&nbsp;•Access Funds for Emergency Expenses: Travel agents might face sudden financial needs due to unexpected circumstances, like emergencies related to travel bookings or unexpected costs related to partnerships or marketing campaigns. A cash advance allows agents and owners to handle these surprises without disruption.&nbsp;•Invest in Business Growth: Travel agents may want to reinvest in their business—whether that means upgrading their technology for better booking management, launching targeted marketing campaigns, or expanding their service offerings. A cash advance can provide quick access to capital for these improvements.&nbsp;•Cover Staffing and Training Costs: For travel agents looking to expand or improve the quality of their services, hiring new staff or training existing employees might be necessary. A cash advance can fund these human resource needs without putting a strain on operations.&nbsp;•Seize Business Opportunities: Whether it’s expanding into new destinations, offering exclusive travel packages, or partnering with larger tour operators, a cash advance can provide the resources to seize these new opportunities and grow the business. (However, you can do all of this and more when you partner with HBX Group – better yet, registration is free.) &nbsp;Cash Advance Pros &amp; ConsWhile cash advances offer many opportunities for hoteliers and travel agents, understanding the benefits is essential in deciding if this solution is right for your business.&nbsp;What Are the Benefits of Taking Out a Cash Advance?Having identified the use case for your cash advance loan, it’s worthwhile to familiarise yourself with the qualities of a suitable financial support partner. Consider the following points ahead of choosing the a solution: &nbsp;&nbsp;•Quick Access to Cash in Emergencies: When unexpected costs arise, whether due to equipment failure or emergency repairs, cash advances may offer a rapid way to access funds without the lengthy approval process of traditional loans.&nbsp;•Flexible Repayment Structure: Traditional loans often come with fixed repayment terms, but cash advances can be more adaptable. Repayment is based on a percentage of revenue; flexible payment solutions ensure that businesses can manage repayment without stress, as it adjusts to their cash flow.&nbsp;•No Collateral Required: Unlike loans, cash advances don’t always require collateral. This makes the solution a viable option for small and medium-sized businesses in particular, and includes hoteliers and travel agents, who may not have significant assets to pledge.What Are the Risks of a Cash Advance?While cash advances come with many benefits, they also carry certain risks. These include: &nbsp;&nbsp;•High Interest and Fees: Cash advances often come with higher interest rates compared to a traditional business loan, which means that over time, they can become expensive if not managed properly.&nbsp;•Accruing Debt: Because cash advances are typically tied to business sales, businesses that experience a dip in revenue may find themselves in a cycle of debt without carefully considering how they borrow money, as repayments become more difficult to meet.&nbsp;•Potential for Mismanagement: Like any financial solution, cash advances can be misused if not properly managed. Without a solid plan for using the funds, businesses may end up in a position where they have spent beyond their means, or even where borrowed funds are abused.&nbsp;HBX Group and YouLend: Your Cash Advance SolutionAt HBX Group, we understand both the risks and rewards of running a travel business. It’s for this reason that we’ve partnered with YouLend, a trusted provider that specialises in business finance tailored specifically to the needs of the travel and tourism sector.&nbsp;Want the benefits of a cash advance solution without the associated risks? Here’s how we can help: &nbsp;&nbsp;•Fast and Flexible Funding: No need to tackle lengthy paperwork or drum up collateral – instead, you’ll gain access to funding in as little as 48 hours, with transparent terms and no hidden fees. Better yet? Our solution is also based on the performance of your business, not your assets.&nbsp;•No Fixed Repayment Plans: You won’t be locked into rigid repayment schedules. Based on a percentage of your monthly sales, our cash advance solution makes it easier to manage payments during high and low revenue periods – perfect for seasonal or fluctuating cash flow.&nbsp;•Tailored for Travel SMEs: YouLend’s solution is specifically designed for the travel industry, and is presently available to partners in Spain, Belgium, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, the UK and Ireland (coming soon to the United States). &nbsp;&nbsp;Grow Your Business with a Cash Advance SolutionFor hoteliers and travel agents, a cash advance provides a fast, flexible solution to manage cash flow, handle emergencies, and fund business growth. Choosing a solution offered by trusted partners like HBX Group and YouLend will ensure that your business can access the resources it needs without the financial strain – leaving you to focus on growing your business, safe in the knowledge that support is always within reach.Ready to seize new opportunities? Apply for a cash advance now.

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Unlocking Business Potential: How Cash Advance Solutions Can Benefit Travel Professionals

Destination marketing is more complex than ever. You need to highlight what makes your destination unique, manage seasonal and evergreen marketing campaigns, and build meaningful relationships in the travel industry. All while making sure your efforts benefit the local community.&nbsp;Make your job easier by exploring B2B solutions for Destination Marketing Organisations, connecting you with the right partners and supporting your marketing efforts. Here is how HBX Group can help your business with solutions for several different challenges:Challenge: Expanding Your Destination’s ReachYou may want to attract travellers beyond peak season, appeal to more international travellers, or promote specific experiences, such as a new museum or a local festival.&nbsp;In other words, you want to be known as a great travel destination by many people. To make this happen, you’ll need a broader network.Solution: Invest in Travel Networks Your Target Audience Is InGet your destination in front of thousands of travel companies by joining a B2B distribution network specialising in the travel industry. HBX Group brings together travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, and employee benefit programmes that constantly book trips for their clients.&nbsp;Via our Bedsonline brand, you can connect with travel agents who might be interested in offering trips to your destination. Or through Hotelbeds, we can help you to reach tour operators and online travel agencies, so you can show your destination’s unique features to a group of guests.&nbsp;Since both Bedsonline and Hotelbeds are part of the HBX Group family, you only need to register once, and you’ll have access to a wide network!Challenge: Time and Budget ConstraintsAccording to Sojern’s State of Destination Marketing Report, 51% of DMOs have budget constraints, 42% struggle with the volume of content they need to create, and 41% have a limited in-house team.&nbsp;If you also have a small team and limited resources, you may find it difficult to stay on top of trends, manage different marketing channels, and handle day-to-day tasks. As a result, you may be neglecting some marketing tasks and focusing on seasonal campaigns, which means your destination doesn’t get the year-round attention it deserves.Solution: Explore Full-Suite Marketing ToolsConsider working HBX Group's digital travel marketing agency to gain access to the right strategy, tools, and resources in one place.&nbsp;Specialising in the travel industry, we understand your challenges and goals. We'll help you to build awareness on multiple channels, including search engines, social media, PPC, and email.&nbsp;Working with us means you’ll have a clear understanding of how your budget is allocated and how each channel contributes to your objectives. Besides budget management, a HBX Group partnership will save you time, allowing you to focus on building relationships, researching new travel experiences, and managing seasonal campaigns.Did you know?: On average, HBX Group's DMO Marketing partners see a 20% increase in bookings during campaign timelines in target source markets!Challenge: Adapting to Travel TrendsTravelling no longer means only visiting the top attractions — it’s also about wellness experiences, cultural and culinary insights, the outdoors, and beyond. While each traveller has their preferences and interests, travel trends also influence their choices.&nbsp;These trends present great opportunities to align your destination’s offerings with what travellers are seeking. However, in an ever-evolving industry like travel, trends can shift fast. And without the right TravelTech solutions, you may miss them.Solution: Combine Travel Trends With Data and Marketing TrendsStart by identifying the current travel trends — HBX Group’s annual travel trends reports are a good place to consult. Then, think about what your destination has to offer and how you can communicate it.&nbsp;For example, ‘Joy of Missing Out,’ a 2025 travel trend, suggests that travellers are no longer driven by the ‘Fear of Missing Out’ mindset. Instead, they’re embracing ‘missing out’ on activities and booking more silent trips, visiting remote locations, and opting for laid-back luxury travel. As DMOs, you may consider exploring if your destination has silent hotels or luxury retreats.&nbsp;Once you’ve identified the trends you can leverage, it’s time to incorporate them into your marketing strategy. HBX Group — the same place you learned the trends from — can again help with its data-led marketing solutions, making sure your content is timely, relevant, and engaging.Challenge: Building Relationships With Travel Media and PartnersBesides local partners, there is a whole international market of travel and TravelTech companies, media, influencers, and travel trade you can partner with.&nbsp;Collaborating with journalists and influencers can add a storytelling element to your destination, which helps travellers relate better to the experience. And by making connections with decision-makers, you can unlock new opportunities for your destination, such as hosting an event or sponsoring conferences.&nbsp;The challenge here is to find these partners, which can be particularly difficult if you’re not located in the same country or if you’re representing a smaller destination with fewer resources.Solution: Gain Exposure Through Events and NetworksStart by broadening your network through memberships and events. An event not to miss is the MarketHub by HBX Group, which brings together hoteliers, wholesalers, travel agencies, and experience providers. This is a great opportunity for DMOs to showcase their destination to decision-makers and potential partners.Challenge: Building Responsible CampaignsOver-tourism frustrates both locals and travellers, as it lowers the quality of life in a destination. As DMOs, you have to find the right balance between promoting a destination, protecting cultural attractions and nature, and respecting the locals.Solution: Create a Destination Management Plan for Responsible TourismIn your management plan, define your destination’s long-term vision and outline ways you can attract responsible travellers. Consider aiming for long stays over shorter ones, locally-owned hotels over chains, and off-peak seasons over peak travel time.&nbsp;HBX Group’s Sustainable Hotels Programme has over 40,000 hotels with official sustainability certifications. In the HBX Group network, you’ll also find other sustainable companies, including travel agents and tour operators, serving clients who prioritise responsible travel and local experiences. Attracting these clients will help elevate your destination’s profile while also benefiting local businesses.Connect With Your B2B Partners - Register with HBX GroupHome to brands like Bedsonline and Hotelbeds, HBX Group allows you to showcase your destination to travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, eCommerce platforms, and more. Depending on your DMO’s goals, we can also help you improve your reach, find the right audience, and manage your online presence.&nbsp;Contact us today to learn more about our B2B travel solutions for Destination Marketing Organisations.&nbsp;

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