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Palma, Spain – 20 March 2024 – HBX Group has unveiled details of its signature events, the MarketHubs, in 2024. With the theme “New Frontiers,” the conferences are poised to delve into unchartered territories within the travel industry, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts and global business partners to navigate the ever-evolving landscapes of travel and technology.&nbsp;Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial officer at HBX Group, said: “In the bustling energy of Las Vegas and the historic city of Istanbul, we are set to discover the future of travel, focusing on innovation, connectivity and collaboration. These events transcend borders and bring together some of the brightest minds in the industry to explore together new horizons in travel and chart the future course of our industry.”&nbsp;MarketHub AmericasReturning to Las Vegas after a decade, the MarketHub Americas promises to be a landmark gathering. Taking place from 4-7 June, event guests will stay at the city’s newest hotels, Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Resort World Las Vegas. Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which opened in December 2023, boasts a stunning 150,000 square-foot casino, world-class dining options and over 3,600 hotel rooms and suites, defining a new era of luxury hospitality. Resort World Las Vegas, inaugurated in June 2021, stands as the first integrated resort on the Strip in more than 10 years, featuring 3,500 guest rooms and the largest collection of branded Hilton experiences in the world.&nbsp;MarketHub Europe &amp; Middle EastFollowing a successful event in the city in 2019, HBX Group's flagship event returns to Istanbul from 25-28 June 2024. Hosted at Rixos Tersane Istanbul, set to open its doors on the 21 June with 432 rooms and a resort-style luxury experience inspired by the local culture and history, MarketHub Europe &amp; Middle East promises lively discussions on the evolving dynamics of travel in the region.&nbsp;MarketHub is an invitation-only event attended by HBX Group’s partners. For more information about the MarketHub, please visit https://www.themarkethub.com/&nbsp;&nbsp;###&nbsp;About HBX Group&nbsp;HBX Group is a leading B2B ecosystem player in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel. We drive growth for our clients &amp; partners while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products &amp; services, while rich data and intelligence seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide.&nbsp;We have more than 3,000 experts worldwide, including specialists on the ground who provide insights and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach segments. This unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for all businesses aiming to unlock their full potential in the travel arena.

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HBX Group to explore New Frontiers at 2024 MarketHubs 


	Firstview, Hotelverse, Didit (Gamium) and Unblock are the lucky start-ups to join the TravelTech Lab by HBX Group, in collaboration with Wayra. 



	The second innovation challenge looked for start-ups specialising in virtual reality, the metaverse and AI to help change the way travellers move, connect, and explore.


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Madrid, 7 March, 2024 - HBX Group, a leading B2B ecosystem in the TravelTech space, and Wayra, Telefónica's Corporate Venture Capital, today announced the winners of the second TravelTech Lab by HBX Group challenge after analysing 120 companies from 25 countries including Spain, France, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Korea. 

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Only 6 start-ups were given the opportunity to present their project to a professional jury composed of experts from both companies at the pitching hub during 4FYN, part of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The goal of the challenge was to find start-ups that specialise in virtual reality, the metaverse and AI to help B2B travel companies improve efficiency in their operations. After hearing the proposals, four winners have been announced to join the TravelTech Lab, for their solutions that create more engaging experiences and reshape distribution within the TravelTech industry. 

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The winning start-ups are:


	Didit (Gamium): an intuitive app that combines NFC, blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies to ensure secure identity verifications and smart digital payments.
	Firstview: provides hotels with virtual reality and immersive digital content with 3D virtual tours, 360° aerial view, virtual sales platform, and reporting.
	Hotelverse: offers travellers the opportunity to fly over the hotel, explore its facilities, hyper-personalise a specific room and book it. 
	Unblock: an application that serves as a point of contact with the citizen and offers comprehensive access to city services in an easy and attractive way.


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These startups will receive advice and guidance from industry experts, and they will also join Wayra's innovative ecosystem and work directly with HBX Group teams to develop joint business opportunities. In addition, HBX Group may offer a grant of up to €40,000 to pilot and bring their proposal to life.

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All four of the selected start-ups will be able to work with other like-minded entrepreneurs in Wayra's 7 spaces in Europe and Latin America, as well as in HBX Group's hubs in Mallorca and Madrid.

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"Our alliance with HBX Group is an exciting adventure, we want to create innovative solutions through the most disruptive technologies that redefine the hotel and tourism sector. What better way to do it than by relying on the entrepreneurial ecosystem that we have been supporting for more than 15 years? Wayra would like to congratulate all the winners, as together we will seek to create a real impact on their business, and successfully face the new challenges of the market", explains Andrés Saborido, COO of Wayra.

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José María Pestaña, Chief Innovation &amp; Public Affairs Officer at HBX Group, stated: "Innovation is the cornerstone of our TravelTech Lab at HBX Group, and the collaboration with Wayra is key in connecting with start-ups that offer a differential value proposition. We are very pleased with the outcome of the second challenge and would like to congratulate all the selected start-ups. We firmly believe that the winning proposals can contribute to improving the efficiency of our partners. We are confident that together we can continue to facilitate the real transformation of the TravelTech space and improve the traveller experience.”

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&nbsp;

About HBX Group

HBX Group is a leading B2B ecosystem player in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel. We drive growth for our clients &amp; partners while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products &amp; services, while rich data and intelligence seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide.

We have over 3,000 experts worldwide, including specialists on the ground who provide insights and support to boost trading even further, especially in the most hard-to-reach segments. This unique blend of technology, data, and passionate people, serves as a catalyst for all businesses aiming to unlock their full potential in the travel arena.

More information available at&nbsp;www.hbxgroup.com&nbsp;&nbsp;

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About Wayra

Wayra is Telefónica's Corporate Venture Capital and its Open Innovation platform. Wayra invests in startups with the capacity to attract innovation to Telefónica and provides innovation services to third parties, to help them take their Open Innovation initiatives to the next level.&nbsp;

With a global presence, it has seven hubs in Europe (Spain -Madrid and Barcelona-, United Kingdom and Germany) and Latin America (Brazil, Argentina and Colombia), and teams operating in nine countries. Through its funds, it is also present in Silicon Valley and Israel.&nbsp;

Since its creation more than 15 years ago, Wayra has invested €233M in +1,100 startups and currently has +530 startups in its portfolio, of which +190 work with Telefónica. We also have a network of more than 140 partners and customers, and two innovation platforms (Alaian and Open Future) open to third parties.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

HBX Group

Follow us:

LinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbxgroup

Facebook:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/hbxgroup

Instagram:&nbsp;https://www.instagram.com/hbx_group

&nbsp;

HBX Group Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;

media@hotelbeds.com

&nbsp;


Wayra Spain

Communications

Tel: +34 646 601 952 

email: agustina.peydro@telefonica.com

https://twitter.com/WayraES



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Wayra (Telefónica) and HBX Group announce the winning start-ups to join the TravelTech Lab

Palma de Mallorca, 6 March 2024 - Roiback, a leading company in hotel technology specialising in the direct channel of hotel chains, and t2ó, a premier digital media agency, have announced their partnership to expand capabilities and offer marketing services to global hotel companies in the areas of activation, data, and technology.

The synergy between Roiback's decade-long experience in digital marketing specialised for hotels, aimed at enhancing the direct channel, with t2ó's broad proficiency in marketing and communications strategies with a results-oriented approach, marks a new era in hotel marketing bringing together extensive expertise, advanced technology, and deep insight into the hospitality sector.

The collaboration can serve any hotel chain globally, regardless of their existing technology infrastructure. The agency's solutions are compatible with any Booking Engine, CRM, Channel Manager, or Property Management System (PMS), offering a flexible and comprehensive digital marketing strategy adaptable to each hotel's specific technological needs.

Comprehensive Digital Marketing Solutions

This collaboration aims to meet the evolving needs of hotel chains, focusing on maximising direct sales and improving online presence. Roiback and t2ó provide an extensive range of digital marketing services designed for the hospitality industry:


	Data-Driven: Employing advanced analytics and data insights to develop marketing strategies.
	End-to-End Digital Service Integration: Delivering a comprehensive array of digital marketing services, from strategic planning to implementation.
	Specialisation in Travel and Hospitality: Capitalising on extensive experience and in-depth industry knowledge.
	Innovative Technology Solutions: Utilising state-of-the-art technologies like Metabase from Roiback and Vimana from t2ó.
	Loyalty Programmes: Crafting and executing effective loyalty strategies to encourage repeat business.


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A Vision for the Future

The alliance between Roiback, part of HBX Group, &nbsp;and t2ó is more than a marketing agency; it represents a strategic approach for hotels and chains aiming to master the complex digital landscape.

Both companies are committed to innovation and oriented to results, intending to lead the digital transformation in the hospitality industry.

Cristina Perea, Managing Director at Roiback, comments on the collaboration: “Our partnership with t2ó marks a significant milestone in the evolution of hotel marketing. By combining Roiback's expertise in driving direct hotel sales with t2ó's prowess in digital marketing, we are building a strong synergy for the industry. This collaboration is not just about providing services; it's about reinventing how hotels engage with their customers in the digital era. We are excited to start this journey, bringing innovative solutions and unmatched expertise to the hospitality sector.”

Óscar Alonso, founder and CEO at t2ó says: “I feel really confident about this challenge between Roiback and t2ó to create a strong offer to the hospitality industry. Roiback's cutting-edge solutions have seamlessly integrated with t2ó's strategies, delivering tangible results that exceed our expectations. The robust partnership has not only optimised our digital assets for our clients but has also significantly increased conversion rates and revenue across our key properties.”

Together, t2ó and Roiback have created a dynamic force, tailored to meet the unique challenges for the international hotel industry.

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About Roiback

Roiback, part of HBX Group, is an award-winning HotelTech company specialising in Direct Channel services and technology for both chains and independent hotels worldwide. The company’s offering includes a market-leading booking engine focused on conversion, web development, digital marketing services specialised in hotels and loyalty solutions. All combined with a dedicated team of Direct Channel specialists to support strategy and maximise results. Roiback is a Google Premier Partner and TripAdvisor strategic partner. For more information, visit roiback.com.

About t2ó

t2ó is a digital and marketing agency that has been developing integrated digital marketing solutions for more than 20 years. Its 3 fundamental pillars are Business, Technology, and Activation. With a clear focus on guaranteed and increasing results and a commitment to the highest quality service for their clients. They are present in Spain, Mexico, the US, Canada and Italy.


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Roiback and t2ó join forces to offer digital marketing services to the hotel industry.

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Palma, Spain, 5 March 2024 – Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, consolidates its strategic partnership with H World International, marking an expansion of its preferred portfolio. This distribution agreement offers clients enhanced access to premium lodging options across 21 countries. 

Through this alliance, Hotelbeds will leverage its global network of more than 71,000 travel distributors across 190 source markets to seamlessly integrate H World International’s properties. These include hotels from the Steigenberger Hotels &amp; Resorts, IntercityHotel and Zleep Hotels brands, amplifying distribution opportunities for clients worldwide, including in hard-to-reach areas.

Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer of HBX Group, said: "This strategic alliance underscores Hotelbeds’ steadfast commitment to delivering unparalleled value and choice to our clients, reaffirming our position as the preferred partner for travel professionals worldwide. With H World International, we are poised for a journey of mutual growth and success."

H World International’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of acclaimed hotel brands, each offering distinctive experiences tailored to meet the diverse needs of travellers. From luxury experiences at the Steigenberger Hotels &amp; Resorts, urban vibes at IntercityHotels to Zleep Hotels which combine Scandinavian simplicity and quality where it matters: These brands embody excellence in hospitality catering to a wide range of traveller preferences. 

"The partnership with Hotelbeds is an important pillar of our distribution strategy. It enables us to increase awareness of our strong brands like Steigenberger Hotels &amp; Resorts and IntercityHotel and make our portfolio available to a global B2B network. Overall, it helps us continue our international growth, giving us access to new markets and segments", said Johanna Lamke, Senior Vice President Commercial H World International.

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In the picture, from left to right, Contracting Manager Chains at Hotelbeds, Eve Vranken; Chief Commercial Officer at HBX Group, Carlos Muñoz; Senior Vice President Commercial H World International, Johanna Lamke; Regional Manager Chains at Hotelbeds, Mónica Pascual and Digital Senior Director, Jade Liu, at ITB Berlin on Tuesday 5 March. 

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###

About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds is the leading B2B TravelTech online distributor for wholesalers, suppliers, and destinations. As part of HBX Group, Hotelbeds connects more than 300,000 travel products – including accommodation, payment solutions, mobility services and experiences – to local and global brands, empowering their partners to satisfy the growing needs of the end traveller. Suppliers in more than 170 countries are granted seamless access to travel distributors and travellers across 190+ source markets, including those the most hard-to-reach segments. This is achieved by always-on cloud-based technology platforms, while this fast, simple access is further strengthened by a global support team. Visit hotelbeds.com to learn more.

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&nbsp;

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

media@hotelbeds.com


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Hotelbeds and H World International sign a new strategic partnership

Palma, Spain, 8 February 2024&nbsp;– Chinese New Year this year falls on February 10th and is considered one of the largest annual tourism events in the world. Tens of millions of travelers across the country take a trip to see family, enjoy cultural highlights and make the most of the celebrations, generating hundreds of billions of yuan for travel sellers, providers and intermediaries. 

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This year, HBX Group data has revealed that Harbin, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are among the big winners for the Chinese New Year, which runs from 9-17 February. Political and commercial capitals such as Beijing and Shanghai are also among the top five destinations as the country enters the Year of the Dragon.

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When it comes to length of stay, most travellers, both national and international, choose to stay between 2 and 6 nights, trying to make the most of the holiday season.

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Pippa Williamson, VP Commercial APAC at HBX Group said: "Celebrating Chinese New Year is not only a cherished tradition, but also an important economic driver for the travel industry. Our latest data highlights the resilience and adaptability of both travellers and destinations. We remain dedicated to providing our partners with actionable insights and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of travellers in the APAC region."

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Boom in Arrivals 

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Changes in official regulations are also driving demand for travel this year. China lifted its final Covid-19 travel restrictions in August, making this year the first New Year celebrations since the turn of the decade to be completely free. Officials also recently granted visa-free entry for up to 15 days to citizens of five European nations (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain), while visa-free entry for citizens Singapore was resumed.

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The changes have led to a ten-fold increase the inbound market for the Chinese New Year in 2024. 

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According to HBX Group data, the main outbound markets include Thailand, Japan, the United States, Spain and the United Kingdom. While the most popular destinations for the inbound market are Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taipei, Macau and Hong Kong.

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Looking Overseas 

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In terms of the outbound market from China, Thailand destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya are experiencing an increase in demand, while other destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Singapore, Bali and London are proving to be also popular this year.

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###

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

About the Data: 

Data reflects booking across Hotelbeds channels for travel within, to and from China between February 9th-17th, 2024.

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About HBX Group

HBX Group is a leading B2B ecosystem player in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel. We drive growth for our clients &amp; partners while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products &amp; services, while rich data and intelligence seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide.

&nbsp;

We have more than 3,000 experts worldwide, including specialists on the ground who provide insights and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach segments. This unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for all businesses aiming to unlock their full potential in the travel arena.

&nbsp;

Follow us: 

&nbsp;

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds 

Twitter: @Hotelbeds 

Facebook: Hotelbeds 

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official 

&nbsp;

Hotelbeds Media Contact 

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PR &amp; Media Relations: hotelbeds@fireoth.com 

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HBX Group data reveals emerging Chinese destinations for New Year 2024

Palma, 30 January 2024. Roiback, an award-winning HotelTech company specialising in technology and direct channel strategy for chains and independent hotels worldwide, has announced at FITUR 2024 its improvements in self-service, automation, and digital marketing for the hotel industry.

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Roiback designs its latest self-service solutions to automate critical hotel tasks while offering greater flexibility to end users. It includes enhancements to ePayments (a proprietary technology for digital payments) and a more efficient booking flow. 

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These improvements reduce cancellations by 15%, improve turnaround time by 14% and seamlessly reduce manual tasks for the hotel team.

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Cristina Perea, Managing Director of Roiback, explains: "At Roiback we strive to deliver reliable, cutting-edge technology solutions. In addition, our commitment to innovation is to deliver tangible results for our customers by improving their conversion rates and efficiency. As we continue to focus on our international development, we maintain a strong local presence in the markets in which we operate. We are the trusted partner of choice for hotels around the world because of our reliability, compliance and results”.

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Roiback continues to lead in loyalty solutions for the direct channel, leveraging technology and expert consultancy. Its goal is to strengthen direct customer engagement and retention. Currently, the company's customers are improving revenue from the email channel by 208%, with bookings at an ADR (average daily rate) 16% above average.

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Dynamic packaging in the direct channel (including flights and ancillary services) is becoming more popular, with more hotel chains incorporating this solution. This improves the value proposition for end customers, reducing cancellation rates, improving engagement, and increasing revenue for the hotel (+10% average booking value).

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Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) remains one of Roiback's main objectives, with a dedicated team continuously striving for improvement. Applying a scientific approach based on data analysis, the company examines user experience, technical improvements, and their impact on conversion rates.

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Roiback also integrates insurance solutions into the booking engine. This feature not only increases customer confidence, but also adds value to the hotel's offering and improves cash flow. This improves conversion rates and boosts the sale of non-refundable rates.

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Digital marketing remains a key focus of the hotel growth strategy in 2024. As such, the company has expanded its digital marketing services and proprietary technology aimed at customers who do not use the Roiback booking engine. As a result, it gains versatility and the ability to serve a wider market, adapting to the preferences of the client's technology stack.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

About Roiback

Roiback, part of HBX Group, is an award-winning HotelTech company specialising in Direct Channel services and technology for both chains and independent hotels worldwide. The company’s offering includes a market-leading booking engine focused on conversion, web development, digital marketing services specialised in hotels and loyalty solutions. All combined with a dedicated team of Direct Channel specialists to support strategy and maximise results. Roiback is a Google Premier Partner and TripAdvisor strategic partner. For more information, visit roiback.com.

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Roiback bets on more self-service and automation to achieve greater efficiency

Palma, Spain, 24 January 2024 – From heavy catalogues and fax machine confirmations to real-time online reservations, booking trips via travel agents has changed a lot over the past two decades and Bedsonline has been there to support them every step of the way.

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As it marks its 20th anniversary of dedicated service to travel advisors, Specialising exclusively in catering to the needs of advisors worldwide, Bedsonline has evolved into a comprehensive B2B travel marketplace. 

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In an era where technology is integral, Bedsonline’s platform has been a catalyst in the transformation of travel consultants, providing them with tools to seamlessly find, create and manage bookings. As an example, its award-winning tool Insights, which guides travel agencies to offer a tailor-made experience based on specific data collected through real-time interactions with customers. 

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“As we celebrate Bedsonline’s 20th anniversary, we reflect not only on our history, but on the incredible evolution of travel advisors. We have witnessed remarkable changes in the industry over the past two decades, and our customers have been at the forefront of this transformation,” said Bertrand Sava, Managing Director of Bedsonline. “We remain committed to being the unwavering technology partner for travel consultants, enabling them to not only book accommodation, but also create extraordinary curated experiences for the end traveller. This milestone is not only a celebration of our history, but a testament to the enduring partnership between Bedsonline and travel advisors around the world.”

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By equipping travel advisors with not only the latest tools, but also with the support of more than 1,500 specialists, including technology developers, data analysts, finance experts and marketing experts, Bedsonline ensures that travel consultants have the resources they need in an ever-changing landscape.

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As the retail ecosystem continues to evolve, Bedsonline vision is clear: to be the preferred technology partner that ensures the travel advisor remains relevant to the end customer. By facilitating seamless connections between suppliers and customers and creating a comprehensive 360° travel experience, Bedsonline is committed to continuing to be the preferred B2B travel marketplace for travel agents.

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About Bedsonline

As the exclusive booking partner of travel agents worldwide, Bedsonline’s expansive product portfolio enables travel specialists to curate tailored experiences, wherever in the world a traveller wants to go. As part of HBX Group, Bedsonline is armed with data insights, award-winning tools and the knowledge of global teams, who are committed to driving the success of its partners. Through its online platform, Bedsonline distributes 300,000 accommodation, experiences, mobility services and fintech products sourced from more than 170 countries to more than 71,000 travel agencies worldwide. Owing to its evolving technology, wide inventory of products and warm customer service, Bedsonline is the defacto B2B partner for many travel bookers around the world. Visit bedsonline.com to learn more.

&nbsp;

Bedsonline Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations — media@hotelbeds.com 


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Bedsonline celebrates 20 years empowering travel advisors

Palma, Spain, 18 January 2024 – Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, has formed a new team in the U.S. focused on casino hotels. With more than 300 such properties across the country, the group aims to offer strategies and solutions tailored to the iconic gaming hubs of Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Biloxi.ç

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“We are always striving to be the partner of choice and forming this new team not only enables us to support casino hotels’ reach through data-led insights on traveller demographics but also attract customers from new source markets around the world when gaming hotels need the business,” said Lauren Atlass, Hotelbeds’ Vice President for North America. “Partnering with some of the most prominent gaming hotels in the U.S. also expands our offering within the leisure industry growing our portfolio helping us to meet the needs of even more travellers.”

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As the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas and the country’s other gaming hubs attract both domestic and international travellers, keen to experience all the cities have to offer. According to the American Gaming Association, the economic impact the U.S. casino gaming industry is more than $261 billion, while it also supports 1.8 million jobs.

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To further support this new business sector, Hotelbeds has appointed Gianna Rivera as Head of Strategic Partnerships for North America. Gianna brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise to the role, having served as Group Vice President of Distribution &amp; Connectivity at Wyndham Hotels &amp; Resorts and as Deputy Vice President in Sales at Accor Hospitality. She is also a HEDNA board member.

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Hotelbeds will use its extensive booking data gained from its 195 global markets to assist its hotel partners in more effectively targeting the right customer helping both the properties and also travel advisors grow their businesses. In addition to its new range of U.S. casino hotels, Hotelbeds also offers tailored ancillary services, including car rental, global transfers and experiences across the country.

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###

About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds is the leading B2B TravelTech online distributor for wholesalers, suppliers and destinations. As part of HBX Group, Hotelbeds connects more than 300,000 travel products – including accommodation, payment solutions, mobility services and experiences – to local and global brands, empowering their partners to satisfy the growing needs of the end traveller. Suppliers in more than 170 countries are granted seamless access to travel distributors and travellers across 190+ source markets, including those the most hard-to-reach segments. This is achieved by always-on cloud-based technology platforms, while this fast, simple access is further strengthened by a global support team. Visit hotelbeds.com to learn more.

&nbsp;

Follow us:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

&nbsp;

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; - media@hotelbeds.com


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Hotelbeds launches new U.S. gaming team 

Jakarta, 10 January 2024 - Archipelago International, Southeast Asia's largest hotel operator, has forged a strategic partnership with HBX Group, a leading global B2B TravelTech company. This two-year agreement will leverage the complementary strengths of both parties to drive expansion, enhance travel experiences, and redefine the B2B travel landscape.

A Partnership Built on Mutual Strengths

Archipelago International brings to the table its extensive expertise in hospitality management, and a portfolio of over 200 hotels spanning 45,000 rooms across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. HBX Group, meanwhile, boasts a global network of more than 71,000 travel distributors across 190 source markets, providing access for Archipelago to clients around the world, including in hard-to-reach areas.

This agreement will enable Archipelago International to tap into HBX Group's global reach and high-value clientele, expanding its market presence and further solidifying its position as a leading hospitality player. 

"We are excited to embark on a strategic partnership with HBX Group, which will undoubtedly propel our expansion and elevate the travel experiences we offer to our guests. HBX Group's global reach and expertise in the B2B travel sector will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in key markets around the world.

"This partnership is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our unwavering belief in the power of collaboration to shape the future of the hospitality industry. With HBX Group, we will further strengthen our position as a leading hospitality provider in Southeast Asia and beyond," John Flood, CEO and President, Archipelago International, said.

The Power of Choice and High-Quality Experiences

The partnership between Archipelago International and HBX Group is centred on providing hoteliers with greater power of choice and enabling them to deliver exceptional travel experiences to their guests. Through this collaboration, hoteliers will gain access to:


	Enhanced distribution channels: HBX Group's extensive network of travel distributors will significantly expand Archipelago International's reach, making its properties more visible to a wider audience of potential guests.
	Advanced technology solutions: HBX Group's cutting-edge TravelTech solutions will provide Archipelago International's properties with the tools they need to optimize their operations, enhance guest satisfaction, and drive revenue growth.


Pippa Williamson, VP for Commercial-APAC, HBX Group, said: “As an ecosystem player in the travel industry, we provide our customers with interconnected products and services, offering a seamless experience travellers. Collaborating with Archipelago International will help us to expand our business in Asia-Pacific at a time when travel to this region is in high demand.”&nbsp;

###

Image Link: Please click here

About Archipelago International

Archipelago International is Southeast Asia's largest privately-owned hotel management group with more than 45,000 rooms and residences in over 200 locations across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Oceania. A trusted hotel company with a long track record and award-winning brands including ASTON, ASTON Collection Hotels, Alana, Huxley, Kamuela, Harper, Quest, Hotel NEO, fave, Nordic and Powered by ARCHIPELAGO.

​archipelagointernational.com.

Media Enquiries:

Sari Kusumaningrum

Senior Director of Corporate Communications &amp; PR

Archipelago International

sari.k@archi.email&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

About HBX Group

HBX Group is a leading B2B ecosystem player in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel. We drive growth for our clients &amp; partners while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products &amp; services, while rich data and intelligence seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide.

We have more than 3,000 experts worldwide, including specialists on the ground who provide insights and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach segments. This unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for all businesses aiming to unlock their full potential in the travel arena.

HBX Group Media Contact

media@hotelbeds.com

&nbsp;


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Archipelago International and HBX Group Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive Expansion and Enhance Travel Experiences

Palma, Spain: 3 January, 2024 – As we look ahead through 2024, demand for travel remains undiminished. But what is evolving are the expectations of travellers. Demands on the technology used by holidaymakers and business travellers is accelerating, while the personalised experiences travellers seek continue to advance. 

Last year, topics front of mind for global hospitality included, “trip stacking” with many catching up on trips denied during the pandemic, and the continued digitalisation of the hotel experience – with many of HBX Group’s predictions for the year just past coming to fruition. 

“This is a year of optimism for global tourism, the first fully ‘normal’ year of travel since the turn of the decade,” said Nicolas Huss, CEO of HBX Group. “While a number of topics remain evergreen, including a focus on personalisation and sustainability, HBX Group is also anticipating a shift towards wellness and increased demand for new payment options from travellers. At HBX Group, we have reconfigured our organisation to meet the changing hopes of travellers and fully anticipate 2024 will be the year when long-held expectations are realised.” 

New figures from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) highlight the recent growth in travel, revealing that destinations around the world welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 than the same period of 2022, reflecting a strong northern hemisphere summer season. Indeed, international tourism receipts could reach US$1.4 trillion in 2023, according to the organisation. 

As the global tourism sector is projected to generate a staggering 110 million new jobs in the coming decade, according to the World Travel &amp; Tourism Council (WTTC), HBX Group reveals the trends which will shape the travel industry in 2024.


	Experiential travel: From sports to shopping, booking trips around your favourite pastime is going to increase in 2024. With the Olympics this summer, expect a surge in travel to Paris, while Euro 2024 will see football fans flock to Germany and cricket fans will head to the U.S. and Caribbean for the T20 World Cup. Retailtainment is also expected to peak this year as consumers book their holidays around must-visit shopping destinations. London, particularly for Chinese travellers, and the U.S. have always been popular but new destinations could also emerge, including&nbsp; Italy, as consumers invest in its homegrown designers.



	Luxury travel: Luxury travel, including the wellness tourism sector, is experiencing a surge as travellers increasingly prioritise achieving a harmonious internal and external balance in their lives. Travellers will look for more exclusive experiences this year, built around dining experiences. With many retreats offering a combination of all of this, it can be the ideal way to switch-off while also taking care of your body and mind.&nbsp; 



	Rebound of Asia-Pacific: 2024 will be the first full year for travel for Asia-Pacific since 2019. This means there’s a lot for tourists to explore both in and out of the region. While China will lead the way, Vietnam will see a significant spike in popularity.



	Personalisation and automation: Research among travel agent partners of HBX Group reveals that up to 90 per cent of travellers now seek personalised solutions, catering to a rising demand for tailored and seamless trips. The transformation of HBX Group into a global travel ecosystem player, introducing new product lines to meet the needs of the end consumer as they seek a frictionless end-to-end travel experience, is designed to meet these ambitions. Partners report customers are not just after essential services, such as insurance and financial provisions, they also seek comprehensive travel packages that offer 24/7 customer support and assistance in local languages. 



	Daycations: Struggling to find time to take a week’s holiday? 2024 will see the rise of the daycation. A day at the beach or a hike in the mountains can be just the tonic for a work reset. Taking a daycation – or two – can also be good for the planet and your wallet by exploring new places on a budget. 



	Rise of sustainable travel: Recycling, hybrid cars, reducing plastic – all ways consumers are reducing their environmental impact. Travel is no different. In 2024 more people are looking for tangible, actionable information which will allow them to make greener decisions when choosing a travel provider or destination. Metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and composition, freshwater use, air pollution and resource use are all vital to understand the impact of a trip and understanding travellers can reduce it. 



	Focus on Fintech: Travel demand is surging but cancellations, delays and staffing shortages continued to plague travel operations in 2023. This can create friction and stress for travellers, damaging brands and demanding resolution. For travel companies pushing to regain and expand their market share in the current chaotic environment, travel fintech offers compelling solutions by freezing prices, changing or cancelling reservations and easily rebooking disrupted flights, paying with whichever methods they find the most convenient. 


HBX Group will this year introduce a range of Fintech products, including travel insurance, payment solutions and multi-currency solutions. These products will be embedded into the core business to offer its clients and partners these services across their businesses. The size of these opportunities is already large and growing. For example, the travel insurance sector alone is currently worth €15 billion and is expected to grow to €99 billion by 2030, according to research by Spherical Insights &amp; Consulting.


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Luxury and experiential trips lead HBX Group’s 2024 travel trends

Palma, Spain, 14 December 2023 – Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, has unveiled its latest contractual collaboration, joining forces with Bahia Principe Hotels &amp; Resorts. The agreement expands the Bahia Principe brand’s presence in the Caribbean and Spain, thanks to Hotelbeds’ distribution reach in more than 170 markets, serving over 71,000 travel buyers.

Adding 24 Bahia Principe hotels in four countries (Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Spain) to Hotelbeds’ preferred portfolio, travel agents will enjoy access to a wide range of accommodation options, including beach getaways and all-inclusive resorts. 

Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer of HBX Group, said: “Bahia Principe shares our commitment to innovation, sustainability and offering travellers unparalleled choices and experiences. This partnership enriches our extensive portfolio of hotels, allowing us to offer customers an even wider range of choices. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on our companies.”

Lluisa Salord, SVP Global Sales, Contracting and Distribution Grupo at Bahia Principe, said:&nbsp;“This consolidation of our existing agreements between both companies will allow us to raise the strength and growth achieved through our joint continuous effort.”

Bahia Principe Hotels &amp; Resorts, known for its commitment to innovation and sustainable growth, has embarked on a five-year strategic plan, emphasising continual asset renewal and technological advancements. As part of this initiative, the company is investing in comprehensive renovations, including the remarkable 30-million-euro refurbishment of the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, set to open this month.

###

About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serve as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

About Bahia Principe Hotels &amp; Resorts&nbsp;

Grupo Piñero’s Bahia Principe hotel chain has a presence in the Dominican Republic, where it is the market leader in terms of the number of hotel beds, as well as the Riviera Maya (Mexico), Jamaica and Spain (in the Canaries and Balearic Islands). Year after year, the Bahia Principe hotels receive a large part of the most prestigious international awards for quality that are given in the vacation industry. Alongside its high-end hotel facilities, the Piñero family’s company also manages two large luxury home resorts: Playa Nueva Romana Residences &amp; Golf (Dominican Republic) and Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Residences &amp; Golf (Mexico). The company has also developed other lines of business in the tourism industry, the most notable of which include the tour operator business (Soltour and BP-USA Travel) and a destination management company (Coming2).&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Follow us: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

&nbsp;

Hotelbeds Media contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

media@hotelbeds.com


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Hotelbeds announces new collaboration agreement with Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts

Palma, Spain, 12 December 2023 – With millions poised to begin the Christmas getaway in the coming days, new data from TravelTech leaders HBX Group has revealed the United States will be the most popular destination for international travel this year. Led by cities including New York and Las Vegas, as well as the family-friendly sights of Orlando, the diversity of the country has proved irresistible to travellers for the second-year running looking to escape for the festive season. 

Spain, which has seen bookings rise by 18% when compared to 2022, takes second place in the annual rankings, with Thailand (up 7%), Mexico and France rounding out the top five international travel destinations for Christmas 2023. Italy (up 6%) comes in at sixth, with the United Kingdom at seven, followed by Brazil (up 32%), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia.

“There is simply so much to see in the United States. From the stunning architecture, festive lights, gastronomy and culture of New York to the year-round sunshine and theme parks of Orlando, the country caters to every kind of trip. That versatility sees the destination top our rankings this year,” said Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer, HBX Group. “A late surge in bookings for festive breaks in our home nation, Spain, saw the country maintain its second-place spot, followed by the ever-popular Thailand, Mexico and France.” 

In terms of city destinations, Paris can expect the most guests over the festive period, with the illuminated decorations around the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées set to be a big draw. Shopping on Regent Street sees London take the second spot for international travellers, followed by New York, Dubai and Bangkok. 

&nbsp;

Luxury Travel 

HBX Group’s data also reveals a move toward luxury travel for the 2023 festive season, with bookings at five-star hotels around the world up by ten per cent when compared to 2022. 

Muñoz added: “HBX Group are seeing a notable rise in consumer demand for luxury travel, with travellers in many markets seeking more premium experiences than ever before. Travellers want to make the most of every day and they do not want to compromise.”

Within HBX Group’s country portfolio, Mexico, Thailand and the UAE have the largest concentration of five-star hotels. Meanwhile, Dubai continues to maintain its status as one of the largest luxury destinations, followed by Cancun, Punta Cana and Bali. 

&nbsp;

###

About the Data: 

Data reflects booking across HBX Group’s channels for travel between December 22-31, 2023, compared to bookings made for travel between December 23-January 1, 2022.

About HBX Group

HBX Group is a leading B2B ecosystem player in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel. We drive growth for our clients &amp; partners while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and reliable access to a unique portfolio of travel products &amp; services, while rich data and intelligence seamlessly connect supply and demand worldwide.

&nbsp;

We have over 3,000 experts worldwide, including specialists on the ground who provide insights and support to boost trading even further, especially in the most hard-to-reach segments. This unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for all businesses aiming to unlock their full potential in the travel arena.

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Follow us:

LinkedIn:&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbxgroup

Facebook:&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/hbxgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbx_group

&nbsp;

HBX Group Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;

media@hotelbeds.com

&nbsp;


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