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


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Bedsonline offers new Insights for travel agents

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


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Hotelbeds signs global distribution partnership with Hopper 

From September 12th to 14th, 2023, TravelTech Lab hosted a groundbreaking event - the inaugural Internal Innovation at our TravelTech Lab Hub. This event brought together a diverse group of employees from various departments within our organization to collaborate and innovate.&nbsp;For two and a half days, this dynamic and multidisciplinary team worked tirelessly to bring to life the first prototype selected from a pool of over 50 innovative ideas submitted by our dedicated employees. The culmination of their efforts was showcased on the final day, where the prototype was unveiled to a select group of our esteemed clients, who provided invaluable feedback and insights.&nbsp;As the event ended, a sense of accomplishment and pride filled the air as we gathered with our internal teams and clients to celebrate the success of this pilot initiative. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and inspiration as we looked back on the journey that led us to this exciting milestone in our quest for innovation and excellence.

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Internal Labs

Pioneering innovation: First internal Innovation Labs

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


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MarketHub Asia 2023: Shaping the future of travel in Bangkok

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

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WTTC and Hotelbeds uncover Global Tourism Trends

Palma, Spain 5 September 2023 – Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to sustainability, Hotelbeds has surpassed its target of planting more than 10,000 trees worldwide three months earlier than planned. 

In doing so, the Hotelbeds Forest has effectively offset more than 2,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions through the 12,000 trees it has donated to Tree Nation since October 2022, cementing the company’s position as a leader in environmental responsibility.

“Our Hotelbeds Forest represents an important step for us towards a stronger and healthier planet,” said Nicolas Huss, Hotelbeds’ CEO. “I’m proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by our global team to have reached this milestone ahead of schedule as we continue our carbon-neutral journey.”

The initiative was created to reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainability and its mission to make travel a force for good. Having initially planted a tree for every employee in countries where the company has a significant presence, it has been building its forest through staff donations and in honour of its clients and partners who attended its events, including MarketHubs. Employees have not only funded trees, but also donated their time to plant almost 1,800, boosting Hotelbeds’ planting projects in Mallorca, Italy and Thailand. 

Since its inception, Hotelbeds has partnered with Tree Nation, a renowned non-profit organisation, that provides real-time monitoring and tracking of each tree’s progress. From emission compensation to detailed tree specifications and locations, the transparency provided by Tree Nation has ensured the environmental impact of Hotelbeds Forest is clear and measurable.

This initiative has not only strengthened the company’s determination to fight climate change, but also fosters greater environmental awareness among its employees. Hotelbeds continues to be a sustainability leader in the travel industry encouraging active participation through its belief that collective efforts can drive positive change on a global scale.

For more information about Hotelbeds Forest and their commitment to sustainability, click here. 


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Planting the seeds of sustainability: Hotelbeds forest exceeds target

Palma, Spain, 26 July 2023 – Hotelbeds has announced the appointment of Sagrario Fernández as its new General Counsel. In this pivotal role, she will lead the Legal, Company Secretary and Governance, Risk and Compliance teams, reporting directly to CEO, Nicolas Huss. &nbsp;

Joining the company’s Executive Committee, Sagrario will be instrumental in providing strategic leadership thanks to her extensive legal and compliance background gained from senior roles at leading multinational companies. She brings a wealth of experience in IPO processes gained at private security services firm Prosegur Cash and Indra, a Spain-based IT and defence systems company, as well as in M&amp;A and capital markets transactions.

Nicolas Huss said: “Sagrario will play a key role in leading our strategic initiatives and will take Hotelbeds to new heights. We are confident that, thanks to her extensive knowledge and experience, she will further strengthen our position as a leader in the global travel industry.”

Prior to joining Hotelbeds, Sagrario was General Counsel and Vice Secretary of the Board of Directors at prominent Spanish retailer DIA Group. Over her nearly 30-year career, she has held a number of senior legal and compliance positions in companies including El Corte Inglés Group and served as legal counsel in three publicly-listed firms. 

Sagrario added: “Hotelbeds has established itself at the forefront of the TravelTech sector, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success. I am confident that together we will lead strategic initiatives, strengthen governance to ensure we meet the highest standards.”

###

About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com 


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Hotelbeds appoints new General Counsel

On the 19th of July 2023, an exciting event took place at the TravelTech Lab where the leadership team of HBX Group came together with a group of talented students who had participated in hackathons organized by the lab over the past year. During the event, these students showcased their innovative ideas, focusing on solutions related to data-driven influencer marketing aimed at enhancing traveler experiences.&nbsp;The highlight of the event was a panel discussion that took place between the HBX Group leadership team and the students. The discussion centered around the students' experiences during the hackathons and the collaborative process of working closely with industry professionals. The exchange of ideas and insights between the two groups was not only enlightening but also incredibly inspiring.&nbsp;Witnessing the creativity and passion of these students as they tackled real-world challenges with enthusiasm was truly remarkable. The event highlighted the power of bringing together the next generation of innovators with industry experts, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and unleash their imaginations. It was a testament to the magic that unfolds when bright minds are given a challenge, a time limit, and the support to push the boundaries of what is possible.

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Post Hackathon day with students

TravelTech Lab held an event with students who had taken part in the hackathons

Palma, Spain, 29 June 2023 – With the summer holiday season in full swing, Hotelbeds is helping its clients manage the growing demand for travel by introducing new products and tools. &nbsp;The TravelTech company is launched a new chatbot and hotel marketing suite to streamline the booking and enquiry process for travel agents and partners.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and these new web-based products will assist them in helping their clients more effectively,” said Bertrand Sava, Hotelbeds’ Managing Director of Retail and Bedsonline. “We have teams in every corner of the world to help our clients but our new chatbot, Olivia, means we can now serve them24/7.”

Olivia embraces AI

Olivia, Hotelbeds’ first artificial intelligence-based virtual assistant, is ready to provide direct guidance on a wide range of topics. With quick and easy answers to everyday enquiries, this innovative solution is the latest in a series of self-service tools designed to support travel agents in their work. 

Among its functionalities, Olivia can:


	Guide customers through the Bedsonline booking engine, helping them to make and manage a booking, provide insights on how to use tools such as The Compass, how to send a quote, and much more
	Help agents to register with Bedsonline and share details about the latest offers 
	Support and help agents with technical questions such as how to access the website, how to use our self-service tools, and even provide guidance for emergencies at a destination


Olivia is currently only available to Bedsonline customers but will be rolled out to all Hotelbeds customers in the coming months.

The latest additions to the Star Collection Programme

Hotelbeds’ Star Collection Programme brings together its suite of marketing solutions in a way that gives hotel properties maximum exposure in the B2B marketplace while also equipping travel agents with unique recommendations to help them make the best choice for their clients.

Both hotel partners and travel agents have now access to the latest industry data. They can also enjoy new functionalities and improvements to the platform including:


	Real-time access to relevant destination information such as current weather and average prices
	Discover minimum hotel prices
	Download relevant hotel information
	Create customised marketing collateral, such destination flyers, customising them with the agent’s branding or choosing the hotels to include
	Identify special deals with hotels to spot the best rates


&nbsp;

A new era for the Star Brochure

Designed to make it easy to offer fully personalised travel brochures to agents, the Star Brochure has gone digital in a completely new format, making it the ultimate marketing tool for attracting and retaining today’s travellers.

From interactive and dynamic content to encourage greater interest and to highlight Hotelbeds’ extensive portfolio, the electronic format and the customisation tool allow for easier creating bespoke marketing materials and sharing of content by agents with their clients in a multitude of formats. 

The Star Brochure is a 100% customisable tool to meet the individual needs of each agent. Whether they need to create customised brochures or more hotel information to facilitate choice, it’s all there, as well as booking buttons and interactive articles and multimedia content to attract travellers. 

With global coverage including hard-to-reach markets, hoteliers enrolled in Star Brochure will have access to a more direct sales channel to connect with the 71,000 travel suppliers working with Hotelbeds and capture the attention of travellers. 

###

About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com 


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Hotelbeds introduces new digital tools to make selling travel easier for clients

On the 22nd of June 2023, a gathering of prominent figures from the travel and technology sectors convened at the TravelTech Lab, the innovation hub of HBX Group. The purpose of this assembly was to delve into the topic of "The business opportunity of generative AI: Chat GPT case," presented by Julio Rilo Blanco, the CEO of Inixa Tech Consultancy. This insightful presentation was a collaborative effort involving Universitat de les Illes Balears and the Cercle d'Economia de Mallorca.&nbsp;During the event, attendees were enlightened on various key takeaways that shed light on the potential of generative AI in the industry. Some of the benefits highlighted included the automation of processes, enhanced personalization for customers, increased opportunities for innovation, and the utilization of advanced data analytics. Additionally, discussions revolved around the ways in which virtual and augmented reality could complement travelers in aspects such as bookings, security, and enhancing in-destination experiences.&nbsp;However, amidst the excitement surrounding the potential of generative AI, it was also acknowledged that there are challenges to be navigated. These challenges include managing risks associated with technology, addressing information bias, exercising critical judgement, and mitigating the risk of increased inequality within the industry.&nbsp;The consensus reached at the gathering was that while generative AI presents significant opportunities for disruption and growth, it is crucial to approach its implementation with a deep understanding of the underlying technology. Strategic planning and the implementation of appropriate measures to safeguard user data and privacy were emphasized as essential components of leveraging generative AI effectively in the industry.

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Chat GPT by Julio Blanco

“The business opportunity of generative AI: Chat GPT case” by Julio Rilo Blanco

Madrid, June 8, 2023 – Hotelbeds and Wayra, Telefónica’s open innovation initiative, have announced the winners of the first TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds challenge.

&nbsp;

Check it at https://discover.hotelbeds.com/news-room/press-release/hotelbeds-and-wayra-telefonica-announce-first-start-ups-be-part


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Hotelbeds and Wayra (Telefónica) announce first start-ups to be part of the TravelTech Lab 

Madrid, June 8, 2023 - Hotelbeds and Wayra, Telefónica's open innovation initiative, have announced the winners of the first TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds challenge. Following a competitive pitch day at the South Summit in Madrid, four start-ups rose to the challenge of finding disruptive solutions to connect B2B global travel ecosystem stakeholders to create a frictionless travel experience.

More than 60 proposals were submitted from companies based in 18 countries across the globe, including Spain, South Africa, Israel and Japan. Launched in February, the TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds is powered by Wayra and is re-imagining travel by changing the way travellers move, connect and explore.

The winning start-ups are:

Botslovers: Chatbots, virtual assistants with artificial intelligence for real companies with the objective of reducing the operational costs of your company by organising the customer service section.

&nbsp;Grain: A unique end-to-end integrated currency exchange solution that enables travel software platforms and marketplaces to eliminate currency exchange risk for their customers. They achieve this by eliminating exchange rate volatility in hotel room accounts payable and allowing their customers to pay foreign currency bills in their local currency through local lanes.

Smartvel: Offers a complete set of solutions to solve different needs throughout the customer’s journey, where the right content makes the difference. Its technology collects, categorizes, translates, enriches and validates both destination content and travel requirements (health requirements, travel documentation, visa). From museums, restaurants, city halls to official sources such as IATA, government agencies and official bodies.

&nbsp;Chekin: Helps owners of tourist accommodations to automate the entire check-in process, from the moment the reservation is created to the check-out. Generating up to 80% time savings and increasing revenue with each booking. Guest registration and identification, upselling, remote access to the property, sending data to the police, insurance and deposits and online payments. 

“We were blown away by the response to our first challenge,” said José María Pestaña, Hotelbeds’ Chief Innovation Officer. “The competitive pitch process meant it wasn’t easy choosing the winners but we’re confident we have uncovered some game-changing solutions. We’re looking forward to working with these start-ups and disrupting the travel ecosystem together.”

These start-ups will now benefit from access to industry experts, Wayra's network of investors and potential access to a pilot of up to €40,000 with a Hotelbeds business area to kick-start their ideas. They will also be able to take advantage of the innovation spaces of both companies, both at Wayra’s offices in Madrid and at Hotelbeds' headquarters in Palma de Mallorca. 

“From Wayra it has been an exciting challenge to make available all our knowledge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem hand in hand with a reference partner in Hotelbeds to strengthen our position in the hotel and tourism sector. We would also like to congratulate all the winners.&nbsp; Together we will seek to create a real impact on your business and help you to climb the ladder,” says Andrés Saborido, Global Director of Wayra.

###

About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds is a global leader 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 quick and easy access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to additional services and payments, while rich data and intelligence help generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely positioned to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of more than 3,000 experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to further drive commerce, even in the hardest-to-reach spaces. Our unique combination of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel agents who want to realize their full potential.

The TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds is on a mission to re-imagine the world of travel. The Lab’s creation was driven by a passion for innovation and finding new ways to use technology to help customers succeed, and to help business partners to exceed their goals. The Lab supports trail-blazing start-ups that are focused on collaboration and have a disruptive mindset to help Hotelbeds change the way that tomorrow’s travellers move, connect and explore. Start-ups invited to join the initiative gain access to state-of-the-art working spaces in Palma de Mallorca and Madrid, as well as mentorship and potential investment from Hotelbeds to bring their ideas to life.

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About Wayra

Since 2011, Wayra is the main program to connect Telefónica with the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world, through which we invest and create our own startups. It has 7 spaces covering nine countries in Latin America and Europe, through which it invests and supports startups; Wayra Builder, a corporate venture builder to create together with other investors innovative startups born from Telefónica's internal technology projects. In addition, through the Wayra Activation Programme, it offers entrepreneurs exclusive and free access to new technologies through Telefónica's own platforms. In these eleven years, we have invested €66M in 850 startups and, currently, we have more than 400 startups in our portfolio of which more than 165 work with Telefónica.

More information available at www.wayra.es


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Hotelbeds and Wayra (Telefónica) announce first start-ups to be part of the TravelTech Lab  

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