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​​​​​Palma, Spain, 13 November, 2023 —The TravelTech Lab by HBX Group has joined Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub (the Hub), while Mastercard has joined HBX Group’s TravelTech Lab, to collaborate on accelerating innovation in the travel and tourism sector.

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Check it at https://www.economiademallorca.com/articulo/innovacion/empresas-mallorquinas-retan-200-estudiantes-encontrar-soluciones-economia-circular/20230421133937081486.html


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​​​​​HBX Group And Mastercard Join Forces To Further Innovation In The Tourism Sector

Madrid, October 24, 2023.– HBX Group, the leading B2B TravelTech ecosystem player, Wayra, Telefónica’s leading open innovation programme, and the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality have joined forces to launch the second TravelTech Lab by HBX Group innovation challenge to redesign the future of travel.

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Check it at https://discover.hotelbeds.com/news-room/press-release/hbx-group-wayra-and-nyu-sps-look-virtual-reality-and-metaverse


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HBX Group, Wayra And NYU SPS Look To Virtual Reality And Metaverse For Second TravelTech Lab Innovation Challenge.

HBX Group, Wayra And NYU SPS Look To Virtual Reality And Metaverse For Second TravelTech Lab Innovation Challenge

Palma, Spain, 7 November 2023–Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, has entered a partnership with Barceló Hotel Group. This strategic distribution agreement increases Hotelbeds’ accommodation portfolio while also extends Barceló Hotels &amp; Resorts’ brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, opening up new possibilities for travellers.&nbsp;The collaboration adds 130 Barceló hotels in 15 countries into the Hotelbeds Preferred Portfolio, and Hotelbeds will in return enhance the distribution reach for these properties, which spans more than 170 markets, and encompasses more than 71,000 travel buyers, resulting in a number of benefits, including increased revenue streams in underpenetrated market segments.&nbsp;Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer of HBX Group, said: “We are excited to start this collaboration with Barceló Hotel Group, a brand that shares our dedication to providing top-tier experiences for travellers. This partnership enriches our extensive hotel portfolio, enabling us to offer our customers an even wider array of choices. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have for both companies.”&nbsp;As the flagship brand of Barceló Hotel Group, Barceló Hotels &amp; Resorts is renowned for offering a wide spectrum of accommodation to suit the diverse needs and preference of travellers, whether they are looking for leisure, business or luxury stays. The brand encompasses a global collection of hotels and resorts, including urban properties, beachfront getaways and all-inclusive destinations.&nbsp;Raul González, Chief Executive Officer at Barceló Hotel Groupsaid: “We are pleased to announce this alliance with Hotelbeds as it allows us to increase the awareness of Barceló Hotels &amp; Resorts and to reach more markets globally. This is a fundamental step in our plans for growth and market diversification. Our commercial strategy is strengthened through the development of smart initiatives designed to reinforce relationships with strong partners like Hotelbeds.”&nbsp;E-Commerce Director at Barceló, Carlos Saniger; VP Commericial Europe at Hotelbeds, Jorge Cortes; Contracting Manager Regional Chains at Hotelbeds, Maria Montero; Chief Digital Business Officer at Barceló, Iñigo Onieva, and Head of E-Distribution at Barceló, Denis Kunz, at World Travel Market (WTM) on Tuesday 7 November.&nbsp;###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 serve as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.&nbsp;About Barceló Hotel GroupBarceló Hotel Group, the hotel division of the Barceló Group, is the second largest hotel chain in Spain and is among the top 30 largest in the world in number of rooms. The group currently has more than 280 4 and 5-star urban and holiday hotels, totalling more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries and marketed under four brands: Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels &amp; Resorts, Barceló Hotels &amp; Resorts, Occidental Hotels &amp; Resorts and Allegro Hotels. It is also part of the Crestline Hotels &amp; Resorts group, an independent hotel company with 130 establishments. For more information please visit:www.barcelo.com&nbsp;Hotelbeds Media ContactPR &amp; Media RelationsClara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com

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Hotelbeds partners with Barceló Hotel Group to expand travel opportunities for its clients 

Palma, Spain, 7 November 2023– Bedsonline, in collaboration with Los Angeles Tourism, Universal Studios Hollywood and Delta Air Lines, has announced a rare opportunity for travel agents based in Australia and New Zealand to join a five-day familiarization (fam) trip to Los Angeles.&nbsp;Travel agents who book participating hotels in Los Angeles and tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood before the end of the year will automatically be in with a chance of winning a VIP spot. The 10 agents with the highest total value of qualifying Los Angeles hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood ticket bookings by 31 December 2023 will win their place in this exciting opportunity.&nbsp;Peter Jones, VP for APAC at Bedsonline, said: “Experiencing a destination is the best way to sell it. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Los Angeles Tourism, Universal Studios Hollywood and Delta provide this incredible fam trip to our clients in Australia and New Zealand. We value the hard work travel agents do and hope this trip serves both as a reward and an inspiration for their future sales efforts.”&nbsp;The trip is scheduled to take place in March 2024 and is exclusively reserved for travel agents based in Australia and New Zealand to experience Los Angeles. Winners will gain in-depth knowledge of the city while experiencing the iconic landmarks, the charm of Universal Studios Hollywood and the palm tree-lined streets of the city of Angels.&nbsp;For more information, please visit ourwebsite.###About BedsonlineBedsonline 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 191 countries to more than 64,000 travel agencies worldwide.&nbsp;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.

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Bedsonline offers exclusive Fam Trip for travel agents in Australia and New Zealand

The TravelTech Lab by HBX Group is seeking startups specialised in virtual reality and the metaverse that help change the way travellers move, connect, and exploreFirst time HBX Group will collaborate with both Wayra and the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality&nbsp;​​​​​Madrid, October 24, 2023.–HBX Group, the leading B2B TravelTech ecosystem player, Wayra, Telefónica's leading open innovation programme, and the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality have joined forces to launch the second TravelTech Lab by HBX Group innovation challenge to redesign the future of travel.&nbsp;The companies, all leading innovation organisations in their respective fields, are calling on startups around the world, as well as affiliated students, to submit ideas on how emerging augmented technologies, such as virtual reality and the metaverse, can be adopted in the B2B travel arena to improve operational efficiencies and remove friction from the end traveller experience to create more enjoyable trips from the time they book to when they return home.&nbsp;José María Pestaña, Chief Innovation Officer atHBX Group, said: “Bringing our innovation partners and the startup community together is a unique opportunity for us all to not only learn and share ideas, but provide a platform to bring about real change in the TravelTech arena. I’m excited to see what ideas are put forward and how we will be able to implement these to not only improve our tech capabilities but also inspire future trips for the traveller of tomorrow.”&nbsp;This second TravelTech Lab challenge comes months after the inaugural contest and just eight months after the launch of the innovation hub, which is based at HBX Group’s headquarters in Palma, Mallorca (Spain). The first event attracted submissions from 65 startups from across the world including South Africa, Colombia and Spain. Of these, HBX Group is now collaborating with the three finalists.&nbsp;Startups selected to join the TravelTech Lab by HBX Group will not only be given expert advice and guidance from industry experts, but they will also join Wayra's innovation ecosystem and work directly with HBX Group’s teams to develop collaboration opportunities. There is also a grant of up to €40,000 available from HBX Group to help bring their idea to life. All startups will be able to work with other like-minded entrepreneurs at Wayra’s 7 hubs in Europe and Latin America, as well as at HBX Group’s hubs in Mallorca and Madrid.&nbsp;“It is a privilege for Wayra to strengthen our alliance and commitment with HBX Group- to make available all our knowledge of the international entrepreneurial ecosystem, and to promote technological evolution in the travel sector. It is a key element of our economy, as tourism is one of the most important engines of our country and corresponds to 20% of Spanish GDP,” said Andrés Saborido, Wayra Managing Director.&nbsp;In further support of the challenge, NYU SPS hosted a students' hackathon, collaborating with industry professionals chosen from HBX Group’s partners in the U.S. to refine their solutions and gain a deeper understanding of current pain points within the hospitality sector. The response was very positive, with 26 students taking part.&nbsp;“The TravelTech sector is growing every day,” said Richie Karaburun, MBA, DPS, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Tisch Center’s HI Hub Incubator Program. “We look forward to working with HBX Group and Wayra on this challenge to find the next augmented technology innovator who can help change and evolve our industry to create better travel experiences worldwide.”&nbsp;For more information and to submit your idea, please visit the traveltechlab.net. Applications are open until 12 December 2023.&nbsp;###About HBX GroupHBX Group is a global B2B TravelTech company that owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline and Roiback. We offer a network of interconnected travel tech products and services to partners such as travel agencies, tour operators, destinations, and hotels, as well as companies wanting to leverage the travel sector.&nbsp;Our vision is to simplify the complex and fragmented travel industry through a combination of cloud-based technology solutions, curated data, and an extensive portfolio of products designed to maximise revenue. HBX Group is present in 170 countries and employs more than 3700 people around the globe. We are committed to making travel a force for good, creating a positive social and environmental impact.&nbsp;More information:www.hbxgroup.comHBX Group Media ContactPR &amp; Media Relationsmedia@hbxgroup.comFollow us: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram.&nbsp;About NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and Its HI HubThe NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, celebrating more than 25 years of academic excellence, is a leading center for the study of hospitality, travel, and tourism. Founded in 1995, the Tisch Center was established in response to the growing need for hospitality and tourism undergraduate and graduate education. Its cutting-edge curricula attract bright, motivated students who see to become leaders in their fields.&nbsp;The Tisch Center launched the Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), which will foster entrepreneurship and creative solutions for the industries it services. The state-of-the-art facilities offer students, start-ups, and established industry partners and opportunities to learn, discover, innovate, and invest. For more information about the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, visit sps.nyu.edu/tisch.&nbsp;About WayraSince 2011, Wayra is the main program to connect Telefónica with the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world. It has seven spaces covering nine countries in Latin America and Europe, through which it invests and supports startups. Wayra invests in startups with the capacity to generate business with Telefónica, which are ready to scale preferably in one of the following sectors: Entertainment (Gaming and Video), IoT, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, eHealth, Fintech, Energy, Metaverse and Web3. Wayra always invests hand in hand with other VCs in startups that are controlled by the founders with a ticket of up to €350k.&nbsp;Since 2022 we have started to manage capital from Telefónica Group companies through Vivo Ventures and Íope Ventures.&nbsp;In these eleven years, Wayra has invested €68M in 870 startups and currently has more than 400 startups in its portfolio of which more than 170 work with Telefónica.&nbsp;More information available at www.wayra.es

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HBX Group, Wayra and NYU SPS look to virtual reality and metaverse for second TravelTech Lab innovation challenge 

Introduction of group brand is next evolution of TravelTech transformationNew Fintech products enhance HBX Group’s ecosystem player statusPalma, Spain – 18 October 2023 – Hotelbeds has launched its new group brand, HBX Group to lead the B2B TravelTech company into the next phase of its evolution.&nbsp;Two years on from its shift to being a leader in the TravelTech space, the company is today establishing itself as 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.&nbsp;“As we continue our transformation as a world-leading TravelTech company, HBX Group simplifies our structure into four distinct brands under our new umbrella,” said CEO Nicolas Huss. “We have completely rebuilt our tech stack over the past year to support this shift and better serve our clients and partners by improving our reliability and number of self-service tools to maintain our market position.”&nbsp;HBX Group will go to market with a collection of best-in-class B2B solutions, each with a clear proposition and market focus that meets the needs of its growing and diverse client base across more than 190 global markets. These are:Hotelbeds, who cater for the specific needs of hoteliers, tour operators, airlines and online travel agentsBedsonline, exclusively serving the retail travel segment bringing together all the travel products they need to complete and serve their travellers’ needsRoiback, the HotelTech partner for independent hotels and chains seeking growth through direct channel solutionsTravelStack, providing all products, services and solutions to businesses looking to enter into the lucrative travel arena&nbsp;HBX Group will also be vastly simplifying its brand architecture, to provide a much clearer and streamlined experience for all partners. As a result, existing product brands including last minute travel and Carnect, will continue to operate but will eventually be fully integrated into the HBX Group ecosystem. Hotelbeds’ long-standing flagship event, the MarketHub, as well as its innovation hub, the TravelTech Lab, will also be endorsed by HBX Group.&nbsp;Technology RebuildHBX Group will be underpinned by new technology, which has been re-engineered in just under one year. The new HBX Group transaction platform is an open-source relational database management system emphasising extensibility and SQL compliance, allowing for more effective use of data and unlimited scalability. This complete re-platforming, re-architecture and new cloud based infrastructure enables HBX to have a global, cloud-based modern tech stack on which to build its future ecosystem strategy.&nbsp;The technological transformation effectively futureproofs the company, with further functional changes easier to implement and benefits reaped by agents through easier access to more accurate data, reduced downtime and quicker responses.&nbsp;The company has refactored all visible channels – including its websites – which are now device agnostic. The changes are driving tangible increase in booking conversion and have been achieved for a capital expenditure of €11 million.&nbsp;Ecosystem creationHBX Group is an ecosystem player within the world of travel. By combining the company’s four pillars – making up the “X” – technology, data, product and people, HBX Group is better-placed to support its clients and partners by offering the full scope of travel products, including ancillary services, and selling them in one package. It also encompasses the multiplier effect businesses that choose to work with the Group will benefit from.&nbsp;“Being an ecosystem player enables us to provide our customers with interconnected products and services, which complement each other and which, when combined and sold seamlessly together, gives our clients what they want, when they want it.” adds Nicolas Huss. “It also streamlines the buying process while enabling clients to upsell ancillary products, enhancing their business and providing frictionless travel to the end consumer.”&nbsp;Supporting the transition into an ecosystem player, Hotelbeds’ accommodation, mobility and attractions sales teams have been brought together as part of the new Group infrastructure, enabling them to cross-sell all product lines and streamline client relationships as they will now have one point of contact for all sales activity.&nbsp;New fintech solutionsAs part of the evolution to HBX Group, the company will introduce fintech products in 2024, including travel insurance, payment solutions, and multi-currency solutions. These products will beembedded into the company’s core business to offer its clients and partners these services across their total business volumes.&nbsp;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 €99bn by 2030, according to research by Spherical Insights &amp; Consulting.&nbsp;“As travellers increasingly seek the connected trip experience with all aspects of their travel included in the same ticket, we must ensure we’re meeting this need through travel insurance and associated financial products,” added Nicolas Huss. “We have offered hotels since our inception in 2001, later adding car hire, transfers and attractions. Financial services are the natural next step in our business development and one our clients have asked us to provide.”&nbsp;Learn more about HBX Group at www.hbxgroup.com&nbsp;###About HBX GroupHBX Group is a global B2B TravelTech company that owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline and Roiback. We offer a network of interconnected travel tech products and services to partners such as travel agencies, tour operators, destinations, and hotels, as well as companies wanting to leverage the travel sector.&nbsp;Our vision is to simplify the complex and fragmented travel industry through a combination of cloud-based technology solutions, curated data, and an extensive portfolio of products designed to maximise revenue. HBX Group is present in 170 countries and employs more than 3700 people around the globe. We are committed to making travel a force for good, creating a positive social and environmental impact.More information:www.hbxgroup.comHBX Group media contact: media@hbxgroup.comFollow us: LinkedIn,Facebook,X,Instagram.

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HBX Group marks start of new era for Hotelbeds

Palma, Spain, 11 October 2023 – Hotelbeds and Merlin Entertainments have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for its six LEGOLAND® Hotels at LEGOLAND® Resorts in the United States. 

The two companies have had a long-standing successful theme parks and attractions partnership, but this new contract will be their only hotel offering. Encompassing LEGOLAND® New York Hotel, LEGOLAND® California Hotel, LEGOLAND® California Castle Hotel, LEGOLAND® Florida Hotel, LEGOLAND® Florida Pirate Island Hotel, and LEGOLAND® Florida Beach Retreat Resort, Hotelbeds will be the sole partner of B2B accommodation bookings globally.

Chris Leonard, Managing Director of Mobility and Experiences at Hotelbeds, said: “This partnership marks a new phase in our relationship with Merlin and is an endorsement of our joint success to date. Thanks to our extensive global footprint, we are able to now support LEGOLAND® Hotels in attracting customers from around the world while also helping agents attract new customers seeking new holiday experiences.”

Reservations made by travel agents will include access to LEGOLAND® Resort’s signature Halloween extravaganza “Brick-or-Treat” running on select nights until 29 October 2023. 

Additional benefits of staying at LEGOLAND® Hotels include:


	Early access to LEGOLAND® theme parks
	Easy access to the LEGOLAND® Water Park in California and Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida
	Complimentary breakfast 


“Bringing families with children ages 2 – 12 together to create awesome family memories is what we excel at and we’re excited Hotelbeds is able to work with us to offer families across the globe the unique LEGOLAND® experience,” said North America Director of Public Relations for Merlin Entertainments Julie Estrada. 

LEGOLAND® Hotels become part of Hotelbeds’ portfolio of more than 300,000 hotels and 16,000 experiences worldwide. 

###

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 serve as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

&nbsp;

About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe’s number one and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates more than 140 attractions, 24 hotels and six holiday villages in 24 countries and across four continents. &nbsp;Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, thorough its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees.

Visit&nbsp;www.merlinentertainments.biz&nbsp;for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews.

&nbsp;

Follow us:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp; 

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com 

Merlin Entertainments Media Contact

Julie Estrada – Julie.Estrada@Merlinentertainments.biz

Public Relations Director North America


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Hotelbeds signs exclusive partnership with Merlin Entertainments

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

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