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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.

&nbsp;

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  

New York, NY, and Palma, Spain, May 8, 2023 — Hotelbeds and the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality have launched a collaboration to explore and inspire the next generation of tech start-ups through the company’s TravelTech Lab initiative and the school’s Innovation Hub (HI Hub) Incubator Programme.

&nbsp;

Check it at https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/communications/press-releases/2023/hotelbeds-nyu-sps-tisch-center-of-hospitality-join-forces-find-inspire-next-generation-tech-startups-traveltech-lab-incubator-programs.html


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NYU SPS Tisch Center Of Hospitality Is The Latest Partner To Join The TravelTech Lab By Hotelbeds.

NYU SPS Tisch Center Of Hospitality Is The Latest Partner To Join The TravelTech Lab By Hotelbeds

The first "Meet the Entrepreneur" event took place in the TravelTech Lab Hub in Madrid, last 22nd May 2023, where David Hernández, CEO at Pangea, shared his personal experiences as a traveltech entrepreneur.&nbsp;Pangea is a success case; however, it wasn’t an easy ride! They experienced multiple adversities, including difficulty to secure funding, initial ideas which failed to work but which ultimately helped them to improve their product and finally COVID, where all travel came to a halt however it helped Pangea to move into the online space. Pangea’s vision was to re-create the superior physical in-store experience and exclusive product offering for their clients, like the successful model of Apple, but tailored to the Travel industry where customers could explore, be inspired, discover differentiated products, and be guided by experts tailoring once in a lifetime experience for them. This vision appeared to go against the odds in a sector where many traditional travel agency stores were disappearing however with perseverance and a clear vision, they identified 5 key differentiators which set them apart from traditional Travel Agencies:• Physical in-store experience where their “showrooms” expand over 1500m2• Expert advisors with guaranteed personal experience in destination.• Tailor made experience.• Technology to help provide the best customer experience.• Competitive rates.The trend that Pangea saw was that clients don't want standard packages anymore, David shared, "Pangea wants to offer a tailor-made trip, with the latest technologies, at a competitive price. We have grown steadily. Our main marketing tool in recent years has been word of mouth,”. During this session David shared some anecdotes on the origin of Pangea "I visited Decathlon for the 1st time, and I saw the transformational model it had, and I noticed that there was nothing similar in the travel sector. So, I wanted to make the Decathlon of travel.”&nbsp;

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David Hernandez and Jose Maria Pestaña

First "Meet the Entrepreneur" event by TravelTech Lab in Madrid

New York, NY, and Palma, Spain, May 8, 2023 — Hotelbeds and the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality have launched a collaboration to explore and inspire the next generation of tech start-ups through the company’s TravelTech Lab initiative and the school’s Innovation Hub (HI Hub) Incubator Programme.

The two organizations – leaders in their respective business and academic fields – will work together over the next three years to uncover disruptive ideas to propel the travel and hospitality ecosystems forward through new technologies aimed at improving customer experience.

While the NYU SPS Tisch Center has an established start-up programme, which it launched in 2021, to cater to the disparate needs of the industry and companies seeking to build the next generation of travel technology products, Hotelbeds entered the space earlier this year through the launch of its TravelTech Lab in partnership with Telefonica’s innovation arm, Wayra. The initiative aims to reshape the future of travel and support start-ups to explore innovative tech-based solutions to change the way travelers move, connect and explore.

The TravelTech Lab will complement the Hospitality Innovation Hub Incubator Programme, which helps NYU-affiliated start-ups plan, launch and manage their businesses by providing support and mentorship to help the owners grow their businesses. The agreement will also open new avenues for collaboration between entrepreneurs in the US and Europe.

“Hotelbeds is a progressive industry innovator whose values and commitment to evolve and reimagine the next generation of global travel technology align with our mission for the Tisch Center and our HI Hub initiative,” said Nicolas Graf, chaired professor and associate dean of the NYU SPS Tisch Center. “With the support of organizations like Hotelbeds, our HI Hub and its Incubator Programme will be well-positioned to be the launching pad for companies and technologies that will impact our industry for years to come.”

As part of the new platinum sponsorship agreement, Hotelbeds will host one of the Tisch Center Incubator’s future “Pitch Your Passion &amp; Seal the Deal” competitions at the company’s headquarters in Palma de Mallorca or &nbsp;its TravelTech Lab in Madrid. The competition has been a highlight of recent semesters at the Tisch Center, in which NYU-affiliated hospitality start-ups have the opportunity to develop their businesses and compete for cash prizes.

Nicolas Huss, chief executive officer at Hotelbeds, said: “Innovation has always been part of our DNA and is a key focus on our goal to reduce friction across the travel ecosystem. Bringing our two innovation hubs together is a powerful combination. We’re looking forward to seeing what initiatives the start-ups in the programme develop and how we can work together to bring them to market.”

Dr. Richie Karaburun, MBA, DPS, clinical assistant professor and director of the HI Hub Incubator Programme, said: “This relationship with Hotelbeds will bring significant value to our Incubator Programme cohort and their start-ups. Hotelbeds’ industry experience and connections will allow our entrepreneurs to tap into expertise to help build their businesses into true industry players.”

José María Pestaña, chief innovation officer, Hotelbeds, added: “Collaborating with the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality, just two months after launching our TravelTech Lab innovation hub underscores our ambition to identify and implement disruptive ideas to redesign the travel experience. Not only does NYU’s global footprint match our goal for our Lab but this collaboration reinforces our strategy to work closely with like-minded institutions that have a wealth of expertise and knowledge in the hospitality sector to help us take innovation to the next level.

###

About NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and Its HI Hub

The 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.

Through its undergraduate degree in hotel and tourism management, its graduate degrees in hospitality industry studies, tourism management, and event management, a plethora of Professional Pathways continuing education programmess, and its world-renowned hospitality investment conference, students gain the knowledge and the skill sets that enable them to manage change, to communicate, to thrive in complex work environments, and to advance the business of hospitality, travel, and tourism.

The Tisch Center launched the&nbsp;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&nbsp;sps.nyu.edu/tisch.

&nbsp;

About Hotelbeds and the TravelTech Lab by 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.

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 in product development and finding new ways to use technology to help customers succeed, and to help business partners to exceed their goals.

Through the Traveltech Lab, Hotelbeds wants to create a collaboration and shared knowledge platform so that global leaders in innovation can provide answers to the challenges of people's mobility.

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 travelers move, connect and explore. From cutting-edge technologies to payment solutions and more, the TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds is where ideas can soar. 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 from the Hotelbeds team. The most enterprising initiatives may also receive investment to bring their ideas to life.

To find out more, visit https://www.traveltechlab.net/ &nbsp;


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Hotelbeds and NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality Join Forces To Find and Inspire The Next Generation of Tech Startups Within TravelTech Lab and Incubator Programmes 

Palma, Spain, 1 May 2023 –Hotelbeds is seeing a notable rise in consumer demand for luxury travel with travellers around the world seeking more premium experiences than ever before. The trend has led the TravelTech company to respond by signing new partnerships, including The Lux Collective.

The United States, Mexico and Europe are among the largest source markets for luxury travel for Hotelbeds, while travellers from India (109%), Australia (216%), China (78%) and Spain (66%) have been increasingly looking for a premium experience over the past year versus the previous 12 months. 

Nicolas Huss, Hotelbeds’ Chief Executive Officer, doesn’t see this momentum subsiding any time soon. “The post-covid ‘carpe diem’ mentality shows no sign of abating,” he said. “Travellers want to make the most of every day and they don’t want to compromise. We’re seeing spend on travel remain a top consumer priority with people actively seeking unforgettable trips and are willing to pay for a high-quality experience.”

Within Hotelbeds’ country portfolio, the UAE, Mexico, Turkey, U.S. have the largest concentration of 5-star hotels with Thailand its fastest-growing destination. Meanwhile, Dubai, where Hotelbeds is exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market this week, continues to maintain its status as one of the company’s largest luxury destinations with growth up 10% over the past year versus the previous 12 months. 

This view is shared by other industry leaders, including Olivier Ponti, Vice President-Insights at ForwardKeys, who told the audience at Hotelbeds’ MarketHub Europe last month that the luxury sector is a huge opportunity for the travel industry. “This year, premium travel is recovering much faster than economy, which is still 19% behind 2019 levels. It is even growing by 4% compared with pre-pandemic levels. Premium travellers represent a very interesting visitor profile because they tend to fly a lot, spend more than average, and also tend to spend more time at their destination than the average traveller,” he said.

The Lux Collective (“TLC”) is a global luxury hotel operator headquartered in Singapore and manages brands LUX*, SALT, TAMASSA, SOCIO and Café LUX*. Other properties managed by TLC include Hotel Le&nbsp;Recif, Reunion Island and Ile des Deux Cocos, Mauritius, a private paradise island.

###

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 

&nbsp;


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Hotelbeds expands luxury portfolio to meet rising consumer demand

8 companies from the Balearic Islands have presented challenges to 200 students, eager to develop disruptive solutions to support and further develop the circular economy.

Check it at https://www.economiademallorca.com/articulo/innovacion/empresas-mallorquinas-retan-200-estudiantes-encontrar-soluciones-economia-circular/20230421133937081486.html


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Hotelbeds Hosts Circular Innovation Hackathon In The TravelTech Lab In Palma

Palma, Spain, 19 April 2023 – As Earth Day approaches this weekend, Hotelbeds’ has reported a surge in the number of travellers booking eco-friendly hotels.&nbsp;Its latest data shows that 30% more people have actively chosen to book properties that are part of the TravelTech company’s Green Hotels programme over the past 12 months compared to the previous year. Criteria for Green Hotels properties, as certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, includes sustainable management and cultural impacts.&nbsp;“Travellers are much more conscious of their carbon footprint and impact on the environment than ever before,” said Nicolas Huss, Hotelbeds’ CEO. “We started the Green Hotels programme in 2020 with 15,000 properties and its since grown to more than 37,000 hotels, representing over 20% of our business as more people actively seek to protect the planet while also exploring it.”&nbsp;Hotelbeds is also growing its plastic-free hotel portfolio, and this has seen a huge 84% increase over the past year versus the prior 12 months. Customers seeking both a green and plastic-free hotel has also grown by 30% this past year.&nbsp;The new data comes as Hotelbeds released its annual Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) report. The 2022 edition reports a number of achievements to lower the company’s environmental impact, including a reduction in energy by 48%, waste by 76%, water by 57% and paper by 54% in 2022 versus 2019. It is also making great strides in the Hotelbeds Forest, an initiative that aims to plant 10,000 trees this year to assist its fight against climate change and offset some of its carbon emissions.&nbsp;Hotelbeds is committed to making travel a force for good. In addition to its hotel programmes, the company has also been certified as a Carbon Neutral Organisation (scope 1 &amp; 2) by Carbon Footprint Ltd since 2018. It was also one of the first travel companies to join The Climate Pledge Commitment, co-founded by Amazon, to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.&nbsp;###&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 serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.&nbsp;Follow us:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbedsTwitter: @HotelbedsFacebook: HotelbedsInstagram: @hotelbeds_officialHotelbeds Media ContactPR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com

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Hotelbeds sees 30% growth in sustainable travel

200 students will be presented with challenges by 8 important companies in the Balearic Islands, with the objective of identifying innovative solutions to further develop the local Circular Economy.

&nbsp;

Check it at https://www.economiademallorca.com/articulo/innovacion/200-estudiantes-daran-soluciones-aplicar-economia-circular-8-grandes-empresas-baleares/20230413143012081163.html#new_tab


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Press conference in the TravelTech Lab hub in Palma to launch the Circular Innovation Hackathon

Nicolas Huss, CEO of Hotelbeds, visited Athens, Greece and talked with TravelDailyNews International about Greece as a leading destination in Europe, HotelBeds partnership with Wayra to create the TravelTech Lab, the trends and innovations in the travel industry, as well as the impact of technology in the hospitality industry.

&nbsp;

Check it at https://www.traveldailynews.com/column/interviews/nicolas-huss-carlos-munoz-hotelbeds-technology-is-here-to-support-the/


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Nicolas Huss, Carlos Muñoz (Hotelbeds): “New Tech Trends Are Here To Stay, In The Meta-COVID Era”

Nicolas Huss, CEO of Hotelbeds, and Irene Gómez, Telefónica Open Innovation Director, present the Open Innovation Hub “TravelTech Lab”, aimed at startups in the TravelTech sector, during the Mobile World Congress 2023.

Check it at https://elreferente.es/entrevistas/entrevista-nicolas-huss-hotelbeds-irene-gomez-telefonica-wayra-traveltech-lab/


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Interview With Nicolas Huss

Interview With Nicolas Huss (Hotelbeds) And Irene Gómez (Telefónica) (Elreferente.Es)

Palma, Spain, 1st December 2021 – Following last year's launch of its award-winning tool, The Compass for web clients, Hotelbeds has today revealed its most advanced tool to date, The Compass Pro, for API clients - a ground-breaking industry tool to help travel consultants tap into market trends and demand, while providing them with a unique insight, all in one place.

"Through a new web-based client portal embedded in Hotelbeds.com, our API clients will have access to personalised and granular information based on cutting-edge algorithms that are tailored to their business model and distribution strategy and ultimately designed to give them a real competitive advantage" says León Herce, Core Commercial Director at Hotelbeds.

Knowing that information is power, The Compass Pro has been designed to provide tailored data and information for Hotelbeds' clients, and to help them grow their business in three main ways:


	Bespoke data &amp; intel. The Compass Pro is a powerful, web-based portal that puts Hotelbeds’ clients in full control of their opportunities by converting complex data into easily understandable results. Travel agents can quickly see which properties will deliver an uplift in roomnight production, identify opportunities by type &amp; market (e.g., not mapped, inactive, etc.), which can easily be tracked, dismissed, or saved for later.
	Actionable insights. With the data provided, clients check the progress of each opportunity and roomnight growth in real-time. Using visual dashboards, they can produce detailed reports to instantly evaluate the impact their actions have on their opportunities.&nbsp;
	Supporting growth. By empowering travel buyers with a data-driven tool, Hotelbeds is sharing the best data and market information directly with its clients, so they can discover the full potential of travel agents working with Hotelbeds.


León Herce adds: "We have been working on The Compass Pro for quite a long time to ensure it is the very best product for our clients and so we are excited to make it live now. We have taken the technology to the next level and we're delighted that our clients are loving it and taking full advantage of all the powerful features it includes."

About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds is the world’s leading bedbank.

In a fragmented and complex travel landscape, Hotelbeds provides over 180,000 hotel properties across the globe with access to high-value, complementary distribution channels that significantly increase occupancy rates and optimise RevPAR – whilst not competing with the hotelier’s direct distribution strategy.

Hotelbeds does this by offering hoteliers access to a network of over 60,000 hard-to-access B2B travel buyers such as tour operators, retail travel agents, airline websites, and loyalty schemes in over 140 source markets worldwide. These channels provide hotel partners with returning guests that book further in advance, cancel less, spend more in-destination and stay longer.

In addition to accommodation, Hotelbeds is also the world’s largest B2B seller of travel ancillaries, offering 25,000 transfer routes and 18,000 activities, as well as attractions, tickets and car hire. Operating under the ‘Beyond the Bed’ product line, it provides both hoteliers and travel distribution partners with an efficient platform and powerful tools to easily integrate and commercialise its leading portfolio of high-margin products.

The company is headquartered in Palma, Spain.

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;

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com


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Hotelbeds launches its most powerful tool to date,  The Compass Pro

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