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TravelTech Lab

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

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

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  

Cancun, 12 May 2023 – Hoteliers and tourist boards joined Hotelbeds and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) at the MarketHub Americas to shine a light on the full spectrum of sustainability issues facing the travel industry.

Beatriz Barreal, board member of the GSTC and CEO and founder of the NGO Riviera Maya Sostenible, which played host to the conference, highlighted how companies across the travel ecosystem have a role to play in making travel a force for good.

“Destinations need to communicate with travellers about how they can be more sustainable when they visit,” Barreal said. “But it’s not just about single-use plastic. We must think broader and include all elements within environment, social and governance. Here in the Riviera Maya, we encourage hotels to create job opportunities for local people, promote the culture and also support small businesses.”

The focus on sustainability at the conference in Cancun comes just three weeks after Earth Day, when Hotelbeds revealed that over the past year the number of travellers who have chosen to book properties that are part of its Green Hotels programme has grown by 30% versus the previous 12 months. The company also planted a tree in the Hotelbeds Forest for each participant at the MarketHub Americas, in local communities, with native trees, fostering local re-naturing communities.

“Some companies see sustainability as a challenge, we see it as an opportunity, but we all need to work together across the industry to make the world a better place for tomorrow’s travellers,” said Elena Perez, Hotelbeds’ Chief HR and Sustainability officer. “People don’t want to compromise. They have an even greater appetite for travel than ever before but are also more conscious than ever before about their impact on the world. We must all respond to this by supporting the environment and preserving local cultures for generations to come.”

MarketHub Americas is an invitation-only event attended by the most important Hotelbeds partners from all the key source markets throughout the region.

&nbsp;

###

&nbsp;

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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Tourism industry discusses how to make travel a force for Good

Cancun, 11 May 2023 – Tourism leaders attending the MarketHub Americas by Hotelbeds have reported that Artificial Intelligence and technology will be their top strategic priority for 2023.

A poll among the event’s almost 500 attendees found that 32% plan to embrace AI and tech above anything else this year. This was closely followed by 28% of companies planning to innovate more. The survey was rounded out with 13% planning to offer a more personalised service, 11% on creating and using more data and 9% focusing on the connected trip.

“AI has become the hot topic in the travel industry but it’s a tool Hotelbeds has been using for some time, particularly to assist with customer service via chatbots,” said Nicolas Huss, CEO of Hotelbeds. “There’s no doubt that the whole travel ecosystem can benefit from this technology. It can not only improve customer service, but also provide an elevated personalised experience by remembering preferences and automatically implementing them each time an individual books their next trip.”

The audience heard how AI and machine learning simplifies travel decisions for the customer, shortens the time of purchase and enhances personalised offerings throughout the entire travel lifecycle. For travel businesses, meanwhile, automating low priority tasks frees up times for the human workforce, which can then be used to add further value to their customers.

This was supported by @hotel and NH Hotel Group (part of minor), with both companies telling the conference how important they think it will be, not only this year, but in years to come as well.

“Technology is helping us to elevate guest services. We offer our customers seamless personalised experiences while also providing operational efficiencies,” said Diana Marin, SVP-Sales and Distribution at NH Hotel Group (part of Minor). “AI also using it to predict trend, thanks to powerful algorithms, to analyse data from various source ,what’s coming up next is right there.”

Konrad Walliszewski, CEO of @hotel, added: “There’s no doubt AI is going to disrupt travel but it’s too early to tell just how much. It’s not just about using AI and machine learning to make every employee more productive – you’re missing out if you only do that. It will soon become the new norm but it’s moving so fast that we all need to stay on top of it.”

MarketHub Americas is an invitation-only event attended by the most important Hotelbeds partners from all the key source markets throughout the region.

###

&nbsp;

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

&nbsp;

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com


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AI and tech: Number one focus for travel in 2023

Palma, Spain, 9 May 2023 – The 10th edition of MarketHub Americas, Hotelbeds’ flagship event, returns to Cancun, Mexico, tomorrow (10 May). Taking place at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun hotel, the event will be attended by influential leaders from across the travel ecosystem.

“As the MarketHub gets underway, excitement is building here in Cancun as our partners and friends from across the industry arrive for our first regional MarketHub in three years,” said Carlos Muñoz Capllonch, Chief Commercial Officer of Hotelbeds. “The Hotelbeds team here, as well as our guests, are looking forward to hearing from all the speakers who are sure to provide us with great insights into our industry, which will serve as inspiration for all that is to come.”

As MarketHub Americas gets underway, here are a few highlights of this year’s conference agenda:

Mexico for MarketHub

This is the fifth time Hotelbeds is bringing its flagship event to Mexico, one of the most important markets for Hotelbeds. In recent weeks, the company has reported a 50% increase in room nights versus 2019, with Cancun even higher at more than 70. More than 500 local and international executives will be in the city to hear from some of the biggest names in tourism and technology, such as Hyatt Inclusive Collection, World Travel and Tourism Council and Telefonica.

Focus on sustainability

Just weeks after Earth Day when Hotelbeds announced the growth of sustainable travel, the MarketHub will delve into the transformation towards green tourism and how sustainability is no longer an option but a requirement for today’s travellers as they increasingly seek eco-friendly experiences when they travel. Guests will hear from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and Palace Resorts on the standards they’re setting for the industry and also learn how intrinsic sustainability is to tourism from Discover Puerto Rico and the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency.

Women take centre stage

Showcasing diverse leadership is a key focus of the conference. This year, 12 visionary female leaders will take to the stage to share their insights on what will undoubtedly help shape the future of travel. Speakers include Diana Martin of NH Hotel Group (part of Minor), Hotelbeds’ Chief Technology and Operations Officer Paula Felstead and Irene Gómez, Innovation Director at Telefonica.

Tech takeover

What is the next technological revolution in the travel industry? MarketHub panellists will discuss the next steps in digitisation, personalisation of the traveller experience, and also uncover the new tools available that can increase business opportunities. The conference will look in-depth at the role AI is playing as well as how this and other innovations will disrupt the future of travel.

The MarketHub Americas is an invitation-only event attended by key partners from across the region. For more information, 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 Americas, a new vision on the travel ecosystem

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.

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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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