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 Why Hotel Digitalisation Can’t Wait: Transforming Operations for Today’s Guests

About Experience Kissimmee:Celebrating a decade of success, Experience Kissimmee, the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida, is dedicated to creating economic opportunities by driving tourism to the region. Known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, Kissimmee offers a wide variety of accommodations, with convenient access to world-famous theme parks and just minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO). With a vision to be a trailblazer in destination marketing, Experience Kissimmee promotes Central Florida’s diverse tourism experiences to the world. By welcoming millions of visitors each year, whether for leisure, business, or sports events, the organisation is committed to support local economic growth and continues to position the region as a premier travel destination. For more information, visit www.experiencekissimmee.com.About Kissimmee:Located at the heart of Florida, Kissimmee is 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), close to world-famous theme parks and attractions, offers a variety of shopping and dining locations, and provides access to natural spaces" and outdoor adventures carefully preserved natural spaces and outdoor adventures. Also known as the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, Kissimmee has approximately 50,000 options of accommodations, including sprawling hotels and resorts, and more than 30,000 vacation homes ranging from two-bedroom condos to 15-bedroom mansions.&nbsp;The Challenge: What was Experience Kissimmee’s main goal?One of the main goals for Experience Kissimmee, which was one of the key motivators for their partnership with HBX Group, was the desire to increase the visitation levels to the destination. They wanted to expand on the global awareness of what Kissimmee offers, and more specifically to put it ‘on the map’ for a larger international audience.In addition, while Experience Kissimmee had established a memorable brand for Kissimmee as a destination, they were looking for external support to ensure their awareness campaigns turned into conversions: booked trips and increasing international visits.We recently spoke to Cristina López, International &amp; Domestic Sales Manager for North America at Experience Kissimmee, at our MarketHub Americas event who suggested that their main challenge was ‘support on conversions and increasing visitation to our destination, and primarily to let the world know where Kissimmee is, as the ‘Big Bold Heart of Florida.’López mentioned that ‘as we are very much a destination that is funded by Tourism Development Tax, we really needed help on the conversion portion of visitation to our destination, and a lot of the marketing campaigns [we ran] were focusing on impressions versus conversions.’&nbsp;&nbsp;The Solution: How did HBX Group help?In terms of storytelling, Experience Kissimmee had been curating impactful marketing and sales campaigns which showcased the ‘endless opportunities’ in the destination, and as López said, ‘we love to welcome all our visitors, international or domestic, not only to our world famous theme parks; but also to the rest, and have other unique experiences that are very much connecting with nature.’But when it came to the core focus of these campaigns, and uplifting the conversion levels of these marketing efforts, this is where Experience Kissimmee sought expert advice and guidance.This is what prompted Experience Kissimmee to reach out to HBX Group (then Hotelbeds) during 2020, in order to capitalise on our experience offering Marketing as a Service solutions for Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) all over the world, as well as our established position as a global partner for travel businesses across the industry.‘When we reached out and partnered with HBX Group, it definitely helped us to make it click and brought what we needed to make sure [our campaigns] would make sense,’ López revealed.Experience Kissimmee’s objectives were twofold – to increase global awareness and visitation levels for Kissimmee, and to implement marketing campaigns which resulted in higher conversion levels. This objective was compounded due to the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and the consequent need to increase awareness on an international scale as a result of decreased inbound activity.However, it was clear that the solution was interconnected: to drive higher conversions and uplift their global brand awareness, we needed to understand the core focus of Experience Kissimmee’s sales and marketing campaigns, to turn positive impression metrics into tangible bookings and ROI and revitalise international revenue streams.By establishing a close working relationship, based on transparency and clear communication, HBX Group were able to identify Experience Kissimmee’s core targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which enabled a realistic and goal-oriented marketing strategy.Plus, our Key Account Managers and destination marketing teams ensured that responsiveness was one of the key elements of this partnership, given that proactive guidance was vital for Experience Kissimmee: ‘We really love everyone at HBX Group that we've been interacting with, for the openness, communication, and the information [received] but above all the responsiveness. Which is very key in order for us to make things happen,’ López stated.This close partnership allowed HBX Group to better understand where the opportunities were present based on Experience Kissimmee’s past and current campaigns and marketing initiatives, to offer and implement bespoke marketing solutions that targeted their ideal audiences in a more granular and impactful way.By utilising our experience in delivering insight-driven, partner-centric strategic marketing campaigns, we were able to work collaboratively with Experience Kissimmee to generate more opportunities for exposure and market share.This approach was applicable to both domestic and international markets, which was key for Experience Kissimmee and their main objective of increasing global awareness levels for this destination.López also commented on the benefit of our reach and networking connections, which allowed Experience Kissimmee the increased exposure, especially at key events like the MarketHub, HBX Group’s flagship events: ‘We’ve been grateful to have your support not just domestically, but internationally, thanks to the networking and reach that HBX Group has. As well as providing the support that comes with having all our products covered and being able to deliver to our B2B clients and partners.’The established positioning of HBX Group within key international markets was a core benefit for Experience Kissimmee, as López confirmed:‘[The partnership] really helped us to stay afloat and immerse ourselves in our international markets, and be able to stay, be present, be relevant and continue increasing brand awareness and visitation into our destination.’&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Outcome: Why HBX Group was able to elevate Experience Kissimmee’s successThe result? A significant upward trend to the number of room nights booked to Kissimmee. In discussion with us, López suggested that ‘it's been wonderful to see the increase of room nights booked primarily into our destination because like I said, our destination is funded by our county on the bed tax. So HBX Group has helped us to drive that increase in room bookings, which brings [into focus] the value of targeting and accomplishing our KPIs as well.’Data-oriented, López highlighted the value of the actionable reporting that Experience Kissimmee have received throughout our partnership, which has allowed them to more accurately identify which potential markets represented the best, long-standing investment opportunities. López also revealed that this partnership has empowered Experience Kissimmee to establish new partnerships themselves, exemplified by the recent expansion into Puerto Rico as a new market, as a result of their scaled presence.As HBX Group is a leader in the B2B TravelTech industry and a key ecosystem player, we benefit from a wealth of experience not only for our sourcing teams, but also in travel marketing and assisting DMOs just like Experience Kissimmee in uplifting the success and impact of their destination.This meant that Experience Kissimmee had an expert team at their side, but also a transparent partner dedicated to their growth.López mused that this mutually beneficial connection has been one of the defining factors of this strategic partnership: ‘It really has set you apart, the strong relationship you have internationally [with the industry]. Because it was easy to secure the domestic market post-COVID primarily, which is right around the time when we were able to connect with HBX Group.’Through expert guidance and support to deliver converting campaigns, beneficial networking opportunities, and the established channels offered as part of HBX Group’s wider ecosystem structure, Experience Kissimmee have elevated their positioning in both domestic and international markets.Overall, this partnership has better established Experience Kissimmee in both their existing domestic and new international markets, empowered them to forge connections with valuable providers and clients across the industry, and drive more bookings to the destination as a result of stimulated demand.HBX Group has also been able to gain valuable experience in guiding a profitable partnership for Experience Kissimmee as a DMO, enhancing our reputation as a true partner and leader in the B2B travel distribution space.López mused on the success of the partnership in conversation with us, and where she sees this going in the future: ‘We are super excited to continue with HBX Group primarily because our relationship is really a true partnership that we've been building. It's really that collaborative marketing and sales between us that is really making it happen for our strategic goals.’&nbsp;Why partner with HBX Group?HBX Group is connecting and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving world of travel.By delivering fast and reliable access to a global network of interconnected products and services, we empower choice for partners, while removing friction from the end-to-end travel experience.&nbsp;190+ source markets.Over 60,000 travel distributors in our network.Products in 170+ countries.An expansive global portfolio – 250,000+ properties and 23,000+ experiences.Powerful travel booking platforms that handle 7 billion searches per day.1000+ support agents for on-hand, expert advice and guidance.&nbsp;Experience for yourself our best-in-class platforms, and bespoke B2B travel solutions, dedicated to your growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Register your property

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Transforming Visitation: Experience Kissimmee's Partnership with HBX Group

Are you currently using a channel manager, or are you interested in incorporating one into your distribution operations? Would you like to know how a channel manager could complement your partnership with us and take your hotel further? We've got you covered!&nbsp;&nbsp;In this article, you'll find the main benefits of partnering with a channel manager if you work with HBX Group, as well as how channel managers complement our powerful Partner Portal, among other frequently asked questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read on and discover all the information you need to know about channel managers for hotels.What is a channel manager?&nbsp;Before we move forward, first things first: what exactly is a channel manager, and what does a channel manager do?&nbsp;&nbsp;Nowadays, hotels can't just rely on telephone or face-to-face bookings to guarantee a high occupancy rate for their rooms.&nbsp;Hoteliers need to use more than one sales channel to get the most out of their offering and achieve maximum profits — but it can be challenging to manage several channels at once. This is where the channel manager comes in.&nbsp;&nbsp;A channel manager is an online platform for hotels. It allows you to constantly update the advertisement of your rooms across several channels or booking sites to which you’re connected. Similarly, the channel manager system updates your availability automatically and in real-time across all channels. Whenever you receive a booking, remove a room, or make general changes to your inventory, it will automatically update.&nbsp;&nbsp;The channel manager can increase a hotel's ability to attract bookings and maximise profits. Channel managers are a fundamental part of a hotel's online distribution strategy.&nbsp;At HBX Group, we consider the channel manager to be a valuable addition to our partnership offering: by allowing you to connect the rate plans that you hold with us to the tool, you can rest assured that the agreement is being efficiently and effectively optimised.&nbsp;&nbsp;Advantages of working with hotel channel managers&nbsp;Certainly, relying on channel managers is an effective strategy to facilitate inventory management, among many other advantages:&nbsp;&nbsp;Channel managers push real-time rates and availability on all channels at the same time, and these are updated automatically. As a result, bookings can be accepted more easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can ensure the best control in inventory management. By splitting inventory between different channels, there's a risk of double bookings or not reaching full occupancy. When using a channel manager, inventory will be pooled and availability and rates will be automatically updated, so only available rooms will be bookable.&nbsp;&nbsp;Channel managers enable you to get to know each distinct channel better, including how they work, your best-performing rooms, and so forth. You'll have access to reports, analytics, and booking trends. Besides, it will help you analyse the best-performing channels and how to optimise connections to generate more revenue for the hotel.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can integrate with a variety of channels, including OTAs (Online Travel Agency), metasearch engines (such as Google), your own website, and HBX Group, as an example of the B2B channel, to name a few.&nbsp;&nbsp;HBX Group and channel managers: what makes us a good team?&nbsp;After all these years as leaders in the TravelTech sector, we've corroborated the importance of having a channel manager for hotels as a partner to streamline your daily work and increase your revenue. If you still have doubts about investing in one, here are a few reasons why we highly recommend a channel manager as an excellent complement to HBX Group.&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, we're working hard to improve and create certain functionalities for channel managers to incorporate into their platforms. In this way, among other advantages, hoteliers like you will be able to create rate plans with HBX Group through the channel manager platform itself.&nbsp;This means you won't have to sign on ad-hoc basis with a Contract Manager from our team and then wait for us to upload them to the system. With this new functionality, you'll be able to create contracts directly through the channel manager, and they will be reflected directly in our system. This will allow you to sell more rates with us more easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides, you’ll have the option to create new rooms through the channel manager platform. You won't have to contact our team first, which will reduce the time to market considerably.&nbsp;&nbsp;As an additional benefit, if you’re a hotelier interested in working with us, and you already have a channel manager, HBX Group has partnered with a few of them and will bring you the opportunity to register and create an agreement with us through their system.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, not all the channel managers we work with have these functionalities. HBX Group offer the opportunity to develop them; but it’s the channel manager's team who is responsible for implementing them. Yet, channel managers are increasingly asking about the possibility of developing this tool.&nbsp;In short, investing in a channel manager while working with HBX Group reduces manual bookings. As a hotelier, you can control availability better, as well as make sales forecasts. Automatic updates allow you to see what you have and don’t have available for the following months. In this manner, you can determine whether to lower the prices of certain rooms to increase your revenue.&nbsp;Interested in working with two major players in the travel industry? Register your property now and gain access to many opportunities to increase bookings and revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s a match: our Partner Portal + channel managers&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the main questions hoteliers ask when they join HBX Group — and already work with a channel manager — is the following: how does the channel manager work together with our Partner Portal? However, which may seem complex at first glance is, in reality, much simpler.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Partner Portal is a complementary tool to the channel manager. On the one hand, and as mentioned above, there are some channel managers which lack the functionalities to automate some processes when integrating with HBX Group.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is where our Partner Portal comes into play to make the work easier. For example, a hotel that can't create new rate plans through the channel manager platform needs to modify the rates in the Partner Portal to start mapping with the channel manager. If they can't create new rooms with the channel manager either, they must use the extranet to add them and then update the channel manager.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, regarding hotel content, such as descriptions, images and facilities, all hoteliers must use the Partner Portal to enter this information.&nbsp;Check out our article on the most frequently asked questions about HBX Group Partner Portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;How does the integration with HBX Group work?&nbsp;To begin with, we have our own team responsible for the new integrations with channel managers. While it's the channel manager who develops these functionalities with the HBX Group’s APIs on their respective platforms, our team tests to make sure everything works correctly.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you don't have a channel manager yet to help you manage your distribution channels, we recommend comparing channel managers to see which one might be the right fit for you. When choosing your best channel manager, we recommend you consider factors such as your number of available rooms, the diverse types of rooms you have, the audience you want to reach, your budget, and other variables.&nbsp;&nbsp;The good news is that, nowadays, almost any channel manager can integrate with us. In fact, we have partnerships with 200+ hotel channel managers, both the top ones and the regional ones in specific countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, we will also help you with the integration process. Some channel managers handle hotel integrations directly. In other cases, you'll have to follow a series of steps, and this information will be provided to you by our Contracting team.&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope we've clarified the main questions you had about working with a channel manager and HBX Group at the same time. We assure you it's a winning formula and could exponentially increase your bookings, improve your revenue, and help you have better control of all your inventory and rates. That's why we encourage you to start working with a channel manager software to make your daily tasks easier.&nbsp;&nbsp;And if you haven't joined HBX Group yet, we can help you increase your property's visibility to over 60,000 travel distributors. HBX Group gives you access to a worldwide portfolio of B2B partners. Don’t miss your opportunity to appear in front of this valuable client base!&nbsp;Register your property

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The Perfect Duo: Hotel Channel Managers and HBX Group, a Winning Combination 

Having access to our HBX Group Partner Portal (previously called MaxiRoom) is the first step on your journey to boost bookings and maximise revenue with HBX Group. With plenty of features available for your convenience, our platform streamlines your daily operations and management.&nbsp;The Partner Portal has many advantages, from independently managing your inventory and bookings to monitoring connectivity with your channel manager, setting up offers, and accessing your financial information.&nbsp;&nbsp;To accelerate your learning process so that you get the most out of our platform, we’ve created the Hotel Help Centre. This article will give you a sneak peek into some of the most frequently asked questions about the extranet. Solve your main doubts below, and visit the Help Centre to learn more about our advanced extranet and to find quick videos about our platform and information about our products and services.&nbsp;How to update rate plans and availability? &nbsp;Here are some key details to help you understand your HBX Group's inventory:&nbsp;Remember that every time you create a new room, you must include it in a rate plan for it to be distributed. To do this, link each room to any of your rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;How can you update your availability? You have two options.&nbsp;In bulk: Go to the ‘Inventory’ section &gt; Click on Bulk Actions’ and select ‘Availability’ and date range &gt; Choose application days and rooms/rates &gt; Save changes (ensure correct Available Rooms and Release Days).&nbsp;Individually: Go to the ‘Inventory’ section and select a rate you want to apply changes. &gt; Click on 'Bulk Actions’ and Select the range dates, application days, and the rooms/rates to apply the changes to. &gt; Save changes. Make sure you apply them to the correct number of Available Rooms and Release days.&nbsp;How can you update your rates? Go to the ‘Inventory’ section &gt; Click on 'Bulk Actions’ (right side of the page) &gt; Modify rates for selected period, room type, rate type, and days &gt; Save changes.&nbsp;How can you create a new rate plan? Go to the ‘Inventory’ section &gt; Click on ‘Create Rate (right side of the screen) &gt; Fill in all required fields &gt; Save. If the Create Rate button is missing, or you need a special rate (e.g., FIT), contact your Contract Manager.&nbsp;These are just a few examples of the main doubts you can find resolved on the ‘Inventory’ section of the Help Centre. Learn more here about how to create new rooms and how to add them to your rate plans, as well as to get a better understanding of our variety of rate plans and room capacities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Do you manage your inventory via a Channel Manager or a Property Management System (PMS)? We have you covered on this, too! Visit this page if you work with a Channel Manager, or this one if you do it via your Integration System.&nbsp;&nbsp;How to contact HBX Group for Partner Portal-related queries? &nbsp; &nbsp;There are several ways to get in touch with our HBX Group support team if you can't find the answer to your questions in the Help Centre.&nbsp;&nbsp;For general queries: Send us a ticket via the Hotel Support Form, which you will find in the Partner Portal’s platform. Simply click the ‘Help’ section on the top right side of the menu.&nbsp;&nbsp;For specific queries: Go to the Partner Portal and go to the ‘Help’ section, located in the top right side of the menu. Click on ‘View contact ‘ in the ‘Day to day contact’ section. You will find the contact information from your Contract Manager.&nbsp;Update hotel content in HBX Group Partner PortalYou can seamlessly upload all hotel-related content to the extranet to ensure that it accurately showcases what your property has to offer. Whether you need help uploading high-resolution images or updating hotel information, room details, or hotel services, this section of the Help Centre has the right answers to all your queries.&nbsp;Partner Portal's two-factor authentication: what do you need to know? &nbsp;At HBX Group, we take security very seriously, which is why we've proactively implemented security measures to protect your Partner Portal account. The two-factor authentication implementation means that every time you access the Partner Portal, you’ll need to enter a one-time code (OTC), which will be sent via email.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is what you should consider:&nbsp;&nbsp;How long will the code be valid? You’ll have 10 minutes to access the platform once you’ve received the code via email. To generate another one, please log in again to the Partner Portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;What to do if the one-time code doesn’t work? Try logging in again to receive a new one-time code. If the code still doesn't work, please ensure that ‘partner-portal@hbxgroup.com’ is whitelisted by adding it to your address book.&nbsp;&nbsp;What to do if you haven’t received the one-time code? Make sure that ‘partner-portal@hbxgroup.com’ is whitelisted and not in the spam folder. Also, if you need further assistance, please contact your Contract Manager.Find out more about the two-factor authentication.&nbsp;What payment methods are available at HBX Group? &nbsp;VCC PaymentsOne of the payment methods offered by HBX Group is Virtual Credit Card (VCC). In order to properly operate with it, this is what you need to know:&nbsp;&nbsp;A VCC will be issued for each booking you receive. To find your card details, visit the Partner Portal’s 'Bookings' section (or your Integration System), search for the desired booking, and click the Booking Reference to see your VCC details. From then on, you can introduce it in your Point of Sales Terminal and charge it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several factors can cause your VCC to be declined or experience any issues:One VCC is issued per booking total, not per room.VCC amount updates automatically for cancellations or modifications.Do not charge before the activation date — this may block your merchant code.You have 180 days from activation to charge the VCC.Charge the net amount — commission is already deducted.Once your booking has been charged and the invoice is set in your system, you’ll need to send us an invoice via email or via e-billing.&nbsp;Ecobill is our electronic invoicing platform, accessible via our Partner Portal. Besides, for the VCC payment method, a valid tax invoice is mandatory in certain countries. Find out more about HBX Group's invoicing entities, which countries need a valid tax invoice and how to invoice via Ecobill in this section.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wire PaymentsBank transfer is HBX Group's second payment method. If you wish to operate this way, this is what you need to know:&nbsp;In order to get paid, you'll need to send your invoice. By default, suppliers should invoice HBX Group for each booking right after the check-out date via our electronic invoicing system called e-billing.&nbsp;If you need to send the invoice via email or post, you can do so by opening a ticket, and our Finance team will provide you with detailed information.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bank transfers are scheduled twice a month. However, the first condition is to upload or send the invoice.To learn more about how to update your bank details, invoice via e-billing and HBX Group's invoicing entities by country, please refer to this section.What campaigns and offers are available to you? &nbsp;Our offers and campaigns contribute to increasing your property's visibility and bookings. As a result of this exposure, you can attract new guests, enhance brand recognition, and boost your hotel's revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can choose from a variety of options:&nbsp;&nbsp;Available offers to create your custom promotion: Last Minute, Opaque, Long Stay, Early Booking and Free Nights are just a few of the available options. Click here to find a detailed explanation of each one, as well as how to set them up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Monthly promotions: Each month, we release new offers specifically designed to attract guests and increase bookings. You can find these campaigns on your Portal Partner account homepage.&nbsp;To join any of these campaigns, simply click on the ‘Join Campaign’ button &gt; Select the dates of stay and booking window &gt; Add it to your rate plans &gt; Click ‘Join Offer’ to activate.&nbsp;Global and regional marketing campaigns: We run several global and regional campaigns throughout the year to connect you with wholesale and retail customers not accessible via traditional B2C channels. Some examples of campaigns include New Year, Black Friday, Early Booking Summer, long-haul campaigns, and other campaigns to promote specific territories, such as China.&nbsp;Campaigns are promoted on your Partner Portal homepage, and you can join them by clicking on the campaign, setting dates of stay and booking window, and adding it to your rate plan.&nbsp;These are a few common questions we've noticed hoteliers like you have about the Partner Portal. We hope we have clarified some of them, and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to visit our Hotel Help Centre.

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6 Frequently Asked Questions about HBX Group Partner Portal 

As a hotelier, you’re always looking for ways to attract more guests, automate processes, and optimise your direct channel. However, without a strong network and strategy, these goals may seem out of reach. What if you had a platform that helped expand your network, attract high-quality guests, and boost direct bookings — all while saving time?&nbsp;These platforms exist — mainly in the form of TravelTech companies offering B2B travel solutions. Below are some common problems hoteliers face and potential solutions, brought to you by our HBX Group brands.Problem: Not Maximising Your Booking OpportunitiesHow does your hotel receive its bookings? Direct channels, OTAs, and wholesalers are all valuable platforms, but they do not connect you with B2B buyers. Diversifying into the B2B market means you’ll work with travel partners who will help fill your rooms with reliable, long-stay guests. These guests book in advance, spend more, and create a predictable income stream.Solution: Expand Your Reach With a B2B Distribution NetworkThe B2B travel market is fragmented, consisting of different players such as travel agencies, tour operators, affiliates, and airlines. The good news? You can connect with all of them by using a B2B distribution network.&nbsp;A leading hotel distribution solutions provider, HBX Group has an audience of 60,000 businesses, including travel agencies, tour operators, online travel agents, and wholesalesers. Partnering with us gets your hotel in front of these professionals who actively book accommodations for their clients.Want to expand your offering even further? HBX Group partners with airlines, financial institutions, employee benefits programmes and eCommerce providers, putting your property in view of high-intent, loyal customers.Problem: Maintaining Rate ParityIf your hotel’s website lists a different rate than OTAs or wholesalers, your guests may get confused, and even lose trust. However, you likely manage various hotel distribution channels, so maintaining rate parity quickly gets overwhelming.Solution: Gain Control With A B2B Distribution PartnerHBX Group uses cutting-edge data analytics, integration with channel managers, and continuous monitoring to detect inconsistencies. As a result, it has reduced hotel rate leakages by 75% in the past five years, boasting a rate discrepancy ratio of 0.005%. To tackle rate discrepancies, you’ll need a similar platform with efficient data-sharing, channel integration, and real-time updates.Problem: Underserved Direct ChannelWhen you have a well-designed website and a clear direct channel marketing strategy, you don’t only own your brand, but also create a professional image for your guests. Many hoteliers know how important direct channels are, but often lack the resources and strategy to convert direct bookings. This creates an imbalanced distribution mix, resulting in an over-reliance on OTAs.Solution: Work With a Strategic PartnerImproving your direct channel hotel distribution requires a digital marketing strategy, knowledge of SEO and metasearch engines, and often, an investment in web design and software. If you’re unsure where to start, you might want to work with a versatile partner specialising in the hotel industry.&nbsp;Roiback is a solid option as it offers different services tailored to your needs. You can work with leading web designers for a user-friendly website, adopt Roiback’s award-winning booking engine for a frictionless reservation experience, launch a rewards program for guest loyalty, or implement a mix of all these TravelTech solutions.Problem: Reaching a Targeted AudienceIf your guest base is mostly local, you may be looking to attract international travellers. Or if you only host leisure guests, you might want to expand into the business travel market. You aim to reach a new travel segment, but are unsure how and where to find them.Solution: Explore New Hotel Distribution StrategiesAdjust your distribution strategy, launch targeted marketing campaigns, and partner with new travel networks.&nbsp;That’s exactly what Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni did to expand its reach beyond its native South Korea and attract long-stay guests. By choosing HBX Group as its strategic partner, the hotel gained access to an audience of 60,000 global travel distributors. It also launched a discounted long-stay product to reward guests who stay longer. As a result, the hotel’s sales increased by 10-15% per month, with both international and long-stay guests.Problem: Inefficient OperationsMaintaining rate parity, managing availability, and handling cancellations or last-minute bookings can be time-consuming, especially when done manually.Solution: Adopt the Right TechnologySave time, money, and energy by investing in B2B travel solutions. For example, HBX Group’s hotel extranet allows you to update your profile with facilities, services, and photos, update inventory and rates, and set up campaigns for early bookings, long stays, and more.&nbsp;If you’re already using a channel manager, you can easily integrate it with HBX Group, so you make the most of automation, data-driven reports, and real-time updates.Problem: Meeting Guest ExpectationsIn a 2023 survey, experience management platform Medallia found that 61% of consumers would be willing to spend more for a personalised experience. For hotels, this means tailoring every step of the guests’ journey from booking to post-stay. When guests have such high expectations, hoteliers may feel like they’re falling behind.Solution: Lean Into Data and Set Up Targeted CampaignsTraditional ways of personalising the guest experience include greeting guests by name, remembering their preferences, and offering recommendations. With technology in the picture, you can combine these with data, analytics, and trends.&nbsp;For example, if your goal is to reach more long-stay guests, you’ll want to offer special packages and discounted rates for extended stays. Or if you’d like to attract business travellers, you might highlight relevant amenities like fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and flexible check-in/check-out times in your offering. You can also bring the latest travel trends into your personalisation strategy, creating seasonal discounts, special holidays, and peak travel periods.&nbsp;As a data-driven company, HBX Group combines its TravelTech solutions with expert account managers who will take the time to understand your hotel’s unique needs. This way, you’ll have a personalised offer for different types of travellers, aligned with your long-term goals.Reach Your Goals With A B2B Distribution NetworkJoin the HBX Group family for innovative TravelTech solutions — whether that’s HBX Group’s extensive B2B travel network or Roiback’s direct channel optimisation services. Our solutions do not interfere with your hotel’s direct strategy, they simply complement them by adding a new revenue stream.&nbsp;Ready to take your hotel to the next level? Connect with us today.&nbsp;Register your property

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B2B Travel Solutions for Hoteliers: 6 Ways to Strengthen Distribution

Disclaimer: This article was first featured in our annual MarketHub Pulse magazine, published prior to October 2025. For this reason, there may be some discrepancies in details, such as job titles. Access your complimentary copy of MarketHub Pulse Review by clicking here.The MarketHub is an excellent incubator for ideation: from quality keynotes from thought leaders to cross-cultural networking opportunities, HBX Group’s flagship event is a must-attend for those seeking fresh perspective, and the solutions to support business growth.&nbsp;Moreover, the MarketHub serves as a launchpad for new products and partnerships – and at the MarketHub Americas, attendees were introduced to Civitfun, a hospitality tech innovator specialising in digitalising hotel operations.&nbsp;Why Civitfun? Acquired by HBX Group in May 2025, the company’s tech infrastructure and integrations will further the Group’s mission to simplify the travel ecosystem. Civitfun’s offering spans 60 PMS platforms and more than 3500 clients across 36 countries – combined with HBX Group’s portfolio of 250,000 properties, the ability to reduce operational headaches for hoteliers (and to enhance the guest experience) is multiplied significantly.&nbsp;The streamlining of the end-to-end travel experience a sought-after goal of many, and not limited to travel players alone: with 70% of travellers desiring a fully-digital journey, but only 1 in 4 hotels able to offer such an experience, reducing friction at check-in has fast emerged as a priority. Coupled with the fact that 80% of hoteliers report struggles with staff shortages, intervention ought to come fast and affordably.&nbsp;In Panama, Civitfun’s founder, Mariano Oleza de Espana, took to the stage to share his view that solutions don’t necessary call for intervention, but integration…and true partnership. Likening the perfect end-to-end travel experience to other facets of the tourism industry (‘Why can airports deliver a seamless digital experience, but hotels can’t?’), Oleza de Espana’s belief is that all systems should ‘talk to each other’: one platform, to connect all systems in real-time. Or, true digital partnership.&nbsp;It’s through Civitfun’s integrations that such an experience can be brought to life, but takes more than a product to further simplification: it takes an ecosystem.&nbsp;The acquisition of Civitfun by HBX Group underscores the Group’s position as an ecosystem partner, driven by a commitment to simplify travel for all. In addition to removing friction, this ‘ecosystem’ approach’ – in which constituents from all areas of the travel sector and even beyond can ‘plug in’ and share resources – grants seamless access to the sum of the industry’s greatest parts: powerful technology, a world-best product portfolio, data, and so on.&nbsp;HBX Group’s Chief Growth Officer, Mark Antipof, further outlined the benefits of partnering with an ecosystem player, with HBX Group itself bringing together those from the FinTech, InsurTech and Marketing space to drive growth, not only for those in traditional tourism spaces, but those who seek to benefit from one of the most lucrative industries on earth.&nbsp;‘All of these elements exist today,’ shared Antipof, ‘either in their specific domain, or in another industry. So, why not here [in travel]?'In many ways, HBX Group is paving the way: within its ecosystem offering, the Group drives partnerships between tech houses, banks and insurers, to name a few, as well as traditional travel players such as hotels, wholesalers, travel agents and airlines.&nbsp;In all regions where the MarketHub 2025 was held, representatives from each sector took turns to contribute their views across a range of keynotes and panels: InsurTech and FinTech players exchanged perspectives on their products’ roles in the ecosystem (‘What is the Future of Payments and Insurance in Tech?’); hoteliers, airlines and experience providers shared their unique experiences of working with a TravelTech partner, and the benefits of ‘leaning in’; while not to forget the essence of the MarketHub as a whole: to invite businesses across all sectors, to shape the future together – and that includes discovering new partnerships, and new revenue streams.Across all events, Group CCO, Carlos Muñoz, revealed that the travel and tourism sector is said to be worth $11 trillion USD – leaving little wonder why financial institutions, employee benefits providers, and other such industry players might seek to partner with those more traditional members of the travel sector, for example, in order to start selling travel products via white label solutions.&nbsp;For those already within the travel sector, a growing product portfolio – including mobility and experience, insurance, and digital payment solutions – only strengthens their own offering. In all, ecosystem partnerships are evidentially a strategic lever: to lead the charge towards crafting the connected trip, to diversifying revenue streams, and to remain competitive, secure, and supported.&nbsp;Sam Alamillo (Outpayce by Amadeus) concurred: ‘Our philosophy of how we work with our partners is one based on our relationship and trust. Even being here [at the MarketHub Americas], everything seems to be driven so much around relationships, and this mutual goal of all of us being successful. Those are the key principles [of partnership]: who is in it to make sure that you’re successful? Who is in it for the long run? And who can you trust to make that success a reality?’&nbsp;Ready to unlock partnerships in the travel industry?&nbsp;Register with HBX GroupSee more from the MarketHub in our exclusive magazine, featuring travel insights, interviews with thought leaders, and hot topics from our regional events. Click to access your free copy now.

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Interconnection Driving Innovation: The Power of TravelTech Partnerships

Hotels that strategically leverage these partnerships position themselves for sustained growth in a complex and fragmented market.&nbsp;In today's dynamic hospitality landscape, the importance of having a trusted B2B distribution partner cannot be overstated. Let's delve into why B2B distribution remains a key player in the success of hotels and how it addresses critical concerns such as cost reduction and rate leakage prevention.&nbsp;1. Diversifying Revenue Streams:While OTAs and direct bookings are essential, B2B distribution opens new avenues for hotels to diversify their revenue streams. Establishing partnerships with reputable B2B distributors allows hotels to tap into different market segments, reaching a broader audience that will not be easily accessible through other channels.&nbsp;2. Cost Reduction through longer Lead Times:Long lead times enable hotels to anticipate revenues and optimize resource costs, allowing to fill rooms in advance. This not only ensures a steady stream of revenue but also helps in optimizing inventory management. By securing reservations with long lead times through these partners, hotels can optimize revenue management strategies, allowing them to increase ADR on direct bookings and OTA channels.&nbsp;3. Global Reach and Market Expansion:B2B distribution extends the global reach of hotels by connecting them with non-domestic bookings - from markets where they could otherwise have never reach – or from niche channels, such as points redemption schemes, airline websites, tour operators, or retail travel agents. This widespread network aids in market expansion, allowing hotels to attract guests and explore emerging markets that might be challenging to access independently.&nbsp;4. Cost-Efficient Marketing:Collaborating with B2B distribution partners involves shared marketing efforts. This collaborative approach helps hotels benefit from the marketing expertise and resources of their partners, reducing the individual marketing costs that would be incurred for reaching the same audience on their own.&nbsp;5. Preventing Rate Leakage:The unauthorized distribution of room rates is a top concern for hotels aiming to maintain rate parity. B2B distribution partners implement robust systems and technologies to prevent rate leakage, ensuring that the agreed-upon rates are maintained across all channels. This safeguards the hotel's pricing integrity and prevents discrepancies that could harm its brand image.&nbsp;6. Technology Integration for Seamless Operations:Probably the best part about connecting with B2B distribution partners is the technology they offer to connect, creating a seamless operational environment. This integration streamlines processes such as inventory management, reservation handling, and payment processing. The result is increased efficiency and reduced operational costs for hotels.&nbsp;In conclusion, while OTAs and direct bookings play a crucial role in a hotel's success, B2B distribution remains a vital component to increase hotel’s revenue streams. The ability to diversify income sources, reduce costs, prevent rate leakage, and expand global reach make B2B distribution partners an indispensable strategy in the ever evolving &amp; fragmented hospitality industry.&nbsp;💡 TIPS – Summarizing, the QUICK WINS of an agreement with B2B Distributors are:Distribution of sales across a wider range of countries, markets, and niche channels.Free marketing and Indirect advertising.Automation of systems and ease of distribution.Longer lead time, average stay and higher booking volumes.Robust systems to detect and stop rate leakage.

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B2B Distribution: The Unsung Hero of Hotel Distribution Management

Our goal is to help you better understand the benefits that our powerful extranet can bring to your property.&nbsp;That’s why, throughout this article, we’ll walk you through the main features and advantages of our renowned tool — recently revamped and optimised — which will be gradually rolled out to all our hotel partners over the coming weeks.&nbsp;In addition, you’ll have access to our newly redesigned Help Centre, where you can find everything you need to make the most of your experience with the Partner Portal (formerly known as MaxiRoom).&nbsp;Curious to see what it has to offer? Keep reading!&nbsp;What’s the Partner Portal?Once you join HBX Group, your journey to boost bookings and maximise revenue will begin. This means you’ll gain access to a wide range of tools that will make your daily tasks easier.&nbsp;One of the first platforms you’ll be able to leverage from the beginning will be the Partner Portal.&nbsp;The Partner Portal is a free platform designed to simplify property management. Every hotel with a contract with HBX Group has access to our all-in-one tool. As soon as you receive your HBX Group's login credentials, you'll be able to log in for the first time and explore its interface.&nbsp;Our Partner Portal has recently been renovated, improving key areas to ensure a better experience for our hotel partners. In a nutshell, these are some of the enhancements you’ll see in the platform very soon:&nbsp;More autonomy: View your availability, rates, and inventory directly in the HBX Group Partner Portal. Create and manage users with the right permissions, without relying on HBX Group teams.&nbsp;More simplicity: The platform has been redesigned with intuitive navigation and improved usability, allowing you to manage your property quicker and easier than ever before.&nbsp;More security: Manage your property in a robust, secure, and scalable environment that protects your business and supports your growth.In addition, for hotels connected via a channel manager or FIT partners, you’ll now experience greater speed and efficiency. Launch new rate plans, seasonal promotions, and evergreen contracts in just minutes. Faster updates mean more chances to capture demand and increase bookings.&nbsp;Want to start your onboarding process with us and get access to it? Register your property now.&nbsp;How can our Partner Portal help you?Our extranet has been specifically designed to help hoteliers like you with daily operations and booking management. This is why we offer a variety of features to assist you:&nbsp;Update your hotel profile easily at any time. You’ll be able to revise a wide range of facilities, entertainment options, meals, and other services shown; upload high-quality pictures showing your property (be sure to choose the best photo as the lead image); and add engaging descriptions about your property’s unique selling points.&nbsp;View your inventory, rates, availability, and prices.&nbsp;Retrieve your bookings independently. Check out today's arrivals, bookings, and cancellations. You'll be able to view bookings with check-out dates up to one year in the past.&nbsp;Easily monitor your connectivity with your channel manager, as well as manage its registration, cancellation, or modification.&nbsp;See financial information and payment methods* such as Virtual Credit Card (VCC) or Wire Transfers, and edit as necessary.&nbsp;Contact us via the webform located in the menu. With our webform, you can identify the category you need help with in just a few clicks.&nbsp;All the information can be viewed in 15 different languages, such as Spanish, German, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese.&nbsp;Plus, FIT partners and hotels with channel manager connectivity can take advantage of new promotions each month, only available on the Partner Portal's platform. The promotions are designed according to customer behaviour and needs, taking into account a variety of variables, like popular dates in the main markets, and offers that perform well at different times of the year (such as early bookings and long-stays).&nbsp;*This feature is available based on user role and access permissions. Restricted to Finance and Admin profiles only.&nbsp;How does our Partner Portal complement a channel manager?Are you currently using a channel manager, or are you interested in incorporating one into your distribution operations? A channel manager is a key partner to streamline your daily work and increase revenue. At times, it can be difficult to understand how an extranet and a channel manager can work together. However, which may seem complex at first glance, is much simpler in reality.&nbsp;Our Partner Portal is a complementary tool to the channel manager. While channel managers enable a comprehensive rate and availability strategy across all distribution channels, the Partner Portal is designed for more targeted, B2B-specific actions.&nbsp;Use the Partner Portal to launch focused campaigns or special offers that boost sales and visibility within your B2B network. You can also tailor your property descriptions and content directly in the portal to better engage B2B partners, helping them promote your hotel effectively to their high-value clients.&nbsp;As mentioned above, there’s a section on the Partner Portal where you’ll be able to consult all your connectivity data, and manage channel managers' deactivation, registration, among others.&nbsp;Frequently asked questions about the HBX Group's Partner PortalSince we want you to be able to work independently and confidently with our tool from the get-go, we’ve put together several articles, how-to videos, and useful information exclusively designed for extranet users. This way, we’ll accompany you on your journey to explore and discover all that the Partner Portal has to offer.&nbsp;Throughout the years, we’ve detected the main doubts regarding our platform, and have responded to these frequently asked questions in our Help Centre. There, you’ll find the solutions to queries such as:&nbsp;How to update your availability and rate plans, how to create a new plan, how to add rooms to your rate plans, and so forth.&nbsp;How to get your content and images ready to attract guests.&nbsp;How to manage your bookings, including providing the Hotel Confirmation Number (HCN), and searching for a booking.&nbsp;How to charge your VCC or financial info, how to invoice your bookings, how to update your bank details, among others.&nbsp;These are just a few of the topics covered in our resources hub. This space will be constantly updated, so you'll always have access to the most updated information and help. Visit our Help Centre now and get answers to your most frequently asked questions!&nbsp;This has been just a small preview of all the exciting changes coming your way — changes that will greatly help you streamline your day-to-day property management with HBX Group. Over the next few weeks, you’ll gradually gain access to this new, optimised platform. We hope you make the most of everything it has to offer!&nbsp;Finally, the Partner Portal is just one of the fantastic advantages you’ll enjoy when joining HBX Group. If your property isn’t yet listed with us, now is the perfect time to join and gain access to over 60,000 travel distributors worldwide — helping you attract more high-value bookings. Register your property today and start your onboarding journey with us.&nbsp;JOIN US TODAY

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HBX Group Partner Portal: Discover Its Main Benefits for Hoteliers 

Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year – and it's also a key date for the travel industry. Each year, travellers know they will find exceptional discounts for their future trips. For many, Black Friday is the perfect moment to book those holidays or experiences they’ve been waiting for all year.&nbsp;And how does HBX Group contribute to this? We satisfy this growing demand by offering the best hotels to our extensive network of travel distributors.&nbsp;This is where your property comes in. To help boost hotel room sales, we are once again launching our successful Black Friday campaign – one of the most popular among our hotel partners.&nbsp;Below, you’ll find all the essential details about the campaign and how you can take part to make the most of this opportunity.HBX Group’s Black Friday campaign: Why it’s good for your propertyTo begin with, offering attractive deals during these campaigns is an excellent way to attract guests who tend to stay longer, come from distant markets, and spend more on average.Participating in our campaigns also gives your property visibility to over 60,000 travel distributors worldwide – including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, banking institutions, and more.How do we do it?We implement a wide range of promotional actions, including mass email campaigns, banner placements on our booking engines, dedicated landing pages, and social media promotion, among other initiatives. In this way, we reach a global audience eager to take advantage of this highly beneficial campaign.&nbsp;Targeted exposure: We use smart data and local insights to connect your hotel with the right type of traveller, at the right time, with the right offer – helping you stand out where it matters most.&nbsp;Increased visibility: The better your offer aligns with the campaign’s focus, the more exposure you’ll receive across landing pages, sales emails, banners, and more – all in multiple languages and promoted in over 190 countries.&nbsp;Open to all hotels: Our campaigns are open to any property that meets the relevant criteria – regardless of size, category, or location. Whether you’re a boutique retreat, a city business hotel, or a luxury resort, Black Friday is your chance to increase room nights, attract new guests, and appeal to travellers seeking extraordinary deals on extraordinary stays.&nbsp;Communication channels: Clients will see your property featured across landing pages, banners within Bedsonline’s booking engine for retail agencies and Hotelbeds’ platform for wholesale clients, sales emails, newsletters, and social media campaigns, among other channels.&nbsp;Track your impact: After the campaign, you’ll receive a performance report comparing your results with similar hotels that didn’t participate – helping you measure your return clearly and effectively.&nbsp;Need more reasons to join? Last year, hotels that took part in our Black Friday campaign achieved an average 50% increase in bookings compared to those that didn’t.&nbsp;All the details you need to knowHere are the key dates and details to help you make the most of HBX Group’s Black Friday campaign:&nbsp;The booking window for travel distributors will be from 14th November to 5th December 2025.&nbsp;As for the travel window, customers will be able to travel between 14th November 2025 and 31st December 2026.&nbsp;If you already work with HBX Group, you will receive detailed information by email about this campaign very soon, as well as guidance on how to take part.&nbsp;If you haven’t registered yet, now is the perfect time to maximise your partnership with us. Simply click below, complete the form, and we’ll get in touch to guide you through the onboarding process – so you can start distributing your rooms as soon as possible.&nbsp;The Black Friday campaign is one of our key global initiatives, but it’s not the only one. As an HBX Group partner, you’ll receive regular updates about upcoming global and regional campaigns, along with the conditions required to participate.&nbsp;On average, hotels that join our campaigns gain a significant competitive advantage over similar properties in their area that don’t take part. It’s a fantastic opportunity to stand out – whether you’re offering everyday comfort or a touch of luxury.&nbsp;Register your property&nbsp;

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Black Friday Campaign for Hoteliers: All You Need to Know

Thrive With Confidence and Ease: New Capabilities To Support The Everyday of Travel Businesses In a Changing MarketIn a travel industry shaped by rapid change, rising expectations, and technological disruption, staying ahead requires more than adaptation — it demands innovation with purpose.&nbsp;At HBX Group, innovation is about solving real challenges for travel businesses through smarter tools, stronger partnerships, and scalable solutions that make everyday operations more efficient.&nbsp;Over the past quarter, we have introduced a range of enhancements to support partners in strengthening commercial performance, streamlining operations through automation, reaching new audiences, and improving digital resilience. From new commercial programmes and strategic alliances to smarter tech and operational upgrades, these initiatives are designed to deliver tangible value — helping partners drive growth, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in a world increasingly shaped by AI and data connectivity.&nbsp;These improvements reflect HBX Group’s ongoing commitment to building a more connected, resilient, and partner-focused travel ecosystem powered by data and intelligent integrations.1. Unlocking High-Value Distribution Goals with Preferred PartnershipsIn today’s competitive travel landscape, standing out and driving consistent demand is more challenging than ever. The new Preferred Partnership is designed as a powerful growth engine shaped around hotels' unique needs, helping them to take their B2B distribution strategy to the next level.&nbsp;Whether the goal is long-term growth, operational efficiency, or short-term boosts, this flexible programme adapts to each hotel’s unique needs, enabling smarter decisions and stronger performance.&nbsp;By aligning commercial strategy with individual goals and challenges, it unlocks greater visibility, stronger demand, and sustainable business impact.&nbsp;2. Boosting Hotel Production with Data-Driven OpportunitiesThe Partner Accelerator Programme equips hoteliers with real-time, data-driven insights delivered via email the moment opportunities arise. With personalised recommendations based on live market trends, hoteliers can:&nbsp;Optimise availability, pricing, and contracting strategiesIdentify missing rate plans and adjust room capacities and board typesEnhance property content and remove setup limitations that may be restricting sales&nbsp;This initiative empowers hotels to sharpen their competitive edge, streamline operations, and unlock higher production — driving growth with confidence in a fast-moving travel landscape.3. Connecting Hotels to High-Intent Travellers Through Southwest AirlinesA new strategic partnership with Southwest Airlines opens up a high-value distribution channel for hotel partners. Through HBX Group’s role as a preferred B2B accommodation provider for Getaways by Southwest™, properties can now be included in vacation packages that bundle flights and accommodation in one seamless booking experience.&nbsp;This collaboration opens the door for over 140 million annual passengers travelling across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to seamlessly access our network of distributed hotels. It creates a unique opportunity to connect with a vast audience of leisure travellers right at the moment they’re planning and booking their trips — maximising visibility and driving meaningful engagement.4. Real-Time Tracking for Seamless TransfersLive vehicle tracking and detailed driver information are now available for eligible bookings through the CheckPickup portal — enabling travel agents to offer travellers greater visibility and reassurance ahead of their transfer.&nbsp;This feature helps reduce friction during pickups and provides travellers with added peace of mind, especially for complex or multi-vehicle journeys.5. Visibility That Converts: Introducing Sponsored ListingsWith up to 80% of bookings taking place on page one of search results, this new advertising solution offers a strategic opportunity to position properties where decisions are made. Available within the Marketing Suite, these sponsored placements help capture attention when it matters most.&nbsp;Designed to complement long-term distribution strategies, Sponsored Listings provide a tactical boost of visibility, drive incremental bookings, and benefit from a performance-focused marketing tool with clear, measurable ROI.6. Accelerating Vendor Onboarding Through Smart IntegrationThe Travelgate Aggregator, developed in partnership with Travelgate, introduces a smarter way to onboard vendors through automated, standardised connectivity. Tailored for small Destination Management Companies (DMC) and Third-Party Suppliers (TPS), it shortens integration timelines to just a few days and enables the activation of up to two new vendors per week, all without internal technical overhead. A practical shift that simplifies operations and opens the door to faster, more flexible growth.7. Strengthening Hotel Cyber Resilience with CybersentialHotels across the UK and Europe can now access Cybersential, a cyber risk assessment service provided by Wallbid. As digital infrastructure becomes business-critical, this tool supports hotels in identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating potential threats, and exploring proactive security measures tailored to their specific systems and operational needs.&nbsp;The service includes system reviews, risk scoring, and expert guidance — helping hospitality businesses better understand their cyber exposure and take informed steps toward resilience.A First Look at What’s Ahead This Quarter: A New Partner Portal for Everyday EfficiencyAs part of the first innovations of the new quarter that kicked off in October 2025, a redesigned Partner Portal is being rolled out. This new platform has been built to make everyday hotel management simpler and more efficient. With improved usability, intuitive navigation, and practical features, it’s designed to streamline daily tasks and offer greater autonomy.&nbsp;This marks the beginning of a new phase focused on smarter collaboration and operational ease. More innovations are on the way — thank you for being part of the journey.Not an HBX Group partner? Register today, and make the most of our powerful suite of products.&nbsp;Register your property

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HBX Group Quarterly Product Update - October 2025

Quarterly Product Update - October 2025: Discover What's New

Disclaimer: This article was first featured in our annual MarketHub Pulse magazine, published prior to October 2025. For this reason, there may be some discrepancies in details, such as job titles. Access your complimentary copy of MarketHub Pulse Review by clicking here.Across the MarketHub’s three regional events (Asia, February; Europe, April; the Americas, June), the topic of luxury loomed large, with HBX Group’s Chief Distribution Officer, David Amsellem, sharing how the embrace of this lucrative market isn’t just a matter of remaining in profit, but future-proof.&nbsp;Through the Regional Update at the MarketHub Americas (Panama), Amsellem revealed how Panama’s premium property market – 4* and 5* hotels – accounted for 65% and 20% of bookings respectively. With the global luxury travel market projected to reach $2150 billion by 2035 (with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%), what better time to lean in and grasp the opportunity?&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a sentiment echoed by HBX Group CEO, Nicolas Huss, who shared via a June press release: ‘Luxury travel is the fastest-growing segment in our industry, [and] we are investing in the future of high-end travel services. By integrating The Luxurist into our global retail portfolio, we're empowering our worldwide network of travel advisors to excel in the luxury segment.’The Luxurist represents one of several actions taken by HBX Group to both accelerate growth for its partners, and to meet the demand of an increasingly discerning audience base: looking to Latin America alone, high-value travellers are driving demonstrable growth, with demand for premium cabins increasing significantly in early 2025. Across the region, bookings of this variety were up 17% year-on-year, with premium flights to Panama increasing by a notable 79% – this was according to ForwardKeys’ Olivier Ponti, who took to the stage to reveal prime opportunities in travel in the coming months, as evidenced by flight bookings.‘It’s not just about bringing travellers to your destination,’ Ponti said, ‘it’s about identifying the biggest opportunities, and in luxury travel, there is a lot to be done. These high-value travellers are driving overall growth [in the LATAM region], but where are they coming from? Mainly the US – Orlando, New York and Miami, but also Bogota and Buenos Aires.’Expanding his view beyond the LATAM region and typical travel corridors, Ponti implored his audience to think bigger, and to explore novel concepts – namely, attractive visa programmes, or simply the correct facilities to host high-spending travellers for the long term; among them, digital nomads and remote workers. ‘These travellers have a high economic impact – if the destinations you work with have such programmes in place, there’s the opportunity to attract those who spend a lot of money and time in a destination.’Destinations crafting policies to appeal to high-spending travellersCuraco: ‘Their ‘At Home in Curacao’ programme is very successful at attracting young professionals and families’, said Ponti, with data revealing that approximately 60% of high-end tourists brought to the region by such policies are aged 45 and under, with a particular concentration in the 26-35 age bracket. Costs for the programme start at approximately $300 USD, depending on the traveller profile, with permits granting stays from 6 months to 5 years, conditional on status (remote workers versus high-net investors).The Cayman Islands: ‘They decided to focus on the older demographic with their ‘Global Citizen Concierge’ programme,’ added Ponti, demonstrating through data that 50% of those partaking in such programmes were aged 46 and upwards. Applications for the Global Citizen Concierge programme ran from October 2020 to October 2022, entitling applicants with an annual income upwards of US$100,000 (plus an application fee of US$1,500) to live and work remotely on the islands for up to two years.&nbsp;‘Looking at the outcome of those programmes, we can see that both have managed to increase expenditure in accommodation and overall, at a destination level,’ shared Ponti. Indeed, ForwardKeys’ figures readily revealed a meaningful year-on-year increase in travel spend for both destinations: an increase of 5.1% for Curacao, and 10.8% for the Cayman Islands. Only a snapshot of a much bigger picture, Ponti’s keynote at the MarketHub Americas hinted at a growing propensity for high-end spending – from which, it would be reasonable to deduce a growing appetite for high-end travel at large. Enter the Luxurist.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Luxurist: Luxury Travel Experiences for Retail Travel AgentsAs the world’s first all-in-one luxury travel ecosystem, the Luxurist caters to the fastest-growing segment in the travel industry. Those who utilise this powerful arm of the HBX Group product offering will equip themselves with the ability effectively sell a wealth of premium products from a creme de la creme portfolio, including 5000+ exceptional properties; additionally, agents will benefit from the Luxurist’s unique value proposition: exclusive privileges, ranging from welcome treats (such as champagne on arrival) to complimentary late check-out (excluding peak season), and a 24/7 concierge service.&nbsp;Post-MarketHub, the brand has officially integrated into HBX Group’s Retail arm (Bedsonline), and has continued its expansion into key markets such as Spain, Mexico and Australia. Not a luxury specialist? No problem – the Luxurist’s immersion into the wider HBX Group offering empowers travel agents worldwide to excel in offering a premium offering, regardless of their historical brand positioning or client base. Rather, the luxury traveller has been brought into reach, democratising the ability for all agents to capture their share of the high-end wallet.&nbsp;Similarly, all traveller profiles can now sample a taste of affluence, with products across the Group’s wider portfolio able to be cross-sold: via the Bedsonline website, an agent can feasibly mix-and-match their offering, injecting a stint in the lap of luxury to an otherwise more affordable itinerary. For example, one might book-end a 5* resort stay with a couple of nights in a city B&amp;B, where comfort plays second fiddle to convenience; alternatively, travellers may choose to stretch their budget post-backpacking adventure to top off their trip in one of the world’s top-rated hotels. Ancillary products – experiences, transfers, car rentals – can also be booked via the platform, across a range of price points.Book Luxury Hotels via BedsonlineDiscover the vision behind the HBX Group Luxury Collection with David Amsellem, Chief Distribution Officer at HBX Group. In this exclusive video, David reveals how HBX Group is redefining luxury travel by empowering travel advisors to elevate their offering and deliver exceptional, personalised experiences. Building on Bedsonline’s trusted reputation for competitive rates and seamless technology, the Luxury Collection introduces a carefully curated portfolio of luxury hotels designed to help advisors stand out, enhance every client journey, and capture new opportunities within the premium travel market. Learn more by watching the video below:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ready to lean into luxury? Support your clients in maximising both budget and enjoyment via Bedsonline, or carve out your luxury niche directly with the Luxurist. Learn how in our guide to B2B Travel Solutions for Retail Travel Agencies.&nbsp;See more from the MarketHub in our exclusive magazine, featuring travel insights, interviews with thought leaders, and hot topics from our regional events. Click to access your free copy now.

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Luxury Travel: Tourism's Reigning King?

Luxury Travel: Tourism’s Reigning King?

When we first partnered with Minor Hotels over a decade ago, we recognised we weren’t just supporting another hospitality group, we were becoming part of a long-term vision. As Minor grew from a flagship property in Thailand to a global portfolio across six continents, they consistently redefined what modern hospitality looks like.&nbsp;Recently, Minor Hotels set their sights on something even bigger: a bold expansion into markets like Australia and New Zealand. But even the leading brands face challenges along the way. They encountered familiar distribution challenges like fragmented systems, inconsistent reach, and the growing complexity across channels. That’s where HBX Group stepped in (again).&nbsp;As Fernando Vives, Head of Commercial at Minor Hotels Europe &amp; Americas, explains:'Minor Hotels realised that the partnership that we had built in Europe and Americas with HBX Group was something that could be expanded as it was giving and bringing a lot of benefit to the way we were distributing and how we were able to generate incremental revenues in our hotels. So the first thing that we did was we announced this year the addition to our partnership of our hotels in Australia and New Zealand.' And a few weeks later, they extended the partnership with hotels in Asia.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the story of how HBX Group helped Minor Hotels continue scaling their operations, without compromising control, pricing, or guest experience.&nbsp;About Minor HotelsMinor Hotels is one of the most dynamic hospitality groups in the world, with a strong foundation in sustainability, innovation, and guest-centric service. Since opening their first hotel in 1979 and launching the luxury flagship brand Anantara in 2001, Minor has expanded to 560+ properties across 55 countries. And they're not slowing down.&nbsp;With close to 300 new hotels planned by 2027, they’re set to cross the 850-property mark, which includes branded residences, wellness-focused offerings, and culturally immersive experiences.&nbsp;As they entered the Australasia region and beyond, the need for a reliable distribution partner became more urgent. That’s where our longstanding relationship took on a new purpose.&nbsp;The challenge: From diversification to precisionMinor’s original approach to distribution was rooted in diversification: working with a wide range of channels to ensure maximum reach. But as their revenue management strategies grew more sophisticated, so did the operational demands.&nbsp;They were pushing more than two million rates a day, planning pricing by the hour up to 18 months in advance. Managing that volume across fragmented systems quickly became unsustainable. 'In the end, the complexities that we have in terms of pricing, the complexities that we have in terms of distribution, massively increased,' Vives explains. 'Most of the different channels or partners that we had, had the capability to distribute not only our prices and inventory, but at the same time the right content.'Choosing HBX GroupWhat followed was a deliberate shift. They decided to move from a diversified model to a concentrated distribution strategy, where fewer but stronger partnerships would provide scalability without compromising control.&nbsp;'With this partnership, one of the objectives that we wanted to achieve was first to reduce our maintenance in terms of distribution partners, and to secure our improvement on brand awareness and price consistency,' Vives states.&nbsp;Beyond this, by leveraging HBX Group’s wide B2B channels, their focus was to acquire new clients and drive regional demand with high-value guests. 'Our goal of this agreement is obviously to expand into new markets that we haven’t specifically worked in before,' adds Dan Csortan, Head of Commercial at Minor Pacific. 'Being quite a resource-light organisation, we saw HBX Group as an extension to our sales team and it allowed us to focus on new clients and new markets inbound to the Australasian region.'&nbsp;In 2022, Minor formalised what Vives called a 'concentration of distribution through HBX Group.' This allowed them to simplify operations while gaining autonomy and efficiency.&nbsp;'What we have seen since we signed the strategic agreement with HBX Group has been an improvement on our distribution health score. We have more control over what we distribute, where we are present, and our pricing has gained consistency through the different markets and channels. And this is something that’s benefiting not only us, but the consumer too', shares Vives.&nbsp;The growth was measurable.&nbsp;The outcomes: Measurable, market-driven growthThe impact was immediate and significant. Within just a few months of expanding the partnership:&nbsp;New market penetration: Minor began receiving bookings from previously untapped markets.&nbsp;Distribution consistency: Across all properties, especially those included in HBX Group's preferred partner agreements, pricing became more consistent, and visibility improved.&nbsp;Operational efficiency: With HBX Group acting as an extension of their internal team, Minor could redirect focus to strategy, innovation, and growth.&nbsp;Collaborative innovation: Regular meetings and emails between teams sparked new ideas and market-specific campaigns.&nbsp;Stronger collaboration and innovation: What began as a tactical collaboration evolved into a strategic partnership, fostering idea-sharing and co-creation.&nbsp;Csortan adds, 'Our strategies are certainly coming together, and I'm looking forward to seeing that growth even further.'&nbsp;Two organisations. One team.In a world increasingly driven by automation and AI, the value of real human connection has only grown. 'And for sure, the team at HBX Group is a team that we can say we have a human-to-human connection', states Vives.&nbsp;It’s this collaborative spirit that turns strategy into success. Csortan adds, 'The sourcing team is great, and I see that as an extension to our sales team. We have regular catch-ups every week, and we bounce ideas off each other. But at the end of the day, our goal is the same. To provide further growth for both organisations. It's definitely not a one-way partnership.'&nbsp;Why should you choose HBX Group?Dan summed it up best: 'As a technology partner for us, they’re the obvious choice moving forward for our organisation.'&nbsp;This level of trust and shared purpose is what makes our partnership with Minor Hotels thrive. It’s the kind of relationship we strive to build with every hotel we support.&nbsp;At HBX Group, our mission is to simplify global hotel distribution while empowering hotels to reach their full potential. Over the past five years, we’ve invested heavily in rate intelligence technology, cutting rate leakages by 75% and achieving a rate discrepancy ratio of just 0.005%.&nbsp;Additionally, what you gain when partnering with us:&nbsp;Access to over 60,000 travel distributors worldwide&nbsp;Visibility in 170+ source markets, including long-haul and regional travellers&nbsp;Zero conflict with your direct channels as we sell through trusted B2B partners&nbsp;A dedicated onboarding and support team from day one&nbsp;Just like Minor, once you partner with us, you're never in it alone. If you are ready to grow your hotel with purpose, partner with us today!&nbsp;Register your property

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A Future of Possibility: How HBX Group is Powering Minor Hotels' Global Expansion

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