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How HBX Group’s Partner Accelerator Programme Helps Hotels Succeed from Day One

In a 2023 report, the Skift senior research team called Experiences “one of the most opportunistic and untapped markets in the travel industry.” At HBX Group, we share this view.&nbsp;Often positioned as ancillary services, Mobility &amp; Experience products cover a broad range. Some examples are car rentals, transfers, museum entrances, theme park tickets, guided tours, and many other travel experiences.Why sell ancillary products?Ancillary products have many business benefits. Below, we rounded up the top six:1. Increasing revenueAccording to McKinsey, the global travel experiences market presents an opportunity of over $1 trillion. By adding ancillaries, you can grow revenue without raising the price of your main product.2. Improving customer experienceTravellers increasingly plan trips around experiences. This means they might choose a destination thanks to an excellent tour, a theme park, a concert, or a museum. Offering these experiences as ancillary products helps improve their travel experience, thus satisfaction.3. Cross-sellingA client booking a trip to Paris may also be interested in skip-the-line tickets for Disneyland, guided museum tours, or a Seine River cruise. By cross-selling these products, you earn more while solving your client’s problem. What’s more, the client sees you as the trusted expert with great recommendations.4. Building relationships with clients and partnersYou provide clients with a more complete travel experience, strengthening your brand reputation. They will know you have relevant ancillary services in addition to your core product, so they may choose you over a competitor who only provides the basics. On the B2B side, you broaden your network and build stronger partnerships in the travel ecosystem.5. Expanding into new customer segmentsYounger travellers are especially experience-driven. In a McKinsey survey, 52% of Gen Z travellers said they’d prefer spending money on experiences, while only 29% of baby boomers said so. If you offer travel experiences that directly appeal to your target segment, they may be more likely to book with you.6. Standing out in a crowded marketIf your core product is similar to your competitors, you can use ancillaries to differentiate your offering. Ancillary services for travel providers can include skip-the-line tickets, car hire options, or tour add-ons. Non-travel businesses can also include travel-related ancillaries. For example, at HBX Group, some of our partners are companies that want to offer holiday discounts (ancillary) as a part of their employee benefit programmes (core product).How can your business benefit from ancillary products?Using HBX Group and its brands, businesses can sell travel ancillaries and broaden their network. Here is how we help different types of travel businesses:Retail travel agentsHBX Group supports retail travel agents with two dedicated platforms: Bedsonline and The Luxurist.&nbsp;Bedsonline offers a global portfolio with over 250,000 hotels, 500 car hire providers, and 23,000 travel activities in various niches. With the cross-selling module in the Bedsonline Booking Engine, agents can easily add transportation, car rentals, insurance, and activities to their bookings.&nbsp;The Luxurist is exclusively for luxury travel clients. In addition to more than 5000 high-end hotels, it offers luxury ancillaries, such as 24/7 concierge services and bespoke tours. Using The Luxurist’s Itinerary Builder, agents can manage all luxury trips in one place.Wholesalers, tour operators, and OTAsFor wholesalers, tour operators, and OTAs, the go-to HBX Group platform is Hotelbeds.&nbsp;Hotelbeds offers over 23,000 travel experiences, including theme parks, tours, sporting events, museum entrances, cooking classes, sightseeing activities, and more. It also has an extensive mobility portfolio, offering car hire, shuttle transfer, and chauffeur services.&nbsp;800 wholesalers, 3500 tour operators, and many OTAs already use Hotelbeds to strengthen supplier relationships, improve their value, and stay competitive.eCommerce solutions for airlines, employee benefits, and banksWith HBX Group’s eCommerce solutions, institutions can seamlessly offer Mobility &amp; Experiences as ancillary services. Here is how we help different partners:&nbsp;Airlines: Increase revenue by offering holiday packages, including high-demand experiences, transfers, and car hire services that travellers will need.Employee benefits programmes: Increase employee satisfaction by offering unique benefits through HBX Group, including exclusive deals, holiday packages, and discounts.Financial institutions: Create a new revenue stream by offering HBX Group’s travel products through a white-label solution, fully integrated under your own brand. Available for banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and more.&nbsp;Are you a Mobility &amp; Experience provider?Whether you offer transport services or cultural activities, partnering with HBX Group puts your products in front of 60,000+ travel partners across the globe.Sign up now to reach new audiences today.Proven partner results in Mobility &amp; ExperiencesHere are some results our partners achieved by incorporating HBX Group’s Mobility &amp; Experiences into their offerings.eSky Group experienced triple-digit growth in two years"When we added varied products, we managed to improve very much – it turned into triple-digit growth over the last two years, in trading and merchandising. We managed to capture the right momentum between seasonality in source markets, and this approach gave us the opportunity to be, at the same time, a global provider and a local supplier to our end customers who are booking from us online."Jaroslaw Grabczak, Head of Commercial ProductID90 Travel has continuously hit revenue goals as an HBX Group partner"Every year that we have worked with Hotelbeds, we have achieved our revenue goals that we had set forth. Hotelbeds has always come to us with the right kind of supply solutions, which have helped us achieve those goals."Vishal Singh, Head of Hotels and ActivitiesHBX Group: Your B2B travel marketplace for ancillary revenueIf you’re not offering Mobility &amp; Experiences, you might be leaving significant revenue on the table. Ancillary solutions create a win-win: you boost your revenue with relevant add-ons, while your clients enjoy a more complete travel experience. Connect with HBX Group today to make it happen!&nbsp;If you’re a Mobility &amp; Experience provider, HBX Group can help you grow in a similar way. By joining our network, your products become accessible to thousands of B2B travel partners, including agents, advisors, wholesalers, hoteliers, and institutions. Get in touch with us to learn more.

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B2B Solutions: Mobility & Experiences

B2B Travel Solutions: Mobility & Experiences

About Hotel The Designers CheongnyangniConveniently located next to Cheongnyangni Station – a subway and KTX (South Korean High Speed Train) station inSeoul, South Korea– Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni houses 80 stylish rooms and puts guests close to the main attractions of the Korean capital.This hotel used to be part of the Korean chain ‘The Designers’, which included 9 properties in total. However, this property is now individually owned and managed.&nbsp;Presented below are some of the main challenges this hotel faced, and how HBX Group was key to its distribution strategy.Scenario and challengesAs a result of its privileged location near the train station and the consequent high volume of transients, this hotel has been successful in attracting domestic travellers over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, as Mr. Pilho Kim, Senior Manager at Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni, points out, the team realised the importance of expanding their reach overseas and increasing the number of long-haul travellers.‘Although we worked with four major global OTAs, our business was highly concentrated on domestic markets,' stated Mr. Kim.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Considering their desire to expand the business, Mr. Kim reached out to HBX Group to diversify sales and explore new revenue streams.Choosing HBX Group to achieve their goalsAmong the main reasons Mr. Kim and his team approached HBX Group was the chance to expand their market exposure, attracting tourists from a wide range of different countries, including long-haul travel.Having credit card payment at checkout also made HBX Group an attractive partner for the hotel, since it prevents payment delays.With this payment method, the property can cash the money as soon as the client checks out. As a result, your cash flow forecast will be protected, and you will be able to close the month with all bookings collected.The strategyWith the help of our experts at HBX Group, we were able to develop a bespoke strategy based on the hotel's needs and potential.&nbsp;One part of the Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni's strategy was to promote discounted long-stay products, which proved to be very successful.&nbsp;Our team also provided valuable help with last-minute bookings, which helped greatly with occupancy levels. HBX Group suggested monitoring the hotel's last-minute production closely and adjust rates for last-minute days when the hotel needed to drive production.ResultsIn just two months of our partnership with the property, some impressive results were achieved:&nbsp;During this period, the hotel booked more than 150 room nights.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a 10-15% increase in sales every month for the Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni.&nbsp;Sales became very stable, as they enjoyed many consecutive night stays, and price yielding made it easier due to increased longer lead time bookings.&nbsp;In addition, Mr. Kim reports a significant increase in the number of last-minute sales. 'Previously, we used local platforms such as Yanolja or Good Choice (Korean-centric OTAs) to target last-minute bookings. However, when we did last-minute promotions with HBX Group, we found that sales increased with local Koreans and foreigners residing in Korea, which we really appreciated.', Mr. Kim said.&nbsp;&nbsp;As well as this, Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni highlights working with HBX Group means they receive guests from all over the world.&nbsp;With the exposure provided by HBX Group, their guests not only come from local and neighbouring countries, but also from long-haul markets, proving that HBX Group can expose the hotel to hard-to-reach markets.&nbsp;According to Mr. Kim, ‘the diversification of our business partners contributes greatly to our sales improvement in securing quality customers.’As for the future, Mr. Kim and his team express an interest in maintaining and possibly increasing their overseas business. Moreover, they are eager to strengthen their partnership and increase demand for offline travel agents and possibly small groups.Why work with HBX Group?If you are looking for similar results to Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni and think our team at HBX Group can provide you with the help you need, it’s time to register your property and start your journey with us.&nbsp;But what exactly can you expect? Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll get when partnering with us:&nbsp;You'll have access to our portfolio of 60,000+ travel distributors. You’ll find over 50,000 travel agencies and 3,500 tour operators, plus 1,000 more partners, including airlines, affiliates, and other businesses.&nbsp;You'll have global reach and be present in 170+ source markets. Whether you're interested in reaching long-haul travellers or a domestic audience, we assist you in gaining access to these markets.&nbsp;We won't compete with your direct channel. HBX Group distribute directly to travel agencies and other wholesalers in the travel industry. We ensure that they get to know you and include you in their travel packages.Don't worry about spending time and effort trying to gain visibility. We do it for you; simply tell us what markets you want to enter, and we'll connect you with agencies that operate in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sounds interesting? Become our partner today!&nbsp;Register your property

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Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni - A Success Story on Reaching Long-haul Travellers

Dusit Hotels &amp; Resorts, a globally recognised hospitality brand known for its Thai-inspired graciousness, has built a strong and productive partnership with HBX Group, focused on enhancing digital distribution and tapping into global leisure demand.&nbsp;This success story explores the collaboration’s objectives, key challenges, strategic direction, and the results of working with one of the world’s leading B2B travel platforms.&nbsp;About the hotelDusit Hotels &amp; Resorts, the flagship brand of Dusit International, operates more than 290 properties in 18 countries across four continents. With a proud heritage rooted in Thai hospitality, the group combines local authenticity with global standards across its hotels and resorts.&nbsp;Founded in 1949 with the opening of the Princess Hotel in Bangkok, Dusit was among the pioneers of modern hospitality in Thailand. The brand continued to lead with innovations such as launching the nation’s first Thai-operated resort in 1987. Today, it continues to evolve, blending tradition and modernity to offer enriching experiences to travellers worldwide.&nbsp;Previous situation and challengesLike many established hotel brands, Dusit Hotels faced the challenge of modernising its approach to leisure distribution. While working with a variety of partners across business segments, the distribution strategy lacked the agility and integration needed to compete in a fast-moving, digital-first environment.&nbsp;As Nichlas Maratos, Head of Commercial at Dusit Hotels &amp; Resorts and company representative at HBX Group’s MarketHub Asia summit in 2025, explains:&nbsp;‘Our challenge – or opportunity – for the last many years has been moving distribution into a more digital, connected environment.’Dusit needed a platform that would provide scalability, technical connectivity, and access to diversified source markets – all without adding complexity to their operations.Choosing HBX GroupHBX Group emerged as the ideal partner to meet Dusit’s evolving needs. HBX Group's extensive global network and advanced technology infrastructure offered a solution that could support long-term digital transformation.&nbsp;‘We partner with different companies for different parts of the business,’ said Maratos, ‘but we see HBX Group as being able to deliver unique opportunities in terms of the breadth of the market they can cover.’&nbsp;Beyond market access, working closely with teams across the organisation, Dusit benefits from a partnership built on collaboration, trust, and shared ambition.&nbsp;‘We work with many people within the organisation, at many different layers, to help us deliver on what we need for our business,’ Maratos pointed out. ‘For me, it’s very much about synergy and collaboration that gets us to the right results.’&nbsp;The outcomesThrough its collaboration with HBX Group, Dusit Hotels has significantly advanced its digital distribution strategy.&nbsp;HBX Group has played a pivotal role in enabling this transition, offering not only technology and reach but also a high degree of collaboration. The relationship has allowed both sides to continuously identify new opportunities while addressing challenges proactively.&nbsp;As Maratos put it:&nbsp;‘It’s never an easy process to move distribution to a different space. But we have a very collaborative working relationship, and we’re constantly surfacing opportunities and challenges on each side that we’re able to solve together.’&nbsp;The partnership has delivered tangible results, but more importantly, it has laid the groundwork for scalable, future-focused growth in a rapidly changing travel environment.&nbsp;Key highlights of the partnership’s results include:&nbsp;Direct connectivity currently covers 39 Dusit hotels globally, with more properties expected to be added in 2025.Room nights production grew 103% year-on-year (YTD April 2025), demonstrating a significant uplift in business volume.Booking creation increased by 95% year-on-year (as of May 2025), reflecting strong demand generation and effective distribution via HBX Group’s network.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why work with HBX Group?HBX Group is a global travel marketplace with a wide range of interconnected B2B travel solutions. When it comes to hotelier partners, you have the opportunity to tap into previously inaccessible demand through a suite of tailored solutions and a powerful, connected network. Some of the main benefits include:&nbsp;Access to over 60,000 travel distributors: Including 50,000 travel agencies and 3,500 tour operators, as well as airlines, loyalty programmes, affiliates, among others.&nbsp;Global reach in more than 190 source markets: Whether you're looking to attract long-haul travellers or boost local bookings, HBX Group helps you connect with the markets that matter most.&nbsp;No competition with your direct channel: HBX Group distributes exclusively to B2B partners, supporting rather than undermining direct strategies.&nbsp;Effortless visibility: From positioning to promotion, HBX Group ensures your property gains exposure where it matters most.Interested? Become our partner today and discover how we can boost your property’s success.&nbsp;Register your property

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Dusit Hotels & HBX Group – A Strong Partnership Consolidated Thanks to B2B Distribution

Gone are the days when a simple Google search produced ad after ad and page after page of generic results. With AI search overviews, travellers now receive responses that feel personal, as if someone who truly understands their needs is speaking to them. Plus, the searches have shifted from broad queries like ‘best time to visit Paris’ to specific, experience-driven ones such as ‘best places to visit in Paris for Valentine’s Day under €350.’&nbsp;This is the new era of generative AI in the hospitality industry.&nbsp;According to Oliver Wyman, more than one-third of leisure travellers already use generative AI to plan trips and make bookings. And the stakes couldn’t be higher. The $200 billion search industry, long dominated by Google, is undergoing rapid evolution. With tools like its Search Generative Experience already rolling out worldwide, hoteliers have no choice but to adapt.&nbsp;In this blog, we’ll unpack what generative AI is in the hotel industry and how you can leverage it to save time, spark creativity, and sharpen your targeting strategies.&nbsp;What is Generative AI?It's almost impossible to create another human being artificially, but artificial intelligence is the field that tries to imitate the human mind by mimicking reasoning, decision-making, and the ability to learn new things by analysing patterns.&nbsp;Generative AI goes one step further. At its core, it doesn’t just recognise existing data and patterns but creates something entirely new from it. In simple words, using Generative Artificial Intelligence for hospitality is beyond chatbots. The most common use case now is copywriting, itinerary planning, and branding strategies designed to meet today’s traveller expectations.&nbsp;Popular platforms like ChatGPT (by OpenAI), Google’s Gemini, Meta AI, Perplexity, and Anthropic’s Claude have quickly become household names. According to a Statista and Semrush report, the generative AI market was valued at $67 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow annually by 24.4% through 2030. This rapid expansion reflects how industries are moving from using AI for operational tasks to leveraging generative AI for value-added content creation and marketing.&nbsp;The goal is not to replace hoteliers, but to support them.&nbsp;Why hotel marketing needs AI nowImagine a marketing manager at a 5-star beach resort in Spain. She spends weeks planning seasonal campaigns, writing emails, designing ads, and scheduling social content only to see her carefully crafted messages buried beneath OTA promotions. Her team is stretched thin, struggling to personalise offers for different traveller segments but often ends up pushing out generic content.&nbsp;Meanwhile, her potential guests are planning trips using AI tools. If her hotel isn’t part of those personalised AI-powered answers, the opportunity is lost. There is also a fundamental shift in the use of generative AI for the travel industry. Nearly 70% of ChatGPT queries are unique, rarely appearing in traditional search engines, as per another Semrush study. This means classic SEO tactics alone won’t ensure visibility anymore.&nbsp;Adobe reports that traffic from AI-driven sources to US travel and hospitality sites surged by 1,700% since July 2024. Highlighting AI search is now becoming a branding channel in itself, where showing up in personalised answers matters.&nbsp;The urgency is clear. If you haven’t adapted, you’re already behind. But here’s how you can catch up.&nbsp;How hoteliers can use generative AI for hotel marketing1. Creating content marketing fasterFor hotels without big content teams, content production is a struggle keeping up with today’s various content formats: short posts for social media, long-form informative blogs, updating website copy—all as per your brand guidelines. AI makes this easier:&nbsp;Swift Ideation and Content Creation: AI gives us fresh ideas and fast content, but we must refine output to make it unique. The catch is to use prompts wisely. Commands like 'act as a GenZ' can generate content tailored to an expert tone. If you don’t like the output, refine your prompts and train AI. Sample commands:&nbsp;‘Give me 10 post ideas to sell ocean-view rooms for Valentine’s Day.’‘Write 10 CTAs encouraging visitors to click on the sustainability offer link for World Tourism Day.’&nbsp;Visual Content Creation: AI isn’t limited to words. Platforms like MidJourney, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, or Stockimg.ai can create mood boards, ad mockups, or even room visualisations. Again, the key is to be specific and paint a scene for effective output. Sample command: ‘Give me an image of a luxury beachside restaurant on the Caribbean Sea, elegant open-air seating, fine dining setup.’&nbsp;AI-Friendly Content Creation: Semrush recorded a 300% surge in website referrals from ChatGPT, showing why hoteliers must move beyond traditional SEO toward Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Get structured content, so AI platforms can easily retrieve and showcase your hotel in search results.2. Personalising guest communicationHyper personalisation is a rising trend in hotel marketing, and its use cases are vast. But you can start using Generative AI for language translation, tailored emails, or even personalised offers on a booking type. The results can be significant: For instance, Hyatt used personalisation to boost revenues by $40 million in just six months.&nbsp;3. Improving SEO &amp; local visibilityWhile younger travellers (18–34) increasingly rely on AI assistants for search, a large portion of guests still use Google. That means SEO isn’t dead. Traditional tactics like crawlability and backlinks remain important. So you need an upgraded SEO strategy to increase your chances of being featured in AI-generated search summaries and Google rankings. Here's how AI can help you. Sample prompt: ‘Create a list of long-tail keywords for a sustainable resort in Spain.’4. Competitor analysis &amp; guest review insightsFrom monitoring competitions, summarising reviews to analysing market trends, platforms like ChatGPT or Perplexity can highlight where your competitors are winning or where they’re falling short. It can also crunch historical data, pricing reports, and guest patterns faster than any human team. Sample prompt: ‘Compare the positioning and unique selling points of [Hotel Name] with its top 5 competitors in Spain.’5. Data analysisFrom social media reports to booking history, AI tools can spot patterns that humans might overlook. You can feed data into AI systems to understand which posts perform best, what days generate the most engagement, or which offers resonate most with certain guest segments.&nbsp;Important considerations before getting startedFact-check everything: AI content can be fast but not always accurate. Proof check every output. Don’t hurt any sentiments.&nbsp;&nbsp;Data privacy first: Never share phone numbers, or sensitive details on public platforms. Use guest data responsibly and ethically. Tell guests when and how AI is used to build trust.&nbsp;Stay compliant: AI usage rules vary geographically, track legal updates.&nbsp;Structured, real-time data: AI relies on strong data, so build your datasets wisely. Keep it up to date.&nbsp;Control your brand narrative: Monitor how AI platforms display your hotel’s information to ensure accurate representation.Generative AI is not here to replace hoteliers, it's here to help both boutique hotels and global brands do more with less. If 81% of industry leaders see value in Gen AI, can your hotel afford to wait?&nbsp;&nbsp;Register now to start your journey and explore how our Marketing Suite solutions can elevate your hotel marketing strategies—leveraging the power of AI and beyond.&nbsp;Register your property

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Generative AI in Hotel Marketing: How to Use it for Smarter Hospitality

Tourism has always been more than numbers on a balance sheet. Beyond driving economies, it protects ecosystems, empowers communities, and preserves cultures.&nbsp;Rwanda’s gorilla tourism is a powerful example where visitor revenue helped double the mountain gorilla population, generating millions in income, funding over 700 community projects, and reinvestment in conservation to reduce poaching. This shows how tourism can simultaneously protect nature and uplift local communities.&nbsp;But growth brings responsibility.&nbsp;While global tourism revenue is projected to hit USD 1.39 trillion by 2030, as per Statista, overtourism continues to strain the environment and cultural heritage. That’s why every year, on 27th September, World Tourism Day reminds us of tourism’s broader role in shaping a sustainable future.&nbsp;This year’s theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, is especially relevant for hotels. According to the Sustainable Tourism report by Technavio, the sustainable tourism market is projected to grow by USD 508 billion between 2025–2029. So, it's clear: conscious travellers are coming to you, and you can’t ignore sustainable hotel practices anymore.&nbsp;For hoteliers, becoming a ‘green hotel’ is more than compliance. It's about tapping into a growing market while making a meaningful difference. In this article, we’ll explore what this year’s theme means for hotels, why sustainability is non-negotiable, and how distribution partners like HBX Group can help you with sustainable hotel strategies.&nbsp;World Tourism Day 2025: The Era of Hotel TransformationTourism has always been a focal point of connecting people, the environment, and economies. But without care, it can also put pressure on the very places and communities it aims to protect and promote. Now the travel industry is being called to transform.&nbsp;The World Tourism Day 2025 theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, shines a spotlight on how our hospitality sector, one with the broadest economic reach and deepest social impact, can be a force for both people and planet.&nbsp;The World Economic Forum outlines these three key opportunities shaping the future of sustainable tourism in their ‘Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive’ paper:&nbsp;Empowering Local Communities: Supporting education, skills, and entrepreneurship so that tourism uplifts lives and preserves culture. Some great programmes increased destination income over $5,500 per capita per annum.&nbsp;Promoting Inclusion: Opening doors for women, youth, and underrepresented groups while offering diverse cultural experiences that build understanding.&nbsp;Protecting the Environment: Driving regenerative models that conserve ecosystems and channel revenue back into conservation.&nbsp;For hotels, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity to move beyond business and embrace eco-friendly hotel practices that safeguard ecosystems, uplift communities, and appeal to a new generation of conscious travellers.We would like to call this the era of hotel transformation.&nbsp;Why Sustainability Matters for Hotels?As tourism continues to grow, hotels sit at the centre of this transformation. Statista projects the hotel market will reach US $455.15 billion by 2025, with 1.86 billion users by 2030. And this impact goes beyond economics.&nbsp;In Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, cultural restoration through the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bujairi Terrace has already drawn over 2 million visitors since 2022—showing how hospitality can drive cultural preservation and sustainable tourism growth.&nbsp;Not just that, travellers are also demanding change. According to Booking.com:&nbsp;93% plan to make more sustainable travel choices by 2025.53% are conscious of travel’s impact on communities and the environment.&nbsp;Top areas where travellers want to support are better transportation (38%), waste management (37%), and environmental conservation (32%).&nbsp;Hotels that embrace this shift can lead the industry as true agents of sustainable transformation.&nbsp;How to Become a Sustainable Hotel?Each hotel is uniquely positioned to lead sustainable change by integrating meaningful practices into everyday operations. Some of them can be:&nbsp;Leverage tech: Use AI and big data to personalise your guest journeys while nudging travellers to eco-friendly restaurants, public transport, or authentic cultural experiences. Implement green hotel marketing strategies to promote offerings.&nbsp;Get Authorised: Certification is a critical step to prove your position. We recommend WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria, which cover sustainable management, socioeconomic benefits, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. Beyond these, eco-certifications like LEED and BREEAM elevate credibility in global markets. Here’s our guide to obtaining your hotel sustainability certification.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eco-friendly Dining and Transportation: Food provision offers another opportunity with sourcing local and seasonal produce, reducing food waste through donations or smart partnerships, and rethinking buffets. All these contribute to stronger community and environmental outcomes. Also, provide information on trains, buses, and metro routes so guests can choose low-carbon options while reducing the environmental footprint of travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shape Guest Behaviour: Recommend lesser-known sites, encourage authentic cultural immersion through workshops and integrated experiences, and inspire deeper respect for local traditions. Promote ethical wildlife tours and avoid exploitative practices to build long-term trust with conscious travellers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The path is clear: offer green packages, incentivise guests to use eco-friendly services, host cultural exchanges, and run eco-awareness campaigns that make sustainability part of the guest journey.&nbsp;But still, there are many other adaptations. Some strategies are simple, others transformative, but all make a difference. Look at these hotels:&nbsp;Eco-Friendly Operations: Grand Hotel Portovenere (Italy) sources zero-kilometre products and offers reusable bottles, proving small actions shape guest behaviour.&nbsp;&nbsp;Community empowerment: Marriott India is training thousands of youth in Jammu and Kashmir, shaping a resilient hospitality workforce.&nbsp;Impact-driven initiatives: Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand, provides clean water access to over 104,000 people through its initiatives, while Hilton’s Travel with Purpose has delivered 1.6 million meals and 1.5 million pounds of food to disaster-hit communities. Then, Madifushi Private Island, Maldives, planted 5,000 coconut trees to safeguard ecosystems.&nbsp;&nbsp;These implementations show that hotels can extend hospitality far beyond their gates. Are you ready for this, too?Turning Sustainability into GrowthBut being part of the sustainable travel trend is not enough. You need to be seen.&nbsp;That’s where we step in. Through our Sustainable Hotels Programme, we make sure your efforts are visible to the travellers and partners who care most. By joining, you benefit from:&nbsp;Stronger visibility in distribution: Sustainable properties appear under the dedicated ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter on our booking platforms, making it easier for conscious travellers and partners to find you.&nbsp;Marketing that tells your story: From targeted email campaigns to dedicated banners and landing pages, your initiatives will be in the spotlight.&nbsp;Proven impact from campaigns: Our partnership with Accor Hotels scaled plastic-free hotels from just 500 to 5,000 in one year, showing how collective action drives measurable change.&nbsp;Access to high-demand travellers: Bookings for certified sustainable hotels in our portfolio grew 30% between 2022-2023. Today, we feature 40,000+ certified properties.&nbsp;Insights into traveller intent: Our sustainability landing pages are consistently the most visited, proof that demand for eco-conscious stays is outpacing the market.Why B2B Distribution Matters for Sustainable HotelsThrough HBX Group’s B2B distribution network, you can:&nbsp;Reach global demand: Connect with 60,000 travel distributors and corporate buyers actively searching for sustainable stays.&nbsp;Win preferred partnerships: Many travel sellers now prioritise suppliers with credible ESG practices, and we help you reach them.&nbsp;Unlock revenue growth: Sustainable hotels are not just popular, they are profitable, capturing the fastest-growing segment of the market.&nbsp;Build long-term trust: Being part of a verified network gives travellers and partners confidence that your commitments are real.&nbsp;If you are ready to transform your hotel into a sustainability growth machine, register with us today!&nbsp;List your property

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World Tourism Day: Leading the Change from Your Hotel

Rising acquisition costs, fluctuating occupancy, and guest segmentation. Do these challenges sound familiar?&nbsp;As you know, growing your hotel business means more than just bookings, it means finding quality demand, streamlining operations, and standing out in an increasingly competitive market.&nbsp;With over 514,000 new rooms projected to launch in 2025 (Top Hotel Projects), standing out is getting tougher. Meanwhile, over 45% of guests base their decisions on pricing, location, and reviews, raising the stakes even higher.&nbsp;But the good news? You don’t have to face these challenges alone.&nbsp;We’re dedicated to being your hotel partner so you achieve higher booking rate, better demand, and increased operational efficiency. From seamless tech integrations to targeted B2B distribution, we connect you with quality clients that you simply can’t access elsewhere. Using our marketing strategies, we put your property where it matters most.&nbsp;This article will walk you through the many reasons why hoteliers choose HBX Group, and how we’re helping more than a quarter of a million properties increase revenue and streamline operations worldwide.&nbsp;1. Smarter distribution for smart hoteliersRunning a hotel today means more than just being fully booked—it’s about controlling rates, reducing costs, and attracting the right guests. Our strategic B2B hotel distribution helps you achieve exactly that.&nbsp;Our distribution strategy is built to grow your revenue, ease day-to-day operations, and give you full control over your rate strategy.&nbsp;Once you register on our portal, you tap into a carefully segmented network of 60,000+ B2B travel distributors, including airlines, tour operators, retail travel agencies, among others. These are audiences that bring high-value bookings you won’t get elsewhere. Plus, 1,000+ local experts support you like an extension of your sales team.&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Attract the right guests, not just more guestsIf you want stability, profitability, and control, you should focus on better demand and not just more demand. That’s the kind of demand we help generate. In fact, 70% of our bookings come from long-haul guests, giving your hotel access to new revenue streams and strengthening your booking pipeline with market diversification.&nbsp;Most importantly, we help you reach ‘high-value guests’ so you get:&nbsp;Longer stays (4+ nights = lower turnover)Earlier bookings (2+ months out = easier planning)Higher ADRs (up to 35% more)Guests who spend more on extrasReduced cancellation rates&nbsp;3. Your day-to-day, simplified with the Partner PortalManaging a hotel requires constant attention to detail and the right tools to stay ahead. That’s why we provide every partner with free access to the HBX Group Partner Portal, a powerful, all-in-one platform built to support your team’s daily operations and boost performance.&nbsp;Once your property is onboarded, you’ll receive login credentials to explore the Portal’s intuitive dashboard and get started right away. Designed specifically for hoteliers, this tool gives you full control and visibility over your bookings, pricing, availability, and performance.Here are some of the important operations you can do:&nbsp;Update your hotel profile, photos, and amenities with ease.Adjust rates, inventory, and availability in real time.Create targeted offers (early bird, long stay, last-minute) and promote them instantly.Monitor bookings and cancellations.Track guest arrivals, compare competitor pricing, and access payment info.Manage channel manager connectivity and troubleshoot integration issues.Contact our support team directly through a quick, category-based webform.&nbsp;You’ll also gain access to monthly promotions, curated based on guest trends and seasonality, to drive even more demand.&nbsp;4. Reach your ideal audience with our marketing campaignsGetting noticed by the right travel buyers can be tough, especially during peak seasons. That’s why we run targeted marketing campaigns that spotlight participating hotels to our global network of B2B travel partners at no extra cost.&nbsp;Your property gains prominent exposure through:&nbsp;Dedicated landing pagesBanner placements on our booking platformsTargeted email campaigns and multilingual social media posts&nbsp;These campaigns are aligned with market trends, seasonal travel patterns, and high-booking windows to ensure visibility when it matters most. Popular campaigns like Black Friday, New Year Sales, and March Markdowns drive strong results. For example: Our 2024-2025 Black Friday hotels saw 51% better performance vs. their benchmarks.&nbsp;Whether it's a global or regional campaign, our hotel marketing campaigns help you attract your ideal guests. After each campaign, we’ll send you a report comparing your performance to similar hotels so you can see the impact clearly.&nbsp;5. Continuous optimisation to maximise resultsKeeping up with today’s distribution demands can be overwhelming. That’s where our Optimisation Campaigns come in. Designed to proactively boost your hotel’s performance, these initiatives support you with the right data, visibility, and actions to help your property stay ahead.&nbsp;Two of our main programmes include:&nbsp;Partner Accelerator Programme is available to hotels that are already distributing through HBX Group. If your goal is to expand your reach, boost visibility, or tap into international markets, this programme is for you. Using market insights, competitor data, and AI-powered analytics, our system identifies personalised opportunities for your property that could generate additional room nights over the next 12 months.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hotel Onboarding Programme helps your property go live in under 48 hours after you register with us. An assigned agent guides you through setup, from rate plans to content uploads. You’ll receive support emails and access to tools like the Partner Portal to optimise visibility, join campaigns, and start receiving bookings fast.&nbsp;6. Go beyond marketing with our Marketing SuiteEvery property has different goals—whether it's targeting premium travellers, launching co-branded promotions, or gaining more control over how and where you appear. That's why we offer a full range of flexible marketing for hotels designed to give your hotel the visibility it needs—on your terms. With our support, you can:&nbsp;Reach high-value, niche, or premium segmentsCustomise your messaging and brandingLaunch targeted, co-branded campaigns&nbsp;For hotel groups or independent properties seeking a more tailored approach, we provide fully customisable campaigns developed by our in-house team of experts. We’ll work with you to build a strategy that aligns with your brand and connects with the right buyers through the right channels.&nbsp;7. Being your Preferred PartnerOur HBX Group Preferred Partnership is more than a commercial model — it’s a dynamic growth engine, shaped by hospitality experts around your hotel’s needs and designed to evolve with your journey.&nbsp;By becoming a preferred partner, you gain access to bespoke solutions tailored to your business goals — empowering you to unlock unprecedented growth, protect your ADR, and navigate market complexity with confidence. You stay in control, while we help you keep uncertainty out of the equation.&nbsp;Whether you’re looking to reduce operational costs, increase revenue, or strengthen your position in a competitive market, our team will work closely with you to craft a strategic agreement that evolves with your needs.&nbsp;8. Unlock more solutions with HBX GroupHBX Group—a global TravelTech leader offering more than just distribution. Through HBX, hoteliers gain access to a full suite of advanced solutions across fintech, insurtech, digital marketing, and more. Whether you need secure payment options, guest protection services, or enhanced promotional tools, HBX Group helps you streamline operations and unlock new revenue opportunities, all under one trusted umbrella.&nbsp;Ready to grow with us?With HBX Group, you get more than a distribution partner; you gain access to unmatched global reach, better quality demand, marketing flexibility, and hands-on support at every step.&nbsp;Join thousands of hotels already benefiting from smarter B2B distribution. Register today and discover how you can transform your performance.&nbsp;Register your property

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Why More Hotels Are Choosing HBX Group as Their Distribution Partner

Traditionally associated with couples and groups, travel habits are shifting. Solo travel has emerged as one of 2025’s most influential trends, as confirmed by our Travel Trends Report for hoteliers, as well as those from Forbes and Hilton.&nbsp;Post-pandemic, more travellers are choosing to go solo—seeking independence, self-reflection, and trips aligned with personal values and well-being.&nbsp;The solo travel market is projected to reach USD 1.07 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.3% between 2025 and 2030. For hoteliers, this presents a strategic opportunity to engage a rapidly expanding audience and boost occupancy by delivering meaningful experiences.&nbsp;This guide outlines key aspects of the trend while offering actionable steps and hotel marketing strategies to help you stand out.&nbsp;What solo travel means today&nbsp;Solo travel has evolved beyond the stereotype of backpacking or travelling due to single status. It’s now an intentional decision made by people of all ages and backgrounds, driven by the desire for freedom, growth, and social connection. Advances in digital tools—from navigation apps to AI-driven planning—have made it easier and safer to travel alone.&nbsp;Solo Traveler World reports 58% of travellers prefer going alone because it lets them do what they want, when they want. Whether travelling independently or as part of a flexible group tour, solo guests value spontaneity, privacy, and purpose. For many, it’s a chance to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.&nbsp;According to Solo Traveler World, 75% of solo travellers prioritise personal benefits such as self-care and mental wellness. This reflects wider lifestyle shifts and hotels that understand this mindset and tailor services accordingly can unlock deeper guest loyalty and long-term growth.&nbsp;Who are today’s solo travellers?Solo travellers are far from a niche group. They range from young explorers to seasoned professionals. Understanding their motivations and travel styles is key for hoteliers to attract and serve this segment.Gen Z solo travellersThe ASA Travel Trend Report states that this movement is particularly strong among millennials and Gen Z, with 76% planning solo trips in 2025. For Gen Z, solo travel is about adventure, self-expression, and caring deeply about sustainability, culture, and purpose.&nbsp;According to Solo Travel Statistics 2025 by Condor Ferries, 58% of millennials travel solo, versus just 47% of older age groups, showing a generational shift towards independent travel.Memooners: The solo honeymoon trend&nbsp;Coined by Hilton, 'MeMooners' are travellers celebrating self-love and me-time. They travel for reflection, freedom, and personal joy without compromise. According to Hilton, 64% of MeMooners say their favourite travel companion is a good book, and 25% travel with pets.Female solo travellersWomen are leading the solo travel movement, accounting for 84% of all solo travellers globally, according to Skyscanner. This includes not just single women but also those in relationships who want independent getaways. Freedom, flexibility, and self-care top their travel motivations.Remote workers and digital nomadsThe rise of remote work has transformed solo travel. Many now combine work and leisure, choosing to explore while staying connected. These travellers value reliable networks, co-working facilities, and proximity to cultural attractions or nature.&nbsp;What hoteliers can do to attract solo travellersBy creating a welcoming atmosphere, you bring more travellers to your property. But here’s even more you can do to connect with the independent explorers:Design solo hotel packagesSolo travellers often pay more due to single-occupancy rates. With solo bookings rising 300% since 2021, this segment is actively looking for affordable, value-driven options. Include single rooms, flexible check-in, inclusive meals, or off-season deals.Add to your location’s unique strengthsLocation remains one of your most powerful marketing assets. According to CNBC, nearly 50% of travellers say their next trip is to fulfil a dream or tick off a bucket list destination. If your property is situated near a national park, along a popular coastline, or within a UNESCO destination, highlight these significant assets. Offer guided small-group walks or heritage tours to highlight the local specialities.Curate purpose-driven experiencesSolo tourism is inspired by the JOMO travel where travellers are drawn to activities that inspire self-reflection, spark creativity, and reduce stress. Develop programmes that support these needs, like oceanside painting classes, heritage cooking workshops, or journaling retreats.&nbsp;Embrace wellness and mental wellbeing: Mental wellness can be a differentiator. Create wellness offerings like digital detox retreats, silent yoga sessions, tailored outdoor experiences, or spa days for one. Even a single-day wellness escape, gyms or meditation rooms, can appeal to solo travellers who want to stay productive and balanced on the road.&nbsp;Foster community (without forcing it): Solo travellers often seek connection on their terms. Build community by offering shared workspaces, virtual meetups, film nights, or theme-based tours designed. Partner with solo travel brands and communities to reach this audience.&nbsp;Reimagine space and designThe rise of remote work, sabbaticals, and digital nomadism has shifted the expectations of solo travellers. No more king-size rooms, guests are now open to minimalist spaces, such as compact Japanese-style rooms that offer functionality like smart beds, in-room desks, and high-speed Wi-Fi.&nbsp;Design restaurant areas with bar seating, communal tables, or hosted dinners for solo diners to feel at ease. Make your hotel lobbies as social hubs, prioritising connection and flexibility.Prioritise safety and autonomySafety remains the number one concern, especially for women travelling alone. Address this with features like well-lit spaces, 24/7 staff presence, or key card-only access. Also consider solo essentials like pet-friendly rooms, digital check-ins, grab-and-go meals, and concierge services.Use technology to personalise the journeySearches for 'solo travel deals' and 'best solo destinations' rose by 30% in 2024. As solo travellers are planners, researchers, and decision-makers, invest in tech and AI tools to offer custom itineraries and personalise recommendations across mobile-first platforms.Align your brand with solo valuesAccording to Deloitte’s 2025 report, 64% of Gen Z and millennials prefer brands that support personal growth and values. Use your social media and website to showcase solo travel stories and your custom packages. Let solo travellers know how your hotel brand resonates with their journey.Boost bookings with HBX Group’s B2B channelsSolo travel bookings through online travel marketplaces are expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0% from 2025 to 2030. In 2024, OTAs held 53.45% of global booking share, reflecting that solo travellers love their convenience of all-in-one guidance. That’s where HBX Group can help:&nbsp;Pre-defined Campaigns: You get ready-to-launch, zero-setup campaigns timed with seasonal trends and traveller behaviour. These offer targeted visibility in key source markets, which are ideal for promoting solo-friendly packages.&nbsp;Bespoke solutions: Need a more hands-on and tailored approach? The HBX Group Marketing Suite gives your hotel access to high-performing B2B and B2C channels, helping you reach solo travellers with curated messaging and measurable results.&nbsp;Join the movementSolo travel is transforming how people explore the world, and it is moving fast. Don’t miss the chance to be part of it. If you're already a HBX Group partner, connect with your Account Manager to tap into our latest campaigns.&nbsp;Not yet onboard? Register your property to access over 60,000 travel distributors worldwide, including 50,000 agencies, 3,500 tour operators, and key airline and affiliate partners. Let’s craft strategies that attract, inspire, and convert the solo guest.&nbsp;Register your property

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How Hotels Can Capitalise on the Solo Travel Boom in 2025

In the dynamic world of European hospitality, where digital check-ins, online bookings, seasonality and connected guest services are the norm, cybersecurity is no longer just a back-office concern - it’s mission-critical.&nbsp;At HBX Group, we understand the evolving landscape hotels operate in. As properties embrace contactless technologies and cloud-based systems to enhance the guest experience, they’re also expanding the digital surface vulnerable to cyber threats. The numbers speak volumes: the average cost of a breach in the hospitality industry is $3.82 million, and 89% of those breached report being hit more than once in a single year.&nbsp;The Reality: Hotels Are Prime Targets&nbsp;Hotels have become increasingly attractive to cybercriminals due to the vast amount of sensitive data they manage. From payment card information to passport details, this valuable data makes them ideal marks for ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. The most common threats include:&nbsp;• Phishing &amp; Social Engineering: Tricking employees into revealing credentials.• Ransomware: Locking systems like bookings or payments until a ransom is paid.• Data Security Breaches: Stealing guest information to sell on the dark web.&nbsp;Why Hospitality Faces Unique Cybersecurity Challenges&nbsp;The hospitality sector in Europe faces a perfect storm of risk factors:&nbsp;• Contactless Technology: While convenient, it can open new cyber-attack vectors.• Open Networks: High guest turnover often leaves networks exposed.• Seasonal Staff: Frequent turnover leads to inconsistent cybersecurity training.• Fragmented IT Systems: Multiple property management systems across regions increase vulnerability.&nbsp;Read more about cybersecurity threats to the hospitality industry here.&nbsp;Our Solution: Proactive Cyber Risk Assessment&nbsp;In partnership with Wallbid, we’re offering our hotel partners in Europe a tailored Cyber Risk Assessment. This service provides an expert-reviewed cyber rating and actionable plan to strengthen their defenses—at exclusive rates below 80% of the market price.&nbsp;With our Cyber Risk Assessment, your hotel can:• Prevent business disruptions by identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do.• Protect your reputation by safeguarding sensitive guest data.• Save on recovery costs through proactive risk mitigation.• Continuously adapt with annual reassessments and updated action plans.&nbsp;&nbsp;Start with Insights, Improve with Actions&nbsp;Understanding where your hotel stands today is the first step toward a safer tomorrow. Don’t wait for a breach to act—assess your vulnerabilities now and get ahead of threats before they happen.&nbsp;Because in hospitality, trust is everything. And in the digital age, trust starts with cybersecurity.&nbsp;Ready to start improving your digital defences? Take your first step towards a safer and smarter cybersecurity environment with Cybersential, your cybersecurity solution for hotels.

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CYBERSECURITY: A TOP PRIORITY FOR EUROPEAN HOTELS

Cybersecurity: A Top Priority For European Hotels

Sustainable travel has become a significant concern for travellers around the globe. As hotel guests grow increasingly aware of environmental issues, they expect the companies they support — including hotels — to reflect these values and prioritise sustainability in their operations.&nbsp;In line with World Environment Day 2025, which this year focuses on the critical issue of ending plastic pollution, it’s more important than ever for hoteliers to confront the challenge of single-use plastics. Taking action now demonstrates a genuine commitment to sustainability — one that today’s eco-conscious guests expect and value.&nbsp;This article aims to support hoteliers interested in embracing sustainable practices and attracting travellers who actively seek out environmentally responsible accommodations. We’ll explore why plastic-free hotels are gaining preference, how your property can benefit, practical tips to eliminate single-use plastics, and a real-world success story from a leading hotel group.&nbsp;We’ll also explain how to showcase your sustainability credentials to our network of over 60,000 travel distributors.&nbsp;Why do guests prefer plastic-free hotels?It’s no secret that there has been a paradigm shift that has influenced the lifestyle of millions of people, affecting all areas of life, including travel and leisure.&nbsp;Sustainable travel has become a significant concern in today’s world, and there are many ways to support the cause. Focusing specifically on one of the main issues – single-plastic use –, we believe that hoteliers have a great potential to become a force for good.&nbsp;Guests believe it as well, and by paying attention to their concerns and catering to their needs, your hotel could benefit from improved positioning in front of eco-conscious travellers…and increase your room nights.&nbsp;People now expect the brands they engage with to reflect their values. This includes how hotels address sustainability. According to Statista, 81% of travellers state that sustainable travel is important to them, and 74% want travel companies to offer more sustainable options. Furthermore, 65% say they’re more likely to book accommodation with recognised sustainability certifications.Also worth noting: 56% of people consider reducing single-use plastics a personal priority, and these habits often extend to their travel choices.&nbsp;Beyond meeting guest expectations, ignoring plastic pollution can have reputational consequences. A hotel’s credibility may suffer if there is no clear commitment to reducing plastic waste. That’s why sustainability — particularly when it comes to plastic — isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business.&nbsp;How can plastic-free initiatives benefit your properties?Whether you manage a boutique hotel or a major chain, transitioning away from single-use plastics takes effort — but the benefits are considerable.&nbsp;Helping the planet is reason enough, but there are other compelling advantages:&nbsp;A clearly defined sustainability strategy can differentiate your hotel from competitors.&nbsp;Certification through recognised programmes boosts your visibility and credibility among eco-conscious travellers.&nbsp;Your property could become eligible for our Sustainable Hotels Programme, giving you access to increased visibility across our global network of travel distributors.&nbsp;In addition, governments around the world are introducing stricter regulations around plastic usage. By taking proactive steps now, you’ll stay ahead of compliance requirements and avoid costly last-minute changes.&nbsp;However, all these benefits depend on communication. If you don’t clearly share your sustainability initiatives — including the elimination of single-use plastics — you may miss the opportunity to connect with your ideal audience.&nbsp;As mentioned in our article on the importance of green hotels, only one third of hotels are communicating their sustainability efforts, such as implementing alternatives for single-use plastics. To make an impact, you need to let travellers know what you’re doing — and why it matters.&nbsp;No matter what the size of your hotel, small actions can make a big change. Are you lacking in ideas? Keep reading, as we provide you with some valuable tips.Practical steps for hotels to embrace sustainabilityThere are certain items that you can replace or reduce in your objective to become a plastic-free hotel.&nbsp;However, there’s one thing that you should take into account to help you reach your goal in the most seamless way possible: it’s necessary to educate your suppliers and employees to better understand how important this purpose is and how they can easily commit to it.&nbsp;For example, you could start by creating a working group where employees from the departments using single-use plastics participate. In this working group, it would be beneficial to identify all single-use plastics in your operations and try to propose alternatives.&nbsp;But it doesn’t stop there: it’s also important to chat with your suppliers and explain your aim to reduce plastic in your properties. They may be able to help you with the task by giving you ideas of which options they have available, such as multi-use items or products made of responsible materials.&nbsp;Here are a few practical changes to begin your plastic-free transition:&nbsp;6 Essential tips for eliminating single-use plastics in hotelsRemove plastic water bottles. Offer refillable glass or metal bottles, and install modern water bottle filling stations for guests — fast, efficient and eco-friendly. Modern versions of these stations can refill a one-litre bottle in 10 seconds to minimise queues, whilst other stations cut off the water after 20 seconds to prevent wastage.&nbsp;Switch to bulk bathroom amenity dispensers. Offer shampoo and gel packaged in wall-mounted refillable dispensers, or consider providing these amenities only on demand. Switching to plastic-free hotel amenities, such as toiletries, is one of the easiest changes to implement, but is also a change which will be first recognised by your guests!&nbsp;Offer non-plastic slippers that are washed in-house and reused. Replace items such as stirrers, shoe shiners, razors, combs, sewing kits, and plastic packaging materials with sustainable alternatives, or remove them altogether.&nbsp;Use recyclable paper for wrapping bathroom amenities, reusable bathroom cups, reusable fabric laundry bags, and paper containers for takeaways, among others.&nbsp;Offer biodegradable rubbish bags that are more environmentally friendly alternatives. Make sure that they’re truly biodegradable.&nbsp;Choose tableware and cutlery made from durable, biodegradable materials. For example, cut down on plastic straws and replace them with ones made of bamboo.&nbsp;For extra support, consider partnering with sustainability consultants who specialise in reducing single-use plastics in hospitality settings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Accor Hotels: A Successful Case Study In Going Plastic-FreeSome major hotel chains have already made a step forward in order to tackle this issue. One good example is Accor Hotels, which joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in 2022 and have since announced two global partnerships with Green Key and Green Globe certifications.&nbsp;&nbsp;As previously mentioned, going plastic-free could be a challenging task. But here’s the proof that such an aim is both attainable and rewarding. In the following video, Jordane de Villaret Bentinck, VP of Sustainability Communications &amp; Change at Accor, explains the actions the chain has implemented so far and how they have been received by customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enhancing plastic-free communications with our sustainable hotels programmeWe’re getting close to the end of this article, and we don’t want to finish it without helping you to communicate your plastic-free efforts.&nbsp;Whether your hotel is just beginning its sustainability journey or has already implemented changes, it’s vital to share your progress. Let the world know you’re committed.&nbsp;Our Partner Portal will be your ally: to gain a prime position in front of over 60,000 travel agents and their clients, mark your hotel as single-use plastic free by following these steps:&nbsp;Log into the Partner PortalSelect ‘Hotel Info’ and click on 'General Information'After clicking ‘About Hotel’, scroll to the section titled ‘Things to Keep in Mind’Tick the ‘Single-use Plastic Free’ box&nbsp;But you can take one step further when it comes to communicating your commitment to sustainable practices. HBX Group’s Sustainable Hotel Programme aims to identify and provide enhanced visibility to partner hotels that are certified and accredited according to the rigorous criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or that have sustainability programmes aligned to these criteria.&nbsp;To date, the Sustainable Hotels Programme portfolio contains over 40,000 properties certified as sustainable. Have a look at this step-by-step guide on how to join this hotel sustainable initiative, and begin to cater to a real demand by helping travel bookers to identify those properties committed to sustainability.&nbsp;Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be visible under the ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter in our Booking Engine. But this won’t be the only benefit – you’ll also be eligible for relevant, sustainability-focused campaigns, in which we will push sustainable hotels to our clients.&nbsp;If you have already registered your property with HBX Group, access here and select this filter now.&nbsp;Still need to register your hotel with us? It's easy, free, and in a short time, your property will be seen by a worldwide network of 60,000 travel distributors.&nbsp;Register your property

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Plastic-Free Hotels: A Practical Guide to Attracting Eco-Conscious Travellers

What if there were a way of maximising revenues from every booking? Especially in the current state of the industry, with customer expectations rising, the market constantly changing, and emerging technologies becoming a part of how we work. Enter B2B solutions for travel agencies. With access to the right platforms and tools offered by partners like HBX Group, you can reach the right clients, broaden your portfolio, and access competitive rates.&nbsp;Below is a breakdown of how HBX Group’s B2B solutions can help with the top challenges you may face as a travel agent or advisor.Challenge: Maximising your earning potentialMany agents choose to focus on profitable niches like luxury or business travel, segments which serve clients with more complex and specific needs. However, higher rates do not always reflect the true value of a booking: you also need to consider the time spent on research, planning, and communication with clients. And since clients have high expectations, it often means you manage various platforms while booking hotels, experiences, concierges, transfers, and more.&nbsp;Solution: Find a platform with all travel partners in one placeInstead of booking hotels, experiences, and transfers separately, check out travel agent tools that centralise all your partners on one platform. This way, you’ll save time, broaden your network — thus increasing the value you bring to clients — and earn the ability to make more out of each booking.Bedsonline (part of HBX Group) boasts a global portfolio, connecting agents and advisors with over 250,000 hotels, 500 car hire providers, and 23,000 travel activities, all in one place – including those suited to higher-ticket travellers. By joining, you’ll not only gain access to a wide range of travel partners, but also exclusive rates offered only to Bedsonline members.For discerning luxury travellers, explore The Luxurist - a complete B2B ecosystem crafted exclusively for luxury travel professionals. With The Luxurist, travel agents can gain access to 24/7 concierge service (for both advisor and guests), 5000+ exceptional hotels, and exclusive privileges at no cost. Now available through Bedsonline, any booking tagged as ‘The Luxurist’ entitles your clients to premium privileges, including a 24/7 in-destination concierge service, welcome amenities, and check-out till 2:00 PM (outside of peak season). Alternatively, travel agents may prefer to book directly through the Luxurist’s own website.No matter how broad or niche your clientele, travel agents can experience the best of all worlds with HBX Group’s retail offering: whether catering to premium travellers, offering budget-friendly stays, or producing all-encapsulating itineraries (think stays, transfers, experiences and insurance as an example), adjusting your offering to satisfy all client needs could not be easier.Challenge: Finding the best rates and offersYou want to offer your clients properties that match their budget, activities that fit their travel style, and seamless transportation options to make the trip smoother. But it’s not always easy to find the right products, let alone competitive rates – especially if you need to navigate multiple platforms, keep up with fluctuating prices, and ensure supplier reliability. And when you add limited availability during peak seasons or last-minute changes, the process becomes even more complicated.Solution: Join a travel agent booking platformNo matter your needs as a travel advisor, we have the platform to support you – and deliver exceptional experiences for your clients.When you become a member of Bedsonline, you get access to its extensive product portfolio. The brand also negotiates the best rates for travel agents, which include exclusive agreements, agent-only offers, and priority availability for travel advisors.Bedsonline has over 2000 exclusive offers and a large network of hotels and experiences for all types of travellers, from budget-friendly to luxury. Partners get access to exclusive rates, with discounts reaching up to 60% off.Challenge: Standing out in a crowded marketWith so many options available to travellers, agents need to differentiate their offerings to stay relevant. This could mean promoting alternative destinations in the wake of over-tourism, finding reliable travel partners around the world, or using AI to improve customer service.Solution: Broaden your portfolio, equip yourself with the best tools, and keep up with current travel trendsWhile there are different ways travel agents can stand out, one effective strategy is to combine a broad, diverse portfolio with a clearly defined niche. That’s where HBX Group can help: Bedsonline’s travel portfolio covers various niches, such as eco-tourism, business travel and sports tourism – just explore the filters in its Booking Engine, with hotels and experiences to suit all client types. Of course, sticking to one niche isn’t necessary – serving all client types is no issue with Bedsonline’s vast product portfolio!In search of a distinctly premium travel offering? The Luxurist’s property portfolio can also be sought from within the Bedsonline Booking Engine - simply select ‘The Luxurist’ in the Booking Engine’s ‘Promos’ section.Alternatively, you can select 'Luxury Collection' within Bedsonline's 'Establishment Profile' category filter. 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 in this video:&nbsp;&nbsp;For more complex or multi-stop itineraries, advisors can go a step further with The Luxurist Itinerary Builder — a dedicated platform designed to plan, book, and manage luxury trips end-to-end, with exclusive content, dynamic roadbooks, and concierge support built in. To make use of this, head directly to the Luxurist website, submit your Bedsonline login email, and receive your Luxurist credentials.When you become an HBX Group partner, you’ll get plenty of inspiration on how to use the latest travel trends to grow your business. Each year, we publish actionable reports, share countless consultative articles across our brands’ Resource pages, and launch marketing campaigns, timed at opportunistic moments to support travel agents in selling more.Challenge: Streamlining operations, campaigns, and seasonal offersOrganising trips, finding the best deals, and staying on top of peak seasons’ demands can be time-consuming. You may find that you’re constantly juggling client requests, supplier availability, and different platforms for booking, tracking, and communicating with clients.Solution: Sign up for personalised, data-driven insights for business growth, and benefit from a range of powerful toolsBedsonline’s booking tool for travel agents simplifies and streamlines day-to-day operations. Through the platform, travel agents and advisors can manage bookings, add additional travel products, and make updates. Within its award-winning artillery, users will find a quote management tool, allowing them to keep track of the itineraries and quotes that they’ve spent time building. Similarly, Bedsonline offers a helpful comparison tool, making it easy for agents to compare up to four properties side-by-side in a visual PDF, which can be shared with their clients and in their own branding.Bedsonline also comes with Insights, an AI-driven search and marketing platform. By using real-time data, Insights helps identify trending destinations relevant to your market. It learns from your booking behaviour — such as the destinations you’ve booked, saved, or discarded — to offer you personalised recommendations. With advanced filters, it simplifies the search process, helping you quickly find the right options based on location, theme, traveller type, region, or hotel star rating.Elsewhere, the Luxurist’s range of tools continue to impress. Its powerful Itinerary Builder offers access to over 5000 curated luxury hotels; real-time availability and AI-powered suggestions to streamline planning; and dynamic roadbooks to delight clients and convert quotes into confirmed bookings.Are you a supplier looking to improve your distribution and reach travel agents?Whether you’re a hotelier, destination marketing organisation, experience provider, or car rental/transfer supplier, HBX Group can connect you with thousands of travel agents. Our booking engines process 7 billion searches and 90,000+ bookings a day; what's more, depending on your desired strategy, your products have the potential to be booked in 170+ markets around the world.Broaden your network and increase your earnings with HBX GroupAt HBX Group, our B2B solutions for travel advisors focus on broadening your network, simplifying your administrative tasks, and giving you personalised recommendations that save time. Once you join, you’ll also benefit from the best rates for travel agents, which we’ve thoroughly negotiated with our travel partners, exclusively for you.Learn more about HBX Group and become a partner today!&nbsp;

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B2B Travel Solutions: Retail Travel Agencies

As technology evolves, so do travellers. The days of relentless hustle, logging extra work hours and meticulously calculating leave just to tick off a list of travel destinations are gradually fading. A quiet revolution, Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), is reshaping the travel industry.&nbsp;Named a top trend for 2025 by several leading travel companies, including in our Hotelbeds' Travel Trend Guide for Hotels, JOMO travel is the mindset of intentionally missing the 'top 10' spots and instead savouring meaningful, often unscripted, experiences. Think sipping coffee while listening to a cafe owner’s stories, hiking for a few days with no network connection, or spending an entire day in a hotel bed, guilt-free.&nbsp;For hoteliers, this shift is more than a passing trend. It's a golden opportunity to deepen guest satisfaction and build loyalty in this new landscape.&nbsp;And this guide will help you understand the JOMO phenomenon and how you can adapt and thrive in this new era of intentional travel.&nbsp;What’s JOMO in Travel?While the concept of slow travel has been around for years, JOMO represents its modern, wellness-forward evolution. It’s a conscious shift away from fast-paced, FOMO-driven itineraries toward deeper, more intentional experiences.&nbsp;Instead of chasing bucket lists, travellers are opting for offbeat destinations, travelling in shoulder or off-seasons, and skipping the crowds and chaos. The appeal lies in the absence of urgency and in the joy that comes from presence.&nbsp;JOMO naturally aligns with today’s leading hospitality trends:&nbsp;Sustainable travel and support for local communities&nbsp;Wellness-focused stays for mental and physical health&nbsp;Digital detoxing to reduce screen time and stress&nbsp;A preference for nature tourism and minimalist lifestyles&nbsp;Experiential travel that fosters real connection&nbsp;According to Expedia’s Unpack ‘25 Travel Trends, 62% of travellers say JOMO travel reduces stress and anxiety, and nearly 50% believe it helps deepen relationships with loved ones.&nbsp;Why JOMO travel matters more than ever?According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, over 20% of travellers are embracing 'soft travel' — a style rooted in spontaneity, ease, and simplicity. This aligns perfectly with JOMO values: slowing down, disconnecting from digital noise, and moving through the world with intention.&nbsp;For hotels, understanding and adapting to evolving traveller preferences is essential to staying ahead. Today’s guests aren’t just booking rooms to crash after sightseeing. They’re seeking destinations where nature, wellness and sustainability are integral to the experience and not just as optional add-ons.&nbsp;The data backs this shift. One in five global travellers are leaning into “Hurkle-Durkling” — a Scottish term for staying in bed all day, highlighting the growing desire for genuine rest while on holiday. In the same report, 1 in 4 leisure travellers intend to travel more mindfully in 2025.&nbsp;Sustainability is also front and centre. A recent Booking.com report reveals that 93% of travellers want to make more eco-conscious choices, with over half aware of their impact on local communities and the environment.&nbsp;Preferences of JOMO travellersSilent tripsTravellers are looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with themselves—literally turning off their devices in exchange for the sounds of nature. Expedia’s research shows that 87% of travellers want to spend more time in nature, and silent trips align perfectly with this preference. Offer guided nature walks, birdwatching, or forest bathing to foster a deeper connection with the environment.All-inclusive staysConvenience continues to be a key driver of traveller satisfaction, especially among younger audiences. According to Hotels.com, there has been a 60% increase in travellers filtering by "all-inclusive" options. From Gen Z to older millennials, more people are seeking seamless stays where food, experiences, and hotel amenities are bundled as per their travel purpose. This allows for a stress-free experience where guests can truly switch off.Laid-back luxury travelToday’s travellers are redefining what luxury looks like. Instead of grand lobbies and ultra-formal service, they’re gravitating toward laid-back, boutique properties that prioritise design, comfort, and authenticity. If you are a smaller hotel, feature natural materials, local products, and a personal touch. Offer regional luxury that feels more lived-in than showy.Digital detox packagesIn response to digital fatigue, many travellers are actively limiting screen time during their trips. The 2025 Hilton Trends Report reveals that 27% of adults plan to reduce social media use on holiday, with younger generations particularly motivated to disconnect. You can respond to this appeal by offering screen-free zones, no-WiFi rooms, and wellness-focused experiences that support digital detoxing.Regenerative and sustainable tourismNot just sustainability, travellers are seeking regenerative travel experiences that leave a positive impact. Whether it’s supporting local artisans, contributing to conservation efforts, or staying at properties that give back to the community, these people want their money to do good.&nbsp;Promote and implement eco-initiatives like reducing plastic, supporting nonprofits, and partnering on sustainability conferences. Offer real-time dashboards to track energy, water, and carbon impact. Highlight bike rentals, EV charging, and zero-waste amenities, and clearly communicate all efforts across booking platforms and in-room materials.Wellness toursWellness is no longer a niche; it's foundational to the way people travel. Properties that invest in robust wellness offerings are seeing high returns on guest satisfaction and loyalty. Outdoor wellness programs such as full moon beach yoga, forest walks, and sunrise meditation sessions are on the rise. Provide a diverse wellness menu with yoga, guided meditation, a 24-hour fitness gym, aromatherapy, or spa experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;Actionable tips for hoteliersAs travellers seek presence over pressure, hoteliers can adapt their offerings to meet the growing demand for restoration, mindfulness, and purpose-driven stays.Integrate with natureLet nature in with indoor plants, natural textures, and abundant natural light to enhance guest wellbeing.Position your property as a peaceful retreat by incorporating outdoor relaxation areas, such as rooftop gardens or forest-view terraces.Create spaces for stillnessDesignate areas like libraries, meditation rooms, and garden lounges as digital-free quiet zones.Use calming design elements such as soft lighting, minimalistic decor, and neutral colours to encourage relaxation.Promote these as sanctuaries for solitude, reflection, and mindfulness.Develop intimate settingsInvest in boutique-style accommodations, private villas, or standalone suites that offer quiet and exclusivity.Introduce features like private dining, in-room wellness treatments, and on-call concierge services.Mindful designUse neutral tones, natural materials, and uncluttered layouts to promote tranquillity.Create open-air lounges, meditation pavilions, or spa-inspired bathrooms to support mindfulness.Focus on design that encourages slow living and sensory awareness.Marketing strategiesShift campaign messaging from just luxury to emotional well-being, purpose, and restoration.Collaborate with influencers focused on slow travel, sustainability, and mental health.Embrace hotel upselling strategies to build all-inclusive stays.&nbsp;Conclusion: Ready to embrace JOMO travel?By adopting the JOMO travel style, hotels can create spaces that foster presence over pressure, simplicity over excess, and quality over quantity.&nbsp;Not yet working with us? Register your property today and get access to over 60,000 travel distributors, including 50,000 travel agencies and 3,500 tour operators, as well as airlines, affiliates, and other businesses. Let’s create guest experiences that are not only unforgettable but also aligned with the mindful future of tourism.&nbsp;Register your property

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The Rise of JOMO in Travel: What All Hoteliers Should Know

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