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Innovation

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


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

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

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


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

The second installment of the "Meet the Entrepreneur" event took place at the TravelTech Lab Hub in Madrid on October 30th, 2023. The event featured a captivating conversation with Emilio Galan, the CEO of BEONx, an innovative tech company specializing in consolidating data into a single platform for revenue discovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emilio delved into the fascinating journey of BEONx, shedding light on its origins rooted in astrophysics and computer engineering, and its transformation into a pioneer of Sustainable Profitability. This groundbreaking concept leverages AI to enhance guest experiences and uphold ESG principles.&nbsp;During the event, Emilio underscored the importance of nurturing a culture of innovation within organizations, shared insights on navigating challenges related to international expansion, and imparted wisdom on maintaining a positive entrepreneurial mindset.&nbsp;Attendees, predominantly comprised of startups, seized the opportunity to glean valuable advice from Emilio. They probed him on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including tips for success, strategies for product development, and how to overcome potential obstacles on their entrepreneurial journeys.&nbsp;The "Meet the Entrepreneur" event served as a convergence point for innovators, visionaries, and individuals deeply passionate about the dynamic intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. It provided a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration, reinforcing the collective commitment to driving forward progress in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business.

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Second Meet the Entrepreneur

Second "Meet the Entrepreneur" event in Madrid

From September 12th to 14th, 2023, TravelTech Lab hosted a groundbreaking event - the inaugural Internal Innovation at our TravelTech Lab Hub. This event brought together a diverse group of employees from various departments within our organization to collaborate and innovate.&nbsp;For two and a half days, this dynamic and multidisciplinary team worked tirelessly to bring to life the first prototype selected from a pool of over 50 innovative ideas submitted by our dedicated employees. The culmination of their efforts was showcased on the final day, where the prototype was unveiled to a select group of our esteemed clients, who provided invaluable feedback and insights.&nbsp;As the event ended, a sense of accomplishment and pride filled the air as we gathered with our internal teams and clients to celebrate the success of this pilot initiative. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and inspiration as we looked back on the journey that led us to this exciting milestone in our quest for innovation and excellence.

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Internal Labs

Pioneering innovation: First internal Innovation Labs

On the 19th of July 2023, an exciting event took place at the TravelTech Lab where the leadership team of HBX Group came together with a group of talented students who had participated in hackathons organized by the lab over the past year. During the event, these students showcased their innovative ideas, focusing on solutions related to data-driven influencer marketing aimed at enhancing traveler experiences.&nbsp;The highlight of the event was a panel discussion that took place between the HBX Group leadership team and the students. The discussion centered around the students' experiences during the hackathons and the collaborative process of working closely with industry professionals. The exchange of ideas and insights between the two groups was not only enlightening but also incredibly inspiring.&nbsp;Witnessing the creativity and passion of these students as they tackled real-world challenges with enthusiasm was truly remarkable. The event highlighted the power of bringing together the next generation of innovators with industry experts, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and unleash their imaginations. It was a testament to the magic that unfolds when bright minds are given a challenge, a time limit, and the support to push the boundaries of what is possible.

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Post Hackathon day with students

TravelTech Lab held an event with students who had taken part in the hackathons

On the 22nd of June 2023, a gathering of prominent figures from the travel and technology sectors convened at the TravelTech Lab, the innovation hub of HBX Group. The purpose of this assembly was to delve into the topic of "The business opportunity of generative AI: Chat GPT case," presented by Julio Rilo Blanco, the CEO of Inixa Tech Consultancy. This insightful presentation was a collaborative effort involving Universitat de les Illes Balears and the Cercle d'Economia de Mallorca.&nbsp;During the event, attendees were enlightened on various key takeaways that shed light on the potential of generative AI in the industry. Some of the benefits highlighted included the automation of processes, enhanced personalization for customers, increased opportunities for innovation, and the utilization of advanced data analytics. Additionally, discussions revolved around the ways in which virtual and augmented reality could complement travelers in aspects such as bookings, security, and enhancing in-destination experiences.&nbsp;However, amidst the excitement surrounding the potential of generative AI, it was also acknowledged that there are challenges to be navigated. These challenges include managing risks associated with technology, addressing information bias, exercising critical judgement, and mitigating the risk of increased inequality within the industry.&nbsp;The consensus reached at the gathering was that while generative AI presents significant opportunities for disruption and growth, it is crucial to approach its implementation with a deep understanding of the underlying technology. Strategic planning and the implementation of appropriate measures to safeguard user data and privacy were emphasized as essential components of leveraging generative AI effectively in the industry.

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Chat GPT by Julio Blanco

“The business opportunity of generative AI: Chat GPT case” by Julio Rilo Blanco

Madrid, June 8, 2023 – Hotelbeds and Wayra, Telefónica’s open innovation initiative, have announced the winners of the first TravelTech Lab by Hotelbeds challenge.

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Check it at https://discover.hotelbeds.com/news-room/press-release/hotelbeds-and-wayra-telefonica-announce-first-start-ups-be-part


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Hotelbeds and Wayra (Telefónica) announce first start-ups to be part of the TravelTech Lab 

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


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

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

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

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David Hernandez and Jose Maria Pestaña

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

Cancun, 12 May 2023 – Hoteliers and tourist boards joined Hotelbeds and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) at the MarketHub Americas to shine a light on the full spectrum of sustainability issues facing the travel industry.

Beatriz Barreal, board member of the GSTC and CEO and founder of the NGO Riviera Maya Sostenible, which played host to the conference, highlighted how companies across the travel ecosystem have a role to play in making travel a force for good.

“Destinations need to communicate with travellers about how they can be more sustainable when they visit,” Barreal said. “But it’s not just about single-use plastic. We must think broader and include all elements within environment, social and governance. Here in the Riviera Maya, we encourage hotels to create job opportunities for local people, promote the culture and also support small businesses.”

The focus on sustainability at the conference in Cancun comes just three weeks after Earth Day, when Hotelbeds revealed that over the past year the number of travellers who have chosen to book properties that are part of its Green Hotels programme has grown by 30% versus the previous 12 months. The company also planted a tree in the Hotelbeds Forest for each participant at the MarketHub Americas, in local communities, with native trees, fostering local re-naturing communities.

“Some companies see sustainability as a challenge, we see it as an opportunity, but we all need to work together across the industry to make the world a better place for tomorrow’s travellers,” said Elena Perez, Hotelbeds’ Chief HR and Sustainability officer. “People don’t want to compromise. They have an even greater appetite for travel than ever before but are also more conscious than ever before about their impact on the world. We must all respond to this by supporting the environment and preserving local cultures for generations to come.”

MarketHub Americas is an invitation-only event attended by the most important Hotelbeds partners from all the key source markets throughout the region.

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About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com


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Tourism industry discusses how to make travel a force for Good

Cancun, 11 May 2023 – Tourism leaders attending the MarketHub Americas by Hotelbeds have reported that Artificial Intelligence and technology will be their top strategic priority for 2023.

A poll among the event’s almost 500 attendees found that 32% plan to embrace AI and tech above anything else this year. This was closely followed by 28% of companies planning to innovate more. The survey was rounded out with 13% planning to offer a more personalised service, 11% on creating and using more data and 9% focusing on the connected trip.

“AI has become the hot topic in the travel industry but it’s a tool Hotelbeds has been using for some time, particularly to assist with customer service via chatbots,” said Nicolas Huss, CEO of Hotelbeds. “There’s no doubt that the whole travel ecosystem can benefit from this technology. It can not only improve customer service, but also provide an elevated personalised experience by remembering preferences and automatically implementing them each time an individual books their next trip.”

The audience heard how AI and machine learning simplifies travel decisions for the customer, shortens the time of purchase and enhances personalised offerings throughout the entire travel lifecycle. For travel businesses, meanwhile, automating low priority tasks frees up times for the human workforce, which can then be used to add further value to their customers.

This was supported by @hotel and NH Hotel Group (part of minor), with both companies telling the conference how important they think it will be, not only this year, but in years to come as well.

“Technology is helping us to elevate guest services. We offer our customers seamless personalised experiences while also providing operational efficiencies,” said Diana Marin, SVP-Sales and Distribution at NH Hotel Group (part of Minor). “AI also using it to predict trend, thanks to powerful algorithms, to analyse data from various source ,what’s coming up next is right there.”

Konrad Walliszewski, CEO of @hotel, added: “There’s no doubt AI is going to disrupt travel but it’s too early to tell just how much. It’s not just about using AI and machine learning to make every employee more productive – you’re missing out if you only do that. It will soon become the new norm but it’s moving so fast that we all need to stay on top of it.”

MarketHub Americas is an invitation-only event attended by the most important Hotelbeds partners from all the key source markets throughout the region.

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&nbsp;

About Hotelbeds 

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

&nbsp;

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com


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AI and tech: Number one focus for travel in 2023

Palma, Spain, 9 May 2023 – The 10th edition of MarketHub Americas, Hotelbeds’ flagship event, returns to Cancun, Mexico, tomorrow (10 May). Taking place at the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun hotel, the event will be attended by influential leaders from across the travel ecosystem.

“As the MarketHub gets underway, excitement is building here in Cancun as our partners and friends from across the industry arrive for our first regional MarketHub in three years,” said Carlos Muñoz Capllonch, Chief Commercial Officer of Hotelbeds. “The Hotelbeds team here, as well as our guests, are looking forward to hearing from all the speakers who are sure to provide us with great insights into our industry, which will serve as inspiration for all that is to come.”

As MarketHub Americas gets underway, here are a few highlights of this year’s conference agenda:

Mexico for MarketHub

This is the fifth time Hotelbeds is bringing its flagship event to Mexico, one of the most important markets for Hotelbeds. In recent weeks, the company has reported a 50% increase in room nights versus 2019, with Cancun even higher at more than 70. More than 500 local and international executives will be in the city to hear from some of the biggest names in tourism and technology, such as Hyatt Inclusive Collection, World Travel and Tourism Council and Telefonica.

Focus on sustainability

Just weeks after Earth Day when Hotelbeds announced the growth of sustainable travel, the MarketHub will delve into the transformation towards green tourism and how sustainability is no longer an option but a requirement for today’s travellers as they increasingly seek eco-friendly experiences when they travel. Guests will hear from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and Palace Resorts on the standards they’re setting for the industry and also learn how intrinsic sustainability is to tourism from Discover Puerto Rico and the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency.

Women take centre stage

Showcasing diverse leadership is a key focus of the conference. This year, 12 visionary female leaders will take to the stage to share their insights on what will undoubtedly help shape the future of travel. Speakers include Diana Martin of NH Hotel Group (part of Minor), Hotelbeds’ Chief Technology and Operations Officer Paula Felstead and Irene Gómez, Innovation Director at Telefonica.

Tech takeover

What is the next technological revolution in the travel industry? MarketHub panellists will discuss the next steps in digitisation, personalisation of the traveller experience, and also uncover the new tools available that can increase business opportunities. The conference will look in-depth at the role AI is playing as well as how this and other innovations will disrupt the future of travel.

The MarketHub Americas is an invitation-only event attended by key partners from across the region. For more information, please visit the website.

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About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

Follow us:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

Twitter: @Hotelbeds

Facebook: Hotelbeds

Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

Hotelbeds Media Contact

PR &amp; Media Relations&nbsp;

Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com


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