LATEST NEWS

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  MarketHub Asia 2023: Shaping the future of travel in Bangkok

  Wednesday,September 13, 2023 02:00

  Palma, Spain, 13 September 2023 – Hotelbeds popular MarketHub is returning to Asia later this year to bring travel professionals from across the globe together in Bangkok from 21-23 November 2023.

  Amari Watergate Bangkok will host the upcoming edition of MarketHub Asia which, under the theme “Where next?”, will feature a dynamic series of interactive sessions, engaging panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to promote business growth and innovation. Participants will hear valuable insights from travel leaders, as well as exchanges with a range of industry experts, helping to shape the future of travel in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

  “MarketHub Asia showcases the value of bringing leaders from across the travel industry and beyond together to learn and uncover all the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Carlos Munoz, Chief Commercial Officer of Hotelbeds. “We believe that with its strategic location in Bangkok, this event will provide a gateway for global travel professionals to tap into the potential of both the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets and explore business opportunities across the regions. MarketHub’s return to Asia reflects the progress made in the travel sector’s recovery and signifies renewed confidence in the future of tourism.”

  The latest data from Hotelbeds shows that Thailand has experienced remarkable growth as a travel destination, with an impressive 180% increase compared to this time last year. Among the top destinations chosen by travellers when visiting the country are Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya and Phuket.

  This is supported by recent figures from the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which show that the country has welcomed almost 12 million international tourists since the beginning of the year. SiteMinder, Meituan and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) found that Chinese travellers led the boom, with more than 1.3 million arrivals.

  Previous editions of MarketHub, held in Amsterdam and Cancun earlier this year, were a resounding success, attracting industry professionals and thought leaders eager to collaborate, explore emerging trends and showcase the industry's resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing environment.

  MarketHub Asia is an invitation-only event attended by key Hotelbeds partners from across Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

  Amari Watergate Bangkok is part of the ONYX Hospitality Group, an established hospitality management company with more than five decades of experience in the Southeast Asian hospitality industry. As part of the group, which includes brands such as Amari, Shama and OZO, the hotel is dedicated to meeting the discerning needs of business and leisure travellers. Committed to sustainability, Amari Watergate Bangkok actively prioritises the reduction of travel footprint to preserve travel privileges for future generations, while ensuring a luxurious and welcoming ambience.

  For more information about the MarketHub Asia, please visit the website.

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  About Hotelbeds

  Hotelbeds are global leaders in the TravelTech space, connecting and empowering businesses by facilitating bridges in the ever-changing and expanding travel ecosystem. Our cloud-based technology platforms offer fast and simple access to a global network of travel products, from accommodation to ancillaries and payments, while rich data and intelligence helps to generate demand. By operating exclusively in the B2B arena, we are uniquely placed to drive growth for our partners without competing for the end customer. Our teams of 3000+ experts on the ground provide local expertise and support to boost trading even further, even in the most hard-to-reach spaces. Our unique blend of technology, data and passionate people serves as a catalyst for B2B travel players aiming to unlock their full potential.

  Follow us:

  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hotelbeds

  Twitter: @Hotelbeds

  Facebook: Hotelbeds

  Instagram: @hotelbeds_official

  Hotelbeds Media Contact

  PR & Media Relations 

  Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com

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  WTTC and Hotelbeds uncover Global Tourism Trends

  Monday,September 11, 2023 02:00

  • Global Travel & Tourism is soaring, and so are the Balearic Islands
  • Palma continues to be a trend-setting destination
  • Local contribution to the sector surpassed €1.5BN, a 128% jump versus 2021

  Palma, Spain; 11 September 2023: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) partnered with Hotelbeds to bring sector leaders together in Palma, Mallorca, to delve into the ever-evolving dynamics of global Travel & Tourism.

  Titled “Global Trends in the Tourism Sector”, the event provided a platform for attendees to gain valuable insights into the current state of Travel & Tourism through presentations and discussions led by Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, and Hotelbeds’ CEO Nicolas Huss.

  The event acknowledged the thriving tourism landscape, both on a global scale and within the Balearic Islands. In 2022, global Travel & Tourism experienced an extraordinary growth rate of 22%, primarily driven by the lifting of pandemic restrictions and a surge in spending by foreign visitors.

  Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Today, we witness a thriving Travel & Tourism sector, not just in the Balearics, but worldwide, with strong performance in Spain.

  “Post pandemic leisure travel is booming. But travel patterns are changing. In the Balearics we are seeing a longer season. Luxury travel is particularly strong with hotels leading with new products for this market.

  “Travellers want to travel more sustainably. Travel & Tourism can grow and protect the planet. Let us come together to shape a sustainable future for travel and tourism.”

  During the event, held at the TravelTech Lab in Hotelbeds’ headquarters in Palma, Spain was recognised as a global leader in tourism, with the sector, contributing significantly to its economic landscape. Projections indicated that by the end of 2023, this sector will represent a remarkable 14.6% of Spain’s GDP and provide employment to nearly three million Spaniards, underscoring its crucial role in job creation.

  Nicolas Huss, Hotelbeds CEO, said: “As we come to an end for the summer season, we should reflect and celebrate what the sector has achieved this year. The strong commitment of companies throughout the tourism ecosystem to work together with external partners, including those in the innovation sphere, will be critical to ensure Travel & Tourism continues to thrive.”

  The CEOs also spotlighted the sector’s shift from corporate to leisure travel, with the latter currently accounting for a significant 88% of travel spending in Spain. This transformation is expected to continue, further strengthening the leisure travel segment.

  Balearic Islands, an international tourism model

  Hotelbeds’ data shows that this summer the traditional flows of travellers have not only been maintained but also increased, coming from the United Kingdom (+17%) and Germany (+29%) to the Balearic Islands. In addition, countries including France and Portugal have seen growing demand to the islands while long-haul markets out of Europe, such as the United States, are also growing.

  Palma, a rising role in international travel

  Meanwhile, according to WTTC’s latest Cities Economic Impact Research, Palma’s Travel & Tourism contribution to the city’s GDP saw an incredible 128% jump, to reach more than €1.5 billion, representing 6.3% of the local economy.

  In terms of employment in Palma, last year the sector supported nearly 20,000 jobs, representing 6% of the local workforce, although this figure still trails 2019 by 11,000 jobs.

  Tourism trends

  Hotelbeds predicts that three trends that will continue to define the traveller of the future, namely:

  • Trips that combine leisure and business supported by the shift to remote working in recent years
  • Sustainable travel, driven largely by Gen Z who are more conscious of their environmental footprint. Both companies are committed to this shift and have signed an agreement for Hotelbeds to join the WTTC’s Sustainability Basics programme to raise awareness and encourage properties to be more environmentally friendly
  • The rise of personalised travel; While people want to be able to book their trips at the click of a button, technology is being increasingly used to deliver tailored experiences, often supported by artificial intelligence

  The breakfast event fostered an environment for local leaders to engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of Travel & Tourism. Attendees had the opportunity to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, setting the stage for continued collaboration and growth.

  -ends-

  World Travel & Tourism Council

  The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism.

  WTTC promotes sustainable growth for the Travel & Tourism sector, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, drive exports and generate prosperity. Council Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading private sector Travel & Tourism businesses.

  Alongside our Council Members and board of Vice-Chairs, Op-Co and Executive Committee, from our Member organisations, our WTTC directors are responsible for guiding the work of the Council in the fulfilment of its mission. The WTTC Directors, based across the world, have expansive knowledge not only in their fields but also in Travel & Tourism as a sector and work with knowledgeable teams to bring the mission to life.

  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 & Media Relations 

  Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com

   

   

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  Planting the seeds of sustainability: Hotelbeds forest exceeds target

  Tuesday,September 05, 2023 02:00

  Palma, Spain 5 September 2023 – Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to sustainability, Hotelbeds has surpassed its target of planting more than 10,000 trees worldwide three months earlier than planned.

  In doing so, the Hotelbeds Forest has effectively offset more than 2,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions through the 12,000 trees it has donated to Tree Nation since October 2022, cementing the company’s position as a leader in environmental responsibility.

  “Our Hotelbeds Forest represents an important step for us towards a stronger and healthier planet,” said Nicolas Huss, Hotelbeds’ CEO. “I’m proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by our global team to have reached this milestone ahead of schedule as we continue our carbon-neutral journey.”

  The initiative was created to reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainability and its mission to make travel a force for good. Having initially planted a tree for every employee in countries where the company has a significant presence, it has been building its forest through staff donations and in honour of its clients and partners who attended its events, including MarketHubs. Employees have not only funded trees, but also donated their time to plant almost 1,800, boosting Hotelbeds’ planting projects in Mallorca, Italy and Thailand.

  Since its inception, Hotelbeds has partnered with Tree Nation, a renowned non-profit organisation, that provides real-time monitoring and tracking of each tree’s progress. From emission compensation to detailed tree specifications and locations, the transparency provided by Tree Nation has ensured the environmental impact of Hotelbeds Forest is clear and measurable.

  This initiative has not only strengthened the company’s determination to fight climate change, but also fosters greater environmental awareness among its employees. Hotelbeds continues to be a sustainability leader in the travel industry encouraging active participation through its belief that collective efforts can drive positive change on a global scale.

  For more information about Hotelbeds Forest and their commitment to sustainability, click here.

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