We are the world's leading Bedbank, redefining how accommodation, transfers, activities and car rental products are distributed to a global network of travel distributors.
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.
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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.
###
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
READ MORE
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 & Media Relations
Clara Truyols – clatruyols@hotelbeds.com
READ MORE
We are always on the lookout to strengthen our team and we have positions available in a multitude of disciplines and across locations worldwide.
