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What Does Being Part of HBX Group Mean for Global Travel Distributors?

The Modern Traveller Mindset: Shifting to Authentic TravelOver the past decade, travellers increasingly seek genuine cultural engagement. According to a recent Oxford Economics report presented at HBX Group’s MarketHub Asia event, 72% of travellers prefer spending money on local activities over traditional sightseeing. This trend is especially pronounced among Millennials and Gen Z, who value meaningful connections and personalised experiences over conventional tourism.&nbsp;Why now?&nbsp;The rise of the experience economy has outpaced traditional tourism. Travel is no longer about passive observation; it’s about participation. This heightened appetite for immersive travel is reinforced by the booming experiential travel sector.&nbsp;Industry forecasts, highlighted in the Hotelbeds Trend Report for Distributors, project the experiences market (tours, activities, attractions) to reach $372.93 billion by 2034, reflecting strong, sustained demand for in-destination engagement. Nearly 90% of Europeans now seek more travel experiences than in recent years, emphasising this shift.&nbsp;You can also download our travel trend report at the bottom of this page, for more insights on the most influential trends for this year and beyond.The Demand for Authenticity and ParticipationToday’s travellers want authentic interactions—whether it’s trying local food, participating in cultural workshops, or engaging with communities. Data suggests that travellers are seeking more interactions with local culture, food, and communities, with 50% saying they are more interested in trying local food and drink than two years ago, according to Oxford Economics.&nbsp;Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify these desires, showcasing real-world immersion through videos of regional festivals, cooking classes, or staying in local homestays. These snippets shape expectations, pushing travellers toward active participation rather than passive sightseeing.&nbsp;‘Meaning’ now often equals active participation—meeting locals, stories, workshops, food, culture—rather than passive sightseeing.Distributors who can tailor products to personal interests (food, heritage, wellness, nature, creativity) will win share and loyalty.International Travel Accelerates with a Focus on Local ExperiencesForecasts indicate global inbound tourism will reach 2.1 billion visits by 2030, a 39% increase from last year, with expenditures hitting around $2.6 trillion. Booking patterns support the fact that travellers are staying longer in their chosen destination, with international trip lengths where travellers are staying in paid accommodation, from hotels to local homestays, was 7% higher in 2025 than pre-pandemic averages, according to Oxford Economics.&nbsp;These longer stays amplify demand for accommodation in culturally-rich neighbourhoods within cities, guided cultural tours, and immersive or ‘everyday’ experiences that make visitors feel part of the locale, not just outside spectators.&nbsp;So, today’s, and tomorrow’s, traveller will not only be hungry for experiential travel, but will be travelling more in order to satisfy this demand.&nbsp;An illustrative example is Japan’s retailer Don Quijote (‘Donki’) as one of the notable beneficiaries of this surge in demand for everyday experiences. Their stores, with neon-lit decor and eclectic offerings, have become cultural landmarks, attracting international visitors seeking a ‘local’ shopping experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their success hinges on localisation, as each location adapts its product ranges to reflect local tastes. Combine this with the appeal of multilingual staff, overseas partnerships and international products, and this Japanese retailer is well positioned to expand its reach, capture this increasing demand to ‘live like a local’, while also offering an example as to the success awaiting businesses looking to leverage this rising demand for ‘the everyday’.&nbsp;While this is a unique example, Don Quijote’s current success—their 2024 advert with Bruno Mars generated around 20 million views—the message is clear: significant opportunities exist due to the growing appetite for ‘everyday’ trips and itineraries for today’s traveller.&nbsp;Cultural Festivals &amp; Niche Events as Travel DriversEvent-led travel is booming, and of course, globally renowned festivities like Japan’s Hanami or Thailand’s Songkran draw millions, offering genuine cultural experiences.&nbsp;However, today’s traveller is just as likely to be drawn in by local, niche festivities, which are forming powerful drivers for experiential travel, such as regional festivals, music or sporting events. With travel appetite and spending set to remain a priority regardless of economic circumstances for many travellers, this presents key opportunities for distributors to leverage an experience-hungry traveller ready to spend on local, authentic moments.&nbsp;Industry data shows 60% of international travellers planned trips around such events in 2025; among younger travellers (Gen Z and Millennials), this rises to 56%. While around 40% of surveyed sports fans have travelled abroad for an event, and nearly 20% of ticket buyers have travelled abroad for music festivals (based on AEG Global Partnerships data alone).&nbsp;Travel distributors can leverage local festivals, food festivals, cultural seasons and local sporting events as high‑intent moments to craft tailored itineraries—focusing on neighbourhood exploration, micro‑districts, and off‑the‑beaten-path experiences before and after the event itself, rather than just the traditional checklist trip.&nbsp;Local calendars: (festivals, food fairs, cultural seasons) are high‑intent moments to package these ’local living’ itineraries.City breaks can be reframed as neighbourhood‑centric cultural stays: highlighting markets, galleries, venues, micro‑neighbourhood tours, rather than ‘checklist’ weekends.&nbsp;Why the ‘Local Living’ Travel Trend Matters NowA few key macro forces underpin this shift:PersonalisationAbout 70% of younger travellers want trips tailored to their tastes, with mobile platforms at the core of planning and booking.&nbsp;&nbsp;Online Travel Agents are central to fulfilling this demand, however: 50% of global travellers used OTAs when planning or booking their last international trip, who saw approximately 50% growth in gross bookings between 2019 and 2025 (according to the World Travel Market Travel Trends Report).&nbsp;&nbsp;For all distributors to stay competitive, platforms must be API-first, mobile-optimised, and feature reviews to build trust and convert browsing into bookings.Value &amp; MeaningWhile price influences destination choice for 81% of travellers, more than 50% consider luxury important, when luxury is defined as high‑quality, personalised, and authentic experiences rather than high price tags, according to insights delivered by Oxford Economics during HBX Group’s MarketHub Asia.&nbsp;Therefore, distributors who can offer curated, personalised experiences will be able differentiate themselves.Empower Today’s Luxury Traveller with The Luxury CollectionHotelbeds’ The Luxury Collection, a curated portfolio of 11,000+ luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, empowers you with exceptional stays, concierge services, private transfers, exclusive experiences, and VIP amenities, all at no extra cost.&nbsp;Browse and select from The Luxury Collection using the 'Luxury Collection' filter in the Booking Engine and discover this growing portfolio of luxury travel options. Add high-end accommodations to your clients’ itineraries with just a few clicks to build out their ideal itinerary.&nbsp;These services can help you to elevate standard bookings into high-end, memorable journeys, fostering loyalty and satisfaction, as well as providing travellers with the luxury of time, which is fast becoming the most valuable commodity in today's fast-paced world.&nbsp;Sign up today to start booking luxury properties and concierge services today through Hotelbeds’ Luxury Collection, and deliver unforgettable tailor-made experiences that today's traveller.&nbsp;Sign up to access The Luxury Collection&nbsp;The Rise of ‘Off the Beaten Path’ DestinationsWhile popular tourist spots attract millions, more travellers now seek less crowded, more authentic locales.&nbsp;Around 56% of travellers are interested in discovering new destinations, especially those offering cultural immersion and fewer crowds. This demand is linked to a desire for ‘detour destinations’—lesser-known spots that, often, provide richer cultural engagement for travellers seeking authenticity.&nbsp;Consider also the benefit of ‘shoulder season’ itineraries—trip-planning built around more niche seasonal festivities and culture-saturated periods of the year; adapting commonly delivered summer itineraries to winter-adjacent experiences; or replacing popular city destinations with a cooler climate recommendation, or an alternative secondary city. This satisfies the increasing desire for value (in terms of personal meaning, not necessarily cost) and authenticity.Global Travel Distribution Tools: Leverage Trends with HotelbedsHotelbeds, as a leading B2B travel provider within the HBX Group ecosystem, offers a comprehensive portfolio and technological solutions to help distributors meet this evolving demand:&nbsp;Locally Located Accommodations: With over 300,000 properties in culturally-rich neighbourhoods, global cities, and natural landscapes worldwide, Hotelbeds enables tailored, immersive stays that reflect local architecture, cuisine, and culture.&nbsp;Experiences &amp; In-Destination Services: Over 23,000 experiences, including local tours, cultural workshops, artisan-led activities, and off-the-beaten-path excursions, all available to craft and package immersive, authentic itineraries.&nbsp;API Suite Connectivity: Our robust API solutions, offered as part of the HBX Group ecosystem, streamline inventory access, real-time pricing, reservations, and analytics. This ensures fast, relevant search results and seamless integration into distributor platforms, supporting the rapid growth of international bookings.&nbsp;The Future of Travel Is Local, Authentic, and ImmersiveThe ‘living like a local’ trend isn’t fleeting; it’s the defining mindset of modern travellers. Backed by data, a robust experiential market, and social media’s influence, this movement will continue shaping travel in 2026 and beyond.&nbsp;Opportunities for tour operators and online travel agents:Embrace hyper-local, immersive experiences.Leverage social media insights and niche events to create targeted campaigns.Incorporate local festivals, cultural events, and off-the-beaten-path destinations into itineraries.Utilise technological solutions like API integrations to deliver seamless, relevant experiences at scale.Partner with Hotelbeds to Lead the FutureHotelbeds is committed to enabling this shift through its extensive global portfolio, innovative technology, and data-driven insights. By partnering with us, you can deliver immersive, meaningful travel experiences that foster loyalty, differentiation, and long-term growth.&nbsp;Join us today to access the power of a comprehensive B2B travel ecosystem as part of HBX Group, offering local accommodations, experiences, and seamless API integration, so you can meet the rising demand for authentic, local travel in 2026 and beyond.&nbsp;

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2026 travel trends live like a local hotelbeds

2026 Travel Trends: Living Like a Local

&nbsp;We have assembled a list of the 13 essential travel trade shows that you should consider attending in 2026. While not an exhaustive list, considering the wealth of valuable tradeshadows and industry events across the globe, these travel events offer critical opportunities for expanding your industry reach, staying updated on the latest trends and developments, and forming valuable connections with industry leaders and potential partners.Bookmark this page to return to it year on year for updated recommendations.&nbsp;The MarketHub by HBX GroupWhen? MarketHub Asia 3rd – 6th February 2026; MarketHub Europe 21st – 24th April; MarketHub Americas 23rd – 26th JuneWhere? Bali, Malta, Punta CanaOur list would not be complete without mentioning the MarketHub, the flagship travel industry events organised and hosted by HBX Group. Due to offer impactful and engaging experiences, the 2025 MarketHub events are set to take place in February, April, and June in Bali, Malta and Punta Cana, respectively.This edition of the MarketHub will consider ‘The MarketHub: Unlocked’ as its core, with a primary focus on idea exchange, bringing together diverse perspectives and cultures, and promoting a deeper understanding of the changing landscape of the travel industry.With a programme that combines illuminating presentations, roundtables designed to incite discussion and key networking opportunities, the MarketHub is truly a meeting point of culture, innovation and collaboration in the industry, while also ensuring that the unique local heritage of our host countries is never far from the action.Why attend?The MarketHub events provide a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to interact with top brands and experts in the field. With key players such as hoteliers, experience providers, and travel distributors in participation, this event serves as a platform for global travel professionals to network and enhance business opportunities within the travel ecosystem.With 8 years behind it and more than 450 participants every year, MarketHub Europe is a must-attend event for the B2B sector of the travel industry. The event attracts decision-makers from all areas of the travel ecosystem from 15 source markets, including key distributors from around the world.Top tip: The MarketHub events are exclusively for our valuable partners, curating a memorable experience which drives businesses forward, while allowing our travel partners from all across the industry to keep ahead of the competition with leading insights and thought-provoking sessions, and of course, the ability to network.It goes without saying, but we cannot wait to see you at one of these truly exciting travel industry events. Visit the MarketHub website or discover the regional websites for Asia, Europe and Americas for more information.Sign up today to join an increasing network of global travel distributors from all walks of the industry, and take your business to the next level with opportunities and events like our flagship MarketHub events.Join the Hotelbeds network today&nbsp;Travel &amp; Adventure ShowWhen? From January to April 2026With over 20 years of experience and 125+ produced events, Travel &amp; Adventure Shows has connected over 2.7 million travel enthusiasts, over 16,500 unique Travel Advisors and thousands of travel media with over 5,800 different exhibiting companies from around the world, influencing billions in travel bookings.This series of events consists of nine different conferences held across the United States in some of its top gateway markets: Atlanta, San Fransico Bay Area, and Washington DC. Widely considered ‘America’s favorite travel trade show’, this is the ultimate destination for key players in the tourism industry to connect directly with the traveller.During this event, attendees will discover the hottest holiday destinations, speak with leading tour operators and global travel distributors and travel providers, and receive the best travel advice available.Why attend?These events are crucial for both B2C and B2B sectors, as travel professionals place high importance on them as a means to directly engage with travelers. It provides valuable insights into the needs, concerns, and preferences of current and future travelers in these popular destinations.Attracting around 150,000 attendees at past events, Travel &amp; Adventure Show is a sure-fire way of getting to the heart of your perfect clients’ wants and needs for the year ahead, scope out the latest industry trends and promote your offers.&nbsp;Fitur&nbsp;When? 21st – 26th January 2026Where? Madrid, SpainFitur, held annually in Madrid, is the premier trade show for inbound and outbound markets in Latin America. Key topics discussed include the future of technology in tourism and destination management, cruises, LGBTQ+ tourism, and the promotion of female tourism professionals.Why attend?This year’s key talking points will centre on what's next for sustainable travel and will be directed primarily at hotel chains, travel agents, tour operators, and tech companies.Spanning five days, FITUR provides an unparalleled platform for business development, project launches, strategic partnerships, and advanced training. During the weekend, the event opens its doors to the public, offering immersive experiences, destination showcases, and opportunities to discover the diverse offerings of global tourism firsthand.&nbsp;ITB Berlin&nbsp;When? 3rd – 5th March 2026Where? Berlin, GermanyEvery year in March, the world of international tourism gathers at one of the largest travel trade shows: ITB Berlin. This year, the event runs 3rd – 5th March 2026 at Messe Berlin and celebrates its 60th anniversary under the theme ‘Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy’.ITB Berlin will bring together prominent figures from the global travel industry, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with numerous exhibitors, speakers, and industry leaders. This three-day event will feature various segments, such as business travel, adventure travel, destination showcases, hospitality, luxury travel, medical tourism, travel technology, and more.Why attend?Whether you’re looking for networking opportunities or simply the chance to learn from some of the sector's top thought leaders, you don't want to miss out on this event.&nbsp;WTM AfricaWhen? 13th – 15th April 2026Where? Cape Town, South AfricaWTM Africa was first held in 2014 to bring the benefits and opportunities of our global industry expertise to travel professionals in this region. It’s the leading and only B2B exhibition for both the inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets.WTM Africa embarks on a journey to showcase its untapped potential, celebrate its heritage, and pave the way for sustainable growth in both inbound and outbound tourism.Why attend?Those looking to break into the travel industry in Africa should attend WTM without a doubt. This event allows attendees to generate new leads, launch products, enter new markets, raise brand awareness, and more.Over 6,000 travel industry professionals attend this show each year, helping travel businesses in Africa drive commercial success, accelerate growth, and expand their network. This expo is part of a larger group of flagship events, including WTM London and the Arabian Travel Market Show.&nbsp;WTM Latin AmericaWhen? 14th – 16th April 2026Where? São Paulo, BrazilJust like in Africa, and London, Latin America also has an unmissable event: the WTM Latin America. In 2026, travel and tourism professionals will be heading again to the colourful and lively city of São Paulo, home of this year's event.Why attend?With successful recent editions drawing an attendance of around 30,000 travel and tourism professionals and almost 800 exhibitors, WTM Latin America is positioned as the place to be to meet tour operators, travel agencies, travel technology companies, hotels, airlines and much more.&nbsp;Arabian Travel Market (ATM)When? 4th – 7th May 2026Where? DWTC Dubai, UAEFor those looking to tap into the vast travel and tourism opportunities in the Middle East, attending the Arabian Travel Market show is an essential step. With a successful track record spanning over three decades, this event has solidified its reputation as a premier global platform for the inbound and outbound travel sector in the region.Why attend?The main theme for this year will be ‘The Gateway to Global Travel and Tourism Growth’, with attendees invited to explore innovation in tourism with smart mobility, AI, AR/VR, and ultra-luxury experiences. It emphasises collaboration through AI matchmaking and hybrid forums, while championing sustainability initiatives such as carbon-negative practices and electric aviation, to shape a greener, more connected travel future.The event has experienced rapid growth, generating a significant $2.5 billion in deals. If you are looking to tap into the travel and tourism business potential in the Middle East, then ATM is an event that should not be overlooked. Key players in accommodation, hospitality, destination management, attractions, and more will be present, offering their valuable insights into the region's tourism industry.&nbsp;Business Travel Show (BTS) EuropeWhen? 24th – 25th June 2026Where? London, United KingdomIf you're seeking a forum to connect with the foremost innovators and leaders in business travel, look no further than the Business Travel Show Europe conference. This prestigious annual event unites top professionals from the travel and tourism industry for a comprehensive three-day gathering of educational sessions and networking opportunities at the esteemed ExCel venue in London.The year’s event, showcasing the tagline ‘#ForTheLoveOfTravel’, is essential ‘for anyone serious about improving, benchmarking or establishing their travel programme’. With 30 years behind it, BTS Europe is one of the largest face-to-face exhibitions for travel professionals in the European corporate travel industry.Not only this, but Business Travel Show Europe is part of the BTN Group, which has firmly cemented its position as Europe’s leading source of travel news, insight and analysis for the business travel community.Why attend?With around 700 approved buyers in attendance at previous events, this tradeshow is an excellent opportunity to refresh existing connections and forge new ones. Attendees can engage with industry leaders, learn from pioneers, and build meaningful relationships that can drive future success. The programme features insightful and thought-provoking content, offering the chance to explore current trends, gain expert insights, and discover innovative ideas to enhance travel management strategies. By participating, travel professionals can take a significant step towards elevating their travel programs and staying ahead in a competitive landscape.&nbsp;Phocuswright EuropeWhen? 15th – 17th June 2026Where? Barcelona, SpainPhocuswright Europe is a must-attend event for travel industry professionals. It combines thought-provoking sessions, lively panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities.Why attend?This year’s theme, 'Game On', delves into the evolving landscape of travel distribution, technology, and consumer behaviour, highlighting the urgent need for travel distributors to stay agile amid rapid industry transformation driven by AI, geopolitical tensions, and economic volatility. The event offers key insights, innovative strategies, and networking opportunities with emerging players shaping the future.Travel managers will benefit from gaining practical knowledge and strategies to adapt to industry shifts. This forward-thinking conference connects attendees with trailblazers and peers to discuss innovative approaches to corporate travel management.&nbsp;International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia PacificWhen? 29th June – 2nd July 2026Where? Marina Bay Sands, SingaporeSet to take place at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the 2025 International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific conference will serve as a pivotal platform for luxury travel brands to network and collaborate. Tailored for travel entities seeking to tap into the burgeoning Chinese market, ILTM Asia Pacific is an essential event for top-tier industry professionals.Why attend?Spanning across 5 full days, this luxury travel expo boasts some impressive attendance figures, with previous editions attracting around 650 Asia Pacific travel agents, 33 Asia Pacific travel boards and country panels, 650 international brands and 57 international countries.The ILTM Asia Pacific conference is the perfect platform for building new partnerships, reconnecting with old contacts, or simply staying on top of what's happening in the sector!If you’re a luxury travel experience provider, ILTM is the perfect chance to showcase your destination, experiences or products to an exclusive audience of distributors representing HNW travellers based in Asia Pacific.&nbsp;Digital Travel Summit USWhen? 28th – 29th September 2026Where? Orlando, FloridaIf your business focuses on the customer experience, then the annual Digital Travel Summit is the perfect event for you to capitalise on.Recognised as the premier event in the travel industry for executives from hotels, online travel agents (OTAs), airlines, and transportation providers, attendees come together to share valuable insights on improving the personalized customer journey experience.Why attend?The previous speakers have included industry experts from notable companies such as American Airlines, Expedia Group, Virgin Voyages, Universal Parks &amp; Resorts, Legoland, and IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts. This upcoming two-day conference promises an exceptional learning opportunity that no travel professional should overlook.&nbsp;ITB AsiaWhen? 21st – 23rd October 2026Where? Marina Bay Sands, SingaporeAnother valuable event to mark on your calendar is ITB Asia, known as Asia's Leading Travel Trade Show. This prestigious B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry is held annually, showcasing thousands of exhibiting companies from regions across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.With a history of over 1,300 exhibitors at previous shows, ITB Asia offers a platform for 100% pre-scheduled appointments and representation from 132 countries and territories.Why attend?ITB Asia stands as the premier travel trade show in Asia, boasting over 13,000 show attendees from various sectors including MICE, Corporate, and Leisure. The event provides a unique opportunity to connect with travel professionals across all segments of the industry - from destinations to airlines, hotels to attractions, cruise lines to venues, and more.For the sheer wealth of opportunity available to attendees, and the quantity of new connections that can be made at ITB Asia, it’s not an event to miss for travel professionals looking to expand their horizons.&nbsp;World Travel Market (WTM) LondonWhen? 3rd – 5th November 2026Where? ExCeL, London, United KingdomWorld Travel Market (WTM) is widely recognised as one of the most influential and well-attended travel industry events. This three-day conference brings together the international leisure and business travel sectors, making it one of the largest gatherings of international travel professionals in the world. With over 40,000 professionals from 180+ countries attending each year, WTM plays a significant role in shaping the future of the travel industry.Filled to the brim with industry-leading insights, thought-provoking roundtables and panel discussions, inspiring keynotes, and advantageous networking opportunities and 1-2-1 meeting areas, WTM is the perfect industry event for B2B professionals looking to connect with and learn from the best.Why attend?The panel discussions held throughout the entire three-day event provide valuable insights into the constantly changing travel industry.&nbsp;Covering a wide range of topics from social, environmental, and industry perspectives, these discussions address ever-present and topical issues such as sustainability, diversity, and innovation in travel technology to cater to the needs of present and future travellers. WTM has been held for over four decades, and it’s considered by its partners one of the most reliable sources of new business contacts in the travel industry.&nbsp;Sign up today to join an increasing network of global travel distributors and take your business even further with opportunities and events like our flagship MarketHub events.&nbsp;

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13 Top Travel Trade Shows for Travel Distributors 2026

What travel trends are shaping 2026 – and how will this impact global travel distribution?The verdict seems to be in: 2026 all about personal maximalism.&nbsp;While the trends of years past leaned into ‘revenge travel’, wellness, and respite from the demands of daily life, travellers of 2026 and beyond are diving headfirst into what makes them, and their interests, unique. Their travel habits are surely following.&nbsp;Think hotels emerging as destinations in their own right; pop culture tourism and fan pilgrimages across continents; consumer culture influencing ‘resortcore’; travellers funnelling their budgets into exclusive merch in collectible tourism; or seeking a journey as the experience itself.&nbsp;Keeping up with the diverse demands of the modern traveller is a constant challenge, especially as these become ever more personal.&nbsp;But our travel trend predictions aim to equip you with the insights and opportunities to stay ahead, capitalise on emerging shifts in the industry, and create memorable journeys that resonate with today’s experience-driven travellers.What’s inside our Travel Trend Report?7 key travel trends for 2026: global trends shaping demand, redefining travel inspiration and booking behaviours.Clear, actionable opportunities: for travel distributors to innovate, expand key partnerships, and grow in this dynamic landscape.Notable factors shaping travel: from emerging markets and the influence of social media, to the explosion of artificial intelligence.Enduring trends: insights into which demands remain the 'new normal' in travel booking, and therefore key opportunities for international distributors.Ready to lead the future of travel?Download your free, comprehensive 2026 travel trends report now and unlock the awaiting opportunities.&nbsp;

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2026 travel trend report for distributors

[REPORT] 2026 Travel Trends: 7 Key Predictions for Travel Distributors

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Key 2026 Travel Dates for Travel Distributors 

&nbsp;In the highly competitive landscape of travel distribution, having a robust and intuitive booking platform is vital for delivering exceptional service to your clients.&nbsp;Our Hotelbeds Booking Engine – a trusted travel booking platform used by travel distribution experts worldwide, including tour operators and online travel agents – has recently been enhanced with a series of updates designed to elevate your booking efficiency and streamline your sales operations.&nbsp;From improved filter options and streamlined access to our top-selling properties, to an improved interface, discover the newest updates to the Hotelbeds Booking Engine and how they will streamline your daily operations.Explore the Booking Engine now&nbsp;Advanced Search Filters for Precise, Rapid BookingOne of the key updates is the addition of sophisticated search filters. Travel distributors are now able to run searches pre-filtered by additional parameters:Board types.Category.Luxury Collection portfolio.Free cancellation charges.&nbsp;This functionality allows you to quickly narrow down property choices, saving valuable time and enabling tailored offerings that align with your clients’ preferences and budgets.Enhanced User Interface for Optimised UsabilityThe Booking Engine’s visual interface has been upgraded to offer a cleaner, more intuitive experience. Product boxes – including hotels, transfers, activities, and mobility options –are now centrally located on the display.&nbsp;This layout enhancement not only improves visual appeal but also creates a swifter search and booking experience. A more user-friendly interface translates to faster transaction times and increased operational efficiency.Streamlined Access to Hotel CataloguesThe hotel catalogue link is now directly within the booking calendar view.This strategic placement simplifies the browsing process, enabling a quicker view of hotels for the selected destination without the need for specified travel dates. Easily browse hotel options without toggling between multiple link locations, saving time and enhancing the overall booking experience.'Top Hotels’ Are Now ‘Most Popular’The ‘Top Hotels' category has been repositioned as ‘Most Popular’ to better reflect properties in high demand.Most Popular hotels are based on sales production, meaning they represent our Top Sellers.Previously, ‘Top hotels’ combined top sellers + SPA hotels. Now, our SPA hotels are listed under ‘Preferred’, while top producers appear under ‘Most Popular’.&nbsp;These top-performing hotels are ranked based on sales production, providing you with data-driven insights into which properties are experiencing the highest demand and which offer valuable booking opportunities for you as travel distributors.&nbsp;As part of this update, our Strategic Partner Agreement (SPA) hotels are now categorised as ‘Preferred’ in the list view. You can also find these hotels using the ‘Preferred’ filter on the side menu to find hotels that offer guaranteed rates, as part of specially negotiated contracts from these hotel partners. Explore and book these hotels for a competitive advantage in the marketplace.&nbsp;Furthermore, data expansion is currently in progress for these ‘Most Popular’ hotels to allow broader coverage and ensure you meet the evolving needs of your clients while staying competitive.&nbsp;Why These Updates Are Beneficial for Travel DistributorsThese platform enhancements are designed to facilitate faster, more flexible, and more insightful booking processes.&nbsp;Leveraging advanced filtering options and an improved user experience allows a quicker but more personalised booking process – creating memorable travel experiences for your clients from the start, to foster loyalty.&nbsp;Streamlined access to our top-producing hotels via the ‘Most Popular’ filter enables more market-relevant recommendations, increasing conversion rates and client satisfaction.Discover the Improved Hotelbeds Booking Engine TodayLog in to the Hotelbeds booking platform and explore how the enhanced search filters and streamlined usability can help you stay competitive, save valuable time, and provide your clients with the best travel options.&nbsp;If you’re not already one of our valuable partners, sign up today to access this powerful platform and take your distribution capabilities to the next level.&nbsp;

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how hotelbeds can take travel providers into 2025

Enhance Your Travel Distribution: Latest Updates to the Hotelbeds Booking Engine

&nbsp;In the often fragmented travel industry, tour operators, online travel agents, and travel professionals face challenges like managing large inventories, maintaining competitive pricing, and adapting to market shifts.&nbsp;&nbsp;What's more, as travellers continually demand increasingly diverse offerings from travel distributors, it becomes even more important to find solutions for these challenges in order to gain, and maintain, your competitive edge in your market. And when the B2B market itself is projected to reach around $55 billion USD by 2030, it's clear how crucial staying competitive is in order to capture a slice of this valuable segment.&nbsp;Many distributors struggle with operational inefficiencies and limited inventory access. Industry experts agree that strategic partnerships are key to growth, remaining competitive and expanding market share.&nbsp;Partnering with a dedicated B2B travel partner like Hotelbeds offers the tools and networks needed to overcome these hurdles and seize growth opportunities. This article highlights how Hotelbeds helps you succeed amid rising competition and evolving traveller demands.&nbsp;1. Access to Extensive Inventory and Simplified Booking ManagementToday’s traveller is prioritising a seamless booking experience, and often grows frustrated with complex, disjointed processes - with around half of consumers (47%) dropping out of the online booking journey mid-way during the holiday booking process, if this is too long or complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to capture travellers who are increasingly seeking a seamless booking experience, an intuitive, all-in-one platform is essential.&nbsp;However, managing diverse inventories and multiple supplier relationships often leads to inefficiencies and limited options for travellers. In fact, a significant number of travel companies cite inventory management as a major operational challenge, resulting in lost sales and customer dissatisfaction.&nbsp;Partnering with Hotelbeds provides instant access to:An expansive inventory of travel products across 170+ countries - 300,000+ accommodations, 23,000+ experiences, 9000 transfer routes, and car hire from 150+ suppliers – all through a single platform.Intuitive booking management tools - to simplify the booking journey, allowing travel distributors to offer a wide range of options quickly, and offer a more comprehensive travel booking experience to all customers.&nbsp;Ultimately, this enables you to respond more quickly to market demand, create competitive packages, and improve customer satisfaction, driving loyalty and repeat bookings.Hotelbeds’ Strategic SupportOur partnership with lastminute.com case study demonstrates how our platform and dedicated support enabled the company to significantly grow its last-minute booking segment. Hotelbeds provided real-time access to a vast inventory, advanced dynamic pricing tools, and seamless API integrations, allowing lastminute.com to respond quickly to market trends and customer demands.&nbsp;Hotelbeds’ ongoing support in inventory management and technology integration helped lastminute.com optimise its offerings and improve operational agility, directly contributing to increased revenue and customer satisfaction.&nbsp;Read the full partnership story here&nbsp;2. Competitive Pricing and Revenue OptimisationMaintaining competitive prices while ensuring profitability remains a persistent challenge, especially in the face of fluctuating demand and regional variations.&nbsp;Recent industry insights indicate that price is a critical factor in the customer decision-making journey, with studies showing that up to 70% of travellers prioritise price when choosing a hotel. This underscores the necessity for accurate, real-time pricing strategies.&nbsp;Hotelbeds offers sophisticated price plans and real-time availability updates, courtesy of our Cache API, just one of the tools in our comprehensive suite of API solutions which enable you as travel distributors to optimise your offering with competitive pricing and accurate availabilities. This empowers you to remain competitive and maximise your profits effectively.&nbsp;Additionally, the Hotelbeds 'Preferred' collection provides an exclusive collection of hotels with guaranteed rates, negotiated by our dedicated sales and sourcing expert teams.&nbsp;When you book with 'Preferred' partners, you’re accessing a curated portfolio of top-performing hotels that offer guaranteed competitive rates, more availability, and stronger conversion opportunities as a result. The Preferred partner collection is provided solely to Hotelbeds partners, serving as a key differentiator in your offerings.&nbsp;Complementing this, throughout the year, you can benefit from exclusive global and regional promotional campaigns as a Hotelbeds partner, which empower you with in-demand, competitive offerings to better serve the preferences and demands of your desired audience.&nbsp;3. Accelerating Global Expansion through Strategic PartnershipsWith the UN Tourism reporting over 1.1 billion international travellers by September last year, and a clamour for ‘detour destinations’ and increasing prioritisation of new destinations and experiences for 56% of today's travellers, according to the WTM Global Travel Report 2025, finding stable footing in new destinations is now critical for success.&nbsp;Market expansion presents widely faced challenges for travel distribution and travel professionals, and distributors often face substantial resource investments and complexities when expanding into new regions. These hurdles are among the key obstacles that prevent seamless market entry and sustainable expansion.&nbsp;However, these challenges are not insurmountable. With the right travel partner – one that possesses local expertise, a comprehensive network, and proven experience in market development – distributors can streamline their entry process, reduce risks, and accelerate growth.&nbsp;Strategic partnerships enable companies to leverage established relationships, access valuable market insights, and deploy resources more effectively, ultimately transforming barriers into opportunities for success. With the right partner, distributors can quickly establish a foothold in new regions, reducing time-to-market and risk, ultimately expanding their global footprint.&nbsp;Hotelbeds’ Strategic SupportWith tiket.com, Hotelbeds played a crucial role in accelerating their international expansion. By benefiting from dedicated and proactive management and the tailored implementation of our API solutions to facilitate the smooth integration of our global inventory, tiket.com were able to effectively scale their offerings and expand beyond regional borders to attract new customers in international markets.&nbsp;Read the full partnership story&nbsp;4. Promoting Sustainable Travel and Meeting Consumer ExpectationsConsumers increasingly seek eco-friendly options, yet many platforms lack clear sustainable choices. In fact, around nine in ten global travellers want to make more sustainable choices in 2026, including travel options (according to Tourism Economics, in a report in collaboration with World Travel Market.)&nbsp;While the demand is clearly present, the ‘say-do gap’ is rife. In fact, only 51% of travellers believe individual choices drive real change, which results in consumers expecting brands to 'lead with credible proof and practical value', according to Euromonitor.&nbsp;Therefore, it's important for travel distributors to effectively and authentically communicate the sustainable options that are available to travellers, not only to attract sustainably-minded travellers, but to help move the needle on sustainability as an ingrained offering from the point of sale.&nbsp;To help you accomplish this, Hotelbeds offers a portfolio of 20,000 certified sustainable accommodations to make marketing responsible tourism easy. This way, it becomes simpler to capture the valuable audience of travellers wishing for more responsible travel options, but aren't always sure where to find them easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Sustainable Hotels Programme allows distributors to easily find and promote sustainable offerings with the 'Sustainable' Hotels' filter in our online travel booking platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;These hotels are only shown if they have sustainable certification, provided by industry-leading organisations such as the World Tourism and Trade Council (WTTC) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), or have developed sustainability programmes of their own, with equal or higher sustainability standards.&nbsp;By showcasing certified hotels and resorts, B2B travel wholesalers are avoiding the increasing sensitivity to ‘greenwashing’, where the sustainable claim does not match the reality of the product offered, in order to capture more bookings from sustainably-minded travellers.&nbsp;5. Seamless Integration through API SolutionsWhen it comes to travel distribution, disconnected or fragmented systems and manual processes lead to errors, delays, and scalability issues. To mitigate this, organisations implementing API integrations can see in a dramatic reduction in operational costs and implementation times, in some cases by as much as 30%.&nbsp;Hotelbeds offers comprehensive API solutions that enable seamless integration with booking engines, CRM, and other operational platforms, automating workflows and ensuring real-time data synchronisation.&nbsp;Our three API solutions, gathered into our powerful API Suite, are built to empower your business and activate an optimised travel booking experience for both your business and end customers.&nbsp;This API suite involves a Booking API, Content API and Cache API to enhance every stage of the booking and travel management journey for you and offer a better booking experience for your customers.The Main Benefits of Hotelbeds’ API Solutions:Quick access to a global inventory of accommodations, experiences and mobility products like transfers and car hire.Streamlined integration of reservation details into websites and apps.Simple search for travel product options.Quick and direct confirmation of bookings.Tools for partners to manage and update their inventory.Live-updated pricing information on pricing and availability.&nbsp;Discover more about our travel API solutions here, and learn how these can help you operate more efficiently, reduce manual effort, and accelerate your time-to-market for new products and offers.&nbsp;6. Data-Driven Decision Making and Market InsightsThe power of making data-backed decisions can't be overstated, but making strategic decisions without reliable data can hamper growth and your overall competitiveness. Other travel companies end up benefitting from opportunities you either don’t have visibility on, or that are proposed as a result of strategic partnerships from experts, designed to aid their growth – much like the support that Hotelbeds partners receive from our dedicated client management teams, whose goal is your growth.&nbsp;In fact, research suggests that B2B travel companies using advanced analytics report higher percentage increases in productivity and better market positioning. Analytics can boost sales via targeted campaigns, while personalisation based on customer preferences helps uplift satisfaction and therefore loyalty.&nbsp;Our analytics tools, such as Insights, provide detailed travel data into market preferences, booking trends, and growth opportunities so that you can not only keep up with your competition, but also with the needs of the market.&nbsp;This data-driven recommendation tool is driven by intelligent algorithms that learn from your input and preferences, resulting in an interactive tool that allows you to identify growth opportunities in your market and capitalise on this valuable potential for your business.&nbsp;7. Enhancing Reputation and Market CredibilityPartnering with a well-established and trusted B2B travel partner like Hotelbeds can significantly bolster a travel distributor’s market credibility. Association with a reputable global provider enhances consumer trust, making customers more confident in booking through your platform.&nbsp;Hotelbeds’ reputation as a leading and reliable distribution partner lends a sense of stability and quality assurance to its partners. This association signals to customers and suppliers alike that your offerings are backed by a global leader with a proven track record of service excellence and security.&nbsp;This can translate into increased customer confidence, higher conversion rates, and greater willingness among suppliers to collaborate, knowing their products are promoted through a trusted channel.&nbsp;Why Travel Distributors Should Partner with HotelbedsIn an industry where agility, inventory breadth, and customer experience are key, partnering with a dedicated B2B travel partner like Hotelbeds offers tangible benefits.&nbsp;Plus, as part of HBX Group, a leading B2B travel marketplace, connecting with Hotelbeds means becoming part of a powerful travel ecosystem at the forefront of shaping the future of the travel industry.Access to a vast, diverse inventory that appeals to a broader customer base.Advanced technology solutions, including APIs and dynamic pricing, that streamline operations.Expertise and local partnerships that facilitate rapid expansion into new markets.Tools to promote sustainable travel, aligning with consumer values and market trends.Valuable insights and analytics to inform strategic decisions and stay ahead of competitors.&nbsp;Enhance your travel business today by signing up to access tailored Hotelbeds solutions, and join the wider HBX Group ecosystem, dedicated to connecting the wider travel industry and designed to support your growth as travel distributors.&nbsp;Sign Up Now&nbsp;

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Global Travel Distribution: 7 Ways Hotelbeds Helps Distributors Succeed

&nbsp;New Year’s Eve travel sees a surge in demand, searches, and bookings. To make the most of these opportunities, your offers need to stand out, and your systems must work smoothly.&nbsp;Hotelbeds can help with both. Here’s what travellers are looking for and how you can use our technology to meet their expectations.What do today’s travellers want for New Year’s Eve travel?Let’s take a look at some of the enduring travel trends of 2025, which are expected to continue well into 2026:&nbsp;Events and Live tourism: Fans who attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour spent $1,300 per show on average, while sports tourism is expected to reach $2.1 trillion by 2030. For New Year’s Eve, consider bundling the big day with a concert, cultural event, or sports match taking place a few days before or after to encourage travellers to extend their trip. How might cross-industry partnerships or packaging opportunities benefit you as travel distributors, to help you capitalise on the highly-valuable live tourism segment?&nbsp;&nbsp;Multi-generational travel: Families are increasingly turning to travel as a meaningful way to spend time together. They often seek destinations and travel experiences that cater to all ages, from child-friendly activities to spacious accommodations. And New Year’s Eve is a great occasion to highlight packages that different age groups can enjoy.&nbsp;Transformational travel: Condé Nast Traveller named wellness retreats one of the latest New Year’s Eve trends in 2025, while transformational travel itself, which wellness falls into, is well worth accommodating, in order to stay agile in the face of traveller booking behaviours.Transformational travel is the type of trip that helps travellers reconnect with themselves, or loved ones, discover new cultures or aspects of themselves, prioritise their health, conservation, regenerative of the natural environment – consider how you might best package trips and experiences which accommodate the rising prioritisation of immersive, authentic trips, and encourage travellers to start the year with a trip with true meaning.&nbsp;Detour destinations: This year saw a growing interest in alternative destinations, as travellers swapped busy capitals like Paris for smaller cities like Reims, and chose quieter beach escapes such as Cozumel instead of busier spots like Cancun. This will also be the case for New Year’s Eve. Think of a more intimate celebration in a small-town restaurant rather than fireworks in an overcrowded square.&nbsp;These trends have something in common: travellers want experiences. A concert, quality time with the family, or a solo wellness retreat to think about their New Year’s resolutions.&nbsp;Besides experiences, they also want to feel seen, with their values and interests reflected in the trip. For example, sustainability-focused travellers will be interested in local, eco-friendly accommodations instead of hotel chains.&nbsp;Capitalise on seasonal demand with timely offersTop tip: prepare for this high-intent purchasing period with our New Year Sales campaign, and offer incentivising deals to your ideal travellers. By browsing the promotion in our Booking Engine, you can determine which opportunities would be most advantageous for your business.&nbsp;Sign up to become a Hotelbeds partner to access our timely promotions, including this year's New Year Sales campaign, taking place on 30th December.&nbsp;With a travel window that lasts all the way to 31st December 2026, you can make the most of the thousands of destinations and experiences participating in one of our biggest annual campaigns, with highly competitive rates and availabilities to help you stand out. Start the year smart and capitalise on this high-demand sales period with New Year Sales.&nbsp;Sign Up Today&nbsp;Broaden your client base during the peak travel periodTo attract a more diverse client base for NYE travel, think beyond midnight fireworks displays and focus on experiences aligned with travellers’ values.&nbsp;Here are some examples:&nbsp;Highlight hotels with sustainability credentials: 86% of survey respondents to a recent survey, aged 25-34, suggested that they preferred eco-friendly options when choosing a destination, or accommodation (according to World Economic Forum’s Future of Travel and Tourism Report). By highlighting sustainable hotels, and especially those with industry-approved accreditation and certification such as those found in our Sustainable Hotels Programme via our parent company HBX Group, you can heighten your appeal to today’s ever-more discerning traveller, for whom sustainability is increasingly a necessity, not just ‘nice to have’.&nbsp;Communicate accessibility features clearly: Over 80% of travellers with accessibility needs reported transportation challenges on their most recent trip. Other common barriers include hotels failing to communicate accessibility details on their websites, higher costs, and a general lack of transparent information. Start by making sure your platform includes up-to-date, accurate information.&nbsp;Get creative with global destination recommendations: Instead of focusing on major capitals and popular destinations, think in terms of experiences. Which places offer experiences that would delight your clients? Maybe it’s an up-and-coming restaurant in a small town, a wellness retreat on a warm island, or a festival in a lesser-known city.&nbsp;For destination inspiration, discover our partner-only Hotelbeds Booking Engine, offering seamless access to thousands of hotels, activities, and experiences in 170+ countries, as part of our global portfolio with over 300,000 travel products.&nbsp;Hotelbeds: Your booking partner for NYE travel and beyondHotelbeds makes sure you display accurate information, broaden your reach, and get unique rates. Here’s how:Leverage Hotelbeds API and technology to enhance your offeringsPeak holiday seasons like New Year’s Eve see last-minute bookings, price fluctuations, and limited availability, so keeping prices and campaigns in order is more important than ever. Hotelbeds’ API solutions solve this by offering seamless API integrations, to help you work, earn and manage bookings at speed, and benefit from connecting to a vast global inventory.&nbsp;This connection comes with many benefits, including:Real-time availability: Travellers always see up-to-date room options or tour prices.Dynamic pricing: Rates automatically adjust to reflect any promotions or campaigns you’re running.Automation: Bookings, cancellations, and rate updates are processed automatically, instead of you manually updating them.Instant access to a broad product range: Connect to thousands of hotels, transfers, and experiences immediately.Up-to-date content: All images, descriptions, and accessibility information are updated automatically.&nbsp;Use the Hotelbeds Booking Engine’s broad portfolioThe Hotelbeds travel booking platform connects you with a global portfolio of 250,000+ properties, 23,000+ experiences, global transfer routes, and 150+ car hire suppliers in 500+ service locations.&nbsp;Increasing the scope of your offering empowers you with the trip opportunities today’s traveller is looking for, furthering your ability to meet traveller expectations, especially during peak travel selling periods like New Year’s Eve, where both demand and competition are sky-high.Benefit from Hotelbeds campaigns and member-only offersHotelbeds offers year-round marketing campaigns exclusive to Hotelbeds partners. These campaigns are powered by intelligent algorithms, and benefit from specially negotiated conditions in line with each campaign’s specific goals. Plus, every deal offered is newly sourced; the in-house algorithm disregards preexisting discounts from participating hotels to ensure that you’re receiving only the most competitive and unique offers to present to your audiences.&nbsp;Keep up to date with the latest opportunities and campaigns via quarterly emails to our partners, with all the necessary instructions on how to participate as well as updates on participating hotels and experiences to help you prepare your strategy. New Year Sales is one of our most popular campaigns, with many hotels offering discounted rates exclusively for our members.&nbsp;Sign up to join Hotelbeds, and gain access to the wider HBX Group ecosystem of travel solutions, to ensure that you don’t miss out on this year’s New Year Sales campaign, launching on the 30th December.Stay updated with travel trendsEvery year, we publish in-depth travel trends reports, along with articles on how to use those trends to sell more experiences.&nbsp;Staying up to date with industry travel trends allows you to better understand market and customer preferences, optimise revenue opportunities, and gain a competitive edge by creating relevant and in-demand products and marketing strategies. This includes adapting to new demands for immersive experiences, sustainability, and personalisation, and leveraging new technologies to operate more efficiently.&nbsp;Don’t miss our 2026 Travel Trend Predictions coming soon – check back on our Resources page to be the first to receive our annual report.&nbsp;Become a Hotelbeds partner to plan exclusive travel dealsBy integrating Hotelbeds’ technology and booking solutions, you’ll get to access a wide range of accommodations, experiences, and transfers, automate real-time updates, and stay up-to-date with shifting traveller behaviour.&nbsp;Join Hotelbeds to explore our Booking Engine and sign up for our marketing campaigns – there’s still time to join our New Year Sales campaign to start the year strong, maximise your competitive edge with thousands of in-demand hotels, and trip-enhancing experiences to position yourself as your market’s must-book distributor.&nbsp;Sign Up Today&nbsp;

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Hotelbeds new years eve travel

How to Leverage Trends and Tech to Increase New Year's Bookings with Hotelbeds

Smart cities are an attractive target for criminals and cyber threat actors to exploit vulnerable systems to steal critical infrastructure data and proprietary information, conduct ransomware operations, or launch destructive cyberattacks.&nbsp;Smart cities may create safer, more efficient, more resilient communities through technological innovation and data-driven decision-making; however, this opportunity also introduces potential vulnerabilities that, if exploited, could impact national security, economic security, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure operations.&nbsp;With the increase in organised cybercrime globally, businesses and organisations are prioritising cybersecurity best practices to protect themselves. As a travel distributor, it is essential to be well-informed in order to address any questions that arise from travellers.&nbsp;What is a Smart City?And how is this linked to tourist safety in-destination?&nbsp;It is important to note that there is not a universal definition or determining factor that categorises a city as 'smart' over another. The maturity of technology and infrastructure play a key role in identifying a smart city. For instance, a city with a well-established and long-standing integration of technology into its infrastructure would be considered smarter than a city with a newly implemented scheme that is just beginning.&nbsp;So when thinking about what makes a smart city, this can refer to communities or settled areas that:Integrate information and communication technology (ICT), community-wide data, and intelligent solutions in order to transform its infrastructure or optimise community decisions, in response to community needs.Connect operational technology (OT) - used in smart cities to monitor, control, and adjust any machines and systems that run a city's infrastructure including traffic lights, smart cars, and smart buildings - with digital networks and apps that collect and analyse data, like Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and cloud computing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Cybersecurity Risks in Smart CitiesWhile many risks are not unique to smart cities due to the widespread integration of technology in our daily lives, it is important to acknowledge the specific cybersecurity risks that may arise when visiting destinations known for their advanced technology. These risks should be carefully considered to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.&nbsp;Learn more about common cyber-attacks and their potential impact on travellers by exploring the information provided here.Data Theft, Interception and SurveillanceSmart cities collect large amounts of sensitive data, such as traffic flow, waste management, and facial recognition. This data can be used for identity theft, ransomware, and device hijacking.&nbsp;Certain countries may actively monitor and/or intercept digital communications made by travellers. This can include emails, messages, or any data which is sent via the internet.Privacy BreachesSmart city public safety systems that use AI-powered surveillance technologies may be susceptible to hacking, leading to privacy breaches.&nbsp;When it comes to the process that travellers can take if they do think their privacy has been breached while abroad, here are a few steps that can be taken: &nbsp;Change passwords/secure devices – depending on the breach, and if it can be mitigated this way.Report any fraudulent activity – when it comes to banking and credit, for example, initiating a ‘fraud alert’ can ensure that your customers’ account is monitored for any future fraudulent activity.Lodge a complaint – with the local data protection agency in-destination. For example, if a traveller is in the European Union (EU), the DPA of the destination they were visting is the main point of contact, even if the company in question processes data in another EU member state.Take legal action against the company or organisation – while it is required that the compromised organisation contacts those involved in a privacy or data breach, individuals can still file an action directly against a company or organisation in court if they have violated data protection rights.&nbsp;Disruption of ServicesSmart cities are constantly striving for greater efficiency, often achieving this through the automation of operations that were once manual. One key example of this is in areas like wastewater management and traffic control systems. However, it is important to note that connecting more components within a system can also lead to potential vulnerabilities, a truth that applies even within the context of smart cities.&nbsp;The integration of multiple separate infrastructure systems into a single network or digital environment increases the potential 'attack surface.' This allows cybercriminals more opportunities to infiltrate the system, exploit weak points, and move across the entire network. As a result, there can be significant disruptions across sectors or operations within the city.&nbsp;This is called a ‘disruption of services’ and when cyberattacks of this type happen, they usually involve critical services like traffic lights, power grids, and water management systems. &nbsp;&nbsp;For example, cybercriminals may be able to access a local government's Internet of Things sensor network, and from there they can move laterally to access the emergency alert systems if these two systems are interconnected.&nbsp;Or, a cybercriminal could use a distributed denial of services (DDoS) to access and overtake the parking meters within a city, if these are an Internet of Things (IoT) device, rendering them unusable, and then use this system to overtake another system within the city.Malware and SpywareIf travellers are connecting to unfamiliar networks, then they may be more susceptible to malware and spyware being installed without their notice. Devices can be remotely accessed via public networks, and can result in malicious software being installed which can monitor activities, access personal data or damage the device’s system. &nbsp;&nbsp;Here are some recommendations you can provide to travellers for when they’re in-destination: &nbsp;Install security software – like anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware.Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) – this encrypts user data, helping to protect users while on shared WiFi networks. &nbsp;Use public WiFi safely – avoiding activities which handle sensitive data like checking online banking or making payments. Connecting through a VPN can help!Use secure apps – only downloading apps from trusted sources/providers can mitigate against accidentally installing malicious software.Back up their data – to another device or to a cloud storage platform before departure.Update their software – keeping operating systems, apps and anti-virus software up to date, and avoid downloading software while away.&nbsp;Unsecure NetworksIn light of informing travellers about the dangers of malicious software, it is equally important to address the issue of unsecure networks. With the widespread use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in various cities globally, the number of unsecure networks available for user connection has risen. Therefore, it is imperative for travellers to be cautious of these potential risks.&nbsp;Public Wi-Fi networks, particularly those offered in hotels, cafes and airports, can be considered hotspots for cyber criminals. Data which is sent or transmitted via these networks can be more easily intercepted and can be potentially used to access sensitive information.&nbsp;Should a traveller not have a SIM card that allows for data roaming or pay-as-you-go data for worldwide destinations, then sometimes using public WiFi is the only choice. In these cases, travellers should use these networks sparingly, turning off their devices ‘auto-join’ function, and avoiding using public WiFi to make transactions. &nbsp;Supply Chain AttacksWithin a smart city, instances of software or hardware components being hacked within these interconnected are more common than in a community where this infrastructure is not as connected. &nbsp;&nbsp;This is often because of reliance on a third-party vendor to provide, and integrate, these hardware and software elements, that connect previously separate systems. &nbsp;&nbsp;This leaves these very same components vulnerable to attack as a result of this supply chain – either intentionally developed by cybercriminals who may have access to this chain, or through poor security practices.&nbsp;This puts individuals who visit or reside in these communities at a higher risk for:Data and intellectual property theft.System or network failure due to operational technology availability disruption.&nbsp;In the event of a system being breached, cybercriminals could potentially disrupt city infrastructure, compromise or steal sensitive data from emergency service communications, surveillance technology, or utility networks responsible for gas, water, grid, or lighting services.&nbsp;Keeping Travellers Safe Before and After TravelBook their Experiences Before DepartureFor travellers who have a clear plan for their activities at the destination, or are willing to take suggestions, pre-departure booking is the perfect option.&nbsp;&nbsp;This not only guarantees a better experience for the customer by arranging all their activities at once, but also maximises your revenue.&nbsp;Booking your clients’ experiences alongside their accommodation also means that they won’t have to make these purchases in-destination, which mitigates the risk of becoming vulnerable to data interception while making payments for experiences online during their stay.&nbsp;With Hotelbeds you benefit from:250,000+ hotels and resorts in must-visit global destinations.Over 23,000 tours, activities and experiences in 170+ countries worldwide.500+ car hire suppliers and global coverage for transfer routes.&nbsp;And more, all as part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem, as a B2B travel marketplace designed to empower travel distributors, and businesses within all industries, with frictionless end to end travel experiences:&nbsp;Always-on booking platforms capable of handling 90,000+ bookings per day.170+ source markets, feeding an expansive portfolio.50,000+ travel agencies (and 100,000+ individual travel agents)Exclusive rates and availabilities as a result of direct contracting and expert negotiations.Competitive, deep-plan pricing to help you stand out among competitors.&nbsp;And that's just the beginning. Join a thousands-strong network of travel wholesalers, tour operators, online travel agencies and other travel professionals by signing up to become part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem today.&nbsp;&nbsp;Register Now&nbsp;Post-Departure and ReturnWhen it comes to your clients’ personal devices, here are a few tips that you can offer to travellers for them to put into action upon their return: &nbsp;Encourage travellers to check their devices for interference – running a full malware scan is advisable, as is following any steps to cleaning their devices of any suspicious software.Reset passwords – for all accounts which were accessed during their trip.Report any suspicious activity – especially when it comes to any activity on banking apps or accounts that isn’t recognised! This can be done via a travellers’ unique provider.Remain alert – if any sensitive data is compromised, this can pose a risk to travellers long after their return. Cybercriminals can use any gained information to launch targeted phishing efforts to gather more data, or access financial accounts.&nbsp;Discover more about the most common cyber-attacks here.&nbsp;Many smart cities regularly test for any security vulnerabilities on a regular basis, to help identify and resolve any potential weaknesses. This process includes routine system audits, threat modeling techniques to identify potential risks in simulated environments, and the implementation of intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect suspicious activities. These measures help to proactively address any weaknesses and maintain a secure environment.&nbsp;While cybercrime remains a prevalent threat globally, traveling to destinations with highly interconnected infrastructure can present a diverse range of risks.&nbsp;&nbsp;One effective method to minimise these risks is to avoid transferring personal information, particularly when conducting online payments during travel. This simple precaution can significantly enhance the safety of travellers and their personal information.&nbsp;Do this by booking any of their in-destination experiences prior to their departure with Hotelbeds, and offer travellers peace of mind while simultaneously increasing your revenue opportunities.&nbsp;Sign up today to boost your sales, reach new markets, and optimise your business strategy. Hotelbeds, as part of HBX Group, is here to support your growth.&nbsp;Access Hotelbeds solutions today&nbsp;

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Cybersecurity: Tourist Safety in Smart Cities

&nbsp;Why are cybersecurity issues so prevalent in the travel sector?&nbsp;&nbsp;The tourism industry holds hugely valuable and sensitive data on every traveller, and it is crucial for travel agencies and distributors to recognise that cybercriminals are constantly developing advanced techniques to access and steal this information from booking websites, internal systems, servers, and mobile platforms.&nbsp;The rise of online travel booking has created new opportunities for cybercriminals. With the increasing digitalisation of booking processes and the sharing of personal data online, the risk of security threats has also grown. Mobile travel apps, which are widely used by online travel agencies, have become prime targets for threat actors.&nbsp;In the following sections of this article, we will delve into the valuable insights shared by industry leaders such as MasterCard and Citibank regarding the advantages and security measures provided by virtual credit card tools, which were highlighted during our at the MarketHub Europe in June, hosted by our parent company HBX Group.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, let's first examine the potential risks involved in managing, creating, and processing online transactions, the implications for travel distributors like yourself, and the role that Hotelbeds plays in this landscape.&nbsp;Security and the Travel Sector: RisksDuring recent industry-leading MarketHub events hosted by our parent company HBX Group, cybersecurity was a key topic of discussion. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from cybersecurity specialists during these events.&nbsp;One of the reasons why cybersecurity risks are so prevalent nowadays is that a whole ecosystem has developed – forget the eras of ‘one-man hackers’, cybercrime has become ‘CAAS’, cybercrime as a service. &nbsp;&nbsp;There is a lot of money to be made from cybercrime, and as Christo Butcher, global lead for threat intelligence at NCC Group and Fox-IT, mentioned at our MarketHub Europe event, the travel sector is a low-hanging fruit in the eyes of many cybercriminals. &nbsp;&nbsp;"It's a highly dynamic sector with multiple stakeholders involved and constantly evolving interactions," Christo pointed out. Social Engineering, as a prevalent method of cybercrime discussed in our article on top cybersecurity threats, is particularly prevalent within the hospitality industry.&nbsp;Social Engineering plays off the nature of the sector, taking advantage of the customer service mindset to manipulate a situation to the benefit of the cybercriminals and at the cost of whichever hospitality business is in their sights.&nbsp;So, what can be done, especially when it comes to digital bookings? &nbsp;&nbsp;Data Regulation ComplianceData regulation gives more control over personally identifiable information and aims to simplify the ‘regulatory environments’ for international businesses dealing with this sensitive data.&nbsp;UK and EU businesses must operate in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is the US equivalent, and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) applies to businesses and data subjects – people – in Asia. &nbsp;&nbsp;Travel marketers must pay close attention to data handling compliance when executing marketing campaigns and sending enticing offers to customers for bookings. This involves the careful processing, storing, and utilisation of customer databases to ensure everything is handled according to regulations and best practices.&nbsp;Incorporating the core principles and rules of global data protection regulations into your business is critical! These principles include: data minimisation, purpose limitation, storage limitation, accuracy, integrity, and security. Make sure to search for your countries’ relevant data protection regulation to see the most up-to-date rules.&nbsp;Sticking to the strict rules laid down by worldwide data protection regulations helps to:Ensure data accuracy.Protects data against unauthorised access - using two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of protection.Empowers people to exercise their rights over their own data.How is this linked to travel booking?Utilising any form of online booking software encompasses a range of activities falling under the broad scope of 'processing'. This includes collecting, recording, storing, using, and disclosing data through various means such as transmission. From basic contact information to sensitive payment details and personal preferences, every piece of data gathered by travel agencies is subject to stringent data protection regulations.&nbsp;As travel distributor, it’s vital that you’re processing, storing and using data lawfully and transparently.&nbsp;Using online booking systems that adhere to these strict rules not only means that you’re meeting global requirements as a handler of data, but also ensures the privacy and security of your customers’ data.&nbsp;Using Safe Providers and Booking PlatformsThe use of booking software goes hand in hand with travel distributors, even in brick-and-mortar travel businesses, the booking is completed using an online booking platform. &nbsp;&nbsp;The majority of websites use SSL encryption to protect any data that’s transmitted between a website and a shopper.&nbsp;HTTPS website security is crucial for building guest trust and securing online transactions. &nbsp;&nbsp;Those in the hospitality and tourism industry must take proactive steps, including appointing a compliance champion, educating staff, controlling data access, and collaborating with PCI-compliant vendors, to adhere to these standards and protect against data breaches and hefty fines.&nbsp;Surveys say 84% of users would abandon a purchase if data was sent over an insecure connection, and a large majority are concerned about their data being intercepted or misused online. &nbsp;&nbsp;So, what are the risks involved with online booking platforms, and how can we ensure that bookings made using travel booking software are secure?&nbsp;Christo Butcher, our insightful guest speaker at MarketHub Europe, also spoke about this. Interestingly, though there is potential to hack the booking platform itself, Christo suggested that it's 'much more interesting to focus on the weaker links in the chain: the users.’ In an example where you have users who can log into a booking platform, this account is ‘probably much easier to hack than the platform itself’, and once this is compromised, the hacker effectively becomes the hotelier, or distributor, with ‘direct access to all guests and travellers via legitimate communication channels.’&nbsp;This situation provides hackers with an ideal chance to engage with actual end users in a seemingly authentic manner, serving as a significant force amplifier in the cybercrime domain. By hacking a single account, the potential for profitable scalability is enormous.&nbsp;How can this risk be mitigated? Multi-factor authentication.&nbsp;Managing the risk involved in stolen or hacked passwords is key! MFA (multi-factor authentication, sometimes also called two-factor authentication) helps reduce the chances of stolen credentials and the consequent risk of unauthorised access, identity theft, or compromised data.&nbsp;Another key risk is third-party security, especially when it comes to travel distributors such as Online Travel Agents (OTAs). The issue here, for OTAs, is that income pivots around products which are provided and sold by different suppliers, like airlines, hotels, car rental companies, or travel insurance, just as an example. The combination of this dynamic and changing collection of suppliers, along with the ‘inoperability’ between these businesses – for OTAs – opens a prime environment for hackers.&nbsp;Implement Security Standards for PaymentsThe Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a crucial industry standard mandated by major credit card companies. It plays a vital role in ensuring the secure processing, storage, and transmission of credit card information. This standard directly impacts every single credit card transaction, emphasising the importance of compliance and adherence to these rules.&nbsp;Should a guest use their credit card to pay for something at a hotel, for example – be it a room reservation, spa treatment or coffee – or a traveller use their credit card to secure a booking with you, PCI DSS applies to that purchase.&nbsp;When it comes to digital booking, the most important factor is that you’re selecting an online travel booking platform that is fully PCI DSS compliant – like the Hotelbeds Booking Engine.&nbsp;But for day-to-day practices that will also ensure that you’re storing and handling data correctly, here are a few pointers: &nbsp;Name an owner or champion of PCI DSS compliance within your organisation.Be proactive: teach staff why data security is important and the impact any breach may have. &nbsp;Protect physical data.Restrict access to payment or personal data to only staff who require this information to do their job. Use individual logins and access codes to systems.Clarify the role vendors play in terms of compliance with data-related standards, and seek PCI DSS compliant partners.Secure online booking data: While you may need a paper copy of a reservation, do not print credit card details of customers from your online systems.&nbsp;Virtual Cards – MarketHub InsightsIn today's travel and tourism industry, it is crucial for businesses to cater to travellers for whom the payment method plays a significant role in their decision-making process. As pointed out by Ana Arjones of Mastercard during our recent MarketHub Europe event hosted by our parent company HBX Group, if the preferred payment method of a customer is not available on a hotel's website, 1 in 4 travellers will choose to take their business elsewhere.&nbsp;In answer to this challenge, virtual credit cards (VCC) are a tokenised version of the physical payment formats used by millions of people, companies and organisations worldwide. &nbsp;&nbsp;In a booking-related environment, many travel distributors have API connections to banks, and anytime a booking is created, a one-time VCC, specific to that booking is created.&nbsp;The virtual card is specifically coded for a designated supplier, amount, and in certain cases for travel or hotel bookings, the associated check-in and check-out dates. This ensures that the virtual card cannot be used for unauthorised transactions, even with the same supplier. After the payment is made, the virtual account number is deactivated and cannot be reused. This method of payment not only enhances security but also minimises the risk of fraudulent activity. &nbsp;&nbsp;Ana Arjones stated that ‘fraud rates on virtual cards are virtually zero’, much lower than the 0.3% rate on regular consumer cards. Which seems like a small figure, but 0.3% of a large volume is a significant number.&nbsp;This is incredibly important when you consider that sales made on behalf of hotels is a significant industry, with ‘leisure sales made by travel intermediaries valued at around $500 billion,’ as Ana Arjones again suggested. &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtual Credit Cards and HotelbedsVirtual credit cards are widely supported and used by many travel product suppliers we partner with at Hotelbeds.&nbsp;Much of our supplier finance management processes hinges on the secure processing of virtual credit card transactions, with an E-Billing system specifically designed for VCC suppliers and the effective, safe management of all VCC payments and transactions. &nbsp;&nbsp;This means that when you’re confirming a booking using the Hotelbeds Booking Engine, there are layers of security and encryption involved when your customers’ data and payments are being transferred from their bank accounts to the travel product provider.&nbsp;Discover more about the benefits of partnering with Hotelbeds today or sign up to become one of our valuable partners, and access a world of interconnected products and solutions as part of the wider HBX Group ecosystem.&nbsp;Become a partner today&nbsp;And for even more understanding of cybersecurity, as vast and ever-evolving as it is, discover more guidance on the Americas Cyber Defense Agency, which 'provides information on cybersecurity best practices to help individuals and organisations implement preventative measures and manage cyber risks.'&nbsp;

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Cybersecurity: Staying Safe in a Digital Booking Landscape as Travel Distributors

The festive season is right around the corner, which can only mean one thing: Black Friday is set to return with a bang.&nbsp;As the most significant commercial event of the year approaches, it is crucial to establish your own strategy for the occasion. Whether you need travel marketing tips or assistance in securing the best travel deals for your clients, we are here to support you in making Black Friday a resounding success.&nbsp;Why do I need to prepare for Black Friday?Of course, you don’t need to do anything – but by not taking any action, you may run the risk of being overshadowed by competitors who recognise the benefits that Black Friday can bring.&nbsp;Last year, the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide was approximately 1.4 billion. This significant number of travellers highlights why events like Black Friday are so important to travel distributors. Not only does it signify the sheer demand waiting to be capitalised on, but the remaining growth until we reach the numbers we were seeing pre-pandemic suggests that offering a great deal might just be one of the best motivators for a hopeful but undecided traveller.&nbsp;This is especially true as travellers continue to become increasingly money-aware, and financially savvy; as Black Friday offers them a key chance to secure bookings for the trips and experiences they may have been bookmarking for later all year.&nbsp;In light of the continuously evolving patterns of traveller and consumer behaviours, as exemplified by the growing overlap between peak seasons and shoulder seasons, the popularity of bleisure travel and digital nomad travellers, but also shifting preferences regarding duration of stay, and the importance of travel for younger demographics, it is imperative for you as travel distributors to stay well-informed about travellers' needs, and adeptly tailor your offerings to meet their needs.What are the benefits of Black Friday, you ask?&nbsp;Despite the recent inflation concerns worldwide, specifically in European countries, there seems to be a consistent high spending intent for Black Friday and the associated Cyber Week. This presents a valuable opportunity to leverage the demand throughout the sales period, extending beyond just Black Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;For instance, a study conducted by Sojern revealed that travellers in the US and Canada spent more on Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, while Europe and South America experienced higher booking rates on Black Friday.&nbsp;Additionally, while there was an increase in demand for trips 90+ days in advance, the demand for the 'instant gratification' of a trip booked with a shorter lead time was equally just as favoured by travellers - so both styles of travel should be accommodated in your travel marketing efforts.&nbsp;Many businesses, regardless of their industry, note a significant increase in traffic to their sites and bookings during this time, and the numbers don't lie: in recent years, retail industries saw a staggering $9.8 billion in online sales - a figure which is constantly growing. But Cyber Monday shoppers blew those numbers away, spending an additional $12.4 billion, which constitutes a 9.6% increase from previous years. For travel, there has been a 127% surge in sales last year, with this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales forecasted to top $2 billion alone.&nbsp;The elongation of the Black Friday period to cover, at times, a whole week, may mean that travellers wait until the last moment to finalise their bookings, and implies that timely and market-specific offers have a higher chance of securing a sale, possibly due to a fear of missing out on these special deals.&nbsp;In short, taking part isn’t a necessity, but it’s something you should certainly consider – especially when getting involved can be as simple as following the steps we’ve laid out below.&nbsp;Step one: the best offers + the best destinations = bookings secured (suggested timeline: around 4 weeks before Black Friday)When it comes to Black Friday, the best place to start is at the end of the process: what is it that your customers are hoping to book with you?&nbsp;An invaluable tool is Insights, our award-winning search and recommendation tool. Offering tailored recommendations based on real-time market data, bookings made by the thousands of agents working with us, and historical search data, Insights provides accurate opportunities which help boost your sales.&nbsp;When using Insights, you might notice that some hotels are labelled with discounts. These are ideal options for your Black Friday campaign, so be sure to save them to your favourites for later.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, you’ll be able to search for more discounted room nights by logging into our time-saving Booking Engine.&nbsp;Not one of our valuable clients yet? Sign up today to take advantage of our exclusive deals during this high-demand sales period, and capture all those bookings you might otherwise miss out on.&nbsp;Step two: identify your most valuable sales channel (suggested timeframe: 3 weeks before Black Friday)With the high level of competition during this time, it is essential to identify your most valuable sales channel, especially if you operate online. By doing so, you will be in a strong position to attract customers who are seeking the best Black Friday travel deals, whether they choose to purchase through your online platform or physical locations, if applicable.&nbsp;Of course, in today's digital age, it is undeniable that online travel booking offers unparalleled convenience. With the internet providing lightning-fast comparisons and a seemingly endless array of options, it has become a cornerstone of the travel industry. Moreover, the competitive online landscape during events like Black Friday demands a well-executed online travel marketing strategy.&nbsp;&nbsp;As travel distributors, it is crucial to not only navigate but also excel in this environment, ensuring that your message rises above the noise and resonates with potential customers. This is especially important when you consider:The customer dynamic has changed: in recent years 'revenge travel' was still popular, driving travellers to spend more on trips to make up for lost time. However, now travellers want authenticity and trips that feel more bespoke, which may cause them to be more particular in what they spend on.Competition is fierce: with the increasing popularity and demand for experience-based tourism, many more types of trips are being organised and will be on sale in your market. It's important to carefully evaluate what you offer in order to remain competitive.Customers want true value for money: with increasing inflation around the world, travellers might be looking for a truly valuable deal to part ways with their hard-earned cash.&nbsp;While the online space is certainly one of the most important places to be when it comes to Black Friday marketing, the key to succeeding ultimately lies in your ability to cut through the noise, regardless of how or where you sell.&nbsp;&nbsp;Discover our tips below to elevate your strategy:If you operate in-store only:It might take a little extra effort to put your best face forward, but there are certainly ways to appeal to customers (whether they exist or are yet to be acquired).&nbsp;Enhance your social media presence by increasing the frequency of your online posts. You can even use Insights' market-specific suggestions to determine the trending destinations in your market and incorporate this knowledge into your engaging social media content.&nbsp;Even if you’re not advertising Black Friday just yet, social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram are great channels for you to showcase your knowledge and build hype about the most exciting destinations. In order to attract the attention of potential customers, it may be beneficial to make some improvements to your store. One idea is to print out visually appealing flyers featuring popular destinations and hotels and display them on your storefront.&nbsp;&nbsp;Top tip: you can create customised flyers using Insights, with the Custom Flyer Tool, for personalised marketing materials in just a few clicks.If you operate online only:Social media plays a crucial role in the success of websites, just like it does for brick-and-mortar businesses. After all, website traffic doesn’t generate itself! Utilise our search and travel marketing tool, Insights, to pinpoint the latest trending destinations and showcase them on your Instagram page.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, if you have a blog, share travel advice and captivating anecdotes to captivate your audience. Lastly, take the time to interact with other users by exploring travel hashtags and participating in conversations centred around popular destinations.&nbsp;Another top tip for increasing your online reach is to secure some glowing reviews. Make sure that you’re set up on Google or Trustpilot (or, at the very least, have a feedback page on your website/are willing to share examples of feedback on your social media pages), then reach out to clients who you know had a fantastic experience booking with you.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if their trip was a little while ago, their fond memories might inspire them to re-live the moment and share it with you - as well as with your next potential customer.If you have the best of both worlds:You’re in the best possible position. Consider a blend of our tips above to put your business on the map, just in time for Black Friday.&nbsp;Step three: tease your campaign (suggested timeframe: 2 weeks before Black Friday)Once you’ve determined which channel will earn you your bookings this Black Friday, the next step is to let your customers know that great deals will be theirs to secure very, very soon.&nbsp;Where applicable for your particular business in travel distribution, be sure to pick up the phone and start connecting with your leads; by initiating this contact a few weeks prior to Black Friday, you can generate excitement among your clients about the possibility of a trip. Moreover, this approach allows them ample time to set aside funds or contemplate their next destination.&nbsp;Another way to tease Black Friday is – you guessed it – to utilise your social media channels. Take inspiration from companies inside and outside of your industry to see how they’ve advertised Black Friday ahead of time: from deliberately subtle campaigns to an up-front and unavoidable approach, there are numerous ways to inform your followers and potential customers are about upcoming discounts. If you have a website, consider adding a countdown banner to generate excitement and anticipation among your audience.&nbsp;Finally, a solid email marketing strategy will make sure that your customers are primed and ready for the big occasion. Craft subject lines to pique their curiosity and remind them to mark their calendars for the big day.&nbsp;Top tip: why not offer some early Black Friday deals? By browsing&nbsp;the promotions&nbsp;in our Booking Engine, you can cherry-pick hotels on discount in a particular destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sign up to access our timely promotions, including this year's Black Friday campaign, taking place on 14th November, with a travel window that lasts all the way to December 2026 and make the most of the destinations and experiences with some irresistible rates and availabilities.&nbsp;Each year, there are thousands of offers on must-visit destinations, making it easy for you to curate the travel experience your customers are looking for. Plus, the travel window lasts all the way until December 2026.&nbsp;Or, by using Insights, you can identify which destinations are trending and the hotels on offer. Make the most of these deals and start driving your Black Friday sales early!&nbsp;Step four: push those offers! (suggested timeframe: Black Friday-Cyber Monday)You’ve already put in the work to market your Black Friday offers ahead of the occasion, but now is not the time to slow down – you still need to secure those sales!&nbsp;During the Black Friday period, it is highly likely that your customers will be entirely money-driven, and seeking the best deals. Whether they have discovered your offerings through your exceptional social media presence, found your website via Google, or are already familiar with your brand and promotions, it is crucial to ensure that these potential bookings are locked down. So, make sure you know your offers inside out – one of the best ways to do this is by exploring the&nbsp;promotions in&nbsp;our Booking Engine to see the most valuable opportunities for your business.&nbsp;Want to gain access to these exclusive offers? Simply sign up today to become one of our clients, and supercharge your sales this Black Friday period.&nbsp;In order to effectively reach clients who may not be aware of Black Friday, it is essential to promptly inform them of your limited-time offers. This can be achieved by prominently featuring banners on your website, or by personally asking clients if they are interested in booking their trip today.&nbsp;By creating a sense of urgency surrounding your Black Friday deals, you can significantly increase sales and drive customer engagement. Thus, it is crucial to establish and enforce these guidelines for your business.&nbsp;Referring once again to online bookings, it is possible that ‘cart abandonment’ will apply to some bookings: this is where a client will browse offers and get as far as the check-out page, before deciding not to proceed with the booking and closing out of the browser. Ensure that you have an email strategy or web pop-up in place to capture this type of client, with a reminder that prices can and do rise quickly – especially over Black Friday – and that the best time to secure a deal is now.&nbsp;Did you know?: According to some statistics, cart abandonment email reminders have an open rate of 45% - a huge percentage of potential travellers you could be tempting back in.&nbsp;Step five: Travel Tuesday is your time to shine (suggested timeframe: the Monday/Tuesday after Black Friday)Fortunately, the fatigue of over-commercialism has not had a major impact on the travel industry when it comes to the Black Friday sales period, given the predictability of the deals and the ubiquitous offerings out there. In fact, statistics indicate that the Tuesday following Black Friday continues to be a significant success for companies that offer discounted rates on accommodations and flights.&nbsp;Known as Travel Tuesday (or ‘Travel Deal Tuesday to some), this event has become a prime time for would-be travellers to secure their dream escape. In fact, past Travel Tuesdays have been known to offer twice the number of deals than advertised over Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined; in fact, last year more airlines, hotel chains, cruise lines, and tour companies offering deals than in previous years. The hashtag #TravelTuesday also received over 100 million views on TikTok!&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if you’re not offering extra or heavier discounts over Travel Tuesday, the number of travellers looking for a deal is likely to increase – so be sure to capture their imagination by sharing the hotels we have on offer with our annual Black Friday campaigns.&nbsp;Ready to take on this all-important sales period? Sign up now to discover our amazing portfolio of hotels and ancillaries, and capitalise on this year's Black Friday campaign, taking place on 14th November, with thousands of hotels across unmissable destinations and a travel window that lasts all the way to December 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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How Travel Distributors Should Prepare For Black Friday

&nbsp;The issue of cybersecurity attacks is not a new phenomenon. Cyber threats have been prevalent since the inception of the internet, but in recent years, their frequency and severity have grown significantly. The projected global costs of cybercrime are expected to skyrocket to $10.5 trillion this year, a sharp increase from the $3 trillion recorded in 2015. As a result, it is imperative for businesses to enhance their security measures to combat the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.&nbsp;Cybercrime can have a significant impact on various sectors and industries, with the travel and tourism sector being particularly vulnerable. The vast amount of secure and personal data handled by the travel and hospitality industry makes it a prime target for cyber attacks. Therefore, it is crucial for travel providers to prioritise cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and protect both their businesses and their customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the digital ecosystems of the travel and tourism industry continue to expand, they will also become increasingly susceptible to cybercrimes. It is crucial for companies within the travel and tourism chain to prioritise cybersecurity awareness, strategies, and safeguarding in order to ensure the utmost security of their data.&nbsp;Why is the travel industry susceptible to cybercrime?As a global industry with many – literal – moving parts, the travel industry is often targeted by cybercriminals. Analysis of data breaches and cyberattacks have identified numerous reasons for this, such as:&nbsp;The industry’s huge fragmentation.The complexity of the travel booking and payment networks/platforms.The existence of many travel agents and third-party service providers.Poor security systems when it comes to IT and point-of-sale (POS).Human error.The millions of travellers all interacting with travel providers within cyberspace.How can travel businesses mitigate cyber-attacks?Human error was identified as one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity in 2023, so many common cyberthreats may be avoidable with the right education.&nbsp;It’s estimated that around 99% of data breaches will be caused by a misconfiguration within settings or installation by an end user. So, this suggests that with proper education and a thorough cybersecurity strategy, travel providers will be able to mitigate the impact and severity of many common cyberthreats.&nbsp;What a good cybersecurity strategy should involve:Contingency planningImmediate actions outlined – for varying types of breach or attack once discoveredPost-breach responses &nbsp;An understanding of current cyber risks&nbsp;Here is where consolidating your tools and resources, and leveraging third-party expertise to manage complexities and augment capabilities, can give you a leg-up when it comes to protection against those more common threats.&nbsp;&nbsp;As cyberattacks continue to evolve and grow more sophisticated, it is clear that implementing frequent company-wide training can be an effective strategy in mitigating the risks associated with data breaches. The alarming statistics on data breaches underscore the importance of staying updated on the latest threats and taking proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information.&nbsp;But for now, let’s look at some of the most common cybersecurity threats and what shape they take, to help you as travel distributors improve your awareness.&nbsp;Social EngineeringSocial engineering is widely recognised as one of the most common and hazardous tactics used by cybercriminals. This is mainly due to the fact that social engineering, in its many forms, exploits human mistakes rather than technical weaknesses. It is much simpler to deceive or influence individuals than it is to penetrate a security system, and it is apparent that cybercriminals are well aware of this fact. Research indicates that over 85% of all data breaches stem from human interaction or error.&nbsp;Over recent years, social engineering techniques played a crucial role in cybercriminals gaining access to employee data and credentials for the purpose of carrying out cyberattacks. Among these techniques, phishing stands out as a leading cause of data breaches, with more than 75% of targeted attacks originating from deceptive emails. It is important to note that these tactics are continuously adapting to leverage emerging trends and technologies in order to stay ahead of security measures.&nbsp;What can phishing attacks look like?Spear phishing – this targets specific individuals or organisations, hence the term ‘spear’, most typically using malicious emails. The goal of these emails is to obtain sensitive data, such as login credentials, or to infect the users’ devices with malware (which we will explore later).Whaling – a type of attack that targets senior or C-level executive employees, with the aim of stealing money or information on the business, or to gain access to their devices to carry out further attacks.Vishing – the use of fraudulent phone calls or voice messages, often masquerading as a legitimate business, to convince individuals to share sensitive, private data such as bank details and passwords.SMiShing – the use of fraudulent text messages, in much the same way as ‘Vishing’, to steal sensitive, private data. This can often take the shape of your bank or a shipping service.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other social engineering techniques can involve:Business email compromise (BEC) - a prominent technique in which attackers assume the identities of trusted email addresses – often internal business users – to trick other employees or clients of the business into sharing data that could compromise the business, or make payments, amongst other goals.Pretexting – here cybercriminals gain access to a system or a user account using a false scenario that gains the victims trust through manipulation. Attackers could pose as a HR employee, or an IT specialist, for example.Disinformation campaign - these spread false information, usually with the goal of amplifying fake narratives using bots and fake accounts on social media networks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among these techniques, travel providers are most likely to encounter business email compromise attacks, primarily due to the extensive chains of internal communication. Once attackers gain access, they typically send phishing emails to employees or clients of the business to obtain more sensitive data or prompt financial transactions. They may also utilise the compromised account to launch attacks against other employees or the businesses' systems.&nbsp;Business email compromise attacks can be carried out in multiple ways, including:Phishing – as explained above, this type of attack often uses emails to trick employees into sharing sensitive data and are usually from a ‘trusted’ source. Social engineering techniques are then used to prompt the recipient into action.Malware – this is the use of malware – malicious software - to infect a user’s computer and therefore gain access to their email accounts. Once installed, this malware can steal other sensitive data from this computer.Social engineering – often, this type of attack (closely linked to phishing), tricks employees into divulging sensitive information or grant access to their email accounts. Usually, this involves impersonation to gain trust.Manipulation of weak passwords – if employees use ‘weak’, reused, or easily guessable passwords, cybercriminals can obtain access to internal email systems by guessing these passwords.&nbsp;&nbsp;How can travel providers protect against business email compromise?Train employees on how to identify and avoid phishing emails.Insist employees use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. &nbsp;Keep software and cybersecurity systems up to date.Implement email cybersecurity measures, such as spam filters.&nbsp;Third-Party Security TreatsThroughout 2023, there was a noticeable rise in third-party breaches as numerous companies globally transitioned to independent contractors to carry out work previously done by full-time staff. Consequently, this surge led to a larger pool of less secure networks that had access to the main target, all of which were associated with these third parties. These less-secure networks are exploitable by hackers, as seen in the memorable attack on the U.S’s Colonial Pipeline in 2021, by obtaining compromised credentials, accessing a VPN without multi-factor authentication, and demanding a $5 million Bitcoin payment to regain access.&nbsp;As the trend towards remote or hybrid work increases, with over 50% of businesses showing more willingness to hire freelancers, the rise in remote or dispersed workforces brings about ongoing challenges in third-party security threats for travel businesses of all sizes.Cloud VulnerabilitiesWith many more businesses adopting cloud-based systems, the growth of cloud-based cyberattacks likewise grows. It’s estimated that cloud security is the fastest-growing cybersecurity market, growing around 41% from 2020 to 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;In today's fast-paced environment, with cloud-based systems taking on more corporate workload, businesses are turning to 'zero trust cloud architecture' for enhanced security. This approach, designed to assume a system has been compromised, requires additional verification before granting access to recognised devices, or any device within the perimeter of the network.&nbsp;Keeping on top of cloud security practices is critical, and can include:Monitoring access to sensitive resources. &nbsp;Enforcing strict password requirements. &nbsp;Implementing a sound data backup plan.Leveraging data encryption.&nbsp;What are the most common cloud-based threats?Commonly referred to as the ‘egregious eleven’ by security professionals, these are the most ‘popular’ access points:Data breachesMisconfiguration and inadequate change controlLack of cloud security architecture and strategyInsufficient identity, credential, access and key managementAccount hijackingInsider threatInsecure interfaces and APIsWeak control planeMetastructure and applistructure failuresLimited cloud usage visibilityAbuse and malicious use of cloud services&nbsp;&nbsp;Supply Chain AttacksA recently emerging tactic, supply chain attacks involve the breach of supply chain technology, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API systems), commonly found in the travel industry. This infiltration allows access to source codes, build codes, and other software components. The attackers then exploit these legitimate platforms and applications to disseminate malware throughout the supply chain systems.&nbsp;Considering how often supply chain systems are used within the travel and tourism industry – particularly through API integration – it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of this kind of attack.&nbsp;In the modern travel industry, travel APIs are a powerful tool that many businesses utilise. By allowing different systems to communicate seamlessly, they create a unified platform where customers can easily access all travel products in one place. These API systems are highly effective in helping travel providers create user-friendly systems that stay ahead of hospitality tech trends. It also means travel providers can enhance their business success by increasing their distribution through API integration, offering customised tour packages or itinerary planning, providing quotes, or displaying availability and booking options.&nbsp;However, these systems are also vulnerable to attacks. But hope is not lost! There are many ways to protect against supply chain threats, including:Use endpoint monitoring tools to spot and stop suspicious activity. &nbsp;Stay current with all system patches and updates. &nbsp;Implement integrity controls to ensure users are only running tools from trusted sources. &nbsp;Require admins and other users to use two-factor authentication.&nbsp;RansomwareWhile certainly not a new threat, ransomware attacks have become significantly more expensive in the last few years – with costs expected to reach $265 billion by 2031 - and so continue to present considerable challenges to businesses of all sizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ransomware, in essence, is a form of malicious software that restricts access to computer systems until a ransom is paid. This involves utilising malware to seize control of computer systems, retrieve data, files, or sensitive information, and then requesting payment in exchange for restoring access to the original user.&nbsp;Of course, before the ransomware attack can take place, hackers must obtain access to their targets’ systems. The most common methods of infiltration include: &nbsp;PhishingRemote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and credential abuse - wherein hackers use ‘brute-force’ or purchase credentials with the goal of logging into systems to distribute malware.Exploitable software – such as unpatched or out-of-date software.&nbsp;&nbsp;Modern endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology can often protect against ransomware attacks, by stopping the execution of malicious software in the first place. Many businesses also benefit from the setting of cybersecurity parameters, to keep employees from straying too far from safe browsing locations on their corporate devices.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Internet of ThingsIn the realm of technology, physical objects, the 'Things' in 'Internet of Things, are evolving to be more intelligent by integrating sensors, software, and other advanced technologies. As we continue to depend on these interconnected Things to communicate and exchange information online, their vulnerability to cyber threats also increases.&nbsp;While there are multiple ways that smart devices and objects are connected to an online network, some of the most common methods are:&nbsp;&nbsp;Default passwords: Hackers can exploit default passwords often supplied for smart devices, or easily guess reused and weak passwords or access codes for individual or business devices. These are then used to gain access to the device, its data, and facilitate further attacks.&nbsp;Unsecured Wi-Fi networks: public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured or use weak encryption, and these can be exploited to intercept data.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, there are ways to protect your devices, including: &nbsp;Having users select secure passwords, changing them frequently, and not sharing this information. &nbsp;Staying current with Operating System (OS) and software updates.Encouraging clients to encrypt their data.Installing antivirus or anti-malware protection.Changing default passwords. &nbsp;Avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi networks. &nbsp;Being cautious of suspicious emails or links.&nbsp;Financial and reputational lossThe repercussions of a cybersecurity breach can have widespread and severe implications for businesses, regardless of their size. Small businesses may never fully bounce back from an attack, and larger businesses could be subjected to penalties, legal action, a decrease in clientele or staff, as well as tarnishing their reputation.&nbsp;For many travel providers, one of the key consequences will be the loss of reputation, which – should the business recover – will involve a long and detailed strategy to recover this reputation both for existing and potential customers. After all, how many people are going to choose a company that, from an external perspective, hasn’t protected its customers?&nbsp;Another main consequence is the disruption to operations following a breach or attack, the consequence investigation that must take place, and the change to business practices after the resolution of the attack. &nbsp;&nbsp;Deepfakes and the escalating threat of simulated contentDeepfakes are a significant threat within the realm of synthetic media, utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning to produce highly convincing videos, images, audio, and text that depict fictional events.&nbsp;Beyond ‘face swapping’ and lip syncing, which can convincingly alter individuals' expressions, deepfakes also create 'puppet master deepfakes,' mapping faces onto different bodies. While content manipulation is not new—with 'cheapfakes' existing for years—advancements in deepfake technology make it increasingly accessible and sophisticated, posing a rising threat.&nbsp;What sets deepfakes apart is their ability to be created with minimal technical skill, complicating the task of discerning authentic content from fabricated material. This evolution represents a direct threat to national security, law enforcement, and society at large.&nbsp;This threat landscape is influenced by various factors, including the growing prevalence of AI-generated content, legal regulations, and public trust in visual media. As awareness of deepfakes increases, malicious actors may accelerate their activities, intensifying risks for vulnerable individuals and organisations across all sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ensuring that your business has strong cybersecurity protection and awareness at all levels is essential to defend against the common cyber attacks mentioned earlier. Seeking expert training and advice from security professionals will help keep your business practices, cybersecurity strategies, and overall understanding of cyber threats current and effective.&nbsp;&nbsp;And for even more understanding of cybersecurity, as vast and ever-evolving as it is, discover more guidance on the Americas Cyber Defense Agency, which 'provides information on cybersecurity best practices to help individuals and organisations implement preventative measures and manage cyber risks.'&nbsp;