FILTER BY TAGS

Black Friday

Hotelier

Wholesale

Having access to our Partner Portal (previously called MaxiRoom) is the first step on your journey to boost bookings and maximise revenue with Hotelbeds. With plenty of features available for your convenience, our platform streamlines your daily operations and management. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Partner Portal has many advantages, from independently managing your inventory and bookings to monitoring connectivity with your channel manager, setting up offers, and accessing your financial information.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the objective of accelerating your learning process so that you get the most out of our platform, we’ve created the Hotel Help Centre. This article will give you a sneak peek into some of the most frequently asked questions about the extranet. Solve your main doubts below, and visit the Help Center to learn more about our advanced extranet and to find quick videos about our platform and information about our products and services.&nbsp;&nbsp;How to update rate plans and availability? &nbsp;Here are some key details to help you understand your Hotelbeds inventory:&nbsp;Remember that every time you create a new room, you must include them in a rate plan in order for them to be distributed. To do this, link each room to any of your rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;How can you update your availability? Go to the ‘Inventory’ section &gt; Click on ‘Edit Availability’ &gt; Make your changes &gt; Save the changes, while making sure to apply them to the correct number of Available Rooms and Release days. &nbsp;&nbsp;How can you update your rates? Go to the ‘Inventory’ section &gt; Click on ‘Edit Prices’ &gt; Make your changes &gt; Save the changes, while making sure to apply them to the correct number of Available Rooms and Release days.&nbsp;&nbsp;How can you create a new rate plan? Go to the ‘Inventory’ section &gt; Click on ‘Rate List’ &gt; Click on ‘Add new rate’ &gt; Fill your new rate details. If you don't see the 'Add new rate' button or want to create a new rate plan type not found on the page, please contact your Contract Manager.&nbsp;&nbsp;These are just a few examples of the main doubts you can find resolved on the ‘Inventory’ section of the Help Centre. Learn more here about how to create new rooms and how to add them to your rate plans, as well as to get a better understanding of our variety of rate plans and room capacities. Also, here you can download this visual guide to get started with the Partner Portal.&nbsp;Do you manage your inventory via a Channel Manager or a Property Management System (PMS)? We have you covered on this too! Visit this page if you work with a Channel Manager, or this one if you do it with a PMS. &nbsp;&nbsp;How to contact Hotelbeds for Partner Portal-related queries? &nbsp; &nbsp;There are several ways to get in touch with our Hotelbeds support team if you can't find the answer to your questions in the Help Centre. &nbsp;&nbsp;For general queries: Send us a ticket via the Hotel Support Form, which you will find in the Partner Portal’s platform. Simply click the icon (person with a headset) on the right side of the menu.&nbsp;&nbsp;For specific queries: Go to the Partner Portal and click on ‘Contact’, located in the footer. This is where you will find the Hotelbeds contact information you need for financial issues, contractual queries, business optimisation, and other general queries and integration issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;Update hotel content in Hotelbeds' Partner PortalYou can seamlessly upload all hotel-related content to the extranet to ensure that it accurately showcases what your property has to offer. Whether you need help uploading high-resolution images or updating hotel information, room details, or hotel services, this section of the Help Centre has the right answers to all your queries. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Partner Portal's two-factor authentication: what do you need to know? &nbsp;At Hotelbeds, we take security very seriously, which is why we've proactively implemented security measures to protect your Partner Portal account. The two-factor authentication implementation means that every time you access the Partner Portal, you’ll need to enter a one-time code (OTC), which will be sent via email. &nbsp;&nbsp;This is what you should consider: &nbsp;&nbsp;How long will the code be valid? You’ll have 10 minutes to access the platform once you’ve received the code via email. To generate another one, please log in again to the Partner Portal. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What to do if the one-time code doesn’t work? Try logging in again to receive a new one-time code. If the code still doesn't work, please ensure that ‘maxiroom@hotelbeds.com’ is whitelisted by adding it to your address book. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What to do if you haven’t received the one-time code? Make sure that ‘maxiroom@hotelbeds.com’ is whitelisted and not in the spam folder. Also, if you need further assistance, please contact your Contract Manager. &nbsp;Find out more about the two-factor authentication.&nbsp;What payment methods are available at Hotelbeds? &nbsp;VCC PaymentsOne of the payment methods offered by Hotelbeds is Virtual Credit Card (VCC). In order to properly operate with it, this is what you need to know: &nbsp;&nbsp;A VCC will be issued for each booking you receive. To find your card details, visit the Partner Portal’s 'Bookings' section, search for that specific booking, and click on the reference number to see your VCC’s details. From then on, you can introduce it in your Point of Sales Terminal and charge it. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Several factors can cause your VCC to be declined or experience any issues. Make sure to check the VCC activation date, charge the VCC as per the contract currency and charge net amounts. Also, remember that one VCC is created per booking’s total amount (not per room), and your VCC will always be automatically updated in case of booking amount modification. To report further issues, send us a ticket via the Hotel Support Form, as explained previously. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Once your booking has been charged and the invoice is set in your system, you’ll need to send us an invoice via email or via e-billing. &nbsp; &nbsp;Ecobill is our electronic invoicing platform, accessible via our Partner Portal. Besides, for the VCC payment method, a valid tax invoice is mandatory in certain countries. Find out more about Hotelbeds invoicing entities, which countries need a valid tax invoice and how to invoice via Ecobill in this section. &nbsp;&nbsp;Wire PaymentsBank transfer is Hotelbeds' second payment method. If you wish to operate this way, this is what you need to know:&nbsp;In order to get paid, you'll need to send your invoice. By default, suppliers should invoice Hotelbeds for each booking right after the check-out date via our electronic invoicing system called e-billing, available on the Supplier Finance Web.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you need to send the invoice via email or post, you can do so by opening a ticket, and our Finance team will provide you with detailed information. &nbsp;&nbsp;Bank transfers are scheduled twice a month. However, the first condition is to upload or send the invoice. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more about how to update your bank details, invoice via e-billing and Hotelbeds’ invoicing entities by country, please refer to this section. &nbsp;&nbsp;What campaigns and offers are available to you? &nbsp;Our offers and campaigns contribute to increasing your property's visibility and bookings. As a result of this exposure, you can attract new guests, enhance brand recognition, and boost your hotel's revenue. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;You can choose from a variety of options:&nbsp;&nbsp;Available offers to create your custom promotion: Last Minute, Opaque, Long Stay, Early Booking and Free Nights are just a few of the available options. Click here to find a detailed explanation of each one, as well as how to set them up. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monthly promotions: Each month, we release 3 new offers specifically designed to attract guests and increase bookings. You can find these campaigns on your Portal Partner account home page. &nbsp;To join any of these campaigns, simply click on the ‘Join Campaign’ button &gt; Select the dates of stay and booking window &gt; Add it to your rate plans &gt; Define your own conditions and combine them with other offers already loaded.&nbsp;&nbsp;Global and Regional Marketing campaigns: We run several global and regional campaigns throughout the year to connect you with wholesale and retail customers not accessible via traditional B2C channels. Some examples of campaigns include New Year, Black Friday, Early Booking Summer, long-haul campaigns, and other campaigns to promote specific territories, such as China.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Campaigns are published on your Partner Portal home page, and you can join them by clicking on the campaign, setting dates of stay and booking window, and adding it to your rate plan. &nbsp;&nbsp;These are a few common questions we've noticed hoteliers have about the Partner Extranet. We hope we have clarified some of them, and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to visit our Hotel Help Centre.

frequent-doubts-portal-partner-header-2.jpg

6 Frequently Asked Questions about Hotelbeds Partner Portal 

&nbsp;World Tourism Day is an annual event in the travel calendar that encourages industry stakeholders to reflect on the impact of tourism on the world: socially, culturally, environmentally and economically. &nbsp;&nbsp;Each year, this annual celebration is marked by a specific theme that reflects key tourism trends in the sector, from the impact of COVID-19 in recent years, to 2023's focus on innovative solutions for 'people, planet and prosperity', opportunities to reflect and rethink how we do tourism, to this year's focus on 'tourism and peace'.&nbsp;This year's theme reflects on:"Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst in promoting peace and understanding between nations and cultures, and in supporting reconciliation processes."&nbsp;World Tourism Day is important for travel providers to be aware of and consider, as it can help to:Learn about industry best practiceFind new business opportunities &nbsp;Raise awareness and knowledge &nbsp;Promote sustainable tourismIdentify travel habits and future trends &nbsp;Improve travel offerings&nbsp;So, can you take this year's theme of 'Tourism and Peace', which is a far-reaching theme, and apply it to your everyday?&nbsp;Promoting Peace and Community Resilience through TourismOften highlighted for its role in economic development, tourism also plays an important role in promoting peace. &nbsp;&nbsp;At a global level, where nations are interconnected and interdependent, tourism, an industry created by and for people, is proving to be a compelling and dynamic force in overcoming stereotypes and challenging prejudices.&nbsp;Did you know? &nbsp;Countries with a more open and sustainable tourism sector tend to be more peaceful.Tourism spreads philanthropy and leads to regional cooperation.Tourism supports post-conflict recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Success lies in empowering local communities to actively engage with their rich culture, while minimising conflict with the natural environment and all external forces - such as tourism. &nbsp;&nbsp;Real-world example: The town of Lahaina in West Maui was devastated by one of the worst wildfires in American history. Tourism resumed several months later, which raised new considerations for more mindful travellers. For instance, would their stay in a luxurious hotel displace residents who were temporarily accommodated there following the destruction of their homes?&nbsp;While West Maui accounts for 15% of Hawaii's tourism revenue, many local residents viewed the period of rebuilding Old Lahaina as an opportunity to address issues such as overtourism, environmental degradation, and economic imbalance. In fact, 17,000 residents signed a petition to delay the reopening of tourism in order to focus on the needs of Lahaina's working-class population.&nbsp;Nonetheless, with the projected loss of $9 million in tourism revenue per day since the fire, the Hawaii Tourism Authority enacted the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan to aid in the restoration of travel demand. This incident presented a crucial opportunity for thoughtful, intentional travel. A focus on regenerative tourism that reinvests in people, places, and encourages the 'long-term renewal and flourishing of our social-ecological systems' was paramount.&nbsp;It was essential that the tourism mindset shifted from an individualistic to a collective perspective, for visitors and residents alike, to foster empathy and initiate collaborative action.&nbsp;Many travellers were inspired to add several volunteering experiences onto their itinerary upon seeing business owners' livelihoods burned down, and residents respected most the behaviours of travellers who engaged with patience and understanding while also giving back to the community.&nbsp;How can you as providers encourage this type of travel?Encourage travelers to support local businesses and volunteer – these are key ways to continue that shift towards intentional travel that benefits host destinations.Promote alternative destinations – try sister locations to places that are suffering from severe consequences of overtourism.Promote a mindset for travellers grounded in intention - for example, one that asks 'where can we snorkel that's most respectful' instead of 'where do locals go?'&nbsp;Be aware of the wider industry and world – keeping informed as to any local challenges, initiatives or movements within the destinations that you’re recommending.&nbsp;These measures advocate a proactive approach to ensure that economic growth remains inclusive for the entire community, and that tourism is promoted for the benefit of residents as well as visitors.&nbsp;Top tip: Did you know that in February 2024, the General Assembly officially declared 2027 as the ‘International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism’? The next few years are a prime opportunity to take the travel industry even further when it comes to pioneering sustainable, beneficial initiatives.&nbsp;Engaging with Authentic Voices and Preserving Local HeritageCultural tourism is characterised by visitors' ardent desire to discover, experience, and learn about a particular destination. Whether that entails exploring novel cuisines, residing with remote rural communities, supporting local business owners and artisans, or travelling pilgrimage routes, the interest in cultural immersion is rapidly escalating.&nbsp;Ensuring that travel experiences are firmly grounded in the essence of a place is also in the interest of travel providers from a success standpoint:Cultural and historical travel accounts for 40% of all tourism globally.73% of millennials report being interested in cultural and historic places.Cultural tourists spend 38% more per day and stay 22% longer than other traveller types.&nbsp;Many countries and organisations around the world are already showing how it’s possible to balance economic development with retaining vital cultural heritage, and sustainable transformations. &nbsp;Urban regeneration – a ‘Special Area Plan’ in George Town, Malaysia, balances conservation with economic development, allowing local owners to restore their homes and set up businesses, while protecting historic buildings from tourism-induced redevelopment.Prioritising native industries – to avoid over-reliance on sole economic drivers, like tourism. For example, in AlUla investments are being made into native industries such as agriculture. Diversifying the local economy creates increased revenue for residents and lessens the strain on economies that rely on tourism as a main driver of revenue. &nbsp;‘Living heritage’ – the ‘Beirut Housing Rehabilitation and Cultural Creative Industries’ project offers small grants to local artisans, while the regeneration of the historical Mar Mikhael train station aims to reactivate cultural markets and businesses.&nbsp;A pivotal strategy for providers to incorporate sustainable cultural tourism into their day-to-day operations is to elevate local communities to the forefront of your experience recommendations.&nbsp;Adopting this approach satisfies the prevailing trend for authentic, experiential tourism in a manner that generates longer-lasting positive impact for the host community and economy, while also maintaining business engagement with customer preferences.&nbsp;By actively engaging with local communities, the tourism industry can ensure that the generated revenue remains within the community, where it can yield the most substantial impact.&nbsp;Promoting Travel that Champions SustainabilityIn 2015, the Member States of the United Nations collectively adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which endeavor to 'enhance health and education, diminish inequality, and stimulate economic development – all while addressing the challenges of climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.'&nbsp;The tourism industry presents a multitude of opportunities to impact and contribute to the realisation of these goals: through the provision of high-quality tourism training, which invests in education and skills development; by investing in sustainable infrastructure; by working to further the eco-conscious transformations in communities, economies and mindsets, including initiatives to decarbonise the sector; and by investing in innovative travel technology and upskilling tourism's workforces globally.&nbsp;Sustainable tourism is a major focus for the travel industry, with the appetite for sustainability showing no sign of easing: 83% of global travellers believe that sustainable travel is important.&nbsp;For the environment - &nbsp;One of the paramount concerns, not solely for the travel and tourism industry, but for the broader global context of sustainability, is the prevelance of single-use plastics. The hotel industry alone is responsible for the generation of 150 million tonnes of plastic per year – a significant proportion of which ultimately ends up polluting the world's oceans.&nbsp;In light of this, marine and coastal conservation programmes serve as an ideal example of how to promote experiences that cater to customer requirements while adhering to sustainable practices.&nbsp;Real-life example: Based in Cap Ternay research station on Mahé Island - which can be accessed via the Seychelles International Airport for overseas visitors, located near the capital of Victoria – GVI offers several volunteer and study projects where participants can spend their time scuba-diving to help underwater research, snorkelling to collect data on marine life, or even hiking through palm forests. &nbsp;&nbsp;Experiences like these are the perfect example of how agents can promote sustainable travel which not only aligns with the needs and desires of the customer, but that also benefits the host destination.&nbsp;How Hotelbeds HelpsWe’ve looked before at how important is to offer single-use plastic-free options for travellers (as just one example of sustainable tourism) and how this can and should become part of every travel agent’s strategy.&nbsp;But one way we’re making it easier for travel providers to offer sustainable tourism is by offering sustainable experiences in our Booking Engine. Including PADI-approved diving centres for those eco-conscious marine adventures, as well as thousands of other in-destination activities and experiences that offer tangible benefit to both traveller and host.&nbsp;Plus, our ‘Sustainable Hotels’ filter in our Booking Engine makes it simple to refine your searches to hotels that hold sustainability at the forefront of their operations.&nbsp;In fact, hotels are only shown in this filter once they have achieved industry-certified sustainability levels such as the Hotel Sustainability Basics certificate by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the GSTC Industry Criteria offered by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).&nbsp;Sign up today to discover our sustainable hotels and expand your portfolio for the travel options so important to today’s traveller.&nbsp;For local communities - &nbsp;Overtourism represents a distinct tourism-induced challenge that numerous renowned destinations across the globe confront.&nbsp;Initiatives such as the sustainable tourism tax, introduced in the Balearic Island of Mallorca, assist in supporting the conservation of this esteemed destination. Additionally, Kyoto, Japan, has implemented several measures to mitigate the strain of overtourism, including addressing traffic congestion and utilising social media to disseminate alternative routes and information for visitors.&nbsp;To work alongside these internal initiatives implemented by local governing bodies, it's vital that you fulfill your role as an provider to endorse destinations in a sustainable manner. After all, as the expert, you are the one placing travel prospects directly into the hands of travellers.&nbsp;Tip: discover thousands of eco-conscious in-destination experiences with our Booking Engine, encompassing conservation opportunities, regenerative experiences, tours and experiences facilitated by local guides, and a plethora of additional options.&nbsp;Furthermore, our global portfolio equips providers with comprehensive sustainable options as result of our status as a full-service provider, including green transfers and car hire, as well as single-use plastic-free and sustainable hotels.&nbsp;Tourism Helps Create Meaningful Connections&nbsp;This sector can be perceived as the epitome of intercultural dialogue; it allows meeting the "other" through learning about different cultures, hearing foreign languages, discovering new cuisines, creating bonds with other people, overcoming cultural differences through sharing experiences, and building tolerance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Travel, in its quintessential form, is an endeavor to expand one's perspectives. Extensive research has even suggested that 'tourist affiliation with nature and connection with local people' are 'critical determinants of positive psychological outcomes'; that travel fundamentally enhances well-being.&nbsp;This, undoubtedly, aligns with the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) previously mentioned: to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all individuals, irrespective of age.&nbsp;We see the connection between travel, identity and wellness in:Travellers seeking out experiences that align with their personal values, backgrounds or heritage.Travel that actively strengthens bonds with cultures or communities around the world.88% of younger travellers saying that travel has impacted their personal growth.72% of Gen Z travellers remarketing that travel is core to their identity, and how they express themselves.&nbsp;Social belonging is defined as an essential human requirement, a 'fundamental human pursuit' - and tourism plays a vital role in generating prospects for interpersonal connection.&nbsp;Moreover, this sense of social cohesion is also apparent in the industry-wide transition towards experience-based tourism, where authenticity and genuine connection has become paramount for tourists' overall experiences.&nbsp;There is substantial merit in the positive impact for travellers and their companions, including reinforcing connections amongst friends, loved ones, creating more meaningful experiences and memories, as well as increasing the probability of revisiting a destination.&nbsp;There is also, a great deal to be explored about the benefits of more connected social relationships between travellers and host communities:‘Immersion in the local community and socialisation with local people generate learning opportunities for tourists to know different cultures and virtues, which leads to self-reflection and potentially causes personal transformation.’&nbsp;Real-world example: The experiences of 26 international tourists to Fiji were examined in a recent study, to determine the connection between tourism and psychological wellbeing.&nbsp;Fiji has high levels of tourism, thanks to pristine natural environments and cultural diversity, and derives a great deal of revenue from tourism as a result: 34% of Fiji’s GDP was contributed to tourism, and around 150,000 residents are directly employed in the tourism sector. &nbsp;&nbsp;Travellers’ responses were categorised into themes, including ‘gaze’ (how tourists view the people and destinations they interact with and visit), ‘practice’ (a subjective, expressive encounter) and ‘reflection’ (post-trip learnings, related to personal transformation).&nbsp;&nbsp;And from increased sense of enjoyment when experiences where shared, a deeper sense of cultural understanding through authentic encounters with local communities and more chances for ‘shared memory’, results showed that travel can be a vehicle that increases social connectedness, personal development and transformation, and improved mental health.&nbsp;Not only this, but interacting with landscapes and residents who have been relocated due to climate change, or impacted by natural disasters, invokes a sense of awe that is directed not internally, but externally.&nbsp;&nbsp;These connections ‘evokes an ‘environmentally responsible consciousness’ in visitors, redirecting ‘personal concerns’ towards ‘more collective dimensions of personal identity’. These are significant factors in wellbeing, and support the notion that travel creates meaningful connections for people across the world.&nbsp;What are the key takeaways?Travel providers (and destination boards) ought to incorporate group travel into their tourism offerings – for more effective and numerous changes to offer chances for travellers to build connection with their companions during their trip.Accessible facilities are an essential requirement for children and elderly visitors – to promote collective participation in tourism activities and an enhanced sense of connection.Destination loyalty and revisit intentions experience an increase when visitors feel socially connected.Enhancing tourists' connection with nature, their companions and local communities will result in long-term advantages for providers, local economies and travellers themselves.&nbsp;Our Impact &nbsp;As part of HBX Group, it’s our ongoing mission to demonstrate through action how much value we place on industry-recognised travel standards, and our own environmental, social and governmental (ESG) commitments. &nbsp;&nbsp;Following the development of a new reporting framework, we’re able to anticipate future regulations, and achieve higher certification, which means that we can work even harder to make travel a force for good.7,889 volunteer hours completed - contributed by 1015 employees.€7612 raised – for global social causes.444.58kg waste collected from forest and beach cleanings.12,000 trees planted – that’s 9.04 hectares of developing forest.Carbon neutral in scope 1 and 2 – it's our 6th anniversary of this accreditation.Think Big Project – we launched this initiative to help create sustainable micro destinations, to empower local communities in rural areas.40,000 sustainable hotels – including 5000 single-use plastic-free accommodation options as part of our Sustainable Hotels Programme.We’ve become a UN Global Compact member.Hybrid vehicles – offered in even more global cities.Thousands of cultural tours, nature tourism and wildlife-centred activities – available in our Booking Engine, to encourage deeper connection with the environments and habitats of the world.Safari, reforestation, sanctuary and eco-conscious experiences – available for our clients to book.Purposeful Pause – space for employees to discuss important topics, such as financial wellbeing.Health Month – promoting employee wellbeing via yoga sessions, meditation and more.&nbsp;For a closer look at our parent company’s dedication to making ourselves and the world of travel a better place, you can download the HBX Group ESG report for 2023 here.&nbsp;

HB-WTD-web-header-2200x500.jpg

world tourism day 2024 travel as a catalyst for understanding

Travel as a Catalyst for Understanding: World Tourism Day

&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 providers 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 providers 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 accuracyProtects data against unauthorised accessEmpowers people to exercise their rights over their own dataHow 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 bookers, 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 travel provider, and therefore 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 providers – even in brick-and-mortar travel provider 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.&nbsp;Interestingly, though there is potential to hack the booking platform itself, Christo suggested that its ‘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 provider, 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.&nbsp;Another key risk is third party security, especially when it comes to travel providers 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’s 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 providers 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 by travel providers 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.&nbsp;

HB-web-header-2200x500.jpg

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

In recent years, the service and marketing industries have shifted their focus from accommodating Millennials as the 'future generation' to now integrating Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Born from the late 1990s to early 2010s, Gen Z and the children of Millennials, known as Gen Alpha, are already making significant impacts and are considered the true 'travellers of the future'.&nbsp;The industry is set on capturing the attention – and spending power – of these up-and-coming demographics of jetsetters, which makes sense given that Gen Z have risen to represent around one third of the global population.&nbsp;A recent study by the European Travel Commission revealed that younger travellers are more likely to: &nbsp;Return to, and add more value to, destinations over timeDiscover and actively seek out new, less-’popular’ travel destinationsIncorporate technology into the planning of, and during, their tripsSeek personal cultural experiences, benefits, and contribute to local communities in-destination&nbsp;It should be noted that Gen Z is currently one of the highest spending demographics in the travel sector. Despite not being individually wealthy, their collective spending power heavily contributes to their travel experiences. This generation's strong alignment between their values and consumer behaviors further solidifies their influence in the market. &nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s take a look at how the ‘travellers of the future’ are changing the landscape of travel and tourism.&nbsp;The impact of younger generations on travel trendsDid you know that Gen Z alone constitutes a spending power of around global spending power of $143 billion (a figure that is only increasing) and accounts for about 40% of all consumers? Or that Millennials and Gen Z consumers will make up 45% of luxury sales by 2025?&nbsp;Digital-native travellersThe upbringing of Gen Z and Gen A in a digital era has resulted in their development during crucial formative years, constantly exposed to evolving and easily accessible technologies.&nbsp;In terms of seeking out assistance from a travel provider, rather than doing things themselves, the likelihood of Gen Z doing so is influenced by various factors. However, among them all, Gen Z tends to prioritize technology integration, easy booking procedures, social environments that encourage connections with fellow guests, interactive communication with service providers, and personalized experiences.&nbsp;In light of Gen Z's ability to meet their own needs through their technological proficiency, it is crucial for travel providers to find ways to engage with this constantly connected generation, such as through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).&nbsp;How to attract and accommodate ‘digital-native’ travellers:Highlight the benefits of using an agency over an OTA – &nbsp;in your content, your communications or ads, your website, everywhere.Personalise all communications to the right audience, at the right time. Gen Z want individual experiences; use this to your benefit as a provider who can offer that.Ensure your approach is ‘mobile-first’ - whether it’s marketing or fighting for a spot on the top results in a search engine, what’s important to know is that 80% of Gen Z travellers use smartphones to research and book their travel. Compete with OTAs and be seen.Create engaging online content – you can’t book travel for customers who can’t find your services. Not only do you need to be seen, but younger travellers need to be convinced of why they should use an agency over an OTA. Convenience is everything – but personalisation is a huge motivator for this audience.Embrace technology and digital experiences – incorporate and promote tech-based recommendations, from hotels that offer AI powered air-con and mobile check-in to using a travel booking platform that has flexible payments – like our Booking Engine!&nbsp;&nbsp;Travel influencersGen Z spends an average of 10.6 hours per day online, making them the most digitally connected generation, and in 2023, around 29% of Gen Zers were inspired to travel to a destination by TikTok. Meanwhile, around 54% of parents say their Gen Alpha child spends up to four hours a day on social media.&nbsp;Many members of Generation Z and Millennials, more than their Gen X counterparts, find travel inspiration predominantly through online platforms. Social media, with its use of hashtags, geotags, and content sharing, provides a convenient way for users to discover and explore various destinations, attractions, and experiences worldwide. Travel businesses and influencers play vital roles in showcasing these destinations through engaging content, essentially serving as virtual tour guides for their audiences.&nbsp;A recent study discovered that approximately 75% of travelers in the UK, US, Australia, China, and Japan utilize social media for travel inspiration. Leading the pack are platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. Interestingly, 48% of travelers end up visiting destinations they stumble upon or are intrigued by on social media. &nbsp;&nbsp;Notably, during their searches, many users actively seek out new destinations, hidden gems, and unique travel experiences.&nbsp;Research indicates that the largest source of inspiration for young travelers is television, news outlets, or movies at 64%, followed closely by recommendations from friends and family at 47%. These findings highlight the significant impact of social media on the preferences of the younger generation of travelers, surpassing even the influence of personal recommendations.Build a positive online social presence to capture Gen Z travellersAnd considering the prevalence and importance of social media in their travel-making decisions, it’s fair to say that Gen Z – and even Millennials - are travel influencers too. &nbsp;&nbsp;It is important to note that for every interaction your Gen Z customers have with your customer service, booking, pre-and post-travel experiences, they are highly likely to share their feedback online, whether positive or negative. Therefore, social media plays a crucial role in the success or failure of travel companies.&nbsp;What does your online presence say about you as a travel provider?Are you creating engaging content? Is it the right content for your audience?How do travellers know what value you provide, compared to OTAs? &nbsp;Are you paying attention to what previous and existing customers say about you or your business?&nbsp;&nbsp;What do travellers want? Experiential TourismA large proportion of Millennial travellers seek culturally immersive, experiential travel – a chance to ‘get under the skin’ of their destination and create personally fulfilling experiences. &nbsp;&nbsp;Generation Z is known for seeking unique experiences, and as the first digitally native generation, their travel preferences reflect a technology-first approach from the start of trip planning all the way to sharing experiences during and after their travels. &nbsp;&nbsp;Most of all, both demographics are proven (find stats) to want and prioritise: &nbsp;Experiential travel – with a focus on authenticity in-destination.Wellness experiences – from holistic therapies to silent travel, wellness is driven by what wellness means to individual travellers, resulting in demands for bespoke experiences.Cultural and destination immersion &nbsp;Niche travel – such as agri-tourism, eco-travel, halal travel, adventure travel and more.&nbsp;The Gen Z demographic is increasingly showing a preference for authenticity in destination experiences. This shift towards experiential travel reflects a desire for bespoke, tailor-made travel experiences rather than the traditional 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Building on the cultural immersion focus of Millennials, Gen Z is leading the way in seeking experiences that align with their values. The trend is towards personalized, unique travel experiences that cater to the individual preferences of this generation.&nbsp;From ‘set-jetting’ travel to luxury culinary tourism, solo travel and wellness tourism, such as ‘silent travel’, there’s no denying the fact that as well as being motivated by a desire for self-discovery, cultural immersion, and localised experiences, Gen Z are just as inspired by ‘on-screen’ destinations, social media and a keen social and environmental awareness.&nbsp;In order to appeal to this future-focused generation of travelers, it is important to stay up-to-date on popular culture knowledge and have environmentally friendly recommendations readily available.&nbsp;See our top 2024 travel trends here!&nbsp;&nbsp;Sustainable Travel for the futureAs evidenced by recent data, sustainable travel is a top priority for Millennials and Generation Z travelers. 82% of Millennials have expressed a strong desire for travel options that are environmentally friendly.&nbsp;Promote sustainable travel options – from hotels that are certified as sustainable (you’ll find these in our Booking Engine – to tours that have reduced their single-use plastic waste.Practice what you preach – many travel companies have signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism as signatories, or seek sustainability certification as part of the Sustainable Travel Agencies Certification. &nbsp;Adopt sustainable practices in your day-to-day – a key example would be to use digital travel brochures.Support local causes – recommend locally owned restaurants, tours and own voices from a portfolio of trustworthy and sustainable travel products – like our Booking Engine!Invest in ‘regenerative’ schemes – much like our adjoining company Hotelbeds is dedicated to planting tens of thousands of trees in the Hotelbeds Forest!&nbsp;Conscious travel is top of the demands list for many younger travellers, from sustainable travel practices and experiences that benefit local communities, to voluntourism and regenerative travel, alongside their undercurrent of desire for unique experiences.Discover more about overtourism, and the importance of promoting sustainable tourism here.&nbsp;The impact on Gen Alpha on modern familial travelThe growing utilization of travel technology and enhancements in travel accessibility across various demographics worldwide have created new opportunities for younger generations to travel more easily and affordably. This shift is transforming the expectations of younger travelers as travel becomes more convenient and economical, especially in regions with advanced travel infrastructures.&nbsp;Given this, Gen A is expected to be the most mobile traveller yet.&nbsp;This not only affects the future travel patterns of Generation A, but also their current impact on modern family travel. In fact, approximately 43% of families with Generation A children are influenced or inspired by them when planning a trip.&nbsp;Although the older generations still play a key role in decision-making due to their ability to book trips, Gen A is actively sharing travel-related content on social media and indirectly influencing family travel decisions. Use this insight to provide experience-led recommendations to families with Gen A children.&nbsp;A high number of families are prioritising inter-generational experiences and the needs of the family over the destination itself. Tech-inspired holidays are ideal for family and intergenerational travel as these experiences are engaging, accessible, sustainable, and memorable. Immersive experiential travel is fun for the whole family no matter the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;While this is by no means an exhaustive list or overview of the impact of younger generations on travel, travel trends, and even wider traveller behaviour, it's certainly food for thought when you're considering how to attract, appeal and retain these all important travellers of the future. &nbsp;&nbsp;

YoungTrends-Web-header-2200x500-HB.jpg

Travel Trends 2024: The Travellers of the Future

In the hotel industry, upselling is a strategic approach aimed at promoting upgrades on bookings or reservations. This entails encouraging guests to spend more on additional amenities and services at any point throughout the guest journey, encompassing pre-arrival, stay and post-stay phases.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s well-known that these upselling techniques can significantly help hotels increase profits. But it’s also essential to have in mind the best practices and avoid potential pitfalls.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this article, we delve into the benefits of upselling for hotels, what to upsell in hotels, key guest types to consider, and examples of upselling tactics for hoteliers.&nbsp;Keep reading to discover more about our recommendations.&nbsp;Benefits of Upselling in Hotels: Why Is It Relevant for Your Property?&nbsp;In essence, by investing effort into applying these techniques within your daily operations, you’ll reap multiple rewards. Here are our top reasons why you should tap into them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enhanced Understanding of GuestsEvery interaction with your clients starts with a dialogue, and each attempt to upsell pushes you to listen to your customer’s voice. Understanding your audience improves their experience and facilitates customer retention.&nbsp;Increased Customer’s SatisfactionUpselling serves as a great way for you to showcase your services and product range, offering more options to your customers. They might not be aware of upgrading options, or simply might have had other needs coming up since they made their booking.&nbsp;Boosted RevenueEffective upselling can give you extra revenue streams. Opting for the right distribution partner, such as Hotelbeds, can grant you access to international guests that are more likely to upgrade their booking as they tend to spend more in a destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hotel Upselling Ideas: Where You Should Put The Focus&nbsp;When you start implementing this technique, it’s very usual to get very creative and offer an extensive array of amenities or services for your upselling purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, prior to delving into the upselling possibilities, it’s important to acknowledge that you should avoid giving guests too many options that end up overwhelming them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our recommendation here is that you start by presenting classic options, such as breakfast, early check-in and late check-out. And then add a few deals tailored to that specific segments. A selection of 10–15 options would be ideal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once said this, let’s see some of the most popular options for your upselling purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Room upgrades &amp; Rooms with special featuresBigger rooms, suites, or accommodations with panoramic views, terraces, saunas or kitchens.Stay extensions: Encourage guests to stay longer with discounts for a one- or two-night extension. This will help you sell additional rooms during off-peak seasons.&nbsp;Pet feesDry cleaning servicesSpecial occasion packages&nbsp;Baby beds&nbsp;Food and beveragesStrawberries and champagneWine bottlesPremium minibar selections&nbsp;Activities &amp; TransportSpa treatmentsIn-room massageDog walking servicesParking facilitiesBicycle rentalsOff-property excursionsAirport shuttle services&nbsp;Check-in and check-outEarly check-in: Guests arriving earlier than check-in time may be caught by surprise by your hotel and their rooms might not be ready. It would be a great opportunity for you to provide a room upgrade to a suite or simply a larger room as an alternative solution.&nbsp;Late checkout: This is important in order to facilitate the logistics of late departures, such as evening or late afternoon flights.&nbsp;Guest Categories to Consider In Your Upselling StrategiesFirst and foremost, it’s vital to know which segments of guests you’re attracting. This will give you insights on which type of amenities and services can be useful for each of these travellers. Some of the main guest categories to have in mind are as follows:&nbsp;Families with children: Consider offering connecting rooms and fun activities. This segment appreciates flexibility. Also, provide meal packages and family-friendly activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Couples: They may be willing to upgrade their experience with larger, more comfortable rooms, panoramic views, and other features that can enhance their stay.Romantic packages like couple’s massages, candlelight dinners, or a spa experiences are likely to be of interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Business travellers: This segment has a great potential for upselling strategies as these guests are often less price-sensitive, and are looking to improve and smoothen their stay.Some interesting upsells for business travellers would be early check-in or airport transfer, flexible departure times, express laundry, parking... Ensure that they are comfortable and that they perceive your property as one that is convenient and provides prompt service.&nbsp;Digital nomads: Some high-valued offerings include well-equipped in-room workstations, a coworking space or a chance to upgrade to high-speed Wi-Fi. Discover further initiatives to cater for remote workers here.&nbsp;Solo female travellers: Given the rise in solo female travellers, consider offering secure transfer options with trusted providers, as well as other options that we explore in this article on solo female travel. &nbsp;&nbsp;5 Upselling Techniques for Hotels That Deliver ResultsNow that we have defined what services and products are a fit for upselling&nbsp;– and how to cater to some of the most lucrative guest types –, it’s time to deep dive into some of the most common techniques to drive upselling success.&nbsp;Start selling before your guest arrival: This is one of the best moments to upsell because the traveller is eager to buy extra/complementary services.&nbsp;You can send customised emails or WhatsApp messages with offers 2–3 days before arrival. For instance, consider sending a brochure with relevant information about the hotel, and include a section with add-ons to their primary booking, such as airport transfer, early check-in or room category upgrade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Partner with local businesses: Collaborate with local companies to provide tailored and enriching experiences. Offerings like private walking tours, boat trips, wine tastings and spa packages can enhance guest experiences.&nbsp;Check what popular activities are held close to your property, and reach these local businesses in order to establish a collaboration. A good example would be partnering with local wine farms to create a complete wine experience package for a minimum stay of two nights.&nbsp;Another great idea is to reach out to festivals or sporting events’ organisers. As you can read in these comprehensive articles on film tourism and sporting events tourism, there are plenty of appealing activities and proposals for your guests.&nbsp;Keep a look into data: To better understand which amenities and services were most popular in the past, it's imperative to collect this information. It will enable you to identify the trends of your property, and you may be able to prioritise some offers over others to increase your chances of selling.&nbsp;Focus on training your staff for front-desk upselling: Ensure all hotel staff are aligned, and know how and when to upsell.&nbsp;Train them to gauge guest moods and how to ask open questions to gather relevant information.The check-in might not be the best moment to try to upsell your products, as guests often arrive tired and want a smooth check-in process, without having to hear your offers. Instead, it’s better if you have sent your list of offers a couple of days before their arrival so that they can have a look at it and decide if there’s something appealing to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Present every upsell opportunity as an option: Pushing hard doesn’t always work, that’s why it’s crucial to showcase upgrade offers as choices. Customers can get annoyed by aggressive upselling techniques. Focus on offering solutions rather than increasing your profits.In addition, when offering a new deal, only mention the incremental price, not the full price. E.g: Instead of saying ‘For £260 a night you could upgrade to our Seaview Suite with a Continental breakfast included,’ say ‘Would you like to upgrade to our Seaview Suite and add our Continental breakfast? It’s available for an extra £35 per night.’And always try to reaffirm the primary purchase and then offer the upselling. For example, say that the room chosen is wonderful, but that they can have the superior one for a small add-on.&nbsp;&nbsp;By embracing these techniques, hotels can elevate guest experience while boosting their revenue. As mentioned, it’s essential to start by understanding your customers’ needs in order to cater to them with your best offerings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember that Hotelbeds offer access to high-value customers more likely to purchase add-ons. We expand your hotel’s visibility among international travellers, who usually have a larger budget and seek to enjoy their holidays fully.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Join our network of 60,000+ B2B travel distributors today. Register your property for free and boost your visibility and occupancy rates! Already part of Hotelbeds? Log in to continue leveraging our campaigns and maximising your revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, don’t forget to download our free guide on how different channel distribution strategies can enhance your hotel’s performance. Click below and get it now!

1920x230_upselling-shutterstock_1430294444.jpg

Upselling Techniques for Hotels to Boost Revenue in 2024

&nbsp;Sustainable travel has become the buzzword of the last few years in the travel industry, and while it’s important to keep pushing towards an industry where sustainability is at the core of all business models, it’s also just as important to aim for more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Single use plastic-free hotels and experiences are essential when we’re thinking about making tourism a force for good, which is a goal that lies near and dear to us at Hotelbeds as a TravelTech leader.&nbsp;Of course, sustainability, environmental concerns and the travel industry have long been connected within both positive and negative discourse. However, plastic pollution and the prevalence of single-use plastics is one of the main challenges facing the planet and the tourism industry, as plastic waste decreases the visual appeal of destinations, pollutes the natural environment, and can contribute to poor human and wildlife health.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tourism isn’t the only victim when it comes to single-use plastic waste, but the tourism industry itself is a large contributor to plastic pollution, and it’s time that the industry tackles this problem from the inside - just like our Sustainable Hotels Programme, which now offers around 40,000 sustainable hotels.&nbsp;Here are just a few reasons why travel providers should be offering sustainable, single-use plastic-free hotels to your clients.&nbsp;Meet The Demands of Today’s (and Tomorrow’s) TravellerWhile today’s traveller is increasingly sustainably minded, it’s the traveller of the future who will be next in line to take the industry even further and minimising the impact of tourism on the environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, who is it that you're are trying to attract with these sustainable travel offerings?&nbsp;&nbsp;Millennials, Gen Z, and the up-and-coming Gen Alpha (children of Millennial families) are the travellers of both today and tomorrow; these are the young people who you want to impress, attract, and retain as customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;These travellers are already purchasing more sustainable travel options than any other demographic whether that’s experiential travel, slow travel, or even domestic travel. It’s got to be sustainable.&nbsp;Gen Z is a demographic which wants to travel sustainably and, according to some reports, are three times as likely to get involved with volunteering or regenerative travel projects when visiting another country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Similarly, Millennials suggest they want trips that have minimal impact on the environment. Millennials also represent the largest generation to date, with a massive $200 billion in spending power - so if anything, that’s a huge financial reason to pay attention to the needs of this travel segment.&nbsp;&nbsp;And with the global sustainable tourism industry valued at 181 billion USD and growing all the time, there is significant uplift available for companies, organisations and providers who implement successful sustainable tourism opportunities and who actively partner with those in the travel industry with sustainability at the forefront of their business model.&nbsp;Accor Hotels: A Successful Case Study In Going Single-Use Plastic FreeIn fact, major hotel chains have already made a step forward in order to tackle this issue. One good example is&nbsp;Accor Hotels, which joined the&nbsp;Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)&nbsp;in 2022 and has since announced two global partnerships with&nbsp;Green Key and Green Globe certifications.&nbsp;&nbsp;Going single-use plastic-free can be a challenging task for any business in the travel industry, but here's proof that such an aim is not only attainable, but significantly rewarding for businesses that do.&nbsp;In the following video,&nbsp;Jordane de Villaret Bentinck, VP of Sustainability Communications &amp; Change at Accor, explains the actions the chain has implemented so far and how they have been received by customers.&nbsp;Our Sustainable Hotels ProgrammeThis rising demand for sustainable hotels and experiences is also something we’ve clearly seen at Hotelbeds in the last few years.&nbsp;Our Sustainable Hotels Programme started in 2020 and offered 15,000 properties to travel sellers, and the end, eco-conscious traveller. Since then, it has grown to around 40,000 hotels with a huge increase of 84% over 2022 compared to the prior 12 months.&nbsp;&nbsp;What’s more, the programme saw a 30% growth in the number of travellers booking sustainable and single-use plastic-free hotels on our platform between 2022 and 2023, and interest shows no signs of slowing down.&nbsp;Sustainable hotels can be found with a filter in our online Booking Engine, which refines searches to highlight hotels who have signed up to our Sustainable Hotels Programme and earned the relevant certification, such as the Hotel Sustainability Basics certificate by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the GSTC Industry Criteria offered by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).&nbsp;This combined with the powerful, data-driven and user-friendly nature of our Booking Engine, which helps streamline daily tasks for travel providers, means it is easier than ever for travel providers to find the most relevant properties for eco-conscious travellers in just a few clicks.&nbsp;Sign up today to access our growing portfolio of sustainable hotels and begin broadening your offerings to the most vital segment out there right now - young, sustainable travellers.Log in today to access our growing portfolio of sustainable hotels and begin broadening your offerings to the most vital segment out there right now - young, sustainable travellers.&nbsp;Avoid Losing Business As Travel Goes SustainableAs more and more travellers are putting their money where their beliefs are, there is the potential risk that current hotspot destinations which are producing plastic waste will be left behind by an increasingly eco-conscious market.&nbsp;&nbsp;And for the communities which are so dependent on the revenue generated by tourism, as well as the travel providers, like you, who are dependent on securing bookings from travellers themselves, keeping up with client demand is key.&nbsp;For example, a study in Mallorca suggests that catering for sustainable travellers is not only feasible in built-up, popular locations, but necessary to maintain business and meet traveller needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;This study was carried out to determine the feasibility and impact of plastic-free zones where single-use plastics (SUPs) were drastically reduced. Hotels in the area were found to produce 7,720 tonnes of plastic waste every year, harming the natural environments which are so popular with visitors. Of the travellers that took part in the study, 84% suggested they would pay more for a single-use plastic free experience - which is a number that cannot be ignored.&nbsp;Evidently, if popular locations do not begin to implement green initiatives, and if travel providers do not promote sustainable hotels and experiences in these regions, the risk of suffering a drop in business as customers choose sustainable alternatives becomes very real.&nbsp;And with 13 million tonnes of plastic entering the waterways around the world every year, reducing the impact of single-use plastic pollution as a result of tourism has never been more important, especially in coastal and island destinations. As our head of Environmental, Social and Governance Carlota Galvan suggests:Considering that around 90% of the plastic in the oceans comes from land-based sources and that the annual damage of plastics in marine ecosystems amounts to 13 billion dollars a year, it is essential to be proactive on the issue.&nbsp;So, the motivation is two-fold for travel sellers to offer and promote single-use plastic free and sustainable alternatives to travellers at the very beginning of their travel plans; not only to help fight the destructive impact of plastic waste, but to continually meet the needs of todays’ traveller, without compromising the traveller of tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;What’s the first step?&nbsp;Accessing a portfolio of thousands of sustainable hotels to offer your clients! And with around 40,000 hotels participating in our Sustainable Hotels Programme, we at Hotelbeds are in a prime position to offer exactly what your customers are after.&nbsp;Sign up to become one of our valuable partners today to begin optimising your offerings with sustainable properties and access high-value clients all over the world, even in hard-to-reach segments.&nbsp;Become Part of a Forward-Thinking Industry&nbsp;Single-use plastic free. Carbon Neutral. Climate Positive.&nbsp;When you think of these terms, you think of the future. You think of the shape of the travel industry as it is in the minds of those that want to change the industry for good; you think of the next wave of generations who are the most vocal and outspoken about climate change and all the ways that individuals, industries and businesses need to offset the impact on the environment as a matter of urgency.&nbsp;&nbsp;Global and institutional incentives are also a great way to actively combat plastic waste and join forces with brands and organisations taking it upon themselves to make travel a positive force.&nbsp;As an example, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI), which is co-led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), requires national and local governments, companies, and supporting organisations in the tourism sector to actively commit to reducing plastic pollution and shift towards plastic circularity (reusing and upcycling products rather than disposing of them) by 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the ‘Future of Tourism’ coalition includes six NGOs who are encouraging key industry names to uphold 13 regenerative principles, such as circular economy, and including sustainable local supply chains in the definition of economic success, rather than just relying on GDP.&nbsp;&nbsp;These are critical developments from the industry itself, meeting the rising demand for something more than just sustainable travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plus, incentives like this are a practical way to support travel providers like you, as you reduce plastic waste in the daily practices and partnerships that you have, while still maintaining health and quality protocols for the end traveller.&nbsp;Already, many of the world’s best travel providers and institutions are taking action to reduce their plastic use and carbon emissions! For example:&nbsp;Beyond tours, Cunard and P&amp;O had all removed single-use plastics from their ships by the end of 2022.Alaska Airlines has remained the leading US airline on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last three years running.&nbsp;Leading slow travel tour operator Byway is launching flight-free planning services for international events to minimise carbon emissions.Adventure travel specialist Explore announced one of the most comprehensive carbon measurement projects in the industry, allowing travellers even greater transparency on their environmental impact.Marriott International had converted to shampoo dispenser bottles by 2020, eliminating 10.4 million mini bottles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Being a part of the movement is only going to bring positive responses from the high-value sustainable traveller and boost your success as a leader of the sustainable charge.&nbsp;What’s more, according to our platforms, tour operators and travel wholesalers are paving the way when it comes to booking sustainable hotels and experiences in some of our most popular destinations around the world. Which means, when it comes to influencing travellers to make sustainable choices, travel providers are essential!&nbsp;Promoting single-use plastic free hotels is just the first step of many; but it’s certainly a start.Plus, ensuring that more sustainable hotels and travel opportunities are front and centre for travellers at the beginning of their booking journey, encourages and enables more sustainable choices – allowing the industry to work together to transform the ‘traditional’ traveller into a sustainable traveller.&nbsp;Sign up today to access a growing portfolio of single-use plastic free hotels and begin to expand your offerings to attract the increasingly eco-conscious traveller of today, with around 40,000 hotels as part of our Sustainable Hotels Programme.Log in to your account now and begin promoting sustainable alternatives from around 40,000 hotels as part of our Sustainable Hotels Programme.&nbsp;&nbsp;

bnr_headers_2200x500_hb.jpg

Why Travel Providers Should Offer Single-Use Plastic Free Hotels

2023 is proving to be a great year for tourism, with several travel trends coming to the forefront.&nbsp;&nbsp;In our recent posts, we recommended catering to solo female travellers, as well as incorporating AI tech in the travel sector. Now, it's time to focus on another major travel trend that has gained popularity over the past few years.&nbsp;Film tourism, also known as screen tourism or set-jetting, refers to the phenomenon of people choosing holiday destinations based on locations seen in films or TV shows.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a hotelier, it's essential to understand this increasing trend, considering the abundance of films and TV shows filmed and broadcasted every year.&nbsp;Learn more about film tourism, how it benefits the travel sector, the main destinations for tourists, and how you can make the most of it. Keep reading!&nbsp;A Major Trend: Understanding Film TourismWith countless destinations to choose from, it’s vital to make your property’s location stand out from the competition. One way to achieve this is to leverage it with the help of TV shows and films.&nbsp;TV shows and films can significantly raise the profile of the city or country where the story is set. This exposure can extend beyond the specific location, benefiting regions, hotels, theme parks, and other attractions associated with the show or film.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tourists often seek to identify with their idols, favourite scenes, or visit the exact spots where the cast filmed. Screen tourism offers a unique opportunity to experience the emotions and sensations lived while watching a film or TV show, making it a fantastic way to connect with the history and culture of a place, which is what happened with the popular TV show Outlander and Scotland.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO and Disney+ has made audiovisual content even more widely available to a global audience, contributing to the popularity of screen tourism. Locations featured in films can motivate tourists to visit these spots, transforming them into popular destinations.&nbsp;Benefits of Film Tourism for HoteliersFilm tourism serves as a powerful destination marketing tool. Visual content plays a crucial role in increasing visibility in front of millions of potential travellers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The great amount of content available through streaming platforms has led to a significant increase in people visiting places they've previously seen on screen.&nbsp;As a hotelier, capitalising on film tourism is a good strategy to achieve:&nbsp;Increased occupancy: Hotels in areas featured in popular films or TV programmes receive a higher influx of visitors eager to stay close to filming locations.&nbsp;Higher room rates: The popularity of a location due to film tourism can justify an increase in room rates, especially during peak seasons or when film-related events take place, such as the Cannes Film Festival (France), or the Oscars (Los Angeles, USA).&nbsp;Repeat business: Enthusiastic fans often return for multiple visits, or even recommend the accommodation to fellow fans, creating a loyal customer base. &nbsp;&nbsp;Year-round interest: Screen&nbsp;tourism tends to be evergreen, attracting fans throughout the year and maintaining a consistent stream of guests, even during off-peak seasons.&nbsp;Increased revenue from ancillary services: Tourists engaged in film tourism often spend on additional services, such as guided tours, merchandise, and themed events. Hotels can tap into these revenue streams by offering tailored packages and experiences. At the same time, you can benefit from partnerships with local tour operators, film and production companies. This can also help expand the hotel’s visibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enhanced reputation and unique selling point (USP): A strong connection to screen tourism sets hotels apart from competitors and elevates their reputation when associated with popular films or TV shows. A hotel can end up being recognised as a unique destination, like what happened with The Stanley Hotel from The Shining. &nbsp;&nbsp;8 Films And TV Shows That Have Boosted TourismOverall, New Zealand, the US, the UK, Spain, France, India, Japan and Iceland are some of the most popular destinations for film tourism. Have a look at which films and TV shows have contributed to the growth of tourists.&nbsp;&nbsp;Game of Thrones &amp; House of the DragonBoth TV shows are great examples of significant contributions to tourism in recent years.&nbsp;Their influence was huge, and many places benefited from it. A clear example can be found in Dubrovnik (Croatia), which is the real-life location of King’s Landing, frequently seen in the show. Another good example can be sunny Spain, which hosted many sets, such as&nbsp;Girona (Catalonia) or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Basque Country).&nbsp;Iceland also received a great influx of visitors. For example, bookings to this country increased by 166% in 2019 when the last season premiered.&nbsp;Bridgerton &amp; Queen CharlotteAs one of the most successful Netflix productions, the Bridgerton series has significantly boosted tourism in the UK – mostly in Bath and London.&nbsp;The popularity of the show has been so great that even the Tourist Board of Great Britain has published a dedicated article on its website to promote the Bridgerton filming locations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Lord of the Rings &amp; The HobbitThis is one of the best examples of screen tourism directly influencing a country’s tourism.&nbsp;Despite the first of the films being released more than two decades ago, New Zealand keeps attracting screen tourism, making this an ‘evergreen’ source of income for the country. As a curiosity, these tourists (known as&nbsp;‘Tolkien tourists’)&nbsp;have a long-term impact that brings millions of dollars to New Zealand’s economy each year.&nbsp;Harry Potter filmsThey're another great example of how a country can take the opportunity to capitalise on a film series.&nbsp;Not only have the locations increased their visitor numbers exponentially – Alnwick Castle,&nbsp;home to Hogwarts, receives more than 800,000 visitors every year –, but they have also inspired dedicated theme parks like the ‘Studio Tour London’.&nbsp;On average, the filming locations experienced a 50% growth in tourism after their release.&nbsp;&nbsp;BraveheartFinally, we have this clear example of film tourism impact, which took the&nbsp;Wallace Monument in Scotland&nbsp;from 80,000 visitors per year to 180,000 after the film’s release.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tips for Hoteliers to Capitalise on Screen Tourism&nbsp;Regardless of the size of your property, there are various ways to take advantage of the increasing screen tourism trend. It’s all about creativity and thinking about how you can make the most of it!&nbsp;Contact and collaborate with film productions: Keep track of upcoming film or TV show productions in your area by getting in touch with the local film commission.Film commissions are public organisations that promote a specific destination as a filming location for audiovisual productions and promote film tourism. Many cities – &nbsp;and countries – have theirs, and they highly contribute to pitch their locations to be part of a film or TV show.Try to collaborate with the production teams and offer your property as a potential filming location, or provide accommodation for crew members. If you get to do it, you’ll gain fame, and you can even turn your hotel into another touristic destination in the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact Tourism Boards: Discover actions already implemented to promote film tourism in your area, and actively promote any filming locations near your property.&nbsp;For example, in Barcelona there’s the ‘Barcelona Movie Walks’ website with all the tours available related to famous films and TV shows filmed in the city.In Italy, many Tourism Boards promote screen tourism through their online channels, such as their blogs. You can reach them and ask to be mentioned in their articles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leverage social media: Share content related to film tourism on your hotel's social media platforms, engaging with your followers and being part of the conversation.&nbsp;Include, for example, behind-the-scenes facts about productions filmed in your area. It’s essential to communicate it through your social channels, so that you let people know what happened here and increase their interest in visiting the place.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Offer themed rooms and packages: If a well-known film or TV series was filmed near your property, consider offering themed rooms and packages inspired by the production. You can decorate the rooms with props or posters related to the productions.As for the packages, you can include guided tours to nearby filming locations. An example could be the Studio London Tour - The Making of Harry Potter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Offer Guided Tours: If your property is close to multiple filming locations, consider offering guided tours exclusively for your guests to enhance their screen tourism experience.&nbsp;Celebrate film festivals: Actively participate in film festivals hosted in your city and promote your hotel's association with the film industry. Offer special discounts or packages during these events to attract attendees. Organise private transport to the venue for your guests and enhance their stay.&nbsp;Certainly, as screen tourism continues to shape the new tourism industry, it's essential to stay updated on the latest trends and cater to the needs of today's travellers.&nbsp;If you're already part of our extensive B2B network, don't forget to log in and take advantage of our continuous campaigns to maximise your revenue.&nbsp;If you're not yet part of Hotelbeds, join the world's largest network of 60,000+ B2B travel distributors today. Register your property for free and boost your visibility and occupancy rate!

screen tourism header 2200x500 v2.jpg

Film Tourism as a Destination Marketing Tool: Tips for Your Hotel

&nbsp;The trend towards booking travel through a comprehensive travel provider is growing, as travelers seek authentic experiences. This increasing demand highlights the need for the expertise and connected services that travel providers can offer.&nbsp;For travel providers, staying abreast of consumer behaviour changes, receiving real-time recommendations based on historical data, and capitalising on growth opportunities is essential for staying ahead of competitors, regardless of where travellers are in their journey with you.&nbsp;Not only does this enhance the services you're able to provide to travellers, but these key 'insights' allow you to remain relevant and valuable in the fast-paced travel industry, certainly when it comes to the needs of the end traveller.&nbsp;Are you maximising this opportunity, or still spending countless hours conducting research and making searches in order to close deals, all while staying informed about the latest industry developments?&nbsp;Do you have access to exclusive global connections in key destinations all in one place?&nbsp;You get all this, and much, much more, with Insights.&nbsp;Let's explore how.&nbsp;What Is Insights?Powered by intelligent algorithms and marketing technology, Insights is a search and recommendation platform for travel agents with unbeatable personalised recommendations&nbsp;and customisable marketing materials available at the touch of a button.&nbsp;Insights is equipped with intuitive features aimed at enhancing your travel marketing efforts, addressing present and future travel trends, and maximising your achievements. With our platform, you can effortlessly provide top-notch travel experiences, leading to increased bookings and loyal customers over time.&nbsp;Plus, as more travellers entrust their travel plans to interconnected travel providers, and with other providers at every level racing to fulfil this demand, having a leg up on the competition is essential.&nbsp;So, what does Insights actually offer?&nbsp;Trend Forecasting with Real-Time Global DataYou’ll never miss out on a destination trend again with Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Using in-market global data and real-time insights, it allows you to keep track of, and capitalise on, destination trends that are most relevant to your source market.&nbsp;Insights is powered by:•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Historic travel search data•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Real-time market data•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;An awareness of seasonality•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Historic booking and itinerary dataAll this ensures that our information is valuable, relevant, and influenced by real bookings, to offer you opportunities that closely match the current and upcoming preferences of your market.&nbsp;By enhancing the quality of the products you offer your customers, you also increase your value as a travel provider. This positions you as the top source for the most sought-after destinations and comprehensive travel recommendations tailored to their needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result, you gain a competitive edge and improve the chances of customers choosing your services repeatedly in the future.&nbsp;A Tool That Learns From YouWhat makes Insights even better? It’s intuitive, driven by technology that actively learns from your behaviour when using the tool.&nbsp;Why? Because you can’t offer bespoke experiences to travellers without a tool that provides a personal experience for you, as their trusted travel provider.&nbsp;When you access Insights, you will see Destination&nbsp;cards, which are recommendations based on their opportunity value. These are the destinations that offer the best growth for you based on your current market, customer booking behaviours and competitor activity.&nbsp;So, once you know your most valuable destination opportunities, how you interact with them tailors your further recommendations.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Anchor a destination to keep it at the top of your recommendation list regardless of its ranking.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Save it for later to remove a destination for a period of time, and create a reminder for it.•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Discard a destination to tell Insights you’re not interested.You can anticipate receiving data on demand fluctuations, price decreases in your market, new additions to the hotel industry, and the most popular month to book suggested destinations. Rest assured that all recommendations will be customised to suit your specific needs and operational style.&nbsp;Get started today! Sign up today to access Insights, or log into your Hotelbeds account.&nbsp;Filter Options To Better Cater To CustomersA key question that arises as a traveler provider, is: how can you guarantee that you are providing your customers with the most sought-after destinations, all while accommodating the increasing demand for travel in a manner that is both meaningful and personalised?&nbsp;With Insights, of course.&nbsp;&nbsp;You get access to a portfolio of globally sourced, exclusive destinations and hotels, but they are presented in an intuitive way with comprehensive filter options so you can quickly refine your searches based on customer preferences.&nbsp;You can cater to a wide range of factors, such as: international or domestic locations, destination theme, traveller type, regions, star ratings and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;By utilising this tool, you can simplify the booking process and provide customised travel options right from the start. Insights is consistently updated, with clear week-on-week trends visible, allowing you to optimise booking rates effectively.&nbsp;In-Platform Personalised Marketing&nbsp;It goes without saying that the consultation stage before your customer books is one of the most critical, and how you communicate with your customer is vital.&nbsp;So, the ability to create personalised marketing materials in Insights is a pivotal benefit to travel agents.&nbsp;After identifying the most appealing destinations and hotels for your customer through the filter options, the next step is to utilise the Custom Flyer tool to present the top choices. Further customisation can be done by refining these selections based on star rating, traveller type, and TripAdvisor rating for a more tailored experience.&nbsp;What’s more, you can personalise all marketing materials with your own branding, removing the costly and time-consuming process of creating marketing content from scratch – a huge benefit for independent or home-based agents in particular.&nbsp;99% of marketers recommend that personalisation helps to "advance customer relationships" and has an "extremely strong" impact on whether that customer books or not. With feedback like that, it's clear that forming relationships on a personal level is critical.&nbsp;Cross-sell With Experiences&nbsp;Enhancing your customers’ trips and earning more has never been easier with Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the ‘Experiences’ tab, you’re able to review popular experiences in each destination you’re researching, ranked by the opportunity value for you, with key information about the experience, which you can use to excite and incentivise your clients!&nbsp;By utilising the interactive features available, you can manage these experiences just like you would your recommended destinations. Whether you choose to anchor, save for later, or discard the displayed options, Insights will consistently recommend the most valuable choices for both you and your clients.&nbsp;&nbsp;Embracing cross-selling can significantly increase your earnings per consultation, making this integrated feature your greatest asset while utilising Insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;So why not try out Insights for yourself, and sign up today, or access Insights by logging in to your Hotelbeds account.&nbsp;

2200x500_web_header.jpg

A Quick Guide To Insights for Travel Providers

Overtourism is when a destination receives too many visitors. According to McKinsey, 80% of travellers visit just 10% of the world’s tourist destinations. Such imbalanced numbers cause infrastructure problems, harm natural and cultural sites, and frustrate locals.&nbsp;A small town in Austria, Hallstatt is an example of a destination experiencing overtourism. Despite its population of 800, the town receives around 10,000 visitors per day in peak season. This caused the town’s locals to protest against overtourism, while holding signs saying “tourism yes, mass tourism no.”&nbsp;Similarly, around 250,000 people live in Venice, yet, the Italian city accommodates 20 million tourists per year. In 2024, Venice introduced a €5 fee for visitors who would like to access the city centre between 8:30am and 4pm during peak travel season. The main reason behind it was to reduce the congestion in the city, especially due to day-trippers who are exempt from the overnight tourist tax.&nbsp;Like Venice, other popular destinations implemented regulations in 2023 and 2024. Athens capped Acropolis visitors at 20,000 per day. Bali implemented a tourist tax of IDR 150,000 (around €9). And Amsterdam banned the construction of new hotels, to name a few.&nbsp;What are the risks of overtourism?&nbsp;Overtourism poses risks to destinations and locals, while changing the travel experience for tourists and the booking experience for travel agents.&nbsp;Here is what happens:For destinations&nbsp;In 2023, the Canary Islands welcomed 14.1 million foreign visitors, which locals found unsustainable given the islands’ limited resources and increasing prices. In a 2024 protest in Tenerife, a local said their rent was €800 while they earned a salary of €900. Another activist complained about short-term booking websites, saying they increased housing prices for locals, who now have to sleep in cars and caves.&nbsp;Besides increasing the prices for locals, overtourism may also damage the monuments and wildlife. The 20,000 visitor per day cap in Acropolis was put in for this exact reason, as the authorities wanted to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site.&nbsp;For the environmentIn 2023, Peru announced it would suspend visits to Machu Picchu as overtourism caused erosion on some stone structures. Millions of people visit the ancient citadel every year, which is not sustainable in the long run. Later that year, Peru reopened Machu Picchu, but put visitor caps to protect it.&nbsp;The influx of too many tourists also means more pollution. Although Italy’s tourism industry was hard hit during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown, locals in Venice reported cleaner waters and better air quality, as there were no visitors.For travellersWhen travellers stand in long queues, experience visitor caps, and pay tourist taxes, they may get frustrated with the destination. This also reduces the authenticity of the travel experience, which is increasingly important for tourists. In a recent report, 47% of survey respondents said they’d like to connect with locals in less-travelled areas, and 56% said they wanted to explore off the beaten path.&nbsp;&nbsp;For travel providersDestinations suffering from overtourism may disappoint your clients because of long queues and crowds. This can lead to negative reviews and dissatisfaction, damaging your reputation.&nbsp;In the eyes of some clients, recommending over-crowded destinations during peak season may appear inconsiderate, given the rise of sustainable tourism. According to recent studies, 43% of travellers feel guilty when they make less sustainable travel choices. Nearly half of survey respondents also believe travel service providers are responsible for addressing environmental factors, which include sustainable travel options.&nbsp;Want to know more about how we as a travel ecosystem player can take your business further?&nbsp;&nbsp;Read more about how to offer comprehensive travel services with Hotelbeds here.&nbsp;Why should travel providers consider overtourism when promoting destinations?Did you know that 44% of travellers have said they were interested in visiting less-touristy spots? As the Vayable CEO Jamie Wong said, “People want to reclaim what’s real. Mass tourism is no longer sufficient.”&nbsp;Experiential travel is on the rise. Travellers are looking for experiences rather than just visiting hotspots. American Express’ Global Travel Trends Report found that 77% of travellers prioritise having the right travel experience over the cost of the trip. And for travel agents, it’s more difficult to hit the right spot with over-crowded destinations. With more off-the-beaten-path destinations, local activities, authentic experiences, and sustainable choices are more likely to happen.&nbsp;Tourism accounts for 8% of carbon emissions globally, and is set to recover from the pandemic. In Q1 2024, international travel reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels. Given that most people visit the same tourist destinations, the environment is at risk. To help clients make more responsible travel choices, educate them on the risks of overtourism.&nbsp;For example, Thailand’s Maya Bay, featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2000 film The Beach, used to receive thousands of tourist boats every day. In 2018, it closed to tourists as the boats destroyed the area’s coral reefs. When it shut down, only 8% of its coral reefs were alive. The conservation efforts started paying off over the years, and in 2023, biologists reported that the coral reef population grew to 20-30%. Marine biologists estimate that it will take another 20 years for the coral reefs to become the way they were 50 years ago.&nbsp;These examples aren’t meant to put people off from travelling. Instead, they are meant to promote less-touristy beaches, eco-friendly hotels, and ethical tours that make tourism beneficial for everyone.How can travel providers find alternative destinations to better accommodate sustainable tourism?Work with HotelbedsTravel providers can use tools and analytics to learn more about emerging destinations that are gaining popularity but are not yet overcrowded.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, our Hotelbeds Booking Engine lets you discover hotels, vacation rentals, transfers, tickets, and experiences. Our expansive portfolio provides options from over 170 countries around the world, making it possible to book holidays in alternative destinations.&nbsp;With Hotelbeds, you’ll also get access to Insights, a search and recommendation tool. It gives personalised recommendations on trending destinations, the most popular activities, and alternatives depending on your clients’ needs. This empowers travel providers with bespoke recommendations, improved growth opportunities and a way to keep an eye on the competition.&nbsp;Plus, Insights highlights the destinations that offer the best growth opportunity for travel providers in your specific market, which provides a framework of consideration for your destination marketing strategy; including where you want to subvert these typical expectations within your audience, and offer closely-mirrored alternatives to delight, surprise and cater for travellers looking for hidden gems.&nbsp;We have an expansive portfolio, within our Booking Engine, of 200,000+ hotels, 18,000 experiences for all sorts of travellers and destinations — including the lesser-known ones. Not only this, but you'll join a connected network of 66,000 travel distributors, all benefiting from our end to end services as a ecosystem player in the travel industry.&nbsp;Understand Traveller NeedsFor travel providers liaising directly with the end customers, or with channels of communication that reaches this audience, it's worth thinking about what recommendations will speak to travellers in different regions, countries, demographics and your bespoke targeting segments.&nbsp;Ask yourself these questions:What type of experience are they looking for? - Are they looking for a vibrant culinary travel or ecotourism experience? Or are they in the mood for a city-scape?Where have they enjoyed staying before - and are they looking for something similar?What were they unsatisfied with in their last destination? - Understanding any unsatsifactory aspects of their trip, and how overtourism may have played into this, will help you provide a more satsifactory recommendation&nbsp;When formulating a destination marketing strategy, consider promoting alternative destinations to those firm favourites, for a better experience for travellers, and increased booking opportunities. Gone are the days when travellers were happy to settle for a superficial look at their destination of choice, 2024's travel trends (and beyond) suggest that today's (and tomorrow's) traveller wants to get under the skin of wherever they go, to understand the culture, the environment, and the people there.&nbsp;Instead of the usual Paris city center stay for a romantic getaway, why not consider suggesting Reims? Situated in the renowned Champagne region of Paris and just a short day-trip away from the city, this charming town provides a romantic ambiance featuring breathtaking Champagne houses and Gothic architecture.&nbsp;For urban enthusiasts who have been eyeing vibrant metropolises such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Seoul, Taipei stands out as a compelling alternative in Asia. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, bustling night markets, and breathtaking scenic spots like Beitou and Maokong.&nbsp;For travelers looking for an adventurous yet sustainable experience, Costa Rica's cloud forests offer a life-changing and eco-friendly option. With three protected nature reserves - Monteverde, Santa Elena, and Bosque Eterno de los Niños - that showcase a wide variety of wildlife, extensive hiking trails, and rich biodiversity, this destination is a wonderful place to explore Costa Rica's ecosystems while supporting their sustainable initiatives.&nbsp;By booking these alternative destinations, you’re more likely to offer authentic experiences and sustainable options, away from the crowds of destinations experiencing overtourism. Everyone benefits from the experience — you offer an unforgettable travel experience, travellers have an amazing trip, less densely visited areas get an economic boost, and the popular destinations experience a reduction in the strain caused by mass tourism.&nbsp;Sign up today or log in to your Hotelbeds account to get the latest offers and stay up-to-date with travel trends.&nbsp;

HB overtourism 2200x500_web_header2.jpg

hotelbeds overtourism sustainable travel tips

2024 Travel Trends: 'Overtourism: The Importance of Promoting Sustainable Tourism'

With recently felt global inflation and looming climate worries, plus increasing competition in the travel sector, these are rapidly changing times for hoteliers. However, the sustainable tourism movement may offer something of an antidote to these unprecedented challenges.This article details the current sustainable travel landscape and ways you can maximise sustainable travel opportunities for your hotel business in 2024.&nbsp;Environmental, social, and governance initiatives will increase your revenue&nbsp;According to a recent report by HotelTechReport, hotels worldwide are beginning to recognize the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities, for investors, stakeholders, staff, and guests alike. These ESG initiatives take into account:&nbsp;&nbsp;Environmental considerations such as conservation of water, whether energy is being used efficiency, and reduction of waste&nbsp;Social considerations such as fair pay and labour conditions, diversity and inclusion policies, and investment in local businesses and communities&nbsp;&nbsp;Governance includes track record of board members, ethical business practices, and compliance with laws/regulations&nbsp;Are you implementing ESG initiatives in your hotel business? Not only will these actions protect the planet, but a sustainability strategy will increase your revenue, as using and managing resources more effectively will result in cost savings. Additionally, if you can market your sustainability initiatives effectively, you will stand out from the competition and attract a wider range of traveller segments.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the global authority in sustainable tourism and travel, Hotelbeds are committed to supporting travel trade client partners to maximise opportunities in this growing market. Our own ESG commitments include our Plastic Free Hotel scheme, where qualifying hotels can be seen by thousands of potential travel buyers, with more than 38,000 properties already taking advantage of our offerings.We’ve also made the Climate Change Pledge and achieved Carbon Neutral status for three years running. Read more about our ESG initiatives in our report here.&nbsp;The demand for sustainable properties is growing exponentially&nbsp;Hotelbeds has seen a 30% growth in travellers booking eco-friendly hotels through our Green Hotels programme over the past year. With the rising awareness of the environmental impacts of travel, known as ‘eco-guilt’, it is clear that more travellers are becoming concerned about the negative impact of their trip and are looking to mitigate this through sustainable travel; in fact, 85.6% of travellers are willing to pay more for a hotel with sustainable credentials (Operto).&nbsp;&nbsp;With the ground-breaking development of carbon positive hotels around the world, like Norway’s Six Senses Svart, it is clear that the demand for eco-conscious travel is certainly not going anywhere and investors are seeing the endless potential of the sustainable travel movement. This innovative project sees an entirely self-sustaining hotel which is off-grid and carbon neutral developed in conjunction with the natural environment and constructed with minimal disruption to the surrounding land and sea. More than just a hotel, Six Senses Svart combines environment, sustainability, technology, wellness, and mindfulness.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a hotelier, it is essential to ensure that you are catering to this growing demand for sustainable properties, both in the short- and long-term. Whether you have the resources to build the next Six Senses Svart, or are simply making switches like plastic-free toiletries, you can take advantage of the growing demand for sustainable hotels across traveller segments globally. &nbsp;&nbsp;53% of travellers want to travel more sustainably, but not enough hotels are marketing their offerings&nbsp;Whether it’s individual boutiques or large chains, more hotels are making sustainable choices, which is vital in the current economic and environmental climate.&nbsp;By listing your ESG initiatives on search engines and focusing your marketing efforts, whether it’s zero plastic, green energy, supporting local businesses, or simply providing recycling bins, you can attract more traveller segments who are primed to pay more. There is significant opportunity here since, according to a report by Booking.com, only one third of sustainable hotels are actively communicating their sustainability efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Attribute-based selling is an effective way to ensure sustainability-minded guests can find your business during their research. If your hotel has any eco-credentials, you can benefit from ‘green filters’ on search sites; travellers are increasingly searching for ‘eco’ hotels as part of their research, so ensuring your hotel is listed in the optimal way is guaranteed to increase your hotel’s occupancy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Think you qualify or want to learn more? See how other hotels across the globe are benefiting from our Green Hotels Programme and get seen by thousands of travel sellers here.&nbsp;Beat plastic pollutionThis year’s theme for World Environment Day, Beat Plastic Pollution, draws attention to one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time.Thankfully, travellers are increasingly looking for plastic-free offerings; in fact, Hotelbeds has seen an 84% increase in our plastic-free hotel portfolio, with 30% more customers seeking both an eco-friendly and plastic-free hotel in the past year.If you have a plastic-free hotel, this is a crucial opportunity to clearly gain visibility and increase your occupancy. Learn more here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Take advantage of rising interest in regenerative travel through high-margin ancillariesSome travellers are looking to create a net positive impact from their trip, known as regenerative travel. Could you leverage this upcoming trend and connect with any local businesses or charities to offer regenerative ancillaries? Or perhaps you could invest a portion of each booking into a local community group or environmental project.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hotelbeds offers hoteliers access to a network of over 60,000 hard-to-access B2B travel buyers such as tour operators, retail travel agents, airline websites, and loyalty schemes in over 190 source markets worldwide. These channels provide hotel partners with returning guests that book further in advance, cancel less, spend more in-destination and stay longer.Qualifying hotels can benefit from exposure to more than 60,000 client partners of Hotelbeds and Bedsonline – including travel agents, tour operators, airlines, and points redemption schemes – via a green filter that includes details of certifications and offer tags.&nbsp;The pivotal role hoteliers play in sustainable travelAs demand for sustainable travel continues to increase, hotels who are willing to adapt and pivot will certainly succeed. Environmentalism is not a passing trend, so ensure your travel business is primed to help sustainable travellers invest in your offerings and protect the planet for years to come.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hotelbeds: making travel a force for goodHere at Hotelbeds, we have already helped thousands of hoteliers increase their hotel’s occupancy. Whether you’re an individual hotel, chain, or cluster, we can help your sustainable hotel business thrive. Register your property&nbsp;here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here at Hotelbeds, we have already helped thousands of hoteliers increase their hotel’s occupancy. Whether you’re an individual hotel, chain, or cluster, we can help your sustainable hotel business thrive. Log in to your account&nbsp;here.&nbsp;

Header.jpeg

World Environment Day - The Importance of Going Green For Hoteliers

Today, more and more travellers are consciously choosing their hotels and accommodation based on their green and social commitments. &nbsp;&nbsp;As explain in our Travel Trends Guide for 2025, sustainable travel is a major area of focus for our industry, and for Hotelbeds, impacting directly on our daily operations and how we generate tourism. &nbsp;&nbsp;The process of becoming an eco-friendly hotel is easier than you might think at first glance. Check out our guide to hotel sustainability and our 6 tips to avoid using single-use plastics in hotels. &nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, it's important to let potential guests know that you support these initiatives, and a certification is one of the best ways to do so. &nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout this article, we’ll provide you with relevant information about getting certified with two of the major certifications for hotels. We’ll also explain how to leverage Hotelbeds’ benefits by becoming a sustainable partner. Keep reading!&nbsp;&nbsp;How Hotelbeds helps with ESG strategy &nbsp;Hotelbeds, as part of the HBX Group, takes its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities seriously. We’re committed to ensuring our planet's sustainability. As a result, we have established 10 core commitments related to the Sustainable Development Goals, including: &nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to promote sustainable and conscious travel to minimise environmental impact and improve the community with our technological capabilities. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We highlight to our partners and stakeholders the benefits of introducing sustainable practices into their business models and complying with regulations, legal requirements and qualifying for certifications that make a difference. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;We work to enhance visibility and promote sustainable products, services, and destinations through the creation of sustainability performance levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;What’s the Sustainable Hotels Programme?As part of our ESG efforts, we highlight the Sustainable Hotels Programme, formerly known as the Green Hotel Programme. What is the purpose of this initiative? &nbsp;&nbsp;In recent studies, the World Travel &amp; Tourism Council (WTTC) observed that 74% of travellers want hotels to provide more sustainable choices. 65% of respondents said that they would feel better about paying for accommodation with a sustainable certification or label. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Since hoteliers are key players in the tourism industry – one of the sectors with the most impact on the environment, society and economy – it’s essential to consider implementing a sustainable perspective in the properties. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Therefore, the Sustainable Hotels Programme was created to encourage properties regardless of their size to become a force for good, and help them to communicate their sustainable practices. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Hotels participating in the programme benefit from more visibility in our system. If you’re a member of the programme, you'll appear in the booking engine under the filter 'Sustainable Hotels'.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;We'll also include your property in sustainability-focused marketing actions, promoting it across channels such as email communications, banners, and landing pages on bedsonline.com and hotelbeds.com. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also, we run campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the use of single-use plastic, and other eco-friendly and social initiatives. Last year's campaign with Accor increased the number of properties free of single-use plastic from 500 to 5,000. Stay tuned in the coming months as we'll be launching a new series of campaigns. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a group, HBX Group has observed a growing interest and bookings from hotels that adopt sustainable practices. Currently, we have 40,000+ properties certified as sustainable in our portfolio - between 2022 and 2023, we reported an 30% increase in bookings for sustainable hotels within 12 months. Additionally, our Sustainable Hotels landing page has been the most viewed this year so far, proving again the growing interest in this category of properties and the changing traveller's intent.&nbsp;One effective way to communicate your sustainable initiatives to the world and access our Sustainable Hotels Programme is to become certified with eco certifications. At Hotelbeds, we suggest two in particular. Read on to learn about some of the best certifications in the industry and how to obtain them.&nbsp;Your Guide to Hotel Certification &nbsp;WTTC Hotel Sustainability BasicsThe first certificate we encourage you to get is Hotel Sustainability Basics by the WTTC. This is the global authority on travel and tourism's economic and social contribution, working with governments and international institutions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In four simple steps, you can get this certification regardless of the size of your property. &nbsp;&nbsp;Fill in the registration form to receive the toolkit with all the information about joining the programme. Visit wttc.org to do so.&nbsp;&nbsp;You’ll receive confirmation from WTTC, explaining the verification partners available in your region. After choosing one, WTTC will tell you how to verify the certification criteria you must follow. &nbsp;&nbsp;Next step will be to implement the 12 basics of sustainability defined by WTTC over the next three years. These basics include Measure &amp; Reduce Energy Use, Measure &amp; Reduce Water List, No SUP water bottles, Bulk amenity dispensers or Community Benefit, among others. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Once the criteria have been completed, you’ll need to send evidence to your verification partner. Once verified, you'll get a badge showing that your property complies with the Basic Hotel Sustainability standard. &nbsp;&nbsp;GSTC Industry CriteriaThe second certification we recommend you get is provided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This organisation establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. They are arranged on four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts. &nbsp;&nbsp;These criteria are used by businesses of all sizes to become more sustainable and as a basis for certification. To measure compliance with GSTC Criteria, some performance indicators are available. All of these criteria can be found here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, meeting all the GSTC Criteria, have a high level of assurance and credibility. Being certified by an Accredited Certification Body means that your property complies with the highest social and environmental standards on the market. &nbsp;&nbsp;This is how GSTC certification works: &nbsp;&nbsp;Choose a Certification Body (organisations that have been accredited based on the quality of their certification process) from this list. Some of these GSTC Accredited Certification Bodies include Bureau Veritas, Control Union and RoyalCert. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After working with a Certification Body towards achieving full GSTC requirements compliance, your operation will receive its Certification from an Accredited Certification Body.&nbsp;Introducing Our New Sustainability Hub &nbsp;Aside from these certifications, we also strive to provide you with the tools to become more sustainable and implement initiatives that will benefit you. &nbsp;&nbsp;As part of our ESG strategy, we’re glad to announce the launch of the Sustainability Hub, an online site aiming to collaborate with stakeholders to improve sustainability, generate networking and share ESG projects and actions. We’ll support small and medium hotels and clients on their sustainability journey. &nbsp;&nbsp;In this hub, you’ll find relevant content on sustainability and hotels, as well as sustainability mentoring programmes to help you obtain these certifications (WTTC &amp; GSTC). Some of the areas we’ll cover include: &nbsp;&nbsp;Mentoring on how to start with Basic from WTTC and expand with GSTC standards at different levels. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Support with activities to share best practices, webinars, mentoring programmes, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;Launch specific campaigns on topics like plastic-free, waste, energy, universal accessibility, among others. &nbsp;&nbsp;ESG advice for customers and suppliers. &nbsp;&nbsp;We hope that this article will encourage you to go further in your efforts to make your property more environmentally friendly. Be sure to stay tuned for all the sustainable initiatives that we’ll be launching in the coming months. &nbsp;&nbsp;Haven’t joined Hotelbeds yet? Start benefiting from a wide range of products and services at your disposal, as well as from 60,000+ travel distributors ready to book your rooms. Register your property today!

_environment_day_web_header_1920x1080.jpg

How to Obtain Your Hotel Sustainability Certification: A Guide for Hoteliers

&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 by 2025, 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 fragmentationThe complexity of the travel booking and payment networks/platformsThe existence of many travel agents and third-party service providersPoor security systems when it comes to IT and point-of-sale (POS)Human errorThe millions of travellers all interacting with travel providers within cyberspace&nbsp;&nbsp;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, by 2025, 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 providers improve your awareness.&nbsp;Social EngineeringSocial engineering is widely recognized 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;Throughout the year 2023, 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’ device 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 in order 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 using 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 &nbsp;Insist employees use strong passwords and two-factor authentication &nbsp;Keep software and cybersecurity systems up to date &nbsp;Implement email cybersecurity measures, such as spam filters&nbsp;&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.&nbsp;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 recognized 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 &nbsp;Leveraging data encryption &nbsp;&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, offer customised tour packages or itinerary planning, provide quotes, or display 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;&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 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 &nbsp;Staying current with Operating System (OS) and software updatesEncouraging clients to encrypt their dataInstalling antivirus or anti-malware protectionChanging default passwords &nbsp;Avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi networks &nbsp;Being cautious of suspicious emails or links&nbsp;&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;&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.

All

Search