Hotelbeds, which sells rooms at over 45,000 hotels, across almost 150 countries, reported $1.3 billion in profits back in 2010. Stronger reach, even in these troubled financial times, suggests the model of Hotelbeds is, at least a valid one. With clients like EasyJet (EZJ.L), Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) and Travel Republic, and clues that the company intends to add personnel, it’s clear TUI intends to ramp up this end of their travel offerings.
It’s no news that the demand for online services in the sector forced brick and mortar travel companies like TUI into the fray. Hotelbeds, as an OTA among a mass of OTAs, is actually quite stunning for several reasons, not the least of which is their celebration of of 10 years in business with a whole new image. Their rebrand launch (PDF) promises to add a more online-centric tone to the TUI compliment of services. Whether or not the apparent “engagement” and marriage to digital travel will bear more fruit, only time will tell.
According to all the press, TUI intends to up marketing and IT spend significantly in the coming months, reportedly along the lines of 40 percent even. We will attempt to contact TUI to take a look inside Hotelbeds so that we can show you a more clear picture of this interesting compliment to TUI travel. In the meantime, we suggest you visit TUI, or Hotelbeds Corporate, via the links provided.
Feature image courtesy TUI