While the company exits hotel tech competition with Amadeus, it aims to focus on air and hotel distribution, projecting double-digit growth in 2025
May 13, 2025
Sabre’s $1.1 billion sale of its hotel technology division to TPG marks a significant strategic shift for the travel tech company. The move reduces Sabre’s debt burden, enables it to streamline operations, and sharpens its focus on its core air and hotel distribution business. While the sale distances Sabre from direct competition with Amadeus in the hotel tech space, CEO Kurt Ekert sees it as a long-term win – both financially and strategically.
Key takeaways
- Strategic refocus: Sabre sold its hotel tech unit to TPG for $1.1 billion, allowing it to concentrate solely on its core distribution business – particularly air and hotel bookings.
- Debt reduction priority: Roughly $960 million of the sale proceeds will go toward reducing Sabre’s $5 billion debt, supporting healthier cash flow and long-term investment.
- Streamlined organization: About 1,000 employees, including Sabre Hospitality’s leadership, will move to TPG. Sabre’s workforce will now total around 5,500 employees.
- Market positioning: While Sabre exits hotel tech competition with Amadeus, it aims to grow air distribution, projecting double-digit growth in 2025 by gaining share from competitors.
- Challenging environment: Q1 2025 air bookings dropped 3%, and the overall GDS market is expected to shrink 1–2% due to economic uncertainty, though Sabre remains optimistic about a rebound.
- Tech overhaul ahead: Ekert continues to push for a modernization of Sabre’s tech stack, aiming to create a more retail-like airline booking experience and attract new clients with upgraded systems.
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