Kate Harden-England1 - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 2

1 min

HBX Group becomes founding commercial…

🛫 ABTOT has partnered with HBX Group as part of its new Commercial Services Partners initiative. This collaboration provides ABTOT members with preferential trade rates, enhanced accommodation content, webinars, and co-branded events. Julie Jones, ABTOT’s development director, emphasizes the practical value for members, while David Amsellem of HBX Group highlights the support for UK travel organisers. The partnership aims to boost efficiency and commercial performance in the travel industry.

2 min

Great Western Railway introduces…

🚉 UK rail firm Great Western Railway (GWR) launched the UK’s first battery-only train into passenger service, replacing diesel trains starting with the 0530 West Ealing to Greenford service. The Class 230 train set a world record, traveling 200.5 miles on a single charge. The fast-charge trial on the Greenford line lasted 22 months, highlighting battery technology as a viable, sustainable alternative. GWR aims for net-zero emissions by 2050 and plans further battery train investments with the Department for Transport.

2 min

Jet2.com reaches 100% electric ground…

🚀 Jet2.com has achieved a milestone at Newcastle Airport by transitioning all its owned ground service equipment (GSE) to 100% electric power. This aligns with its goal to reduce emissions and enhance air quality, aiming for a 99% reduction in GSE emissions by 2035. Paul Southall, Head of Sustainability, emphasizes their commitment to sustainability through electrification efforts. The initiative also includes electric crew buses and a salary-exchange scheme for electric cars across the UK.

2 min

Hubby eSIM adds Kasper Rasmussen as Chief…

✈ Amsterdam-based Hubby eSIM has appointed Kasper Rasmussen as Chief Commercial Officer. Bringing over 20 years of experience, Rasmussen joins from AuthentIQ Intelligence. In 2025, Hubby eSIM significantly grew travel brand partnerships with DERTour and Flight Centre. CEO Thijs van der Wijk highlighted 2026 as a year to scale new products and enhance partnerships. The company aims to make connectivity a vital part of travel, helping brands and travelers stay connected.

2 min

Corporate NDC bookings jump 168%, finds…

✈️ Accelya reports a 168% increase in corporate NDC bookings and a 162% rise in NDC volumes through GDS in Q4 2025 vs. Q4 2024. Airlines on Accelya's platform included ancillaries in 31% of NDC bookings, adding up to $12 per ticket. January 2026 set new NDC volume records, signifying growth. BCD Travel saw NDC bookings quadruple, highlighting rapid adoption. This reflects a shift from pilot projects to large-scale operations, driven by significant investment in modern retailing technology.

2 min

Travel Counsellors appoints Jeremy Smith to…

💻 Travel Counsellors, UK’s leading travel tech platform, appoints Jeremy Smith as AI Innovation Partner in February 2026. Smith, founder and CEO of Neural Voice, aims to enhance AI in the company, evolving TC Co-Pilot, improving workflows, and personalizing customer experiences. This appointment supports Travel Counsellors’ ongoing tech investment in 2026. CEO Steve Byrne highlights the commitment to innovation, while Smith emphasizes AI’s role in augmenting human expertise. His mother, a Travel Counsellor for over ten years, connects him personally to the business.

2 min

Over-55s lead 2026 travel surge, data finds

🌎 UK holidaymakers in 2026: 55% prioritize shared experiences over inheritance, especially those 55+. 26% plan to spend more on longer trips, while 18% favor shorter trips. 70% design vacations around personal interests; history (54%) and food (31%) are top picks. Top travel experiences: city breaks (57%), beach (42%), all-inclusive (37%). 48% of over-55s indulge in luxury without guilt. Despite economic challenges, travel spending remains strong, driven by passion-led pursuits.

2 min

Castles Technology partners with Loomis Pay…

💳 Android payment device specialist, Castles Technology, is aiding Loomis Pay's expansion in Europe, initially targeting Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Spain. Loomis Pay will deploy the S1F4 Pro, S1P2, and S1U2M4 devices, along with the CasHUB TMS and Marketplace. A successful Norwegian pilot saw deployments in 17 locations. Partnering with Finnish company Seitatech, the rollout took just a few months. Castles Technology emphasizes innovation and agility in their Android solutions.

3 min

ATM to spotlight sports tourism…

🏃 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, from May 4-7 at Dubai World Trade Centre, highlights sports tourism's potential, with sports travellers spending twice as much as average tourists. The sector could grow by 63%, boosting Middle East tourism valued at $600 billion, while the global market could hit $2 trillion by 2030. 80% of sports event attendees return as leisure tourists or recommend destinations. The region's expanding infrastructure positions it well for this growth, with Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

2 min

Millions left on the table with direct…

🏠 In late 2024, Hospitable introduced the Abandoned Bookings feature, recovering over $3.1 million USD (£2.26 million) in direct booking revenue for property managers. The feature addresses the common practice of ignoring hesitant guests at checkout, a costly oversight. CEO Pierre-Camille Hamana emphasizes that follow-ups can convert these abandoned bookings, similar to reminders in other online purchases. This highlights a structural gap in direct booking funnels, where meaningful demand is often overlooked.

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