HotelBeds is now the undisputed leader of the “traditional” online travel wholesale space (Online Travel Agents aside), after buying its two main rivals – GTA and Tourico. The GTA deal was announced on Friday and followed HotelBeds’ Tourico acquisition in February. HotelBeds will retain all three brands with combined annual room nights sales in the region of an estimated 50m. Impressive, but to put this in context, the Priceline Group did 557m room nights in 2016.
No Vacancy Returns
July 17-18, 2018
Exciting times ahead for No Vacancy, which has been acquired by National Media from founder Martin Kelly, who also publishes TravelTrends.biz.
The new era kicks off with No Vacancy - The Accommodation Business Expo at Sydney’s new International Convention Centre on July 17-18, 2018.
“We’ll be taking No Vacancy to another level, combining high quality content with a large trade show featuring up to 150 exhibitors across all verticals, transforming it into the business hub of Australia’s accommodation industry,” says Harvey.
He says the accommodation industry is worth more than $18 billion to the Australian economy. “Yet surprisingly, given the size of the industry there is no dedicated exhibition designed to meet all its needs.”
“No Vacancy - The Accommodation Business Expo will fill this void and offer hoteliers and other accommodation industry professionals a platform to discover products and ideas to optimize their properties, create amazing guest experiences and ultimately boost their profits.”
Historically No Vacancy has been very much an accommodation marketing conference, but the new look exhibition will embrace all aspects of the accommodation business.
Content is still central to the event and will be expanded upon with more topics, more sessions and more speakers.
The exhibition will showcase the best quality suppliers across design and decor, property management, operations and finance, housekeeping, spa and leisure, in-room and guest-facing technology, and marketing, distribution and reservation solutions.
“We are really excited about where we can take No Vacancy and look forward to working closely with the community that's been supporting the event since 2007,” said Harvey.
For more information, contact:
Mark Harvey, MD, National Media
Phone: +61 7 5510 5101 // 0419 775 488
Email: mharvey@nationalmedia.com.au
Returning in 2018
Change is the only constant in travel and so it is with TRAVELtech, which will be returning early in the second quarter of 2018.
The event has been bought by National Media - one of Australia's most respected event management companies - from founder Martin Kelly, who also publishes TravelTrends.biz.
Kelly says he’s happy TRAVELtech is in good hands and will remain connected in a programming and moderation role.
“I’ve really enjoyed creating and running TRAVELtech but it was time to step aside and let someone else with the capacity to accelerate their evolution take it on,” says Kelly.
He will now focus on further developing TravelTrends.biz, while also consulting to travel companies on communications, innovation, industry trends and strategy.
Mark Harvey from National Media says TRAVELtech, founded in 1999, will evolve into a much larger event.
"We have plans for become the main exhibition and conference in Asia Pacific for travel technology buyers, travel agencies, tour operators and transport professionals to source, learn and network," he says.
"It will bring together a large selection of specialist suppliers showcasing the latest innovations across distribution, reservation, business operation and sales and marketing."
For more information, contact:
Mark Harvey, MD, National Media
Phone: +61 7 5510 5101 // 0419 775 488
Email: mharvey@nationalmedia.com.au
