A new distribution partnership has been forged between travel wholesaler Tourico Holidays and Tui Germany.
Tui German unit will gain access to Tourico’s inventory of worldwide hotels via XML connectivity.
The German group of companies includes the core Tui brand, as well as 1-2-FLY, airtours and L’tur, Tui fly, and specialist companies such as Gebeco and Berge & Meer.
This development brings Tourico Holidays in line with the other bedbank businesses within owner, the Hotelbeds Group, which already had a long-standing partnership with Tui Germany.
Tourico officially became a part of Hotelbeds Group earlier this month and is currently operating as a business unit within the company, while a strategic plan is developed for the integration process.
Tourico has more than 80,000 hotels contracted across the globe and offers clients “ExclusiveDeals” – or pre-purchased hotel room blocks – that guarantee clients discounted rates.
The firm pioneered the industry practice of pre-buying large hotel room blocks over 20 years ago and Tui’s XML connectivity will ensure the distributor has the most up-to-date inventory possible for last-minute sales.
“Tui has one of the most expansive distribution networks in the travel industry,” said Oliver Stahlberg, Tourico Holidays regional sales director in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
“This new partnership will enable Tui to offer their customers new hotel options in thousands of cities worldwide.
“Meanwhile, Tourico’s contracted hotel clients will have another marquee distributor working to sell their product globally and increase exposure.”
Tui Germany product management modular director, Nicole Sohnrey, said: “As our company grows and increases business in new markets, we saw the need for a partner that could help us expand our hotel inventory on a global scale, and still preserve our strong margins.
“Our alliance with Tourico will enable both companies to expand their hotel businesses, while further improving customer satisfaction.”