RateHawk boosts UK presence with TTNG and Hays Travel IG deals

B2B booking platform RateHawk has claimed an 80% rise in booking values in the UK and Ireland last year over 2023.

 

This came as the company formed new partnerships with the likes of The Travel Network Group (TTNG) and strengthened the network of 3,000 connected travel agents.

 

The total number of partners increased by 50% to reach more than 93,000 travel professionals worldwide as overall booking volumes rose by 67% with increased net booking values. 

 

Parent company, UAE-based Emerging Travel Group, hit a new milestone of $3.7 billion gross transaction value in 2024 with RateHawk described as a major growth driver.

 

According to RateHawk, the most popular outbound destinations booked by UK travel agents in 2024 were the US, Spain, UAE, Italy, Saudi Arabia, France, Greece, Turkey, Thailand and Portugal. The top five domestic destinations were London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Birmingham.

 

UK & Ireland head of business development Chantal Tomlinson said: “In the UK business, we had an impressive breakthrough with a 80% growth in net booking value year-over-year. 

 

“This year has already started with several strategic partnerships with leading consortiums like Hays Travel IG, setting a strong foundation for the next milestones.”

 

The company connected more than 70 new global accommodation suppliers, exceeding 300 wholesalers worldwide, and established direct contracts with over 34,000 accommodations, to give a total of 120,000 directly contracted properties. The level of accommodation options reached more than 2.6 million as a result.

The demand for RateHawk’s transportation booking services, including flights and transfers, doubled in 2024. The company also introduced booking of train tickets across Europe. This saw more than a quarter of of travel professionals who frequently book hotels on the platform also utilise its railway services within three months of the introduction.

 

Emerging Travel Group president and chief executive Felix Shpilman said: “According to the latest UN Tourism report, 1.4 billion people travelled internationally in 2024, almost reaching pre-pandemic levels. 

 

“We have been witnessing this trend firsthand through increased demand and significant growth in our company’s and partners’ businesses.

 

“We’re proud to deliver unparalleled support to our partners during this exciting period of travel industry growth, developing both platform services and API integrations. 

 

“In 2024 alone, we doubled the number of API integration contracts, partnering with over 500 new entities including Ctrip. 

 

“This year, we aim to maintain this momentum, focusing on partnerships with OTAs and innovative travel tech platforms and providing the best product and technology for travel agents.”