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As global travel adapts to economic changes, evolving consumer preferences, and technological advancements, HBX Group is ready to embrace the evolution as a leading force in the industry. Unwavering in its pursuit of excellence, the Group remains committed to mutual growth and addressing the emerging needs of today’s partners and consumers.“This evolution is grounded in our commitment to adaptability, resilience, and innovation as we face the future head-on.”Nicolas Huss, HBX Group CEOThis report, created by HBX Group in collaboration with Skift, outlines our vision for fostering innovation, transparency, and sustained growth by implementing resilient structures, empowering the workforce, and enhancing customer experiences.&nbsp;Key insights from this special report include:- Lessons from HBX Group's rebranding and the launch of our Centres of Excellence,- The crucial role of HBX Group’s Executive Committee in driving innovation in technology, data, and product development,- A customer-centric three-year roadmap focused on creating personalised and frictionless travel solutions,- Details on a newly-engineered tech stack, designed to reduce operational silos and enhance booking processes,- A commitment to employee engagement, fostering a culture of shared ownership and accountability,- An overview of HBX Group’s ecosystem approach, emphasizing strategic partnerships and collaborative growth initiatives across the industry.&nbsp;Read the report by clicking here.

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[REPORT] HBX Group’s Journey Toward Excellence

&nbsp;The Knox Corps CEO, Scott Patterson, explores how travel professionals can protect their businesses by following cybersecurity best practices.&nbsp;I’m Scott Patterson, CEO of The Knox Corps. I’m also an accomplished information security executive, with over two decades of experience strategising and developing enterprise security programs for highly regulated organisations in sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and the United States Air Force. Additionally, I serve as the Sector Chief of the FBI’s Communications sector and as a Governor of Homeland Security. Given my background, I am deeply immersed in the world of cybersecurity.&nbsp;As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I’d like to take the opportunity to share some of my knowledge to help you and your business stay safe.&nbsp;Cybercrime is a serious threat. There are organisations that, if attacked today, might not survive tomorrow. It’s a daunting reality. In the event of a breach, not only could a business face closure, but sensitive information — including financial and confidential customer details — could be compromised. Understanding how to strengthen security measures and implement an effective disaster recovery plan can be the key to either withstanding an attack or falling victim to it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Compliance is KingIs the travel industry a prime target for cybercrime?&nbsp;Yes, absolutely. In addition to the reasons outlined, there are many access points to this sector. Here’s a simple analogy: the more doors that you have to your house, the more susceptible you are to your home being compromised. If you have one door, you only have one to secure; if you have two or three, you need to be much more vigilant.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the case in the travel industry – between email communications, telephone calls, third parties, partnerships, websites, and even payments, several areas could become compromised. This is where compliance comes into play.&nbsp;Dual ComplianceThe travel industry falls under what I’d refer to as ‘dual compliance’, where players must comply with multiple regulatory bodies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first is the Payment Card Industry, or PCI, which has its own set of standards around securing the financial transactions surrounding the credit card and the credit card holder. PCI is only concerned with what was mentioned above since hotels must get paid, and the number one form of payment is via e-commerce, either web or in person. There is a separate council that governs and enforces PCI, and the cost of a breach could be substantial.&nbsp;On the other side, we have ISO compliance, which handles breaches related to all personally identifiable information (first and last names, addresses, the names of family members, health information, bank account information, emergency contact information, email addresses, and so forth). As you can imagine, balancing the different areas of compliance can be complex, and this is where I recommend a risk assessment.&nbsp;&nbsp;A proper risk assessment covers technical and non-technical risks, providing a global perspective of dual compliance, where risks are aligned under each regulatory body and a mitigation plan is in place to remediate. In the end, one must have proof of such by way of what’s called a Report on Compliance (ROC).&nbsp;Enhanced Security, Greater SuccessUnderstanding the resources available to you is crucial. I get it — not every company has thousands of dollars, euros, or pounds to hire in-house security specialists. However, I can’t emphasise enough the importance of proper compliance and risk assessment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let me explain why.&nbsp;Without due diligence, your company may not survive. Countless businesses have gone under due to a lack of preparedness. We are living in an age of technological advancement, and with that comes an increased risk of cybercrime. Staying up-to-date and well-protected is essential for your company’s survival, as well as for the security of your customers and partners.&nbsp;Customers and partners value security. Think about it — when choosing between two companies, what’s the differentiator? Today’s partners and consumers are becoming increasingly savvy and concerned about their online safety. On the partnership side, every brand wants to protect its assets, whether financial data, customer information, or a hard-earned reputation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Demonstrating a commitment to security can help you win their business by showing that you share their concerns.&nbsp;So, How Can You Implement Cybersecurity Solutions Without a Dedicated Team?&nbsp;This is where companies like The Knox Corps come in. We provide risk management, ethical hacking, forensics, vulnerability assessments, IT security, and advisory services to help you become cyber-compliant. That way, you can focus on delivering great solutions to your customers.&nbsp;I’d like to extend my gratitude to HBX Group for giving me and The Knox Corps the opportunity to address this important issue. Alongside Christo and Paula, we are committed to raising awareness about cybersecurity—outreach is essential.&nbsp;&nbsp;There’s one final thought I’d leave you with during this Cybersecurity Awareness Month: it’s to remain curious yet cautious about the digital world’s constantly evolving nature (consider the rise of artificial intelligence, for example). With that evolution, it’s vital to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to protect your business and yourself before you venture toward bolt-on solutions, such as artificial intelligence. Keeping up with trends while performing trend analysis is paramount to the success of your business. So, before focusing on trends, focus on the foundation first.&nbsp;Scott Patterson is an entrepreneur, professor, professional speaker, and Advisory Chief Security Officer. He possesses over two decades in organisational leadership roles, with proven experience in strategising and developing enterprise security programmes for highly regulated organisations in Healthcare, Financial Services, Education Insurance, and the Armed Forces.

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Scott Patterson cybersecurity best practices

The Cyber Shield: Safeguard Your Business with Best Practices

&nbsp;Paula Felstead, ex-Chief Tech, Data and M&amp;A Officer at HBX Group, offers key insights into the status of cybersecurity risks for the travel and hospitality sector, and how forward-looking businesses must adapt.&nbsp;It's time to get comfortable with an uncomfortable topic - cybersecurity.&nbsp;We are in an age where digital transformation is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and understanding the implications has never been more critical.&nbsp;We exist in a reality which is evolving every day, and with it, so do the risks faced by our industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether you're an individual or part of a business, security threats – from annoying spam emails to sophisticated phishing attacks – are a daily concern. On a global scale, these challenges become even more complex, especially as we operate within an interconnected ecosystem.&nbsp;Taking an ecosystem approach has its perks: partners gain seamless access to global products and services, typically at a lower cost, and certainly with less friction. Interconnectedness is paramount to collective success, but an uncoordinated approach to cybersecurity can have a significant ripple effect. To put it plainly: if there is a weak link in the chain, then the whole chain becomes weaker.&nbsp;&nbsp;At HBX Group, we see cybersecurity as a communal obligation. We all owe it not only to our own organisations, but also to every individual and business connected to us. Every transaction made within this ecosystem reflects our duty, and over the past three years, we’ve faced emerging threats head-on by investing significantly in security. With a dedicated cybersecurity team, we’re committed to ensuring that every transaction is handled with care.&nbsp;As we grow and innovate, we want to do so safely, trying to stay ahead of potential threats. Trust is the lifeblood of the travel ecosystem, so it’s vital that we keep investing in knowledge and technology to predict and mitigate risks—not just to protect our brand, but to safeguard the entire network of partners and clients we work with.&nbsp;In an increasingly interconnected world, it is essential to champion awareness and collaboration around cybersecurity, empowering everyone to not just react to threats but to proactively work together.&nbsp;&nbsp;For this reason, I am pleased to announce our efforts in developing a Cybersecurity Consortium: by partnering with notable travel brands and cybersecurity experts such as Fox-IT and The Knox Corps, the goal of the Consortium is to bolster the travel industry’s defences against growing cyberthreats whilst supporting a wider network of travel professionals. Many do not have the necessary funds available to do this alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;By sharing valuable insights, best practices, and helpful advice, this collaborative effort will connect those in need with companies that can provide the necessary assistance and expertise, fostering a safer environment for everyone involved in the travel ecosystem.&nbsp;It is my belief that actions such as this are required if we are to proactively address threats and work toward a secure digital future. The evolution of cybersecurity is not just about tech; it involves people, processes, and shared responsibility for our collective safety online. By sharing knowledge and openly discussing our challenges, we can cultivate a fortified cybersecurity landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;I invite you to learn alongside us this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, as we share a wealth of insights and views from industry experts, including Fox-IT and The Knox Corps.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Cybersecurity Paula Felstead insights

It's Time to Get Comfortable with an Uncomfortable Topic - Cybersecurity

&nbsp;HBX Group garnered expert insights from Christo Butcher, global lead for threat intelligence at Fox-IT, on how travel professionals can safeguard against cybersecurity attacks.&nbsp;The hospitality industry is fantastic. This is a sector which thrives on the human connection, with a workforce which is inherently helpful and kind. There are benefits to this: from an enhanced customer experience to collaboration, innovation and morale, the sector’s greatest strengths can be attributed to a collective passion and empathy.&nbsp;Unfortunately, these positive traits also serve as a gateway to vulnerability.&nbsp;Cybercriminals love the travel industry. Consisting of numerous companies, a vast number of individuals, and significant financial assets, it is an appealing target. On top of this, its current level of cybersecurity is often lower than other sectors.&nbsp;So, how can travel professionals protect themselves from cyberattacks?&nbsp;The answer lies in understanding the cybercriminals, and working to strengthen against those weaknesses they exploit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Know Your EnemyCybercriminals are inherently creative, functioning much like entrepreneurs seeking lucrative opportunities. When they discover effective methods for earning money, they exploit them until those methods become ineffective. They then look for another way to attack – and in an industry as far-reaching as the travel industry, the access points are plentiful.&nbsp;Moreover, we exist in an evolving digital world. It can be hard for the average person to keep up – but for the hackers, cybercrime is their livelihood. They’re adept at staying up-to-date, looking for any opportunity to exploit their targets’ weaknesses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are just a few tactics techniques which you might already be familiar with:Email Phishing: a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, steal credentials, or infect the target computer via deceptive emails that appear to be from legitimate sources.Chat Phishing: a scam where attackers use instant messaging platforms to manipulate users into sharing personal information or downloading malicious software.Voice Phishing (Vishing): a technique where scammers use phone calls to trick individuals into revealing confidential information or perform actions information by pretending to be a trusted entity.&nbsp;As mentioned, the travel sector is a particularly friendly one. This makes its workforce susceptible to hacking via social engineering. Cybercriminals are master manipulators and have no issue with brazenly taking advantage of their proposed victims – if that travel agent, check-in clerk or phone operator is in a very helpful mood, it makes them extra vulnerable. However, there is a way to channel that helpfulness into a form of protection.&nbsp;Strengthening Defense Through CollaborationTransparency around cybersecurity offers a pathway to beating cybercriminals. Although many businesses feel ashamed to have suffered a cyberattack, others have gone public, choosing to bring attention to the crime in the interest of the greater good.&nbsp;Of course, not every company wants to admit to falling victim to what are increasingly common attacks. It’s easy to understand why: few want to appear vulnerable, especially when entrusted with valuable customer data. That said, sharing experiences of cybercrime, especially technical details of the attacker’s modus operandi, within the travel sector and with trusted authorities (like Fox-IT and NCC Group) anonymously reporting cybercrimes to an authority (like Fox-IT) is a valuable step to helping others and the industry as a whole to prepare and defend themselves from suffering the same fate.&nbsp;By sharing, we can build a stronger defense: it’s better to learn from the collective experience, than to sit with our own mistakes.&nbsp;In addition to leaning into the spirit of transparency – that much-loved trait that our travel professionals possess in spades –, keeping abreast of developments in the realm of digital technology and cybersecurity is paramount. After all, cybersecurity is not a static field: it continually evolves alongside the techniques deployed by cybercriminals. The public media has plenty of useful information, but engaging with specialised cybersecurity firms can provide valuable insights at speed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here at Fox-IT, we’re immersed in the landscape of ongoing cyberattacks. As committed cybersecurity specialists, our mission drives us to contribute to a safer society for all. From conducting cybersecurity assessments to sharing providing trainings on the issue, our technical and innovative solutions enable us to do just that.&nbsp;However, the most promising strategy for the travel and tourism sector is fostering a culture of collaboration – this is something we experienced first-hand when joining HBX Group at this year’s MarketHub, where we were able to speak directly to travel professionals about the challenges they face. These are individuals who have seen the issue from close by; businesses of all sizes, who have seen the damage caused. Mutual exchanges, such as those at the MarketHub (or in other forums) can significantly enhance resilience against sophisticated attacks.&nbsp;Awareness of this issue is growing, and to protect ourselves, we must work together to find a solution. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I wish to echo the sentiment that cybersecurity is a collective obligation – it’s time to empower ourselves by leveraging our diverse experiences and expertise as vital insights, as we work to strengthen our defences against cybercrime.&nbsp;Christo Butcher has been safeguarding companies since the turn of the century. He excels at illuminating the challenges posed by real-world cyberattacks and developing evidence-based strategies to fortify organisations against them. In an era marked by constantly evolving cyberthreats, Christo Butcher is dedicated to providing clarity, insight, and data-driven resolutions. His passion lies in growing clients’ cyber maturity and enhancing the safety of our digital landscape.&nbsp;

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cybersecurity how to protect yourself key insights Christo Butcher Fox IT

Cybersecurity: How to Protect Yourself in the Digital Battlefield

Today, more and more travellers are consciously choosing their hotels and accommodation based on their green and social commitments.&nbsp;&nbsp;As explained in our Travel Trends Guide for 2025, sustainable travel is a major area of focus for our industry, and for HBX Group, impacting directly on our daily operations and how we generate tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;The process of becoming an eco-friendly hotel is easier than you might think at first glance. Check out our guide to hotel sustainability and our 6 tips to avoid using single-use plastics in hotels.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, it's important to let potential guests know that you support these initiatives, and a certification is one of the best ways to do so.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout this article, we’ll provide you with relevant information about getting certified with two of the major certifications for hotels. We’ll also explain how to leverage HBX Group's benefits by becoming a sustainable partner. Keep reading!How HBX Group helps with ESG strategyHBX Group takes its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities seriously. We’re committed to ensuring our planet's sustainability. As a result, we have established 10 core commitments related to the Sustainable Development Goals, including:&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to promote sustainable and conscious travel to minimise environmental impact and improve the community with our technological capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;We highlight to our partners and stakeholders the benefits of introducing sustainable practices into their business models and complying with regulations, legal requirements and qualifying for certifications that make a difference.&nbsp;&nbsp;We work to enhance visibility and promote sustainable products, services, and destinations through the creation of sustainability performance levels.&nbsp;What’s the Sustainable Hotels Programme?As part of our ESG efforts, we highlight the Sustainable Hotels Programme, formerly known as the Green Hotel Programme. What is the purpose of this initiative?&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent studies, the World Travel &amp; Tourism Council (WTTC) observed that 74% of travellers want hotels to provide more sustainable choices. 65% of respondents said that they would feel better about paying for accommodation with a sustainable certification or label.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since hoteliers are key players in the tourism industry – one of the sectors with the most impact on the environment, society and economy – it’s essential to consider implementing a sustainable perspective in the properties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Therefore, the Sustainable Hotels Programme was created to encourage properties regardless of their size to become a force for good, and help them to communicate their sustainable practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hotels participating in the programme benefit from more visibility in our system. If you’re a member of the programme, you'll appear in the booking engine under the filter 'Sustainable Hotels'.&nbsp;We'll also include your property in sustainability-focused marketing actions, promoting it across channels such as email communications, banners, and landing pages on bedsonline.com and hotelbeds.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, we run campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the use of single-use plastic, and other eco-friendly and social initiatives. Last year's campaign with Accor increased the number of properties free of single-use plastic from 500 to 5,000. Stay tuned in the coming months as we'll be launching a new series of campaigns.&nbsp;As a group, HBX Group has observed a growing interest and bookings from hotels that adopt sustainable practices. Currently, we have 40,000+ properties certified as sustainable in our portfolio - between 2022 and 2023, we reported an 30% increase in bookings for sustainable hotels within 12 months. Additionally, our Sustainable Hotels landing page has been the most viewed this year so far, proving again the growing interest in this category of properties and the changing traveller's intent.&nbsp;One effective way to communicate your sustainable initiatives to the world and access our Sustainable Hotels Programme is to become certified with eco certifications. At HBX Group, we suggest two in particular. Read on to learn about some of the best certifications in the industry and how to obtain them.&nbsp;Your Guide to Hotel CertificationWTTC Hotel Sustainability BasicsThe first certificate we encourage you to get is Hotel Sustainability Basics by the WTTC. This is the global authority on travel and tourism's economic and social contribution, working with governments and international institutions.&nbsp;In four simple steps, you can get this certification regardless of the size of your property.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fill in the registration form to receive the toolkit with all the information about joining the programme. Visit wttc.org to do so.&nbsp;You’ll receive confirmation from WTTC, explaining the verification partners available in your region. After choosing one, WTTC will tell you how to verify the certification criteria you must follow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Next step will be to implement the 12 basics of sustainability defined by WTTC over the next three years. These basics include Measure &amp; Reduce Energy Use, Measure &amp; Reduce Water List, No SUP water bottles, Bulk amenity dispensers or Community Benefit, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once the criteria have been completed, you’ll need to send evidence to your verification partner. Once verified, you'll get a badge showing that your property complies with the Basic Hotel Sustainability standard.&nbsp;GSTC Industry CriteriaThe second certification we recommend you get is provided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This organisation establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. They are arranged on four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;These criteria are used by businesses of all sizes to become more sustainable and as a basis for certification. To measure compliance with GSTC Criteria, some performance indicators are available. All of these criteria can be found here.Businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, meeting all the GSTC Criteria, have a high level of assurance and credibility. Being certified by an Accredited Certification Body means that your property complies with the highest social and environmental standards on the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is how GSTC certification works:&nbsp;&nbsp;Choose a Certification Body (organisations that have been accredited based on the quality of their certification process) from this list. Some of these GSTC Accredited Certification Bodies include Bureau Veritas, Control Union and RoyalCert.&nbsp;&nbsp;After working with a Certification Body towards achieving full GSTC requirements compliance, your operation will receive its Certification from an Accredited Certification Body.&nbsp;Introducing Our Sustainability HubAside from these certifications, we also strive to provide you with the tools to become more sustainable and implement initiatives that will benefit you.&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of our ESG strategy, we’re proud to host the Sustainability Hub, an online site aiming to collaborate with stakeholders to improve sustainability, generate networking and share ESG projects and actions. We’ll support small and medium hotels and clients on their sustainability journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this hub, you’ll find relevant content on sustainability and hotels, as well as sustainability mentoring programmes to help you obtain these certifications (WTTC &amp; GSTC). Some of the areas we’ll cover include:&nbsp;&nbsp;Mentoring on how to start with Basic from WTTC and expand with GSTC standards at different levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;Support with activities to share best practices, webinars, mentoring programmes, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;Launch specific campaigns on topics like plastic-free, waste, energy, universal accessibility, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;ESG advice for customers and suppliers.&nbsp;We hope that this article will encourage you to go further in your efforts to make your property more environmentally friendly.&nbsp;Haven’t joined HBX Group yet? Start benefiting from a wide range of products and services at your disposal, as well as from 60,000+ travel distributors ready to book your rooms.&nbsp;Register your property

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How to Obtain Your Hotel Sustainability Certification: A Guide for Hoteliers

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