Secret Escapes expands to four new European markets

Travel flash sales site Secret Escapes is expanding into four new countries in Europe. The company has started operating in France under the name Evasions Secrètes as well as Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic under the name Travelist. The French and eastern European expansion, as well as the company’s recent growth into four Asian … Continue reading Secret Escapes expands to four new European markets

Travel flash sales site Secret Escapes is expanding into four new countries in Europe.

The company has started operating in France under the name Evasions Secrètes as well as Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic under the name Travelist.

The French and eastern European expansion, as well as the company’s recent growth into four Asian markets, follows a $60 million Series C investment from Google Ventures and Octopus Investments last year.

The move is part of the company’s ongoing international expansion plan to become the world’s “go-to source for affordable travel inspiration”.

Secret Escapes’ European operations have extended to The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Italy in the past 18 months, generating a new member base of more than 3.5 million people.

With more than half of members based outside the UK, the company also opened operations in four Asian countries last month following the US in 2014.

Chief executive Alex Saint said: “Expanding operations to France, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic is the next exciting step in Secret Escapes’ plans for continued global expansion.

“Our ultimate goal is to inspire the world to travel and to establish ourselves as the go-to destination for those looking to book an affordable holiday.

“We are extremely proud that Secret Escapes is now operational in 21 territories across the world, and has sold over 4 million room nights to our international base of over 32 million members.

“Eastern Europe, and particularly France, have always been key markets we wanted to approach and after assessing that there was a desire for our product there, it felt like the next natural step for us.

“Our expansion into new markets will give even more travellers the opportunity to access our exclusive deals, and will provide new offerings for existing members around the world.

“Last year’s $60 million cash injection from Google Ventures and Octopus Investments has allowed us to successfully accelerate our international brand expansion, push our ongoing development in Europe and the US, and has opened up opportunities in developing markets in Asia.”