RateHawk and Hays Travel Independence Group seal partnership

New approach will 'empower' agents

RateHawk, a B2B platform for booking hotels, has agreed a partnership with Hays Travel Independence Group which expands the range of accommodation offerings available to the group’s 120+ members.

The agreement means Hays Travel IG members have access to RateHawk’s global inventory of more than 2.6 million accommodation options, including hotels, apartments and villas in 220-plus countries.

By consolidating supply from more than 300 global wholesalers and 120,000 directly contracted property owners, RateHawk offers a mix of “popular choices and hidden gems”.

Chantal Tomlinson, head of business development at RateHawk in the UK and Ireland region, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to support independent travel professionals.

“Combining forces with Hays Travel Independence Group, we offer their members a user-friendly platform, competitive pricing, and an extensive array of accommodation.

“We also place a strong emphasis on flexibility, recognising its critical importance, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.

“We believe that our approach will empower travel agents to develop their business and deliver exceptional service in the UK dynamic marketplace.”

Harriet Thompson, head of Hays Travel Independence Group, added: “Our mission is to blend large-scale support to independent travel agents while allowing them to maintain their unique identities.

“We believe this partnership with RateHawk will enable our members to maximise their sales and run highly profitable agencies with the freedom to control their operations.”

Over the past year, RateHawk has added 70 new global wholesalers and more than 30,000 direct contracts.

The number of RateHawk’s partners also increased by 50%, now with more than 93,000 travel professionals worldwide.