Introduction to RateHawk’s Journey
The B2B travel booking platform, RateHawk, has recently celebrated its ninth anniversary, showcasing remarkable growth that reflects its successful adaptation in the competitive travel industry. This achievement signals not just the company’s resilience but also an evolving landscape in tourism driven by increased demand and innovative service offerings.
Exceptional Growth Statistics
During the past year, RateHawk has experienced significant improvements in its business metrics. Notably, the net booking value for 2024 surged by 1.8 times compared to the previous year, indicating robust market penetration. The platform witnessed a 67 percent increase in bookings globally, highlighting its expanding reach.
The UAE-based parent company, Emerging Travel Group, also reported strong results with an impressive $3.7 billion gross transaction value in 2024, with RateHawk serving as a key contributor to this milestone.
Diverse Inventory Expansion
Over the past year, RateHawk has focused on broadening its inventory, successfully connecting with over 70 new accommodation suppliers and reaching more than 300 wholesalers worldwide. The company established direct contracts with over 34,000 accommodations, culminating in a total of 120,000 properties available on the platform. This extensive network has resulted in more than 2.6 million accommodation options for users.
Transportation Booking Services
The demand for RateHawk’s transportation booking services has doubled, which includes services like flight tickets and transfer bookings. This growth signifies that travelers are seeking comprehensive solutions and conveniences while planning their journeys.
RateHawk’s offices span numerous international locations, including London, Berlin, Lisbon, Warsaw, Dubai, Limassol, Singapore, and Wilmington, employing over 500 professionals globally in various commercial roles.
New Service Offerings
A notable new service introduced by RateHawk is the railway travel option across Europe, which has been well-received by travel partners. Within just three months of launch, over 25 percent of frequent users who booked hotels through the platform utilized this new railway service, showing strong interest in diverse travel modalities.
Insights from Leadership
Felix Shipman, CEO of Emerging Travel Group, noted a significant trend in global travel, referencing a UN report stating that 1.4 billion people traveled internationally in 2024, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels. This surge is reflected in the increased demand for RateHawk’s services, accounting for substantial growth in both the company and its partners’ operations.
Shipman emphasized the company’s dedication to providing unwavering support to partners during this exciting phase of travel industry expansion, further enhancing platform services and API integrations.
API Integration and Localization
In the pursuit of continuous improvement, RateHawk doubled its number of API integration contracts in 2024, partnering with over 500 new entities, including major players such as Ctrip. The company aims to sustain this momentum by focusing on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and innovative travel technology platforms.
Localization efforts have seen the platform introduced in eight additional languages, bringing the total to 32 languages, thus widening its accessibility for users globally. To solidify its presence in Asia, RateHawk opened a new headquarters in Singapore, further enhancing relationships with local partners.
Growing Network of Travel Professionals
The platform’s growth has translated into a partner network expansion of 50 percent, with over 93,000 travel professionals now associated worldwide. In Asia alone, the number of connected travel agents has tripled, reaching over 13,000.
Popular outbound destinations booked by travel agents in Asia during 2024 included places like the UAE, France, Switzerland, the USA, and Italy. Additionally, there was a notable retention of travel bookings within Asia, particularly favoring countries like Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and India.
Future Optimism
Erik Akhmetgaliev, the APAC regional director, expressed optimism for 2025, citing impressive growth figures that have already been achieved in the first quarter. The anticipated recovery of the post-pandemic travel industry, fueled by increased flight availability and streamlined visa processes, is causing excitement among stakeholders.
Akhmetgaliev noted a strategic focus on API development, particularly in regions where OTAs are prevalent, ensuring technology optimization and support through the company’s internal tech hub.
Záver
RateHawk’s impressive journey over the past nine years, marked by strong financial growth and enhanced service offerings, underscores the dynamic evolution of the travel industry. As tourism continues to flourish, platforms like RateHawk provide invaluable resources for travelers and industry professionals alike. While reviews and feedback play a vital role, nothing compares to personal experience. Booking through verified providers at reasonable prices on GetExperience.com allows travelers to make well-informed decisions, ensuring convenience, affordability, and an extensive selection of unique experiences. Explore the diverse offerings and customize your travel plans by visiting GetExperience.com. This seamless approach ensures you have a travel experience like no other, backed by the transparency and reliability that is essential in today’s tourism landscape.