Singapore, 13 May 2013 -- Hotelbeds, the global accommodation wholesaler, expects more than 50% growth in the Middle East destinations for 2013 due to the positive growth in demand for this market for inbound and outbound travel. These current trends were presented by the company at Arabian Travel Market or ATM. Hotelbeds presence at ATM, the biggest industry event in the region, is part of the company's strategy to increase its footprint in the region and connect with local clients and suppliers. The trade show was held in Dubai from 7 to 9 May 2013.

Hotelbeds has experienced an increase in outbound and inbound demand for the Middle East. The upsurge in the number of airlines which connect the Middle East to key European cities has also played an important role in the growth of the market.

The company has been developing its proposition in the Middle East to ensure that it delivers a customised service to the Middle East market client and supplier requirements. The Middle East is now increasing its sales as an inbound market, driven by the high quality and luxury of its hotels. Its growth as an outbound market is focused on European cities as the key destinations.

Europe is the top source market for the Middle East at the moment. In addition, by optimizing the worldwide presence of Hotelbeds, regions such as Asia Pacific and America are contributing and becoming more important to drive growth to the Middle East.

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About Hotelbeds

Hotelbeds (www.hotelbeds.com) is a global accommodation wholesaler with an online database of over 50,000 hotels in 183 countries. For the year ended 30 September 2012, Hotelbeds sold 16 million roomnights and outperformed the market with 23% growth (CAGR) in total transaction values (TTV) to 1.45 billion euros.

Hotelbeds was founded in Spain in 2001 following the acquisition of Barceló Travel Division by First Choice PLC in 2000. When TUI Tourism and First Choice Holidays PLC merged in 2007, Hotelbeds became part of the Accommodation & Destinations Sector of TUI Travel PLC, the international leisure travel company. Hotelbeds now has local teams operating across 47countries.