Sunweb Group announces leadership change in management
Sunweb Group today announces that Tim Van den Bergh will be stepping down from his role as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), following a decade of dedicated leadership and contribution to the company’s growth and success.
Tim Van den Bergh will remain on as an advisor for the time being, helping to ensure continuity for Sunweb Group’s commercial teams, customers, and partners.
Tim Van den Bergh joined Sunweb Group ten years ago and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company. His entrepreneurial drive led to the creation of valuable partnerships and impactful contributions, especially during challenging times. Van den Bergh’s business was acquired twice by Sunweb Group, and he was instrumental in the sale to Triton in 2019. Over the years, he has led significant growth across marketing, e-commerce and multiple business units.
As the CCO position will not be replaced, Mieke De Schepper, CEO of Sunweb Group, will take on direct responsibility for leading the commercial team. This change marks a new chapter for Sunweb Group. With the CEO now directly steering the commercial team, the company is transitioning to a Business Unit-led operating model, empowering each unit (Sun, Ski and Eliza was here) with full profit and loss accountability and greater decision-making authority. This shift is designed to drive greater speed and focus across the organization.
Sunweb Group is deeply grateful for Tim’s many contributions and leadership throughout the past decade, and we wish him every success in his next chapter.
From the 30th of September, some Sunweb customers due to travel on their holidays over the next few months received phishing emails asking for them to confirm their details and make a payment, otherwise their holiday would be cancelled. These emails were from another companies hacked email server outside the Netherlands and not Sunweb.
Sunweb Group has, after a thorough investigation, confirmed that some of the data used in the phishing emails originated in one of its systems, which had been hacked. As a result, some customer data was taken by cyber criminals and was used for phishing emails. The incident has now been fully contained, and the affected system has been further secured.
Impact on customers
The breach affected customer contact details, including name, email address, and phone number, as well as booking information, such as travel dates and destinations. While this data is considered sensitive, we want to emphasize that no bank or credit card details, passwords, or passport/ID document information was accessed or taken.
Actions taken
Sunweb Group takes the protection of customer data extremely seriously and sincerely apologizes to those who may have been impacted. In response to the incident:
Customers are advised to remain vigilant. If anyone suspects they have been responded to a phishing email, they should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
For any questions or concerns, customers can contact our Customer Service team.
Sunweb Group, the holiday provider behind well-known brands such as Sunweb, Eliza was here, and GOGO, is introducing a sustainability filter on their Sunweb and Eliza was here platforms. This filter allows holidaymakers to quickly and easily find accommodations that are certified by reputable and independent sustainability organisations, so they can make well-informed and responsible choices when booking their accommodation.
Insight into impact when booking
This new search feature is in line with Sunweb Group’s broader sustainability strategy. It gives customers more insight into the impact of their choices when booking a holiday and makes it easier to make more responsible decisions. Currently, around 10% of accommodations in the group’s offering has a sustainability certification. Certified accommodations meet strict criteria around waste, water and energy management, biodiversity and working conditions.
Certification by independent organisations
All accommodations included in the filter have been assessed by independent parties such as Green Key, Travelife and Ecostars. They verify whether an accommodation meets strict sustainability standards on criteria like responsible energy usage, waste management and social responsibility. Thanks to a real-time connection with the BeCause platform – which manages certification data for businesses and keeps them up-to-date – this information is current and reliable.
Sunweb Group takes active role
Sunweb Group actively promotes the certification of accommodations in their offering. By working with carefully selected partners at key European destinations, the company aims to affect sustainability policies at these locations. Sustainability also plays a key role in the long-term partnerships that are established with hotels. One example is Résidence Club Margot in Superdévoluy (France), which recently obtained the Green Key certification.
Additionally, Sunweb Group offers training to its partners, in collaboration with its new preferred partner Green Key, encouraging them to obtain sustainability certifications for their accommodations. Sunweb Group aims to almost exclusively offer certified accommodations by 2030.
“We believe that holidays have a positive impact, both on travellers and the destinations they visit,” says Mieke De Schepper, CEO of Sunweb Group. “With the sustainability filter, we want to make sustainable options more transparent and accessible, enabling holidaymakers to make informed choices. Our goal is clear: by 2030, we want to offer almost exclusively certified accommodations, as making more responsible choices is essential for the future of the travel industry.”
Asam Nawaz, Head of Sales at BeCause, adds: “Our partnership with Sunweb Group allows for real-time integration of certification data for the accommodations in their offering. This gives travellers insight into the sustainability status of their chosen accommodation. It helps them make conscious decisions, and contributes to a more sustainable travel industry.”
Sunweb Group:
Martine Langerak, Head of Corporate Communications
Mobile: +31 6 53131604
Email: Martine.Langerak@sunwebgroup.com
The early booking season for the summer of 2025 has kicked off at Sunweb Group, and Dutch travelers are already booking in large numbers. In 2025, Sunweb Group, known for brands such as Sunweb, Eliza was Here, and GOGO, will continue to adapt to the changing preferences and behavior of consumers. The company is also launching new initiatives to ensure travelers can enjoy worry-free vacations.
“We love holidays,” says Mieke De Schepper, CEO of Sunweb Group, who has led one of the Netherlands’ largest travel companies since May 2024. “Our goal remains unchanged: to provide every customer with a well-deserved break. That’s why this summer we are focusing even more on affordability, quality, flexibility, and top-notch service.”
With the new “Lowest Price Guarantee,” the holiday provider aims to assure customers of the best price-to-quality ratio for its offerings. Sunweb does not position itself as a budget travel company, but prioritizes providing the best deals, emphasizing value for money. The goal is to keep holidays affordable and accessible without compromising on quality or variety.
This approach responds to consumer needs. Dutch travelers still value taking vacations but are becoming more price-conscious and making different budget decisions. Sunweb has observed that 35% of Dutch travelers are opting for shorter winter sports trips this season and that customers are increasingly taking advantage of promotions such as Black Friday and early booking deals. With the Lowest Price Guarantee, Sunweb ensures customers get the best vacation for their budget.
For years, Sunweb Group has noticed that customers prefer digital communication channels. However, Sunweb staff will continue to be physically present at destinations for airport greetings and emergency situations. This setup means improved self-service options for customers, 24/7 access to digital guides, and on-the-ground support if needed.
The Sunweb app is where this digital service focus is most apparent. Travelers can use the app to book or modify vacations. During their trip, they can contact guides, book extras such as excursions, car rentals, or ski lessons, and access all vouchers for hotels and partners. The app serves as a central hub where users can customize and adjust their vacations flexibly and conveniently.
To meet customer needs flexibly and offer the best vacations at competitive prices throughout the season, Sunweb Group is expanding its dynamic offerings. Through strategic partnerships with airlines and accommodation providers, Sunweb Group continues to provide affordable and relevant options. The company’s strategy focuses on a select number of destinations, making Sunweb a stronger partner in those areas, which results in better prices and higher service quality for customers.
The growth in flights departing from airports outside the Netherlands also underscores the demand for flexibility and affordability. While only 6% of Dutch travelers flew from foreign airports before the pandemic, this number has risen to 25% by 2024. Sunweb Group expects this trend to continue.
“That said, most flights still depart from Dutch airports,” De Schepper clarifies. “Our long-standing partnership with Transavia remains intact. At the same time, we support Transavia regarding the proposed nighttime closure of Schiphol Airport. In addition to the flight tax, eliminating night flights and the resulting higher costs will directly impact Dutch travelers’ wallets. We urge stakeholders to seek alternative solutions that protect the affordability and accessibility of vacations.”
De Schepper is optimistic about 2025. “Our winter sports season is already showing growth compared to the same period last year, and the previous season broke the record from the year before. Additionally, 2024 was the best year ever for Eliza was Here. While early booking traditionally starts in mid-December, we saw bookings for the summer of 2025 coming in as early as November. This reassures us that, with the right offerings at the right prices, Dutch consumers still want to enjoy a well-deserved, worry-free vacation.”
Stockholm, 12 November 2024 – On 10 December, one of Europe’s leading holiday providers will enter the Swedish market when Airtours officially changes its name to Sunweb. With big ambitions, as Sunweb wants to challenge the traditional travel industry and aims to become a top 3 holiday provider in Sweden. In a market of uniform offerings, Sunweb brings a fresh, challenging alternative as the first in Sweden to offer a lowest price guarantee on all package holidays.
Airtours joined Sunweb Group in 2022
In the autumn of 2022, Airtours, ranked as top four among Sweden’s travel companies, was acquired by Sunweb Group, one of Europe’s leading holiday providers serving 1.3 million holiday makers a year. Two years later, on 10 December 2024, Airtours will officially become Sunweb – a challenger brand that wants to shake up the Swedish market by offering travellers more flexible package holidays at competitive prices and high standards.
First travel company in Sweden with lowest price guarantee and proven success in Denmark
Alongside its entry into the Swedish market, Sunweb is directly introducing a unique offer in Sweden: the lowest price guarantee. This new initiative addresses the Swedish demand for competitive pricing in the travel sector, making Sunweb the go-to choice for budget-conscious consumers, in each travel segment from 3 to 5+ star holidays. Another unique service is the opportunity for Swedish travellers to rebook their trip free of charge for any reason.
Airtours founder and CEO Stefan Chatzopoulos, who will assume the role of Sunweb Sweden’s Country Manager, firmly believes that this transition will bring significant benefits to Swedish travellers:
“Sweden is a price-conscious market. Why should customers pay more to see the same sunset? In addition, Swedes are trend-sensitive and used to being flexible in their everyday lives. We know that it is important to offer consumers more flexibility in planning their holidays. These Sunweb offerings were introduced 15 years ago in Denmark and have been highly valued by the Danes ever since.”
Curated holidays
Just like Airtours, Sunweb will offer affordable and customised package holidays to popular sun and beach destinations across Europe. As the number one ski tour operator in Europe, Sunweb is now also expanding its winter sports offering to the Swedish market.
Unlike other travel companies in Sweden, Sunweb does not have its own hotels or flights, which gives them significantly more flexibility to adapt their offerings to meet customer needs and demand.
“We let our customers guide us; not the other way around. This means that we personally visit every accommodation in our portfolio to ensure it meets our high standards. By carefully selecting our offering, it aligns perfectly with our customers’ unique needs and preferences. This way, we ensure that every holiday we offer is relevant and excellent,” says Chatzopoulos.
PR Agency, Dentsu Creative:
Lie Barrén or Paula Barrios
Phone: +46 (0)70 223 00 15
Email: airtours@dentsu.com
Sunweb:
Stefan Chatzopoulos, Country Manager
Email: Stefan.Chatzopoulos@sunwebgroup.com
Sunweb Group:
Martine Langerak, Head of Corporate Communications
Mobile: +31 6 53131604
Email: Martine.Langerak@sunwebgroup.com
London, 12th November Sunweb has been announced as the “World’s Best Ski Tour Operator 2024” for an eighth year.
The victory means that the leading ski tour operator has won the award in each of the last three years, following a consecutive run of five wins from 2015-2019. Providing first class holidays at affordable prices, Sunweb strives to offer winter sport customers in seven European markets unforgettable experiences on the slopes.
Sunweb’s unique inclusion of a ski pass in every holiday package further highlights its dedication to providing hassle-free, high quality ski holidays for all its customers and setting itself apart from the competition in the process. The Sunweb app also allows holidaymakers, beside contact the digital guides, to upgrade their packages, rent ski equipment and book ski lessons.
Spokesperson for Sunweb, Jack Bolus said: “We’re incredibly delighted to have been recognised by industry leaders and our customers as the World’s Best Ski Tour Operator for an unprecedented eighth time.
“Scooping this award serves to strengthen our commitment to delivering the best quality holidays for our 350,000 winter sport customers and we’re excited to see this season get underway.”
London, UK 24 September 2024 – The world’s most iconic winter dance festival, Tomorrowland Winter, is returning to the French Alps in March 2025.
For the fifth year running, ski tour operator Sunweb, festival organiser Tomorrowland and French ski resort Alpe d’Huez are coming together to organise the renowned event, which will take place from the 15th – 22nd March 2025 in the mountains of the famous resort.
The ‘People of Tomorrow’ can combine a unique winter sports holiday and festival experience, all at an incredible 2,000 metres above sea level. As the event’s exclusive travel partner, Sunweb offers festival-goers the chance to book Mountain Stage access passes, accommodation and festival ticket upgrades all in one place. Attendees can even book transfers back to their accommodation after a long day of partying.
Known as the largest festival in the mountains, the impressive lineup will see artists worldwide performing in the most picturesque settings. Full line-up is to be announced in October.
Tickets will go on sale from the 21st of September for the 7-day package deals, and 4-day package deals and 1-day tickets will be available to purchase on the 28th of September via the Tomorrowland Winter website.
For winter sports enthusiasts interested in skiing or snowboarding in one of the best ski resorts in the world, the special Mountain Stage access is exclusively available on the Sunweb website, where festival goers can enjoy the unique festival on the piste during the day and stay in the surrounding villages Oz-en-Oisans, where they’ll be able to ski directly to Alpe d’Huez.
Martine Langerak, Head of Communications & PR comments “We are extremely excited to be collaborating with Tomorrowland Winter for the fifth time and offer our services to the People of Tomorrow to ensure they have an incredible experience.
“Since partnering together for the first time, we have worked hard to ensure that we continue to enhance the customer experience year on year, whether that’s improving our website or the facilities available. For our winter sports fanatics and partygoers, we’ll support them every way of their booking journey, from orientation to aftercare and will do the utmost when they arrive to guarantee them an experience of a lifetime.”
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Sunweb Group
Martine Langerak
Head of Communications & PR
Phone: +31 6 5313 1604
E-mail: martine.langerak@sunwebgroup.com
Ready10
Email: sunweb@ready10.media
Phone: 020 3897 0333
Rotterdam, 2 October 2024 – Sunweb is excited to announce its new partnership with RSC Anderlecht, Belgium’s most prestigious and successful football club. As part of this collaboration, Sunweb will become the official Main sponsor for RSC Anderlecht in the coming three seasons. This partnership brings together two brands that share a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.
The new partnership will be kicked off in style on Anderlecht’s first European away game in the UEFA Europa League against Real Sociedad on October 3, 2024. Sunweb will feature on the shirt during all European away games this year. As from January 2025, Sunweb will officially become the front of shirt partner on all shirts.
At Sunweb, we believe in the importance of taking time to rewind, unwind, and break free from routine. Our purpose is to help people recharge and create lifelong memories through our holidays. This spirit of relaxation, escaping the daily life, and memory-making aligns perfectly with what RSC Anderlecht offers its fans each week: unforgettable moments on the pitch that inspire and bring joy to millions.
A Legacy of Excellence in the Most Popular Sport in the World
RSC Anderlecht boasts a remarkable history, having won 34 championship titles, making them one of few clubs in Europe to proudly wear three stars on the shirt. Sunweb feels honoured to be associated with this legacy, becoming part of their unique Front of Shirt sponsorship tradition. In more than 40 years, only three main brands have graced the front of the Anderlecht shirt, showcasing the strength and value of these long-lasting elite partnerships. The prestige of RSC Anderlecht is widely spread across Belgium and other European countries. Meaning Sunweb is creating an international stage for more brand visibility with this partnership.
Creating Memories Together
Both Sunweb and RSC Anderlecht strive to be more than just brands—they are about creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a family holiday or a thrilling night of European football, the memories we help create bring joy, excitement, and connection. Together, Sunweb and Anderlecht are #CreatingMemories that will resonate with fans and customers alike.
As part of this sponsorship agreement, both parties commit to developing innovative concepts focused on digital activation, driving Sunweb’s e-commerce efforts. Sunweb’s marketing strategy is mainly focused on digital channels, but it feels good to see a real life expression of it on the field.
Tim Van den Bergh, CCO of Sunweb Group:
“We are incredibly proud to partner with RSC Anderlecht, a club with such a prestigious history and passionate fanbase,” said Tim Van den Bergh, Chief Commercial Officer at Sunweb Group. “At Sunweb, we believe in creating unforgettable moments for our customers, and this is what Anderlecht delivers to its fans every week. By becoming their Front of Shirt sponsor, we’re excited to build a strong partnership focused on shared values and creating lasting memories both on and off the pitch. This also means Sunweb is again investing in sports marketing after the proven success with our “Team Sunweb” world tour cycling team in the past.”
Kenneth Bornauw, CEO Non-Sports RSC Anderlecht:
“I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Sunweb. As one of Europe’s leading travel brands, Sunweb perfectly embodies the excitement and passion that football represents. Both of our brands are dedicated to creating positive experiences and unforgettable moments. Sunweb’s expertise as a digital holiday leader, with their unique content platform and solid online business model, aligns seamlessly with our club’s digital growth. We’re looking forward to collaborating and learning from each other.”
Sunweb, through its SDP subsidiary dedicated to hotels and hospitality, announces a major agreement with Noemys, a key player in tourist accommodation in the French Alps. This agreement will combine Sunweb’s expertise in creating flexible and accessible tourism products with Noemys’ know-how in managing quality residences and hotels.
Paris, June 10, 2024 – Sunweb announces a strategic business partnership with Noemys, a well-established provider of independent accommodations in France for over 10 years.
In an increasingly demanding tourism market, Sunweb reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible holidays “for the many.” Despite the growing trend towards premiumization in mountain accommodations, with the rise of 4 and 5-star residences and luxury hotels that effectively exclude some skiers, Sunweb remains dedicated to its promise of being an accessible tour operator for all. Although the tour operator primarily offers stays in 4-star establishments, its position as the European leader in ski holidays compels it to create products accessible to all budgets.
Over the years, Sunweb has forged strong partnerships with the leading providers of mountain tourist accommodations and intends to continue in this direction. Nevertheless, Sunweb distinguishes itself by its ability to design diversified tourism offers, aiming to meet the expectations of young people, those with small budgets, and short-stay enthusiasts.
A mutually beneficial agreement for mountain territories
The commercial agreement with Noemys extends well beyond mere cooperation between two key players in the sector and forms part of a comprehensive strategy to revitalize mid-altitude resorts. The collaboration between Noemys’ hotel expertise and Sunweb’s knowledge in tourist attraction aims to address “cold beds” and support the sustainability of these resorts. By attracting French and European clientele to maximize occupancy rates during the off-peak seasons of residences and hotels, Sunweb contributes to the economic activity of the territories.
Moreover, Sunweb also intends to promote Noemys residences during the summer season. This initiative will further bolster the local ecosystem by attracting summer clientele, thus contributing to the economic vitality of mountain territories throughout the year. This comprehensive approach maximizes infrastructure utilization and provides a rich and diverse tourism experience. The agreement with Noemys allows Sunweb to manage nearly 5,000 beds in the form of hotels, tourist residences, and chalets; this offering perfectly complements Sunweb’s overall package in collaboration with the main managers of tourist establishments in the mountains.
The strategic agreement includes four independent residences from the Noemys portfolio, two of which have a capacity of over 600 beds each, located in accessible and strategic destinations for the group:
In addition to Noemys’ offer, Sunweb will manage two new hotels for the upcoming winter season, along with the revitalization project of Terrasses de Termignon in Termignon-Val Cenis. Sunweb actively participates in the rehabilitation of this tourist residence, which faced a complicated situation and had an uncertain future, by reintroducing about 600 hot beds to the market. This project will facilitate the development of the Termignon-Val Cenis resort, confirming Sunweb’s commitment to sustainable development and support for local communities.
“This agreement with Noemys is a significant step for Sunweb and SDP,” says Cécile Revol, General Manager of Sunweb Group for France and also Director of the SDP subsidiary. “It will allow us to offer our clients an even wider choice of quality accommodations, meeting their needs and budgets, including financially accessible destinations and flexible, personalized packages.”
Pierre Bréchard, President of the Noemys Group, states, “It is with great pleasure that the Noemys Group forms this partnership with Sunweb, one of the leaders in European Tour Operating, for the commercialization of these 4 mountain residences. With the resources deployed by Sunweb’s teams combined with our proven expertise in managing mountain tourist residences, it is a real asset for the destinations concerned and an active participation in maintaining occupancy in these territories for both winter and summer seasons.“
The agreement with Noemys is part of Sunweb’s strategy for sustainable growth in the European ski market. The group relies on this agreement to maintain its position as the largest ski tour operator in Europe for the coming years.
Would you like more information about this announcement? Feel free to contact us for an interview with Cécile Revol, General Manager of Sunweb France.
Rotterdam, 4 April 2024 – Sunweb Group, the leading digital holiday expert behind brands across seven international markets – in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, France, UK, and Germany, announces the appointment of Mieke De Schepper as the Group’s new CEO. De Schepper brings a wealth of experience and insight from the digital and travel markets and will lead Sunweb Group as it seeks to further develop, expand and innovate its business and build upon its digital leadership and strategy.
Mieke De Schepper, until recently Chief Commercial Officer at Trustpilot and currently a member of the supervisory board of trivago N.V and Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V, has a background in strategy, product, marketing, and sales, and has led organisations across different tech-enabled industries. De Schepper also brings broad travel industry experience from her time with recognised industry leaders Expedia Group and Amadeus, where she held executive roles in regional and global positions. De Schepper has Belgian roots and lived and worked abroad for over 20 years before returning to the Netherlands, where she spent much of her early life.
The appointment of Mieke De Schepper aligns well with the group’s ongoing strategy. Sunweb Group aims to shape the future of holidays and offer tailored travel offerings to the many by a superior digital offering. By giving its customers choice, flexibility and ease of mind, Sunweb Group aims to become the leading digital holiday expert in Europe.
David Kelly, Chairman of the Board of Directors: “The appointment of Mieke represents a significant step forward in Sunweb Group’s ongoing strategic development. The addition of such an experienced leader in the digital travel sphere reinforces Sunweb Group’s ambitions and provides the impetus for an exciting new phase in our journey. I welcome Mieke to her new role and am excited to see her vision for the future.”
“Sunweb Group plays an important role in the European travel market and it is extremely well placed to strengthen its market position thanks to its entrepreneurial spirit,” De Schepper explains. “I am thrilled to join Sunweb Group at such an exciting time. Consumers want great holiday experiences that they can trust, with enhanced choices and less hassle – all at an affordable price. Sunweb Group’s asset light business model enables agility, and the business has built a close working relationship with its strong partner network. As a result, we can quickly and effectively adapt to changing customer needs, giving us a key market differentiator in Europe.”
Mieke De Schepper will assume the CEO role at Sunweb Group on May 1, 2024, and will work alongside the established management team to drive Sunweb Group’s strategy throughout 2024 and beyond.