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.
Rotterdam, 5 March 2024 – Sunweb Group welcomes Tim Van den Bergh to the Board of Management as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Effective immediately, Van den Bergh, currently Director Sun & Beach Holidays + Specialties at Sunweb Group, will assume commercial responsibility for all markets as well as the group’s entire sun and ski holiday portfolios.
Tim Van den Bergh brings a wealth of experience in the travel industry to his new role as CCO at Sunweb Group, the digital holiday expert behind brands such as Sunweb and Eliza was here. His journey began as CEO and co-owner of GlobEvents, a travel & event agency that merged into Sundio Group International in 2015. In 2018, Sundio Group was renamed Sunweb Group and since then, Van den Bergh has contributed to the group’s growth and development in various leadership roles on both the marketing and tour operator sides.
Besides his role at Sunweb Group, Van den Bergh is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Belgian Travel Organisers (ABTO), where he uses his expertise to benefit the wider travel community. As of today, Van den Bergh completes the Board of Management as CCO, alongside ad interim CEO Lars Löfgren, CFO Jeroen de Swart, and CTO Deepika Gupta. He will assume commercial responsibility for the full sun and ski holiday portfolio in the seven countries in which the organisation operates: the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
“I have always had a passion for great customer service and the ultimate travel experience, and that is exactly what Sunweb Group is all about,” Van den Bergh explains. “The ambition to expand this on an international level, for one of Europe’s largest and fastest-growing digital holiday providers, is a great challenge that I am happy to take on. I look forward to sharing my expertise with my team; together we will create the ultimate holiday experience for customers in all our markets.”
The addition of Van den Bergh to the Board of Management perfectly aligns with Sunweb Group’s ambition to continue to grow, further innovate its digital platform, and offer the best travel experience. “To realise our plans for growth we need top talent at all levels within our organisation, and with Tim Van den Bergh we have found the perfect person for this important role,” says Sunweb Group ad interim CEO Lars Löfgren. “I am looking forward to welcoming Tim in his new role of CCO. His proven record and extensive knowledge of the industry and e-commerce will be invaluable for Sunweb Group’s further growth and development.”
Picking the right ski resort can often be tedious and difficult but that doesn’t make it any less important – especially for beginners new to the realm of snow sports.
One of Europe’s leading holiday operators, Sunweb, has analysed the number of green and blue runs in 16 of Europe’s top ski destinations revealing the best location for fledgling skiers, with La Plagne emerging as the most beginner-friendly resort, with a total of 79 green and blue runs, allowing new winter sports enthusiasts to make the most out of the trip.
Situated in the Paradiski ski area, almost three-fifths (59.8%) of La Plagne’s slopes are suitable for beginners, while Les Arcs, Alpe D’Huez and Les Deux Alpes respective pistes are offer new skiers plenty of slopes to carve up.
For the more experienced skiers, there’s no shortage of red and black runs in the aforementioned resorts, with La Plagne alone offering 53 intermediate slopes.
Top 16 resorts by total Green + Blue runs
In the middle of the pack, Cervinia Val Thorens and Tignes are separated by just three runs, with all being perfectly viable options to set off on a skiing journey.
Les Deux Alpes has the highest beginner to intermediate ratio with 70% of the total slopes being green or blue, with La Plagne (59%) and Alpe D’Huez (58%) also tailored heavily to skiers starting out.
The worst spots for beginners are Zell am Zee (Austria) and Les Gets – Morzine, with just 20 runs suitable for novices. Vallnord Pal-Arinsal only has 25 runs, and the Andorran resort is also comprised of just 63km of slope, so beginners should steer clear of that resort as they may find the variation and quantity of slopes somewhat limiting.
Spokesperson for Sunweb, Jack Bolus, said: “Choosing the right destination when you’re a beginner is vitally important and you don’t want to have to waste time getting a bus across to another resort, just to find the right slopes.
“At a time when the cost of living will undoubtedly impact holidays, at Sunweb, we’re determined to ensure all our customers get the most out of their holiday from both a financial, and a skiing, point of view. That’s why we include the lift pass with all our ski holidays, making sure that beginners and experts alike can enjoy the slopes with as little hassle as possible!”
Sunweb is delighted to be announced as winner of “World’s Best Ski Tour Operator 2023” at the World Ski Awards.
The feat means that the leading holiday operator has picked up the award for an unprecedented seventh time, as it continues providing first class holidays at affordable prices. Having won the award for five years in a row from 2015 – 2019, Sunweb returned to consecutive wins after it scooped the 2022 trophy for the sixth time.
With its unique offering of a ski pass included with every holiday, Sunweb further highlights its dedication to providing the best quality ski holidays for all its customers, setting itself apart from the competition.
Spokesperson for Sunweb, Jack Bolus said: “We’re really pleased that our customers, partners and industry experts recognise us as the leading ski tour operator in the world yet again.
“Picking up the award for an unrivalled seventh time makes us more determined than ever to have a strong 2024 and continue growing the business all while picking up more awards for our first-class service.”
Ski passes can often be the most expensive part of any ski holiday, so for any winter sport enthusiast getting the best value for money is very important.
Sunweb, one of Europe’s leading holiday operators, has analysed the cost of a six-day ski pass in 21 of Europe’s top ski destinations to reveal the best value ski pass in Europe broken down by cost per km, with the Dolomiti Superski area costing just €0.31 per km of skiing. Alongside this, the package provider has also uncovered the places where you can find the most expensive and cheapest resort passes.
At €373, the Dolomiti Superski lift pass provides access to 12 resorts scattered throughout the Dolomites, offering up to 1,200 km of skiing – twice as much as the next largest areas, France’s Port Du Soleil (€0.49 per km) and Les 3 Vallées (€0.60 per km).
At €292.50, Port Du Soleil comes in at second place with a reasonable €0.49 per km. For skiers looking for a smaller area to conquer, Sauze D’Oulx comes in as the third best return on investment at € 0.56 – the best offer anywhere in the region. Playing host to freestyle skiing at the 2006 Winter Olympics, there’s no shortage of halfpipes or big air jumps for the more adrenaline-focused skiers.
Despite having a fairly low price, Vallnord Pal-Arinsal offers the worst value ski pass, with just 63km of ski-able slopes, meaning that for six days gliding down the slopes the cost per km is a hefty €4.29. Similarly, the steep price of a pass in Solden doesn’t give skiers much bang for their buck, with only 144km of slopes, setting keen snow-seekers back €2.62 per km.
Best Value for Money Ski Passes across Europe
| Rank | Country | Resort | € / Km | Price of 6-day ski pass (€) Adult | Area size (km) |
| 1 | Italy | Dolomiti Superski | € 0.31 | € 373.00 | 1,200 |
| 2 | France | Port Du Soleil | € 0.49 | € 292.50 | 600 |
| 3 | Italy | Sauze D’Oulx | € 0.56 | € 223.00 | 400 |
| 4 | France | Les 3 Vallées | € 0.60 | € 360.00 | 600 |
| 5 | France | Les Arcs | € 0.78 | € 330.00 | 425 |
| 6 | Italy | Breuil-cervinia | € 0.94 | € 302.00 | 322 |
| 7 | Switzerland | Zermatt | € 0.99 | € 355.00 | 360 |
| 8 | Austria | St. Anton | € 1.17 | € 358.00 | 306 |
| 9 | France | Alpe D’Huez | € 1.24 | € 310.00 | 250 |
| 10 | France | Tignes – Val D’Isere | € 1.26 | € 378.00 | 300 |
| 11 | France | Les Deux Alpes | € 1.40 | € 279.00 | 200 |
| 12 | France | La Plagne | € 1.47 | € 330.00 | 225 |
| 13 | France | Chamonix | € 2.00 | € 300.00 | 150 |
| 14 | France | Meribel | € 2.03 | € 305.00 | 150 |
| 15 | France | Val Thorens | € 2.04 | € 306.00 | 150 |
| 16 | France | Les Gets – Morzine | € 2.10 | € 252.00 | 120 |
| 17 | France | Courchevel | € 2.17 | € 325.00 | 150 |
| 18 | France | Avoriaz | € 2.17 | € 282.00 | 130 |
| 19 | Switzerland | St Moritz | € 2.54 | € 393.00 | 155 |
| 20 | Austria | Solden | € 2.62 | € 377.50 | 144 |
| 21 | Andorra | Vallnord Pal-Arinsal | € 4.29 | € 270.00 | 63 |
According to Sunweb’s bookings data from last season, Val Thorens was the most popular resort destination for UK holidaymakers with the resort perched atop Les 3 Vallées appealing most to those in search of blue skies and fresh powder. If the 150km of slopes isn’t enough, skiers can upgrade to a full 3 Vallées lift pass which gives a significantly improved return on investment at €0.60 per km, compared to €2.04 in Val Thorens.
In the middle of the pack, La Plagne costs €1.47 per km and – per Sunweb’s bookings data – was also the second most popular destination for Brits last season with its 225km of glorious skiing.
Spokesperson for Sunweb, Jack Bolus, said: “The cost of a ski pass is often not factored into budgets by holidaymakers but at Sunweb, all our packages include a ski pass, meaning that there are no hidden or unexpected costs upon arrival in the mountains.
“With certain early bookings, skiers can get flights, accommodation, and a lift pass for less than the cost of a six-day pass in almost every resort researched.
“And, with the ongoing cost of living crisis meaning that ski holidays are becoming harder and harder to finance, Sunweb is more determined than ever to ensure all holiday packages are accessible and affordable for all.”
On September 11, 2023, Sunweb Group renewed its Travelife certificate, a leading international sustainability certificate for the travel industry. Sunweb Group achieved the highest status: Travelife Certified, for the second time, with only a few travel organisations recognised at this high level.
Sunweb Group believes that everyone deserves a holiday and the positive impact they have on people. However, whilst being proud of every great holiday memory made, the company is also aware of the impact that holidays have on the environment and is constantly working towards more sustainable holidaymaking in all aspects, one step at a time.
Lars Lofgren, CEO of Sunweb Group, explains: “Securing the highest Travelife certification for a second time underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability. We see this recognition as a milestone on our path towards more sustainable tourism, and we’re excited to keep raising the bar in our sustainability efforts.
“While we take pride in the strides we’ve made within a relatively short time span, we remain very aware of the challenges that lie ahead. We celebrate the positive impact of travel, but we also acknowledge the substantial environmental footprint it currently leaves. Collaborating closely with our international partners, authorities, valued customers, and dedicated team, we are steadfast in our mission to allow future generations to enjoy their holidays and make our holidays more sustainable.”
Travelife is an internationally recognised (by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)) certification program, specialising in sustainable management for the travel industry. It considers the management of environmental, social and governance criteria such as energy efficiency, waste management, human rights and cultural impact. These criteria include the travel organisation’s office, as well as its product range and partners. The Travelife Certification is valid for two years.
More information about the sustainability initiatives of Sunweb Group can be found via https://www.sunwebgroup.com/sustainability/
Rotterdam, 26 July 2023 – Sunweb Group today announced that Mattijs ten Brink will step down from his position as CEO and leave Sunweb Group. Until a successor has been appointed, Lars Löfgren, Chairman of the Board, will step in as Executive Chairman on a fulltime basis. He will work closely with Managing Director Jeroen de Swart, CFO of Sunweb Group in the transition period.
Mattijs joined Sunweb Group in December 2019. He has successfully led the company throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and managed the company in an impactful way during challenging times.
After overcoming the crisis, Sunweb continues on its path to build Europe’s leading digital holiday expert, combining the best of traditional tour operating with digital travel experiences. Following a discussion between Mattijs and the Board on how to best lead the organisation going forward on that journey, different views have emerged, and it has been jointly agreed that Mattijs will now step down from his position as CEO to pursue other opportunities outside Sunweb Group.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to thank Mattijs for his contribution and engagement in recent years. Thanks to his extensive experience in the travel industry and strong leadership he has managed the challenges of Covid-19 and paved the way to Sunweb Group’s journey in the coming years. We wish Mattijs all the best for his future career and private life,” says Lars Löfgren.
Unique holiday operator, Eliza was here, has found the best honeymoon spots to head to in Europe for every type of couple. From foodies to adrenaline junkies, there’s a destination that’s bound to float your boat. Better still – as well as flights and accommodation, if you book your dream post-wedding escape with Eliza was here, car hire is also included – allowing you and your loved one the freedom to fully explore your destination. The only thing you need to worry about is which of you will take the wheel, and who is navigating!
If you’re a foodie… head to Majorca
If you know your gazpacho from your tortilla, and your paella from your tapas, you should head to Majorca, Spain. Use your hire car to hit up Llucmajor, a secret food-lover’s heaven, and try the Contrabando Tapas Bar to try some of the most delicious croquetas on the island, or head to Bugambilia to tuck into a plate of paella overlooking the sea. Stay at the Son Julia Country House Hotel, a 15th-century hotel which is home to the award-winning Sa Magrana Restaurant. Here, chef Roberto Díez cooks under the stars in the Mediterranean sky.
Love the great outdoors? Go to Greece
If you are someone who loves being at one with nature, hiking trails in the scorching heat and experiencing wildlife to the fullest, you must honeymoon in Epirus, Greece. This undiscovered region on the mainland is a perfect escape with its plethora of hiking trains in the mountains, serving up stunning views left, right and centre. Stay at the Villa Vrachos Luxury Living with the stunning sandy beach of Vrachos just two minutes away, where the water is crystal clear and turns a beautiful turquoise when the sun hits it – making it the perfect spot for a honeymoon sunset.
Head to Sardinia for the jet-set lifestyle
Being a jet-setter doesn’t always mean long-haul, and San Pantaleo in Sardinia reveals exactly why. It’s the perfect marriage of beautiful beaches and spectacular rock formationsm and for a touch of the luxe lifestyle, fly in to Porto Cervo by helicopter. Stay at the Petra Segreta Resort & Spa, a resort tucked away in the rocky landscape where everything is crafted in harmony with nature.
Get your kicks in the Algarve
For thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies, Silves, situated in the Algarve, is one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal, thanks to its location on the river Arade. Whether water sports float your boat or you want to turn your hand to cliff jumping or hiking, Silves will deliver everything a pair of newly married thrill-seekers could desire. Stay at Gato Preto de Silves, a haven of tranquility that will give you just what you need to recharge ahead of another day’s adventures.
Get your vitamin D boost in Paliouri
Sun seekers should head to the Chalkidiki peninsula, in particular the sun-soaked village of Paliouri, one of the southernmost destinations on the peninsula. With its stunning sandy bays and beautiful blue seas, it’s a no brainer for anyone who wants to switch off in the sunshine. Stay at the luxurious Kappa Luxury Villas & Suites where all villas and suites come with a private pool overlooking the Azure Sea, perfect for that idyllic honeymoon spot.
Notes to editors:
For more information, contact the Eliza was here press office on 0203 897 0333 or at elizawashere@ready10.media.
Brussels, 2nd May 2023 – Tour operator Sunweb Group and Belgian home-carrier have been working together for many years now. This contract will result in a multi-year partnership. Since the winter season of 2022 and until the summer of 2025, both parties will jointly develop and identify growth opportunities.
This agreement shows the importance of, and the long-term strategy Brussels Airlines has in the leisure segment. It will allow the airline to steadily grow its number of passengers while reaching a more balanced spread over the seasons and even days of the week.
“We can definitely state that leisure travel has become one of the strategic pillars of our airline. We are proud to have sealed our long-term partnership with tour operator Sunweb Group. It has already allowed us to add Djerba and Monastir to our summer 2023 destinations. Together we will continue to develop a joint plan to grow our portfolio of leisure destinations. We are in good company with Sunweb Group.”
Greet Vandebos, Head of Leisure Sales, Brussels Airlines
“We are pleased that we are now strengthening our strong collaboration with a long-term partnership. Together with Brussels Airlines, we provide our customers a well-deserved holiday to 32 wonderful destinations.”
Harm Groot, Director of Flight Capacity at Sunweb Group
Connecting passengers to 32 destinations
The European tour operator and the Belgian home carrier will be flying together to 32 different holiday destinations, such as
From left to right:
Frederic Dechamps, Senior Director Sales Belgium, Brussels Airlines
Mirella Grassi, Leisure Key account Manager Belgium, Brussels Airlines
Greet Vandebos, Head of Leisure Sales Belgium, Brussels Airlines
Lennart Noorderwerf, Head of Flight Contracting Sunweb Group
Mattijs ten Brink, CEO Sunweb Group
Harm Groot, Director Flight Capacity Sunweb Group