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London, 3 November 2022 – Today, Sunweb Group, one of the leading European travel organizations, is announcing its partnership with Neste, the world’s largest producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and diesel. The move means the Group is Neste’s first travel industry partner that is taking the important step despite not owning any aircraft.

In spring 2022, the travel company announced it would no longer compensate CO2 directly, but instead invest in reducing emissions from its own products. The funds generated by the move have allowed Sunweb Group to partner with Neste by purchasing 385,000 litres of SAF to reduce its CO2 emissions.

SAF is the most sustainable fuel alternative currently on the market, emitting at least 80%1 less greenhouse gases (GHG) compared to using fossil kerosine. The fuel purchased from Neste by Sunweb Group is produced from 100% sustainably sourced renewable waste and residue raw materials such as used cooking oil.

The move is also in addition to an on-going collaboration between Sunweb Group and Dutch airline Transavia in April 2022, when they announced they would invest in a shared sustainability budget in SAF.

“While this initial SAF purchase is currently a small amount, it is an important step towards making flying more sustainable,” says Chris Oskam, Sunweb Group’s Head of Sustainability. “SAF is the most effective way of lowering our CO2 footprint. At the moment, less than 0.1% of all aviation fuel used globally is SAF2. In order to reduce airplane emissions, we need to raise SAF’s share. With this new investment, we add another 0.5% of SAF to all flights taken by Sunweb Group’s one million customers in 2022, and in doing so we aim to show that sustainability is a responsibility for us all,” concludes Oskam.

“Neste is committed to helping the aviation industry become more sustainable and working together with innovative and forward thinking partners who share our ambitions is key to success. As one of the largest travel organizations in Europe, Sunweb Group is taking on the responsibility to make their offering more sustainable by buying SAF and applying it directly for their clientele. This is a first of its kind collaboration, and we hope it will be inspiring for other forward thinking organizations. The world needs these kinds of pioneers to lead the way towards a more sustainable future,” says Jason Reichow, Vice President Business Development Renewable Aviation at Neste.

Neste: Please contact Neste’s media service, tel. +358 800 94025 / media@neste.com (weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. EET).

1Measured over the fuel’s lifetime and calculated with the proven LCA methodologies for life cycle analysis, including the CORSIA methodology

Neste in brief
Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates solutions for combating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. We refine waste, residues and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstock for plastics and other materials. We are the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel and developing chemical recycling to combat the plastic waste challenge. We aim at helping customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions with our renewable and circular solutions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030. Our ambition is to make the Porvoo oil refinery in Finland the most sustainable refinery in Europe by 2030. We are introducing renewable and recycled raw materials such as liquefied waste plastic as refinery raw materials. We have committed to reaching carbon-neutral production by 2035, and we will reduce the carbon emission intensity of sold products by 50% by 2040. We also have set high standards for biodiversity, human rights and supply chain. We have consistently been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies. In 2021, Neste’s revenue stood at EUR 15.1 billion. Read more: neste.com

Rotterdam, 3 November 2022 – Digital holiday expert Sunweb Group has acquired Sweden’s fourth largest tour operator, Airtours. The acquisition strengthens Sunweb’s position in Sweden and is in line with its ambition to become one of the biggest holiday operators in the Nordic countries.

Sunweb Group, one of Europe’s largest travel operators, sees Airtours as an ideal match for its expansion in the Nordics. The Group, which was founded in 1991 and serves over one million travelers every year in seven European countries, is supported by majority owner Triton, an international investment company.

Airtours, which was founded in 1998, serves around 100,000 travelers every year. The acquisition will build on Sunweb Group’s existing business in Denmark and Sweden to become one of the leading players in the Nordics.

The deal will allow Airtours customers to benefit from a wider choice of destinations in Europe, with greater flexibility and improved technology.

“We are very pleased that Airtours is becoming part of the Sunweb Group family. Not only do we share the same business model, but also the same mentality of always challenging the travel industry and putting customers first,” said Mattijs ten Brink, CEO at Sunweb Group. “In 2022 we have been leveraging all the hard work done during the two pandemic years. This has resulted in the best financial results in our history, increased market shares in our home markets, the introduction of cruises, as well as the launches of Eliza was here in the UK, and Sunweb in Sweden. In 2023 we will continue to build on our improved market position and maintain our growth. In Scandinavia, we now take an important step towards becoming one of the largest players in the market”.

Ideal match
Sunweb Group and Airtours are an ideal match as both companies are asset-light and sell directly to customers, while offering full flexibility with the security of a package holiday. The product offerings are also highly complementary.

Early during the pandemic, Airtours took the decision to look for a partner to maximise openings in the market during what was a difficult time.

“The pandemic brought changes and openings to the market, which we identified as an early opportunity to leverage. We started looking for a partner and quickly realized that Sunweb Group was the perfect fit. Both businesses share a customer-centric approach and mutual values. We believe that our similar business models are well-suited and will allow us to grow, challenge and become one of the biggest tour operators in the Nordics”, said Stefan Chatzopoulos, one of Airtours’ founders.

With well-known brands such as Sunweb and Eliza, Sunweb Group has an annual turnover of more than 800 million euros. It was acquired by private equity fund Triton V in 2019.

London, 23 September – The world’s most exciting winter dance festival, Tomorrowland Winter, is confirmed to return for the third time. Sunweb, Tomorrowland and Alpe d’Huez are joining forces to organise the renowned event, which will take place from 18- 25 March 2023 in the French ski resort. ‘People of Tomorrow’ will be able to combine a unique winter sports holiday and festival experience, all at more than 2,000 metres above sea level in the famous Alpe d’Huez mountains.

Tomorrowland Winter offers a comprehensive concept for which Sunweb organises all bookings for thousands of winter sports and festival goers as the event’s exclusive travel partner. Sunweb offers festival-goers the ability to book mountain passes, accommodation, festival ticket upgrades and accommodation transfers all in one place.

Ultimate winter sports and festival experience
From 18 – 25 March 2023, French ski resort Alpe d’Huez is all about skiing, snowboarding and partying in the magical setting of Tomorrowland Winter. For the third time, Sunweb, Tomorrowland and Alpe d’Huez are together organising the largest festival in the mountains, with its numerous stages exclusively accessible to the ‘People of Tomorrow’. The 2023 winter edition promises to be an impressive one, featuring over 100 of the best DJs in the world, including Netsky, Afrojack, Lost Frequencies, Martin Garrix, and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, who will give it their all at great heights: between 2,000 and 3,300 metres above sea level.

The biggest ski tour operator, the largest festival organiser and the most famous French ski resort are joining forces to create the ultimate festival and winter sports holiday in the French Alps. All three parties are essential and their input cannot be underestimated. Alpe d’Huez makes its’ pistes exclusively available to the festival, Tomorrowland Winter provides an unrivalled party experience, and Sunweb is the festival’s sole tour operator; creating and maintaining the booking site, and taking care of the holiday makers’ complete journey and stay.

“Tomorrowland Winter remains a rock-solid concept that captures the imagination,” says Tim Van den Bergh, Sunweb Group’s Director Sun & Beach Holidays and Specialties. “Its international character and the enticing mix of the festival and one of the world’s premium ski and snowboard areas make Tomorrowland Winter the ultimate destination for festival and winter sports enthusiasts. We support the customer journey from orientation and booking until aftercare. On location, we will do everything we can to help our guests when they need us and enhance their stay. As exclusive travel partner, we are doing our utmost to give the ‘People of Tomorrow’ the experience of a lifetime.”

Diehard winter sports enthusiasts more than welcome
Package deals can be booked with a stay in Alpe d’Huez for the full experience via Tomorrowland Winter’s event site. Diehard winter sports fans, who are most interested in skiing or snowboarding in one the best ski resorts in the world, can look to Sunweb to enjoy the unique festival on the piste during the day. The special Mountain Pass is exclusively available via the Sunweb website, offering accommodation in the surrounding villages Oz-en-Oisans of Villard-Reculas.

Festival goers who want to continue their party into the night can book festival tickets for one night or upgrade their entire stay – subject to availability. Partygoers can also book transfer back to their accommodation via Sunweb.

Ticket sales
The first batch of tickets will go on sale from 24 September. 7-day package deals with stay in Alpe d’Huez are available via the Tomorrowland Winter event site. From that evening, 7-day package deals with stay in the surrounding villages will be available via Sunweb.

From 1 and 14 October respectively, travellers will be able to book 4-day packages and 1-day festival tickets – via Tomorrowland Winter’s event site for accommodation in Alpe d’Huez, and via Sunweb for stay in the nearby villages.

“We are really proud to once again be able to partner with Tomorrowland Winter and offer our expertise to facilitate all steps of the booking process for both winter sports fanatics and partygoers. For our team, this project is an adventure in itself. Our developers have been hard at work building the website, and we utilise the event for our employee experience. After all, we want to enhance customer experience whenever and wherever we can,” Van den Bergh concludes.

Deepika Gupta

Deepika Gupta comments on her appointment, saying: “Traditionally, the travel industry is a people’s business. My goal is to optimize our IT operations whilst putting people at the center of it. Through high performing teams where members actively take time to learn and grow, we will focus on delivering value faster to our customers, partners and employee.”

Mattijs ten Brink, CEO at Sunweb Group, says: “I am very glad that Deepika is joining our team. We want to be the leading digital holiday expert and offer holidaymakers even more personalized experiences. With her expertise in business transformations and technology, I am confident she will make great contribution towards reaching this goal.”

Deepika will be part of Sunweb Group’s Management Board, which after the earlier appointment of Ruud Martens as CCO, is now complete.

Rotterdam, 13 juni 2022 – To make sustainable and relaxed train travel more attractive to a wider audience, Sunweb Group and European Sleeper are fully committed to the introduction of direct night trains to popular winter sports and sun destinations. The ambition is to start with the first trains to the French Alps this winter. The next step is a night train that will take holidaymakers directly to the beaches of southern France in the summer season.

In the coming period, the new partners will further develop the travel offers. The night train in particular has many advantages for the customers of Sunweb Group. The journey is sustainable and safe, while being an experience in itself. Because you sleep while travelling, the longer travel time is not an issue. You arrive at your destination well-rested, and the holiday can start right away. For the winter sports holiday, this means, for example, that you can ski for almost eight full days. We offer many boarding stations in the Netherlands and Belgium and one can get off the trains close to the resorts.

Sunweb Group has expressed the ambition to offer more sustainable travel options. At the beginning of this year, CEO of Sunweb Group, Mattijs ten Brink, already indicated that he would be offering more alternatives. Train holidays to southern Italy can now be booked through subsidiary Eliza was here. The next step is to offer entire trains to different destinations in France and Italy, so that the ecological footprint can be further reduced. With this, Sunweb Group wants to make holidays by train accessible to a much larger audience.

European Sleeper is a new Dutch-Belgian railway company dedicated to night trains. The plans of Sunweb Group fit perfectly with European Sleeper’s ambitions to build a network of night trains from the Netherlands and Belgium. In addition to the already planned night train from Brussels and Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague, a new night train to France is now being prepared. To be able to grow further in the future, European Sleeper will also invest in new sleeping cars. At the end of June, large and small private investors can participate by purchasing new shares of European Sleeper.

London, 9th June 2022: Eliza was here is the new one-stop travel operator now available in the UK. The secluded sanctuary specialists, backed by Sunweb Group, offer unique, hand-picked destinations for small scale holidays across Greece and the Mediterranean.

Eliza was here made a splash at its Greek themed launch event yesterday, with special guests Tim van den Bergh, Managing Director, Eliza was here, and Eleni Skarveli, Director Greek National Tourist Office UK & Ireland. In the heart of Fitzrovia at Meraki, attendees were immersed in Greek food, wine and cocktails to get a taste of the Eliza experience. UK customers can book unique sunny escapes to one of 10 Greek destinations with Eliza, from Crete to Corfu. Why not turn in the opposite direction of tourist hotspots to stay in a Windmill complete with a peaceful pool?

As part of the international leading holiday experts, Sunweb Group, Eliza was here initially launched in 2001 in the Netherlands and has fast become the go-to holiday provider for unique, off the beaten track destinations across the Benelux region and Denmark.

With all-in-one packages available directly through the UK website, holidaymakers can conveniently book unique accommodation (from villas to boutique hotels or apartments), car hire and flights in one place. To help solo adventurers or friends looking for their next getaway, Eliza was here personally visits every location to give honest and authentic recommendations on places to stay that offer something a little different to standard hotels.

Tim van den Bergh, Managing Director at Eliza was here, says, “We are very excited to introduce the UK to Eliza was here and take new customers to new places that they would never have known about before. We love uncovering the best destinations to give people the trip of a lifetime and help people find what they weren’t looking for. We pride ourselves on that personal touch.”

ROTTERDAM, 9 June 2022 – Sunweb Group, parent company to travel organisations such as Sunweb, Eliza was here, GOGO and Primavera, has appointed Ruud Martens as its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). As a member of the Board of Management, he will primarily focus on the implementation and further development of the travel company’s exciting expansion plans.

Earlier this year, Sunweb Group presented its ambitious growth strategy. It consists of a substantial revenue growth, launching new products, further personalisation, and more sustainable alternatives. For 2022, the goal is to give one million people a well-deserved holiday. Ruud Martens’ role, from 15 August 2022, will be crucial for these developments. “To realise our growth strategy, we need the best people at all levels of our organisation,” says Sunweb Group CEO Mattijs ten Brink. “In the role of Chief Commercial Officer, Ruud will lead our commercial teams and guide our international expansion. I am pleased that Ruud is joining our team; his expertise and network will certainly contribute to our organisation’s continued ambitions for expansion.”

Ruud Martens has extensive experience in business-to-consumer and e-commerce environments. As an entrepreneur, he successfully built companies such as independer.nl and, more recently, localroast.nl – both focused on excellent service and a seamless online experience. He will use this experience to support Sunweb Group in its growth: “I have always had a passion for innovation and exceptional customer experience, which is exactly what Sunweb Group stands for! The ambition to further grow this, internationally and for the various brands of one of Europe’s largest travel organisations, is a special challenge I am really looking forward to,” says Martens.

ROTTERDAM, 31 May 2022 – Sunweb Group, parent company to travel organisations such as Sunweb, Eliza was here, GOGO and Primavera, is making big strides in the effectuation of its growth strategy. Part of this strategy is the joint investment with its partners in sustainability and international expansion. The company aims to meet the modern holiday maker’s changing requirements and is increasing its offerings. Today, Sunweb Group is announcing an extension of its offering by train travel via Eliza was here and cruises under the Sunweb flag.

Mattijs ten Brink, CEO at Sunweb Group: “Because we, as a large travel organisation, are now offering train travel and cruises, we’re making this type of travel available for many more people; offering new, high-quality alternatives for holidaying abroad. In these new types of travel, we see great potential for growth of our organisation, but more importantly, we are now able to offer new and existing customers more opportunities. Holidays are becoming increasingly customised, and we are proud to offer our customer fresh, unique holiday memories. The rail holidays to Puglia are a first step; later this year we expect to be offering train travel to our winter sports destinations.”

Expanding the range and further internationalisation
The 12-day rail holiday, available via Eliza was here, brings travellers to Puglia in southern Italy. It is a pilot project starting in June, and is a way for Sunweb Group to ‘tempt’ travellers towards different, more sustainable ways of travel. The holiday starts in the Netherlands, in Amsterdam, Utrecht or Arnhem. After a two-day train journey via Basel and Milan, an electric rental car awaits travellers in Bari. Ready to bring them to two picturesque, unique and smalls-scale accommodations, which Eliza was here is known for.

Under the Sunweb flag, Sunweb Group is now offering cruise travel in conjunction with a select number of leading shipping companies. Sunweb will offer routes to a variety of destinations, from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia and the Caribbean. In the last few years, ‘the digital holiday expert’ saw an increase in the demand for cruise travel. Growing numbers of people are considering it an ideal way of holidaying, and it is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. Moreover, it is a market that traditionally does a lot of its business offline, which means that online customers form a largely untapped market. Sunweb’s ambition, as a fully online player, is to gain a substantial market share within the cruise industry in a short time frame by deploying a solid e-commerce strategy.

Lastly, Sunweb Group has big international ambitions. Besides Sunweb ski holidays, Eliza was here is active in the UK market from 1 June 2022, offering small-scale holidays away from the crowd. As well as introducing existing products into new markets, Sunweb Group is looking at takeovers abroad to further accelerate growth.

Investing in more sustainable alternatives
A focus on sustainability is also part of what the modern traveller requires. Sunweb Group has decided to stop investing in CO2 compensation. Instead, Sunweb Group, together with its international partners, will invest in making its own offerings more sustainable. A recent example is the relative increase of sustainable aviation fuel SAF with Transavia. SAF is the most sustainable alternative for aviation fuel currently on the market; it emits at least 75% less CO2 than fossil kerosine. The aim is to increase SAF use year upon year.

Mattijs ten Brink: “We are continuously working with our partners on initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future. Compensating CO2 may not be as effective as we had hoped, so we have chosen to invest in other ways that have a positive impact – straight away as well as in the long term. We are looking to decrease our ecological footprint in the sky, and we support local initiatives that directly affect communities at our destinations.

Customers that have booked before 1 June 2022 who still want to compensate their holiday’s estimated CO2 emissions (journey, transfer and accommodation), can let their operator know, and Sunweb Group will ensure this is done.

Rotterdam, 15 December 2021 – Sunweb will be the first travel organization in Europe to stop using staged photos and videos in its advertising. No more meaningless images of exquisite beaches or fake families next to the infinity pool. Instead, Sunweb gives people the freedom to imagine their ideal holiday in a campaign for television, radio, online, print, and social media.

In Sunweb’s new campaign, no more staged photos and videos will be portrayed. Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group, said: “A holiday is so much more than sun, sea and snow. What’s incredible for one person is a ‘no, thank you’ for the next. So we’re literally giving space for personal interpretation because your ideal holiday is so much more beautiful than any advert.”

“Stop parroting the rest”
Travel organizations all use the same kind of images in their advertising, which means that consumers find it hard to distinguish between campaigns. Ten Brink explained: “This campaign achieves a radical breakthrough by not parroting other travel campaigns and allowing people to imagine their own ideal holiday. Close your eyes and picture your ideal holiday. That’s when the holiday vibe really begins.”

Sharing recognizable imperfection with the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark
Even much-loved holiday photos and videos rarely fit into the clichéd imagery favoured by most travel organizations. Ten Brink said: “The most beautiful memories are often created with too little light or without a recognizable holiday location. But these photographs immediately evoke a special memory of that holiday. We will share those recognizable, imperfect and yet so significant images with the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark. We have already received many special memories from customers. These true stories convey a real holiday feeling and demonstrate how unique a holiday can be.”

Sunweb’s “more beautiful than advertising” campaign starts on December 15th.

Rotterdam, 1 December 2021 – Imagine finding yourself in a tropical paradise the moment you set foot in the Azores, the Portuguese island group in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. To answer the continuing demand for new intimate holidays in undiscovered locations, travel organisation Eliza was here – a specialist in offering small-scale and unique holiday accommodations far from the crowd – is now offering this destination in collaboration with Transavia. The Azores’ colourful, changeable landscape and historic cities make it the perfect ‘away from the crowd’ holiday for any nature-lover and adventurer. As of today, travellers can book a holiday, including a rental car, to eight of the most beautiful spots in the Azores, such as a serene spa or a traditional estate called a quinta. More unique accommodations will be added in the coming months. The first flight to the island of São Michel will depart on Sunday, 24 April 2022.

The 9 inhabited and 8 uninhabited islands of the Azores – also called the Hawaii of Europe – have an unprecedented beauty and a temperate, pleasant climate. Discover the lush mountains, rugged cliffs and unforgettable views of the Portuguese island group in peace and quiet. Hike along one of the many volcanoes, waterfalls or geysers, or take a breath-taking road trip along the coastline with the rental car that is included with your booking through Eliza was here. Later in the day, you can make your way to one of São Michel’s beautiful historic towns. The authentic old streets are perfect for hours of wandering. In the meantime, you can get to know the local cuisine. The Azores are not yet very touristy, which makes it an ideal holiday destination for adventurers and nature lovers.

Tim van den Bergh, Managing Director Eliza was here, says: “We are very pleased to be able to add this new destination and unique accommodations to our offerings. For many, this is still an undiscovered part of Europe. Meanwhile, the Azores have so much to offer us. Moreover, this destination fits perfectly with the current trend we see of booking more secluded sites and looking for unique, undiscovered places. This trend fits in seamlessly with the concept of Eliza was here. Moreover, our customers are increasingly able to organise their holiday themselves, and we offer them the flexibility they need. For example, you can choose your ideal departure and return times or use the free rebooking option, as the situation requires. We look forward to providing our customers with a well-deserved holiday in this new destination, together with our new partners in the Azores!”

Spend the night at the most unique spots in São Michel. You can stay among the flora and fauna of the island, on the coastline or take up residence for one or more nights in a former monastery. The following accommodations are now available for booking:

Would you like to learn more about this new destination? Watch this video about the Azores.