Schiphol, 2 March 2021 – Sunweb Group and Transavia have strengthened their cooperation by signing a contract for a substantial number of seats for Sunweb holidays in the coming summer period. In addition, they are working on the development to set up a corona-free travel corridor from Schiphol Airport to Crete. The developments surrounding the vaccines and also the great desire of Dutch people to go on holiday again as soon as possible give both parties confidence that this summer travel will be possible again.
The corona-free travel corridor, to Crete in first instance, consists of a package holiday from Sunweb that involves flying with Transavia. During the holiday, travelers will be tested for the virus several times. Travelers also intend to stay mainly at their own resort where, of course, great attention is paid to distance and hygiene. Conversations with government and partners about the corona-free travel corridor are ongoing.
Both companies are confident that they can deliver beautiful holidays to their customers again this summer season and symbolize this confidence by letting a kite up. In addition to the purchase of a substantial number of seats per year, the success of the cooperation is mainly due to the total product that both companies can offer together. Particularly at this time, both parties believe that positivity and perspective are needed after a long period when hardly anything was possible and travel was often seen in a negative light because of corona. A corona-free corridor is the first step in that direction.
Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group: ‘In a market that is in full swing, we are proud that our cooperation with Transavia, which has been successful for more than 20 years, offers Dutch holidaymakers the opportunity to discover beautiful destinations throughout Europe. We believe that everyone deserves a great holiday. We know how important it is to take the time to recharge, unwind and put everyday life on pause,’ said ten Brink.
Craving for travel
Marcel de Nooijer, CEO Transavia: ‘Our partners are important to us, together we can give a positive turn to this challenging period. For us, this kite is a symbol for starting to fly again soon, moreover this kite reaches higher with more headwind. We are therefore pleased that Sunweb Group has expressed its confidence in both the recovery of the travel sector as well as in our airline. We see that there is an enormous craving for travel. Passengers can’t wait to discover beautiful destinations again and to look forward to them together with their family or friends. This is also shown in research that we recently completed. Besides being able to embrace each other again, traveling is high on the wish list. It goes without saying that safe travel is an important condition, which is why we pay a lot of extra attention to this aspect.’
Safe travelling
Throughout the sector, safe travel is a top priority, and both parties are looking together how to further increase the safety around travel and the possibilities.These include more intensive testing and also continuing to call on the government for uniform European regulations. This will avoid ambiguities for passengers and prevent people from travelling via other countries. According to Transavia and Sunweb Group, this will benefit nobody, neither the traveler nor the Dutch travel sector.The call from both CEOs, is therefore to work together, throughout the industry, to ensure that we can once again offer our travelers the perspective of a holiday or other trip as soon as possible. This travel corridor to Crete will be a first beautiful and hopeful step in that direction.
Picture (can be published free of rights)
The photo shows Mattijs ten Brink, CEO Sunweb Group and Marcel de Nooijer, CEO Transavia. Together they let up a kite to symbolize their confidence in the coming summer season. In addition, both organizations want nothing more than to have their customers enjoy beautiful vacations again, if that is possible again.
Rotterdam, 1 February 2021 – Travel organization Sunweb Group has appointed Roel Wessels (37) as Director Intelligence as of February 1, 2021. In this newly created position, Wessels will contribute to the transformation of Sunweb Group into a data-driven organization where the customer will be even more central than before. Previously, Wessels was Director of Data & Insights at OYO Vacation Homes, where he worked amongst others for the international vacation home rental platform Belvilla. Before joining Belvilla in 2016, Wessels was a Data & Analytics Strategy Consultant at Deloitte Consulting in Amsterdam.
Under Wessels’ leadership, Sunweb Group’s ambition to digitally transform continues: “In the new strategy of Sunweb Group, Intelligence is a key strategic pillar and I am therefore very pleased that Roel Wessels, will join us as Director Intelligence. I am convinced that, under his leadership and with his experience, Sunweb Group will take the next steps in the field of Intelligence, so that we can realize our ambition to become the leading digital holiday expert”, says Brenda van Leeuwen, CDO of Sunweb Group.
Wessels will work with a team of data analysts, scientists and partners to develop a portfolio of strategic and operational data and analytics projects to develop cutting-edge personalized service offerings that match travelers’ behaviors and preferences. “I am thrilled to join Sunweb Group in this newly created position. Over the past four years at Belvilla, I have seen the tremendous opportunities that still exist in the travel and hospitality industry and have made an impact by developing the right analytical capabilities and learning the organization how to best utilize these. Although the global pandemic is still affecting the travel industry, I believe that the travel market will revive and we can once again take full advantage of the huge opportunities in intelligence and data science”, says Roel Wessels.
Today, tour operator Sunweb launches a campaign to draw attention to all employees at home and abroad that make holidays possible. Holidays are important to everyone. Not just for the travellers themselves, but also for the thousands of hard-working people at the destinations, who ensure everyone can enjoy an unforgettable holiday and create the greatest memories, is the reasoning behind the campaign.
Plan ahead for the summer
In today’s ‘Book your holiday with TUI’ advertisements in several newspapers in the Netherlands and Belgium, Sunweb calls on consumers to plan ahead for the summer holidays in 2021 and not mothball them. The travel and tourist industry have been hit hard by the corona pandemic and with this campaign the tour operator indicates that every booking now counts for the sector. The campaign is inspired by a recent ad by Burger King urging people to order from other fast-food chains as well.
Tim Van den Bergh, International Brand & Communications Director at Sunweb Group, comments on the campaign: “2020 was a tough year for the travel industry. Not just for Sunweb and other tour operators, but especially so for their local partners and the hard-working people at the many holiday destinations. Without them holidays are not possible and with this appeal we intend to offer them some positive prospects for the future. At the moment, travelling is simply not possible, or hardly possible, but there will be better days ahead when we are able again to enjoy their hospitality at the most wonderful destinations. There is nothing more fun than looking forward to a holiday, which is why planning your summer holiday now is not a bad idea, especially with all the flexibility currently offered by us as tour operators.”
Idea of the campaign
With full-page advertisements in several newspapers, consumers are urged to book their packaged holiday for summer 2021 with TUI, D-reizen, Zoover, Corendon, Eliza was here or another holiday specialist. In addition, social content has been developed to support the campaign online as well.
Example page full story: https://www.sunweb.be/nl/boek-bij-tui/english
Since 2016, Sunweb and the team had a partnership for indefinite time and were very close partners. Unexpectedly, the year 2020 turned out to be a crossroads. COVID-19 changed daily reality and hit the travel industry hard. To secure their future and realize their ambition to become the leading digital holiday expert, Sunweb Group needs to fully focus on their customers, business partners and employees. Therefore, Sunweb Group has made the decision that while they will remain a partner of the team as it keeps building towards its dream, after 2020 the team will no longer be named Team Sunweb.
Proud of their accomplishments
During the Andorra rest day of the 2016 Tour de France, Sunweb announced their new role as the team’s title partner and an ambitious goal. ‘2000 Tage zur Spitze’ was the idea of taking a new generation of young riders to the highest level of pro cycling in 2000 days. Team Sunweb succeeded. This latest season was filled with highlights from many riders who have grown through the development team to the WorldTour program. Some of them already became new stars in the peloton. Team Sunweb was an animated force in the Tour de France and stole the hearts of many fans with a racing style that combined both passion and intelligence. The Women’s program was also in winning form – who could forget the incredible double podium at the Giro d’Italia?!
Team Sunweb becomes Team DSM
From the 2021 season onwards, Team Sunweb will become Team DSM. Royal DSM is a globally based company active in nutrition, health and sustainable living. This team will build on the existing innovation partnership with DSM, which has grown over the past five years. “The team was and is like our child,” said Tim van den Bergh, International Director Brand & Communications of Sunweb Group. “The good news is that they will continue their journey thanks to a lead strategic partnership with Royal DSM. Sunweb, however, will also remain involved with the team. For example, we are looking into the possibility of relaunching cycling holidays with their support. ”
Great memories and a #keepchallenging spirit
“For many of us, it has been a privilege to work with the team and on this project,” added Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group. “We have had great seasons together – and not just in terms of results and exposure. There was always a positive vibe around the whole team. We can only be proud and thankful for its great achievements. Team Sunweb contributed to the growth of Sunweb as a brand and as an organization. Their successes created great memories. We will take their ‘#keepchallenging-spirit’ with us, as well as their mantra: ‘use every day to learn in order to get better the next day’.”
Further to the announcement on June 3, 2019 that Sunweb Group had entered into an agreement to acquire Corendon tour operating activities in the Netherlands and Belgium, the back-office in Turkey and Corendon Dutch Airlines (“Corendon”), Sunweb today confirms that it will not pursue the acquisition and has terminated the SPA in accordance with its terms. The reason is that the requirements to complete the transaction were incapable of being completed by the long-stop date. Sunweb Group and Corendon will continue as two separate companies with different shareholders.
“We regret to make this announcement as Sunweb Group has invested significant time and resources into making this transaction happen. As the long-stop date of the sale and purchase agreement came due without all requirements being satisfied, we terminated the transaction,” says Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of the Sunweb Group.
The Sellers of Corendon have challenged Sunweb Group’s decision and the case will now be reviewed by the District Court of Amsterdam. Sunweb Group is confident in its legal position and is only issuing this statement to ensure accurate and factual information as the legal proceedings will become public.
COVID-19 has had significant impact on the entire travel industry. Sunweb Group is affected but benefits from its asset light business model, a mix between ski- and sun holidays and low fixed costs, as it does not own aircrafts or hotels, and sells its packages directly to consumers online. These characteristics, in combination with strong partnerships and continued support from its shareholders and lenders, ensure that Sunweb Group stands strong despite the difficult market circumstances.
Mattijs ten Brink: “With the termination of the deal, both organizations can fully focus on their respective key priorities. In the current crisis, and as a responsible digital holiday expert, Sunweb Group will stay committed to its customers and the promises made. At the same time we will continue to secure the health and safety of our passengers so they can enjoy their future holidays without concerns. As an organization we will use the current period to accelerate our digital agenda. I am pleased that our lenders and shareholders are supportive to take us through this crisis, even as the COVID-19 crisis is likely to drag out.”
Sunweb Group is making this announcement now since the initiation of injunction proceedings by the Sellers of Corendon will make the situation public. Sunweb Group therefore wants to inform its stakeholders transparently.
Zürich, June 20, 2020 – The Flemish singer Kate Ryan, known for hits like Désenchantée and Ella Elle L’a, today launches a modern cover of Madonna’s summer classic “Holiday”. The new version was recorded in collaboration with travel agency Sunweb Group as part of its as part of its campaign to celebrate June 20th as the International Day of Holidays, the date that travellers are allowed to go on holiday again.
Stream via Spotify and Apple Music, among others
The new song Holiday can be listened to via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Soundcloud and YouTube Music from today. The song was produced in collaboration with record company Spinnin ‘Records.
“We need a holiday!”
Talking about the launch of the cover, Kate Ryan said, “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a fan of Madonna. So making a version of one of her songs was a special challenge! My record company, Spinnin Records, put me in touch with the right producers and soon we had a version that really sounded right. ”
“We now have the opportunity to share the entire song, and Sunweb Group’s International Day of Holidays is the perfect moment. The lyrics could not be more applicable right now. We all need a break, in complete freedom, without rules and full of fun! We need a holiday!” Says Kate.
About the collaboration with Kate Ryan, Tim van den Bergh CCO of Sunweb Group said: “Kate’s song fits perfectly with the positive message we are sending on this International Day of Holidays. We see the campaign as a new beginning and look forward to a summer full of holiday fun. Not just for the Dutch, but for travellers all over the world. ”
About International Day of Holidays
Summer enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the day with the hashtag #jointhecelebration. A special promotion page and a social toolkit have been developed for this. Summer playlists can be listened to on Spotify with songs chosen by travellers that evoke holiday memories. In addition to travellers, Sunweb Group is also callings on the travel industry to celebrate this day with them using the hashtag #jointhecelebration.
Click on this link to watch the music video:
Do you want to see Kate Ryan sing her song “Holiday” live? Tonight at 20:00 there is a live stream with DJ Licious on the Sunweb Facebook page.
————————
About Sunweb Group
Sunweb Group is one of Europe’s largest travel companies, with a turnover of more 600 million euros. The company is the driving force behind brands operating across seven international markets: the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, the UK, Germany and France. Sunweb is the group’s most well-known brand.
Sunweb is a fully fledged online player with package holidays to sun and winter sports destinations.
Sunweb Group employs approximately 500 people and sends more than 400 tour guides and area managers to assorted holiday destinations in support of its customers. Sunweb Group has a pan-European identity with tour activities in Zurich (headquarters), Rotterdam (back office), Girona (software and web development) and several locations across Europe. The combination of a centralized organization, unique self-contracted content and a strong online business model results in more than one million satisfied Sunweb Group customers every year. Sunweb Group was acquired by Triton Fund V in February of 2019.
Press contact Sunweb Group:
Zürich, June 18, 2020 – After months of uncertainty, tour operator Sunweb Group * is celebrating the restart of the holiday season with a new campaign. Saturday, June 20 – the beginning of summer – will be renamed International Day of Holidays by the travel company.
Positive message for the traveller
Sunweb Group will start taking people on holidays again on Friday 19 June, one day before the summer officially start, the perfect time to celebrate the fact that travellers can go on holiday again.
Tim van den Bergh, CCO of Sunweb Group explains the campaign: “With The International Day of Holidays we want to send a positive message to everyone who loves to travel. As a travel organization, we think it is important to show that we can still welcome everyone to the most beautiful locations. ” The campaign was launched with SPARK, the internal Sunweb Group Agency. “We see the campaign as a new beginning and are looking forward to a great summer. This is not just for the Dutch, but for travellers all over the world. ”
Co-creative campaign
With the hashtag #jointhecelebration, holiday enthusiasts are invited to celebrate that day – June 20th. A special action page and a social toolkit have been developed especially for this. Various playlists are available on Spotify with songs from travellers that bring back holiday memories and on the International Day of Holidays itself a musical surprise will be revealed via Sunweb Group’s social channels.
Broadly supported initiative
In addition to travellers, Sunweb Group also calls on the travel industry to celebrate this day with them using the hashtag #jointhecelebration. The initiative is widely supported by several partners of Sunweb Group as well as other agencies from different countries. Many popular holiday destinations, including Gran Canaria, Greece, Portugal, Tunisia and Tenerife, are already participating in the initiative.
* Sunweb Group in the Netherlands includes the brands Sunweb, Eliza was here, Primavera and Gogo.
About Sunweb Group
Sunweb Group is one of Europe’s largest travel companies, with a turnover of more 600 million euros. The company is the driving force behind brands operating across seven international markets: the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, the UK, Germany and France. Sunweb is the group’s most well-known brand.
Sunweb is a fully fledged online player with package holidays to sun and winter sports destinations.
Sunweb Group employs approximately 500 people and sends more than 400 tour guides and area managers to assorted holiday destinations in support of its customers. Sunweb Group has a pan-European identity with tour activities in Zurich (headquarters), Rotterdam (back office), Girona (software and web development) and several locations across Europe. The combination of a centralized organization, unique self-contracted content and a strong online business model results in more than one million satisfied Sunweb Group customers every year. Sunweb Group was acquired by Triton Fund V in February of 2019.
Press contact Sunweb Group:
Zurich, June 15 – Tour operator Sunweb Group makes every effort to give everyone the chance to enjoy invigorating holidays close to home. To that end, and starting today, the company is joining forces with Tomorrowland to offer glamping vacations. In doing so, Sunweb Group is fully committing itself to the project that offers luxurious camping possibilities in the middle of Durbuy’s wonderful nature, harnessing the enchanting power of the famous and familiar DreamVille concept.
Although flying is today once again a safe option, a considerable number of Sunweb Group customers are opting for a vacation in their own country instead. As a good listener, Sunweb Group has already launched several initiatives to meet this desire. The tour operator recently announced its collaboration with Roompot Vacations, for starters, and also participated in the Summerglamp story of A&D Events and Creationz. From now on, customers can book a package holiday to Durbuy, as well.
For this project, Sunweb Group is once again joining forces with Tomorrowland – its trusted collaborator for the famous annual Tomorrowland Winter event – La Petite Merveille and Adventure Valley Durbuy. This new concept offers glamping holidays in DreamVille’s accommodations, but instead of the usual festival campsites in Boom or Rumst, DreamVille is migrating to Durbuy for the summer. This year, the festival campsite is relocating to the beautiful 35-hectare natural plain of the former Durbuy golf course, transformed into Green Fields Durbuy.
DreamVille tents, lodges ànd atmosphere
Green Fields Durbuy combines comfort and blissful relaxation with a stunning environment that also offers, for those who wish to, a spot of action and adventure. There are eight different ways of staying at the fairylike, temporary holiday village, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding forests. DreamVille is not just moving its Bell Tents, safari-look tents, wooden Dreamlodges and Treehouses to Durbuy. The Ardennes will also be welcoming the DreamVille Skyboxes and Ensuites this summer. All accommodations are bookable via the Sunweb website.
Obviously, the unique atmosphere that pervades DreamVille every year will be coming along, too. In addition to morning yoga sessions, you will be able to book a massage or relax by the pool with a cocktail in hand. While DJ-sets are off the turning table this time, diehard music lovers are welcome to enjoy the Green Fields Headset Experience, which will allow every guest to listen to dance music individually.
Foodies, gourmets, and plain old hungry people will be catered to on a large on-site terrace brimming with culinary delights, with a breakfast prepared by master chef Wout Bru just one of many possibilities on offer. Exploring the region or signing up for excitement and adventure at Adventure Valley Durbuy, is just the icing on the proverbial cake.
Holidays close to home
The idea for Green Fields came about after a brainstorming session between Bart Maerten and Marc Coucke, the respective owners of La Petite Merveille and Adventure Valley Durbuy, as both gentlemen went looking for novel and creative concepts for organizing vacations close to home.
“We understand that not all customers can or want to go on a flying holiday this summer. So why not choose a unique vacation close to home, at the wonderful town of Durbuy”, says Tim Van den Bergh, Sunweb Group CCO. “Naturally, we are very excited about this new joint effort with Tomorrowland, who managed to create a unique glamping experience thanks to the collaboration with Adventure Valley Durbuy.”
“For all the fans who have to miss out on Tomorrowland this summer, this alternative is definitely worth checking out”, according to Tomorrowland spokeswoman Debby Wilmsen. “We are recreating the unique DreamVille atmosphere in the Ardennes and, rest assured, the unspoilt nature and magnificent vistas will make for some unforgettable holiday moments yet.”
Reservations can be made through the site of Sunweb. The vouchers distributed by Sunweb Group to the affected travellers who saw their Tomorrowland Winter trips get cancelled, can also be used for a Green Fields Durbuy vacation.
Zurich, 29 May 2020 – To ensure the health and safety of travellers and staff, today Sunweb Groupbegins a collaboration with Intertek Cristal. The European organization specializes in safety and risk management solutions for the travel industry.
By drawing up guidelines and preparing safety checks, Sunweb Group* can offer future travellers safe holidays and ensure on-location personnel safety. The collaboration is built on accommodations but will also work with transfer and excursion providers, rental cars and bus companies.
Safety checks and emergency procedures
The first step is setting guidelines for accommodations and other partners to conduct a self-assessment of safety, known as a POSI check (Prevention of the Spread of Infection). Destination emergency procedures will also be developed with partners. In the longer term, Sunweb Group is working towards a label. In addition to focusing on coronavirus prevention, this would also entail additional examinations that include pools, foodstuffs, fire, water, safety and security.
Sunweb Group CEO Mattijs ten Brink noted, “The main concern is ensuring our customers’ confidence before the trip by providing all necessary information, then alleviating any health or safety concerns during their stay so they can get the maximum enjoyment out of their well-deserved holidays. For our clients, it’s no longer just the dream of their upcoming holidays that matters but also the knowledge that they’ll come home safely. We want them to be reassured. Through our partnership with Intertek Cristal and the plan of action we’ve developed, we can show travellers that we are doing the utmost to guard their health and safety.”
Intertek Cristal CEO Steve Tate explained, “We are proud to help Sunweb Group implement health and hygiene standards. For years, Sunweb Group has shown that the safety and well-being of their guests is the foundation of their business practice. The POSI check is key to ensuring guests’ safety and well-being in the post-COVID-19 travel world. Together, we will ensure a safe environment for all Sunweb Group travellers.”
About Intertek Cristal
Intertek Cristal delivers software and audit services to more than 80 of the world’s largest tour operators and hotel groups to maintain standards worldwide. The company has one of the world’s largest groups of experts in quality, safety, health and hygiene and more than two decades of experience in the field. With approximately 22.000 audits per year in more than 50 countries, Intertek Cristal gives operators and hoteliers a complete picture of safety and brand performance.
About Sunweb Group
Sunweb Group is one of Europe’s largest travel companies, with a turnover of more 600 million euros. The company is the driving force behind brands operating across seven international markets: the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, the UK, Germany and France. Sunweb is the group’s most well-known brand.
Sunweb is a fully fledged online player with package holidays to sun and winter sports destinations.
Sunweb Group employs approximately 500 people and sends more than 400 tour guides and area managers to assorted holiday destinations in support of its customers. Sunweb Group has a pan-European identity with tour activities in Zurich (headquarters), Rotterdam (back office), Girona (software and web development) and several locations across Europe. The combination of a centralized organization, unique self-contracted content and a strong online business model results in more than one million satisfied Sunweb Group customers every year. Sunweb Group was acquired by Triton Fund V in February of 2019.
Press contact Sunweb Group: