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 15^th-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, 2^nd 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

• the Greek islands Corfu, Crete (airports of Chania and Heraklion), Kos, Lesbos, Rhodes, Samos or Zakynthos.
• the Spanish islands Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca or Tenerife.
• and Hurghada and Marsa Alam in Egypt.

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

• Brits could be paying up to 167% more on popular après drinks depending on which resort they visit
• Méribel, France, revealed as most expensive resort for après fun, with a selection of five popular beverages totaling €60.00
• Sölden, Austria, crowned the most affordable European resort with all five drinks analysed costing only €22.50

London, 31 January 2023 – As snow sport fanatics head to Europe in search of a winter getaway, new research reveals Brits could be spending up to 167% more on their après drinks of choice depending on which resort they visit.

Research from leading holiday operator, Sunweb, has analysed the cost of popular ‘après’ drinks including, a glass of Rosé, a 0.5cl Beer, an Aperol Spritz, Hot Chocolate and Vin Chaud in 15 of Europe’s most famous ski resorts to find out which slopes offer the best value for money.

Méribel is the most expensive resort on the list, with the total price for all five après tipples coming in at a hefty €60.00. An Aperol Spritz will set you back €17.00 alone at Instagram favourite bar, La Follie Douce.

Renowned Austrian resort, St. Anton, is the second most expensive totaling €39.70 (34% less than in Méribel) while Davos Klosters, located in Switzerland rounds off the top three at €39.40.

At the other end of the spectrum, Sölden in Austria offers the best value for money as the cost for all après staples comes in at €22.50 – 32% lower than the average total price across all resorts analysed (€33.49).

Those carving up the slopes in Tignes/Val d’Isère might be surprised to find out the cost of enjoying après in the afternoon is not as high as expected, as the popular party resort is the third cheapest (€27.00), a whopping €33.00 cheaper than fellow French resort Méribel.

Martine Langerak, Head of Communications for Sunweb Group said: “The slopes have so much to offer outside of skiing and snowboarding, which is great news for holidaymakers. Après ski will always be one of the biggest attractions for adrenaline seekers but depending on where you visit alpine partying can put you out of pocket.

“Sunweb’s affordable package holidays always including the cost of a ski pass, so skiers and boarders alike can free up a few extra Euros to be enjoyed at the bars!”

Typical cost of après drink favourites at 15 popular European ski resorts:

-ENDS- 

Notes to editors

• Research carried out from 22/12/22 – 15/01/3, all prices accurate at the time of research
• Prices for each drink acquired from one restaurant in each resort
• Prices acquired from the bar’s website, Facebook, Instagram, or directly via email

Sunweb Group acquires Danish travel agency Atlantis Rejser, who are specialists in holidays to Egypt. With the acquisition, Sunweb Group strengthens its position in Denmark and can now offer its customers a larger selection of sun holidays.

Sunweb Group, one of the leading travel groups in Europe, will make its second acquisition in just three months. In November, the acquisition of the Swedish tour operator Airtours was announced. Now, another acquisition in Denmark is made as Atlantis Rejser joins Sunweb Group. The takeover marks an important strategic move, with the ambition of becoming one of the largest tour operators in Scandinavia in mind.

With the acquisition, the group strengthens its offers of sunny holidays all year round. Not least during the winter sun holidays, where Sunweb can now offer a broader selection.

Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group, said: “The acquisition of Atlantis Rejser is important for Sunweb Group. Not only does it expand our presence in Scandinavia, but it also allows us to tap into the expertise and knowledge of the Atlantis Rejser team, who are leaders in the field of travel to Egypt. We are confident that this partnership will allow us to offer our customers an even wider range of high-quality sun holiday options. We are thrilled to be joining forces with Atlantis Rejser and look forward to a bright future together.”

Atlantis Rejser was founded in 1994 by Egyptian-born Ibrahim Ramadan and handles around 30,000 Danish travelers every year. Danes who have already booked a holiday through Atlantis Rejser will not be affected by the acquisition. Operations will simply continue as normal under Sunweb Group’s ownership.

“We have decided to steadily integrate Atlantis Rejser into Sunweb Group over the next year, whilst ensuring that its many loyal customers will still be able to enjoy its well-known quality of service, product portfolio and good deals for Egyptian holidays. In the longer term, we are sure that the joining of forces will bring a lot of benefits for customers in terms of a stronger portfolio, better offers and prices with the highest possible quality,” says Mattijs ten Brink.

A popular destination for Danes

Atlantis Rejser’s CCO, Jan Lockhart, sees great value in teaming up with Sunweb Group, as Atlantis Rejser will become an important addition to the group’s travel offerings.

“Holidays to Egypt are undoubtedly a popular destination among Danes. Atlantis Rejser was founded on the foundation of making even more people aware of all Egypt’s experiences, ranging from diving on some of the most beautiful reefs in the world, to exploring Egypt’s special cultural-historical mystique. We look forward to continuing to spread this message, now with the size, capacity, and network that Sunweb Group brings to the table,” Jan Lockhart says.

In the next few months, the integration between the two companies will be prepared and final details handled. Atlantis Rejsers’ employees will continue their work as usual following the acquisition.

• New ‘Bluebird Index’ analyses best weather days at 30 popular European skiing destinations to determine the best time to go
• La Plagne and Meribel top the chart, averaging 4.2 historical Bluebird days during the second week of March – the most of the resorts analysed
• Kronplatz has its best conditions in January, the only resort in the top 10 to have its prime days outside of the Spring months

Fun-loving holidaymakers in search of glorious ski days may want to consider jetting off to the French slopes of La Plagne and Meribel, as a new report reveals both resorts have the highest number of ‘Bluebird’ days on average.

Leading holiday operator, Sunweb, has created the Bluebird Index – historical analysis of weather conditions [1] at 30 of Europe’s top alpine destinations – to help snow sports enthusiasts decide the best time to plan their trip for optimal weather conditions.

A Bluebird day – a day with great skiing conditions, blue, cloudless skies, and sunny weather – is often hard to predict on skiing holidays.[2] Sunweb’s Index reveals that the second week in March offers the best weather conditions on average across the resorts analysed.

French resorts, La Plagne and Meribel, top the charts averaging 4.2 days of clear blue skies and good snow conditions, which typically fall in the second week of March. Following closely behind, Val d’Isere/Tignes (3.8 days), Val Thorens (3.6 days), Les Deux Alpes (3.4 days) and Italian resort Sauze d’Oulx (3.4 days) also have their best weather conditions during the second week of March.

Kronplatz, in Italy, creeping in at 10th place represents the only resort in the top 10 to have its prime Bluebird week in the depths of winter (first week of January). With 3.1 days of pristine conditions, the Italian resort offers up an alternative for a quick new year getaway.

For the experts wanting to experience the longest black run in Europe – La Sarenne, in Alpe d’Huez – research shows the best week to head is the second week of March where the destination has an average of 3.5 Bluebird days during the week – one for a last-minute trip!

Sauze D’Oulx, home of freestyle skiing at the 2006 Olympics is the highest-ranking Italian destination. The resort in the Milky Way, a ski area spanning parts of France and Italy, averages 3.4 days of pristine conditions in both the fourth week of December and the second week of March.

Martine Langerak, Head of Communications for Sunweb Group, said: “There’s so much that goes into planning a skiing holiday, but the one thing that we can’t control is the weather.

“We hope the Bluebird Index will assist families and friends who are looking to get their fix of the slopes this winter, by offering a little insight into the weather conditions. And if all else fails, there is always Après if the conditions are not in your favour!

“For those wanting to heed the advice of the Bluebird Index, Sunweb has offers in both La Plagne and Meribel from less than £60 per person per night for the second week of March. All holidays booked through us include ski passes for your entire trip, so that’s one less thing to think about while you enjoy the weather.”

Notes to editors
1Research carried out using weather data from https://www.snow-forecast.com/dating from 2007 to 2022 for Bluebird conditions at the top of the mountain.
2 Snow-forecast.com defines a Bluebird day as a day with “Average snow, mostly sunny, light wind”

London, 15th November 2022 – Today, Eliza was here unveils its refreshed brand identity and expands its international offering with more exclusive accommodations now available to UK customers.

The travel provider, known for offering unique holiday experiences off the beaten track, has also refreshed its branding to better reflect the company’s ethos. It includes eye-catching visuals and grabs attention through the power of scent and sound.

More sun, sea and sand
Eliza was here, part of Sunweb Group, was launched in the Netherlands in 2001 and rapidly became the go-to holiday agent for exceptional destinations for customers from Benelux, Denmark. Launched in the UK earlier this year, Eliza was here is bringing its unique Mediterranean experiences to British holidaymakers.

To add to its picturesque and contemporary escape spots away from the crowds, Eliza was here has broadened its selective portfolio with hand-picked boutique accommodations and premium locations within walking distance from a village, a beach or its own private pool.

Among the new hidden locations, you will find the magnificent Diamond Stone Suites and Avdou Collection Suites, both in Crete. For fans of Rhodes, guests can now stay at the cosy Hotel Kouros too.

For those looking for some Spanish sunshine, Eliza was here has added La Bobadilla in Andalusia and Es Pas Formentera Agroturismo in Formentera. Holidaymakers visiting the Costa de Lisboa, in Portugal can now also book a stay in Hotel Immerso, nestled in a green valley in complete harmony with its surroundings.

All these amazing destinations can now be booked via Eliza was here online.

Branding that literally tickles the senses
Simultaneously, the new brand identity is being rolled out across Europe via the website and app, and via out-of-home, display and television advertisements.

To connect with more customers, Eliza was here is expanding its branding with its very own unique scent and sound, in collaboration with Tambr. Together, they have created a sonic brand: a unique sound based on algorithms and AI that delivers recognisable music, putting people in the holiday mood at the click of a button. Eliza was here immediately takes over your senses and can transport you from the office to the beach in a matter of seconds.

In collaboration with iScent, Eliza was here has also developed its own holiday scent based on the Mediterranean destinations that Eliza has to offer, touching upon all the natural elements and tones that come with being on holiday. Research finds that scent can evoke emotion and is often linked to memories, allowing Eliza was here fans to reminisce about their trip of a lifetime. The Eliza was here scent will be available in 200 accommodations and will be offered to guests at the end of their holiday.

“The concept connects to our strategic vision as leading digital holiday expert and meets the needs of the modern consumer. We want to generate demand for remarkable holiday experiences and be an inspiration to holidaymakers across Europe. Eliza was here takes you places, so inspirational brand placement and experience are pivotal here,” says Tim van den Bergh, Director Eliza was here.

Personable, familiar and friendly
The Eliza was here logo has also had an exciting refresh. With handwritten copy to deliver an even more personal touch, the brand wants customers to feel as if ‘Eliza’ is making the destination recommendation herself. The new asterisk (*) acts as an instantly recognisable signifier, which is repeated throughout the brand visuals, meaning ‘more here’ – a reference to the one-of-a-kind destinations and memories that Eliza was here can help customers discover.

The same personable handwritten style is found in the brand’s new typography. The original pink-blue colour palette has made way for a combination of pink with softer, natural colours such as beige, yellow and light blue.

Ambitious
The renewed brand positioning aims to support and accelerate the company’s growth by positioning Eliza was here as a leading online holiday expert.

“It is our ambition to expand Eliza was here to new markets and to appeal to a wider audience. In order to make this happen, we need a strong and clear digital brand with a consistent and uniform presence across channels,” according to Van den Bergh.

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

2 https://airlines.iata.org/analysis/realizing-the-potential-of-sustainable-aviation-fuel

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.