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.”
To discover your next Greek escape, visit www.elizawashere.co.uk
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.
A green oasis of calm
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!”
Stay and spend the night in a dream destination
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.
Schiphol, Thursday 18 November 2021- As of this summer, Transavia and Sunweb Group will open a new route to Ponto Delgada on the Azores. Sunweb Group and Transavia will discover this new destination together and thus strengthen their cooperation. The first flight will be on 24 April 2022 and will operate weekly on Sundays.
The Azores, with its nine islands, are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and have an unprecedented beauty. With a climate that is almost always mild and pleasant. The Azores are not very touristy yet and therefore an ideal holiday destination for adventurers and nature lovers. The Dutch have a great need for holidays and together with family and friends they want to discover beautiful and new destinations. The Azores fit in well with this.
Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group: ‘The Azores are a beautiful destination which will be offered by both Sunweb and Eliza was here by the end of April. We are proud that, together with our new partners on the Azores, we can offer our customers a well-deserved holiday on this new destination. The cooperation with Transavia gives Dutch people the opportunity to discover beautiful holiday destinations within the whole of Europe.’
‘Through this great partnership with Sunweb Group we offer, a yet to be discovered, beautiful holiday destination to our passengers. It is a rich addition to the wide range of destinations with which we proudly and enthusiastically connect people every day.’ Marcel de Nooijer, CEO of Transavia.
Rotterdam, 18 October 2021 – Today, travel company Sunweb Group received the Travelife certificate, the leading international sustainability certificate for the travel industry. Sunweb Group achieved the highest status: Travelife Certified. Only a few travel organizations are recognized at this high level.
Sunweb Group believes that everyone deserves a well-deserved holiday. However, the company is also well aware of the impact that holidays can have. The travel organization strives to offer its customers an unforgettable holiday that has a minimal impact on the environment, the climate and the local population.
Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group, explains: “We are very pleased to have been awarded the highest Travelife certificate. The certification shows that, as a travel organization, we hold sustainable tourism to be of the utmost importance and take people, the environment and society into account, as well as our partners at the destinations. We know that we are still at the beginning of our sustainability journey, but we are convinced that we can make a serious difference by finding a better balance between the positive effects of holidays abroad and the negative impact of travel. We see it as our responsibility to increase support for sustainable tourism. Along with our (international) partners, customers and employees, we undertake a wide range of activities that contribute to this.”
Mr Naut Kusters, manager of Travelife for tour operators: “I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operators’ sector is obtaining momentum. The award of the front runner Sunweb Group GmbH will inspire other companies in Europe to follow the same path.”
255 criteria for certification
Travelife is an internationally recognized (by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)) certification program, specializing in sustainable management for the travel industry. To receive its certification, Sunweb Group was assessed by an independent auditor on some 255 points. These criteria include the travel organization’s office, product range and partners.
More information about the sustainability initiatives of Sunweb Group can be found via this link.
Rotterdam, 3 August 2021 –The Amsterdam Court of Appeal rejected today all of Corendon’s claims and ruled in favor of Sunweb Group on all points. Sunweb Group does not have to pursue its acquisition of Corendon
Following the decision, Sunweb Group can once again focus on the future and its new dynamic strategy that was launched earlier this year. “First of all, we are pleased that this court case has come to an end so that there is clarity for our employees and the employees of Corendon. The ruling does not come as a surprise as we have always been confident in our legal position. We are however pleased that the Court of Appeal now also confirmed this view and ruled in our favor today. Finally, we can again fully focus on what we love most: making our customers happy with a well-deserved holiday.” said Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group.
As a standalone company, Sunweb Group has taken all required actions to ensure success going forward. Ten Brink: “Despite this severe crisis, that keeps on evolving into new challenges, we will continue to invest in becoming the leading digital holiday expert. All this with the continued support of our shareholders and lenders, and in close and active dialogue with our loyal Sunweb customers”.
Rotterdam, 26 April 2021 – The holiday pilot organized by Sunweb Group and Transavia, in cooperation with Mitsis Hotels at the request of the Dutch government, has been successfully completed. All 188 guests and 100 hotel employees finished the holiday pilot healthy and safe. The parties hope it will send an optimistic message to the world about a safe restart of tourism in Europe.
On 12 April, 188 guests were warmly welcomed by the staff of Mitsis Grand Hotel, the only 5-star ultra-all-inclusive hotel by the sea in historic Rhodes. The holiday pilot was supported by the Greek government and all of the relevant authorities in the Netherlands and Greece. In addition to this support, excellent cooperation between Transavia, HCC, Travel Exchange, Mitsis Hotels and Sunweb contributed to the successful execution of this holiday pilot.
Concept of the holiday pilot
At the request of the Dutch government, Sunweb and Transavia organised an 8-day all-inclusive holiday pilot to Rhodes. The aim of this pilot was to gain insights and data on the conditions under which people can safely and responsibly go on holiday. The research focuses on compliance with basic measures, testing and quarantine measures. This is done by conducting several anonymous surveys and by carrying out observations and interviews at the resort in Rhodes. The results of the observations and interviews are processed anonymously. Travellers were aware that this research was carried out and agreed to it when they confirmed their registration for the trip.
A partnership based on history
Sunweb Group chose Mitsis Hotels because of their many years of successful collaboration. The safety protocols that Sunweb Group and Transavia drew up with the Dutch government have been implemented very well by Mitsis Hotels. Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group, said: “The safety of our travellers is always the most important aspect. We are pleased that all participants returned to the Netherlands in good health. This holiday pilot is so much more than an important step forward for the Dutch travel sector. This pilot is also important for all of our partners at our destinations. Like Mitsis Hotels, they invested heavily last year and can use the new insights gained from the pilot to make the final preparations for a summer full of satisfied holidaymakers.”
Reinoud Koot, Sun Director of Sunweb Group, attended the holiday pilot and said: “The quality, service and hospitality of Mitsis Hotels are of a high standard and our guests were able to experience that last week. The reactions of our guests were very positive, and, despite the limitations, everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday. I would like to thank Mitsis Hotels, the Greek local authorities and Travel Exchange for the successful cooperation”.
A detailed health and safety plan
The highest priority for Mitsis Hotels is the health and safety of its guests, which is why the company had already drawn up a detailed action plan and operational protocols. Each staff member underwent PCR testing before the start and at the end of the programme. Stavros Mitsis, Managing Director of Mitsis Hotels Group, adds: “The success of the project contributes to the emergence of our country as a safe holiday destination, as well as marking the beginning of the tourist season and the gradual return to normality. I would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism, the Region of South Aegean, the Municipality of Rhodes & the National Public Health Organization (EODY) for their significant support, our long-time partner Sunweb Group for the flawless cooperation and, of course, the entire team of Mitsis Hotels for the excellent management & service for our guests. We are looking forward to welcoming you all back to one of our 17 unique destinations in Greece”.
PCR and rapid tests
The holiday pilot test was performed with detailed safety protocols that were approved by the Dutch RIVM. The protocols included PCR and rapid tests before, during and after the trip, with all required protective measures being followed. Specifically, the testing procedure for the 187 selected guests was as follows:
The Dutch government will soon announce the results and valuable insights of the holiday pilot.
Schiphol, 12 April 2021 – As part of the government’s “Safe and responsible travelling during corona” pilot programme, the first pilot flight of holidaymakers, offered by Transavia and Sunweb, took off from Schipol this afternoon. The enthusiastic passengers, who were selected from amongst more than 25,000 applicants, left for an eight-day all-inclusive holiday at the Mitsis Grand Beach hotel on the island of Rhodes. This pilot programme is the first step towards gaining the perspective that will allow them to offer the Dutch public a summer season full of lovely holidays. The goal of the pilot programme is to gain new insights into the conditions that will allow people to go on holiday safely and responsibly.
After a rapid corona test at the Sheraton Hotel, it was time for the passengers to check in with Transavia. They headed for the gate together from passport control. Everything went smoothly as planned, and the passengers adhered to safety regulations, including maintaining a 1.5-metre distance, wearing masks and boarding at the gate in order.
“In the end, we are jointly responsible for flying and travelling safely”, says Marcel de Nooijer, CEO of Transavia. “We are pleased to carry out this first real holiday flight with Sunweb. It’s important that the government maintains an unambiguous European policy, so it’s clear to everyone which colour codes apply to which country or area and which measures and restrictions apply to each destination. We have every confidence that these arrangements will be made and that the upscaling of vaccination will allow us to use all of our capacity this summer to get our passengers to their destinations.”
Mattijs ten Brink, CEO of Sunweb Group, adds: “You could feel the energy in the departure hall; these holidaymakers were so thrilled to be able to go on holiday again. I’m also enormously proud that the government placed its faith in us to organise this holiday pilot programme with Transavia. It’s an important step forwards, not just for the Dutch travel sector but also for all of our partners at our destinations. They invested heavily last year, and, with the new insights provided by the pilot, they can make the final preparations for a summer full of happy holidaymakers.”
It goes without saying that the insights from this pilot will be shared with the entire sector, so all travel industry partners can make use of it. The two organisations want nothing more than to offer clear information to both the entire sector and to all Dutch people longing to travel again. Sunweb and Transavia’s holiday pilot programme is being evaluated by an independent agency.
Images and videos of the holiday pilot
On a daily basis, Sunweb will share copyright free photos and videos of the holiday pilot via their Instagram account and via this link.