RateHawk targets the Canadian market with a dedicated team
RateHawk, an online system for booking hotels, air tickets, and transfers for travel professionals, is making its mark in the Canadian market. Recognizing the potential of the B2B travel sector in Canada, RateHawk has focused its efforts on building a new team from the ground up to manage operations within the country. With a newly dedicated commercial team, the company aims to triple both its number of partners and the net booking value in the region in 2024.
Following its successful performance in Europe and the Middle East, RateHawk will offer local travel agents, operators, TMCs, and other professionals a full range of travel services on one platform. The B2B platform boasts more than 2.5 million accommodations worldwide from over 230 suppliers, including almost 90,000 directly contracted properties. For the convenience of travel agents, the B2B platform also offers flights from over 400 airlines, transfers in 150 countries, car rentals, and other travel-related services.
RateHawk enters the market with a team of six experienced commercial managers and plans to further expand this team in 2024. The team includes: Davar Alam, Tabatha Bradley, Pankaj Mahindru as sales managers, and Namira McBride as an account manager. The team is led by the Country Manager David Marathakis, who has more than 10 years of experience in the travel industry Having previously worked as a head of sales at tour operators and other leading companies in the tourism sector, David will be responsible for strengthening the company’s position in Canada and driving new business.
Felix Shpilman, CEO of Emerging Travel Group, the parent company of RateHawk, commented: “What sets us apart is our unparalleled inventory of hotels and deep technological expertise. This unique combination enables us to offer local travel professionals not only a vast selection but also powerful tools that enhance sales, facilitate remote business transactions, and introduce innovative payment methods and procedures. On top of that, is our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Our ambition for 2024 is to make RateHawk the preferred travel tool for the majority of local travel professionals, and now, with a new team, we are well-positioned to achieve it.”
The RateHawk platform is available in English and French languages. In addition to the desktop version, RateHawk provides a mobile app available for free on Android and iOS devices. The functionality of the mobile app offers a full range of services available at RateHawk’s desktop version, including booking hotels, flights, and transfers; managing orders; and contacting the support team, among others. For the convenience of local travel agents, RateHawk offers a 24/7 multi-language support line.
David Marathakis, Country Manager for Canada, commented: “The first market reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with RateHawk gaining popularity for booking both domestic and outbound destinations, such is United Arab Emirates, the United States, the Dominican Republic, and various European countries like Spain, Italy and France.”
“We see great potential in the Canadian tourism market, with a high concentration of travel agents with whom we plan to collaborate. RateHawk is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of both large travel operators and medium to small-sized agencies. Our ambition for 2024 is to make RateHawk the preferred travel tool for the majority of local travel professionals. Now, with a fully assembled team, we are well-positioned to achieve it.”
RateHawk is part of the UAE-based Emerging Travel Group, a global travel company that operates travel brands for individual travelers (ZenHotels), B2B travel professionals (RateHawk), and corporate customers (Roundtrip) in over 190 source markets.