Discovering Teldar Travel: a conversation with Tom Bell on expansion, innovation & the Irish opportunity

Recently promoted as Chief Commercial Officer for the Leisure Division at Gekko Group, Tom Bell now oversees three major B2B travel brands, Teldar Travel, Infinite and Miles Attack, across all European markets including the UK, Ireland, France, Benelux, Spain and Portugal.

As the brand officially enters the Irish market, we sat down with Tom to understand what Teldar Travel brings to the table and why Irish travel advisors should take notice.

1. Tom, Teldar Travel is a new name for many in Ireland. How would you describe it in a few words to travel advisors here discovering it for the first time?

I’d say Teldar Travel is a B2B accommodation booking platform made exclusively for travel advisors. And I mean that literally, we don’t serve end clients, we don’t operate B2C. Everything we build is designed around the needs, habits and challenges of travel advisors.

Whether you’re running a leisure agency, managing corporate accounts, or operating a travel platform, Teldar Travel gives you access to a vast inventory of hotels, villas, apartments, transfers and ancillaries, with professional-grade tools and a simple, secure interface.

And behind the scenes, we’re part of Gekko Group, which is a tech company specialising in B2B travel distribution and we’re backed by the giant Accor, which brings us the stability, reach and trust of one of the world’s top hospitality players.

As part of the group, we are one of Accor’s key distribution partners in the B2B space, and that strategic connection strengthens the value we can bring to travel advisors. It’s a rare blend of agility and robustness, and it’s what makes us stand out.

2. What would you say makes your offer different from other booking platforms already in the market?

That’s the key question, because let’s be honest, travel advisors already use booking tools. But not all platforms are created equal.

First, our inventory includes over 2 million properties and is carefully curated, we cover 99% of global accommodation options. But what truly sets us apart is how we segment and tailor our offering.

With Teldar Travel, we specifically support leisure travel agencies through a range of powerful features: multi-segment booking files, offer comparison tools, fully personalized quotes, commission adjustment options, instant invoicing, access to over 9,000 activities worldwide, and transfers in more than 180 countries. Our content is also available via API distribution through a variety of tech platforms, allowing seamless integration into the tools our partners already use.

Then there’s Teldar Biz, our solution for corporate travel agencies. It offers features designed for business needs, such as standardized cancellation policies, customized reporting, and dedicated support and assistance tailored to corporate clients.

But beyond tech, I think what really differentiates us is our approach to service. We aim to avoid being a faceless platform, we believe in human connection and strong, market-specific relationships. Our local sales team understands the unique needs of travel advisors in their region and is ommitted to building long-term partnerships.

Our customer care team offers responsive assistance to ensure agents feel supported

at every step. Every booking is also subject to a quality control check before the

client’s arrival. That level of attention to detail really matters, especially when your

reputation as a travel advisor is on the line.

And let’s not forget: we are EU-based, born and rooted in a Franco-European culture. In times of economic uncertainty, working with a provider that understands and operates within the European economical, operational, legal and financial framework is a real advantage.

3. What about Miles Attack, your loyalty programme? What makes it so unique?

Miles Attack is one of our strongest assets, and honestly, a game-changer in this industry.

In simple terms: we reward 100% of travel advisors’ Teldar Travel bookings. Every time they book via Teldar Travel, they earn MILES automatically. Those MILES can be redeemed for gift cards, travel vouchers, or, here’s the big news, they can be converted into cash and transferred straight to their personal bank account.

It’s transparent, immediate, and highly appreciated by agents. They sell, they earn whatever the product, whatever the volume.

That level of reward flexibility is rare in our field. And it’s one more way we show that we value the work of travel advisors.

4. Let’s talk about the Irish market specifically. What made you want to launch here, and what’s the ambition?

Ireland has always been on our radar. It’s a market with incredibly dedicated travel advisors, strong local expertise, and a real appetite for tools that make life easier and more profitable. It’s also a market I’ve worked closely in during previous roles, and one I have a genuine passion for. There’s a unique energy and professionalism in the Irish travel community that I’ve always admired.

Our ambition is clear: we want to be a long-term, trusted partner for Irish agencies. That means not just offering a platform but supporting it with local people, local presence, and local understanding.

We’re not here to just “add a market” to our map. We want to build real connections, bring relevant innovation, and adapt our offering to what Irish agents actually need from sales support to tech features.

5. You’ve just hired John Grehan to lead your presence in Ireland. What can local agencies expect from this move?

We’re thrilled to have John onboard. He’s joining as Sales Representative for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and he’ll report directly to Mark Williams, our Market Leader for Northern Europe.

John brings a wealth of experience from the Irish travel industry, he’s worked with well-known brands like Thomas Cook, FlexibleTrips, Best4Travel, and Click&Go Holidays. But more than his CV, it’s his understanding of the Irish travel community that really sets him apart.

He knows how agencies work here. He speaks their language. And his mission is simple: to help Irish travel advisors discover the value of Teldar Travel and make the most of everything we offer.

6. Final word: if you had one message for Irish travel advisors discovering Teldar Travel for the first time, what would it be?

Give us a try. That’s all we ask. Teldar Travel is more than a booking engine, it’s a full ecosystem designed to help you sell more, earn more, and feel supported.

We know what matters to you: choice, ease, trust, and recognition. That’s exactly what we’re here to deliver. And with people like John on the ground, you’re in good hands.

About Teldar Travel

Teldar Travel is a B2B hotel booking platform that provides travel advisors with access to an inventory of 2 million accommodations worldwide, as well as transfers and activities. As a brand of Gekko Group and a subsidiary of Accor, Teldar Travel combines innovative technology with deep industry expertise to deliver efficient solutions tailored to the needs of travel advisors.