Hotelbeds has acquired JBS, a US-based company dedicated to the Chinese accommodation wholesaler market.

JBS, formed in 2001 by Chinese-born US residents Juliann Meng, Barbara Ansel and Sarah Gao, works with Chinese-domiciled tour operators and travel agents as well as destination management companies active in incoming tourism from China to the US.

Hotelbeds and JBS will now work to build on relationships with tour operators and travel distributors in China to drive more business to all destinations in the US.

This will include maximising and increasing the partnerships both companies have with hotels and destination services providers.

The China outbound market is growing rapidly due to growing consumer wealth plus the easing of visa regulations.

The US has become an increasingly important destination for China, and currently represents about five per cent of total US inbound tourist expenditure and is expected to grow at rates of over 25 per cent per year in the next five years.

Javier Arevalo, regional managing director, Hotelbeds Americas said: “JBS is a well-respected company that has built up a strong position in the ‘China to US’ market.

“We saw a business that matched our plans in the region and a management team focused on growth.

“We are delighted that they are now working with us to maximize the opportunities between both markets.”

Hotelbeds supplies over 50,000 hotels to travel providers such as airlines, tour operators and travel agents.

Through its sister brand Destination Services, it also provides tours, transfers and excursions globally.