Protect Group, a leading provider of reservation and ticket protection solutions, today announced an ambitious goal to protect over $10 billion USD in bookings across airlines, OTAs, events, sports, and hospitality brands by the end of 2026. This represents a 25% increase compared to the previous period, when the company safeguarded over $8 billion USD in bookings.

This ambitious goal reflects the rising demand for flexible, integrated solutions that protect travellers against unexpected disruptions in their travel and leisure plans. Recent events, such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have underscored the travel industry’s vulnerability, forcing the reorganisation of thousands of flights and hotel operations worldwide. In some cases, regional air traffic has dropped up to 50% of normal levels, according to Reuters, notably in major hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.

Protect Group’s growth is fueled by strategic partnerships with key industry players, including airlines, OTAs, ticketing operators, and hotels, combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the customer experience and improve booking conversion.

Today, around 75% of refund requests are processed and paid the same day, streamlining operations while retaining human support for cases requiring personalised attention.

“The travel industry is evolving faster than ever with travellers and operators alike expecting flexibility,” says Jason Walsh, Chief Product & Marketing Officer at Protect Group. “Reservation and ticket protection is essential when disruptions occur. The conflict in the Middle East, for instance, has forced OTAs, travel agencies, airlines, and event organisers to handle mass cancellations and sudden itinerary changes. Our integrated solutions allow customers to travel with confidence, while helping our partners increase conversion, retain clients, and generate additional revenue without adding operational complexity.”

At the core of Protect Group’s offering is Refund Protect, the company’s flagship product, which allows customers to upgrade their tickets for a full refund in unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. This is powered by the AI-driven Pulse platform, which integrates seamlessly with existing systems to deliver scalable, personalised customer experiences.

Also gaining traction is Protect Plus, a growing portfolio of ancillary services including flight delay compensation, delayed baggage compensation, carbon offsetting, eSIM solutions, and lounge access. These services are designed to meet modern travellers’ expectations while creating additional revenue opportunities for partners.

Innovation for Offline Agents and New Revenue Opportunities

To extend its reach, Protect Group recently launched theAgent Portal, enabling travel agencies and advisors to offer reservation protection quickly and easily, without technical integration. This opens new opportunities in sectors such as cruises and tours, where over 80% of bookings are made through traditional agencies, activating a previously underutilised channel.

Additionally, integration with Aven Hospitality (formerly Sabre Hospitality) allows rapid onboarding of hotel chains, accelerating expansion in the hospitality sector and enabling partners to sell reservation protection more efficiently.