Düsseldorf, June 6, 2025 – For the sixth time, Peakwork invited decision-makers and senior executives from the international travel industry to Peakwork Partner Connect (PPC) in Düsseldorf. The response was overwhelming: Nearly 400 participants from more than 25 countries gathered at the largest PPC to date to explore opportunities for new partnerships, advance technological developments, and strengthen personal networks.
At the heart of the event was the direct exchange between leading tour operators, online travel agencies, airlines, accommodation and hotel providers, and other service partners who are – or aim to become – part of Peakwork’s global partner network.
One of the highlights was a panel discussion on current market developments featuring Stefan Baumert, CCO Markets at TUI Group; Mark Tantz, COO of DERTOUR Central Europe; Ralph Michaelsen, CEO DACH at Invia Travel Germany (ab-in-den-urlaub), and Irina Haselmann, CEO of Eurowings Holidays. The discussion, moderated by Peakwork CEO Manuel Saballus, focused on the future of dynamic tour operating – from today’s key challenges and the vital role of travel technology in distribution, to the ongoing debate around price parity and its impact on tour operator packages.
Another highly anticipated session was the keynote by Jaime Sastre, CEO of the Juniper Group and founder of Juniper Travel Technology. He shared insights into the rapid growth and strategic evolution of the Constellation Software Group – a global software powerhouse with over 1,200 companies and more than 50,000 employees worldwide – which Peakwork joined in 2023.
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Peakwork has positioned itself as a leading international travel tech platform and a central player in the group’s travel tech division, driving strategic growth and M&A initiatives. In 2025, Peakwork recorded over 20,000 bookings per day via its systems on peak days, with up to 60 million daily search requests.
A core focus of this year’s Partner Connect was the launch of nexTOs, the new all-in-one solution and next-generation Travel Operating System. The platform provides tour operators and OTAs with a powerful system for inventory management, dynamic packaging (including sourcing of hotels, flights, and more), pricing, distribution, and fulfillment – all within one scalable ecosystem. During the event, early adopters of nexTOs were honored with the Peakwork Partner Award for their innovation and pioneering spirit.
“We’re proud to have established Peakwork Partner Connect as a platform that delivers real business value – through personal networking, expert exchange on technology and innovation, and tangible business opportunities,” said Manuel Saballus, CEO of Peakwork. “The strong international participation and the high interest in nexTOs clearly show: We’re delivering exactly what the market needs right now.”
Stefanie Wasserfuhr, VP Commercial at Peakwork, added: “I’ve always been a fan of Peakwork Partner Connect. The energy, the spirit of innovation, and the openness of this network are truly inspiring – a real asset for us and the entire industry.”
A diverse social program at the RheinRiff event location – said to be the world’s largest indoor surf venue – made the event truly special. From team activities to surfing in the heart of Düsseldorf, there were plenty of opportunities for personal interaction. The evening event, featuring a live performance by Fresh Music Live, capped off the day with a celebration that lasted well into the early morning hours.
Special thanks go to the event sponsors who played a key role in making PPC 2025 a success: World2Meet, Involatus, PeakPoint Global, Planet, Avra, Companjon, CFM Media, Freshcells, Bedbank Global, HanseMerkur, and Eurowings.
Photos:
From left to right: Stefan Baumert, CCO Markets TUI Group, Mark Tantz, COO DERTOUR Central Europe, Irina Haselmann, CEO Eurowings Holidays, Ralph Michaelsen, CEO DACH Invia Travel Germany/ ab-in-den-urlaub, and Manuel Saballus, CEO Peakwork
Photo: Jaime Sastre, CEO Juniper Group
Photo: Stefan Baumert, CCO Markets TUI Group
Photo: Peakwork Partner Connect - Networking
More photos https://content.klein-rose.com/peakwork/