Secret Escapes, one of the world’s leading, members-only online travel and experiences companies, has taken the next exciting step in its global growth strategy, announcing today that it has expanded operations into France (under the name Evasions Secrètes) and three markets in Eastern Europe – Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic (under the name Travelist). 

The French and Eastern European expansion follows the $60 million Series C investment from Google Ventures and Octopus Investments in 2015. This move forms part of the company’s ongoing international expansion plan to become the world’s go-to source for affordable travel inspiration. 

In the last 18 months, Secret Escapes’ European operations have extended to The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Italy, generating a member base of over 3.5 million in these territories alone. With over half of their members based outside the UK, the company also opened operations in four Asian markets last month and in the USA in 2014, focused on attracting high quality, third party partners as well as customers.

Since launching in 2011, Secret Escapes, which offers its members exclusive deals on hand-picked luxury hotels and holidays at up to 60 per cent off, has established itself as a major player in the travel scene. Reporting an average year-on-year growth of 230 per cent and securing over $650 million cumulative global turnover, Secret Escapes has sold over 4 million room nights across the world, growing its member base from 4 million in January 2014 to over 32 million members worldwide. 

Alex Saint, Chief Executive of Secret Escapes, said: “Expanding operations to France, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic is the next exciting step in Secret Escapes’ plans for continued global expansion. Our ultimate goal is to inspire the world to travel and to establish ourselves as the go-to destination for those looking to book an affordable holiday. We are extremely proud that Secret Escapes is now operational in 21 territories across the world, and has sold over 4 million room nights to our international base of over 32 million members.

“Eastern Europe, and particularly France, have always been key markets we wanted to approach and after assessing that there was a desire for our product there, it felt like the next natural step for us. Our expansion into new markets will give even more travellers the opportunity to access our exclusive deals, and will provide new offerings for existing members around the world. Last year’s $60 million cash injection from Google Ventures and Octopus Investments has allowed us to successfully accelerate our international brand expansion.”