Ronnie Rokebrand (1954) has written books for various publishing firms since the early 1980s. He wrote nineteen books on holiday destinations and co-authored dozens of other publications. In February 2010, his Wereldwijzer Israel was published by Elmar.

In addition, Ronnie has been a manager in the tourism industry since the early 1990s. In 1992 he became the owner/director of Coron Travel, which focuses on coach tours for companies. Together with publishing company Elmar, Ronnie set up their first internet activities on Elmar.nl in 1996, the first online travel enterprise in the Netherlands, and one of the very first in the world. After a name change to ElmarReizen.nl, it developed into the Netherlands’ biggest online travel agency. In 2003 Ronnie developed a white label distribution affiliation programme for other travel companies. Since that year, Elmar On Line B.V. has worked together with SBS, Transavia, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Wehkamp, Vliegtarieven, Vliegwinkel, Vertrekpunt, Expedia, and numerous other companies. Elmar On Line B.V. looked after both the technological aspects of their booking sites and the complete fulfilment through a contact centre. In 2007, Elmar On Line B.V. took over HolidayDiscounter, under Ronnie’s management. He reorganised this enterprise and integrated its activities in Elmar On Line B.V. Together, they played a leading role on the Internet. In the first quarter of 2009, Ronnie sold his shares in Elmar On Line B.V. Since July 2009, he has been a new business consultant with TSi Solutions, a leading IT company in the travel industry.

In 2006 and 2007, Ronnie chaired MKBR, an informal organisation for SME in the travel industry (companies with a turnover of up to 200 million). After MKBR had realised its objectives, it liquidated itself in 2008. In 2007 and 2008, Ronnie was a member of various ANVR (Netherlands Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators) committees. One of these committees was the automation steering group. Ronnie represented the ANVR in the Self-Regulation Coordination Committee of the SER (Social Economic Council ), and negotiated with the Consumentenbond (the Dutch Consumers’ Organisation) on the ANVR travel conditions and other aspects.

Ronnie is available as an e-commerce senior consultant, as well as an Expert Speaker. He is in great demand to share his insights on future developments in the travel industry.

Nominations Ronnie Rokebrand

2008
In 2008 ElmarReizen.nl, managed by Ronnie Rokebrand, was nominated for Best Travel Site of the Year by travel trade journal Travelution. An independent panel, chaired by the Netherlands’ best-known public opinion poller Maurice de Hond, judged the nominated websites.

2007
In 2007, ElmarReizen.nl, managed by Ronnie Rokebrand, was awarded an honourable mention for MyTravelBuddy during the presentation of the Innovation Feather, a prestigious award presented by trade journal Travelrevue.

2002 – 2006
Since it was founded in 1996, Elmar Reizen, managed by Ronnie Rokebrand and Max Roodnat, was the only online travel agency that was nominated no fewer than five times for Best Online Travel Agency Site of the Year, in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. The nominations for Best Web Shop in the Travel category were awarded by the professional panel of Thuiswinkel.org, the home shopping organisation in the Netherlands.

2001
In 2001 Ronnie was nominated as the final candidate for the prestigious title of Travel Manager of the Year. The study was carried out by Deloitte & Touche.

2000
In 2000 Ronnie ranked 9th on the list of top 10 best and most appreciated speakers, drawn up by events and convention bureau NetEvents in 2001.