By Terrence Fox, Business Correspondent
Florida-based tech entrepreneurs Tim Hentschel and John Prince of HotelPlanner receive top recognition from Ernst & Young for innovation and growth.
Tim Hentschel and John Prince, the co-founders and CEOs of HotelPlanner, were honored with the prestigious 2025 Florida Entrepreneurs Of The Year® award by Ernst & Young (EY) on June 16. The award recognizes their groundbreaking contributions to the hotel and travel industries, underscoring their exceptional leadership and innovative strategies that have propelled HotelPlanner to global prominence.
The annual EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award is one of the most coveted honors for business leaders worldwide. This year’s recognition highlights how Hentschel and Prince have reshaped the landscape of hotel bookings through cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Success
HotelPlanner was founded in 2003, at a time when the internet was rapidly changing the way consumers approached travel. The company started as a small online hotel booking platform and quickly identified an underserved market: group bookings. By focusing on this niche, the co-founders saw an opportunity to offer a more personalized and efficient booking experience for both corporate clients and individual travelers.
Under the leadership of Hentschel and Prince, HotelPlanner has grown into one of the largest online booking platforms in the world, with a presence in over 140 countries. Today, millions of users turn to the platform annually, relying on its innovative services to book everything from last-minute reservations to large-scale event accommodations.
“We set out to solve a problem that many people didn’t realize existed—booking group accommodations,” Hentschel said. “Whether it’s a wedding party, a corporate retreat, or a sports team, we made sure that it was easy and affordable for people to travel together.”
Prince, the company’s other co-founder, added, “Our focus has always been to give users the best value and most streamlined experience. We understood that people’s needs were evolving, and we built our technology to adapt to those changes.”
A Focus on Technological Innovation
From the outset, HotelPlanner differentiated itself by integrating technology into its booking process. The company has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, incorporating AI-powered recommendations, real-time pricing updates, and personalized booking experiences that cater to both individual and group travelers.
One of the company’s standout innovations has been its group booking tool, which allows users to book hotel rooms in bulk while securing exclusive discounts. This tool has revolutionized the way businesses, event planners, and groups approach travel, making it easier than ever to manage large bookings and coordinate accommodations on a global scale.
“We’re always looking for new ways to improve the travel experience,” said Hentschel. “Our AI-powered tools help users make more informed decisions, whether it’s finding the best deal or customizing their travel plans.”
In addition to its online platform, HotelPlanner’s mobile app has also gained significant traction, with users praising its ease of use and the ability to book rooms on the go. As mobile usage continues to rise globally, Hentschel and Prince’s forward-thinking approach has ensured that HotelPlanner remains a key player in the industry.
HotelPlanner’s Global Expansion
In recent years, HotelPlanner has made significant strides in expanding its global footprint. The company has formed strategic partnerships with major airlines, travel agencies, and event management firms, allowing it to offer a more comprehensive travel solution for businesses and leisure travelers alike.
With a customer base that spans across continents, HotelPlanner continues to refine its platform to serve a diverse range of travelers. The company’s robust system enables users to compare and book accommodations across multiple countries, streamlining the entire booking process for both individuals and groups.
“International growth has been a key priority for us,” said Prince. “Our technology and customer-centric approach have allowed us to tap into markets across the globe, ensuring that travelers everywhere have access to the best hotel options.”
Looking Toward the Future
As HotelPlanner continues to evolve, both Hentschel and Prince are committed to further enhancing the user experience. The company is investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to predict and meet customer needs before they even arise.
“We’re excited about the future of travel,” said Hentschel. “With the rapid growth of AI, we can provide more tailored services that anticipate what our users need, making the entire process even more personalized and convenient.”
The duo also plans to expand HotelPlanner’s services to include more travel-related features, such as integrated transportation booking and event management tools, making it a one-stop shop for all aspects of travel.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurial Excellence
The 2025 Florida Entrepreneurs Of The Year® award not only highlights the achievements of Hentschel and Prince but also underscores their dedication to excellence. EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® program has a long history of recognizing business leaders who have made outstanding contributions to their industries. Previous recipients of the award include innovators in technology, healthcare, and finance, among others.
“This award is a humbling recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone at HotelPlanner,” said Prince. “We are grateful to our team and our partners, whose support has been essential in building what we have today.”
The success story of HotelPlanner, driven by its visionary leaders, serves as a testament to the power of innovation in shaping the future of travel. Hentschel and Prince’s ability to anticipate and address the needs of their customers has made HotelPlanner a leader in the industry and a shining example of what can be achieved with creativity, technology, and determination.