Travel News

In 2024, internal meetings are anticipated to continue to be a prominent growth driver for the meetings and events sector. According to the 13th Annual Global Meetings and Events Forecast published by American Express GBT Meetings & Events, this is mostly motivated by firms looking to develop partnerships and connect their dispersed workforces. More than 500 meeting and events experts from around the world were polled for the 2024 Forecast, and more than a dozen business titans also provided insight. Internal meetings are expected to expand the fastest of all meeting kinds, according to meeting pros, with 48% of respondents projecting more attendees in 2019. The following are other highlights from the 2024 Forecast: 28% of respondents claim that programs have already reached or surpassed pre-pandemic attendance levels, and 42% anticipate achieving that objective in 2024. Lead times are expected to be the same or shorter in 2024 by 72% of meeting planners. Only 25% of respondents stated they were likely or very likely to look for a job in the upcoming year; of those, more than 65% intend to stay in the same sector, showing that meeting professionals are still optimistic about the industry’s future. “With more distributed workforces than ever, companies are reassessing the importance of internal interactions for team cohesion, productivity, creativity, engagement, and employee welfare,” said Gerardo Tejado, SVP, Professional Services, Amex GBT. There has never been more evidence that face-to-face interactions and encounters are vital, acting as the foundation for both personal and professional success. According to our forecast, 2024 will be a dynamic year since expenditures are growing, attendance is up, and technological use is accelerating quickly. Internal In-Person Meetings Are Accelerated by Distributed Workforce Models The majority of respondents predicted that meetings and events would either be totally in-person (59%) or hybrid (20%) in the coming year, with 21% of events taking place virtually. Given the widespread use of hybrid and remote working models by enterprises, meetings and events play a bigger part in bringing disparate teams together and the importance of in-person contacts keeps rising. According to 42% of respondents, there will be more internal meetings and customer advisory boards in 2016. This is expected to be followed by incentives (38%), small and simple meetings (37% each), product launches, senior leadership meetings, conferences with trade shows (35%), and conferences without trade shows (30%). According to Amex GBT’s Hotel Monitor 2024, hotel rates will probably continue to grow in most places around the world in 2024, and meetings and events will likely take the place of leisure travel’s dwindling demand.  The Digital Divide is Being Bridged The way meeting professionals conduct their work, including location research, event communication, and registration automation, is projected to undergo significant change as a result of technology. For personalized attendee messaging, artificial intelligence (AI) is being employed more and more; 42% of respondents said they expect to use AI in 2024. With an anticipated usage rate of over 60%, mobile apps are expected to remain a mainstay at meetings and events. Virtual reality technologies are still being tested by meeting professionals, with 41% of respondents planning to utilize them in 2019. According to Tejado, “Meeting planners must effectively harness the available tools by using technology for task automation, revising meeting program policies to accelerate budget approvals, and integrating business and meetings travel.” Adoption of sustainability is still increasing. By the end of 2024, their organizations would have net zero goals, according to the majority of meeting professionals (78%). locating qualified suppliers (39%) and budget (35%), assessing impact and post-event CO2 calculation (32%), locating places with little travel time (28%), and a lack of skills/resources/knowledge (23%), are a few of the problems respondents mentioned. Global Perspective: Regional Perspective What the industry might anticipate in the following year varies by area. N. AMERICA Meeting industry experts in North America claim that they are busy, engaged, and enthusiastic about new technology as we move into the coming year. They think things are going well for their line of work: When asked how positive they were about the state of the industry, 84% responded that they would rate their own optimism at 8 or above on a scale of 1 to 10. According to 77% of respondents, the number of attendees has already surpassed 2019 levels or will in 2024. Cost and health and safety issues are the two factors most likely to have an impact on the number of attendees. Europe Compared to respondents from North America and Latin America, meeting professionals in Europe anticipate moderate growth in activity in 2019. Internal meetings will still be a major component of European meeting agendas. According to respondents, 52% of meetings will take place in hotels, 48% would call for overnight accommodations, and 46% will be held in locations other than the business headquarters. The region has the lowest anticipated domestic air travel for guests, at 33%, which is perhaps not a surprise. Pacific Asia In terms of organizations that have already established corporate net zero goals, Asia Pacific is in the lead with 63%. 74% of respondents in the Asia Pacific region state that sustainability is very important or extremely important for their organization, and 67% report that sustainability has been heavily included into their meeting activities. Meeting planners in Latin America anticipate increasing meeting space availability in 2024 while expecting hotel room availability to remain constant. Nearly half (48%) of respondents expressed anxiety about location availability. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/amex-gbt-internal-meetings-and-ai-accelerate-industry-growth/

The rebranded Good Travel Management (GTM) company also declares the opening of its user-friendly new website. A key component of GTM’s client-focused strategy and ensuring a simple, user-friendly experience is its newly updated website. The makeover brings GTM’s “retailing” approach to business travel to life by giving clients the chance to curate their trips using a variety of content sources. GTM emphasizes its distinct position as a travel management business that actually cares about the quality of corporate travel, not just in terms of logistics but as an individualized experience. GTM backs its custom technology with an authentic human touch. The service delivery goes beyond transactional contacts, resulting in travel narratives where excellent attention, precision, and service are not only provided but also woven throughout the voyage. While providing customized travel management solutions, the redesign also reinforces GTM’s continuous dedication to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. The branding highlights GTM’s dedication to significant social impact, environmental sustainability, and governance while reiterating its adherence to ESG principles. GTM proudly supports the Matthew Good Foundation, which has given more than £1 million to amazing causes over the past 10 years. GTM has made a commitment to activities that will improve society through the John Good Group’s “Grants for Good” program, which has donated more than £450,000 to domestic and international charities. Additionally, GTM encourages staff members to use paid time off for volunteer work and gives each worker £1,500 a year to donate to a charity of their choice, empowering them to make a difference. In addition to speaking out in favor of sustainability, GTM will begin operating carbon neutrally in 2022. GTM collaborates with companies like Thrust Carbon and Responsible Futures to give clients accurate CO2 emission statistics, assisting in the creation of eco-friendly travel regulations and promoting environmentally friendly corporate practices. “Unveiling our rebrand and new website is more than just giving Good Travel Management a new look; it’s about our commitment to improving business travel for everyone involved,” says Kevin Harrison, Managing Director of Good Travel Management. Our goal is to simplify travel for our clients while also doing our part to protect the environment and the communities we interact with. “We’re all in, from our commitment to helping deserving causes to our initiatives to cut carbon footprints. It involves fusing our knowledge with the ideals and technologies that today’s travelers want. Finally, we want our customers to have the assurance that they are traveling wisely, sustainably, and with a crew that actually cares. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/good-travel-management-unveils-rebrand-and-user-centric-website/

The TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit 2023, the premier event on tourism innovation, will once again make Seville the global epicenter of tourism with the newest ideas that are reshaping the sector, is set for its next celebration. More than 7,000 professionals from across the world will congregate in Seville, Spain, from October 18 through October 20, creating an economic impact of more than 20 million euros for the city, which has been selected the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2023. With more than 200 companies showcasing the most recent solutions in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Cloud, ChatGPT, Business Intelligence, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Web 3.0, Cybersecurity, Big Data & Analytics, Marketing Automation, GIS, Contactless Technology, and Predictive Analytics, among others, this year’s show will relocate to Hall 2 of FIBES, which has doubled the size of the exhibition area. Leading businesses will present their most recent innovations, including Accenture, Amadeus, CitySightseeing Worldwide, Eurecat, Mabrian, Telefónica, CaixaBank, PastView, T-Systems, Turijobs, UnBlock, and Why Tenerife. More than 400 of the top specialists in the world will present at more than 150 sessions in six auditoriums under the theme “Travel Revolution Takes Off,” where they will discuss the most recent advancements that are defining the new paradigm of tourism. The disruptions that are reshaping the industry will be discussed by speakers including Céline Cousteau, a documentary filmmaker, socioenvironmental activist, explorer, and founder of CauseCentric Productions; Tim Leberecht, one of the most important authorities on the most human leadership in business; Tuija Seipel, a global leader in customer experience innovation in the North American hospitality sector; and Jenny Southan, a travel trends expert. Guy Bigwood, the CEO of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) and an authority on regenerative tourism, Alfonso Vegara, a PhD candidate in urban and regional planning and a graduate of architecture, economics, and sociology, and Carmen Bustos, one of Forbes Spain’s 100 most creative individuals, will also participate and offer their insightful perspectives on the future of tourism. Global consulting businesses with a focus on hyper-personalization and novel traveler experiences, like Phocuswright and Skift, will present the most disruptive trends influencing the present and future of the industry model. In this context, TIS2023 will examine the potential for utilizing a thoughtful marketing approach to enhance the customer experience and examine the prevalence of “set-jetting” or the impact of television shows and motion pictures on traveler choice. The programs being used to boost the MICE industry and corporate travel will also be covered. Cross-border inspiration from around the world The new TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit will broaden its knowledge beyond the confines of Europe. Mexico, the only region that remained open throughout the pandemic, will serve as a guest country partner for TIS for the first time and share its experience to highlight the appeal of a world power that responds to pertinent issues like sustainability, global competition, or the significance of having a suitable infrastructure for tourists’ visits. In order to maximize the marketing of their destinations and enhance the visitor experience, TIS2023 will also showcase the greatest experiences of other locations, like Ecuador, China, and Greece, as well as Spanish cities, including Santander, Badajoz, Madrid, Segovia, and Gijón. The A World For Travel congress, which has previously been held in Evora, Portugal, and Nimes, France, will also be celebrated as part of TIS2023, and it will present projects that will help responsible tourism spread across the globe. The I World Congress of the CIDH will also bring together hotel managers who will exchange tips for putting new traveler needs-focused tactics into practice. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/tis-tourism-innovation-summit-2023-brings-together-the-international-tourism-ecosystem-in-seville/

The most costly airport for parking fees is Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, which charges a staggering £433.61 each week. However, Hamad International consistently receives votes from travelers as one of the greatest airports in the world, winning first place in 2021 and 2022 because to its cleanliness and variety of businesses. Long-term parking there can be expensive. The second-most costly airport in the world for parking fees is London’s Heathrow Airport, where a week’s stay costs £255.30. With more than 80 million passengers passing through each year and an average of one flight departing every 45 seconds, the airport is among the busiest in the world in terms of passenger traffic. With a weekly fee of £180, London Gatwick Airport is the seventh most costly airport for parking. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/topmost-expensive-weekly-airport-parking-rates-across-the-world/

The Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) has brought together more than 600 young people from 100 nations to discuss how to achieve net zero in travel and tourism as part of the UFCCC MENA Climate Week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The new STGC, which is promoting a quicker approach to resolving climate change challenges and making travel and tourism more sustainable, especially among small and medium-sized firms, passengers, and destinations, has as one of its main goals engaging with and listening to young people from all over the world. According to estimates, 16% of the world’s 8 billion inhabitants are between the ages of 15 and 24. The 600+ attendees this week are among the first to join the STGC’s Youth Champions Initiative, which successfully brought together 400 students from 80 different countries last year. The goal is to have 100,000 young people from more than 150 different nations living here by 2030. The Saudi Arabian Minister of tourist, Ahmed Al Khateeb, stated: “We are enabling young leaders to play a critical part in constructing a more sustainable travel and tourist sector by providing them with the necessary resources to promote the net zero transformation of the business. The Sustainable Tourism Global Center, founded in Saudi Arabia, is an investment not only in the country’s future but also in the future of the entire world. The Ministry of Energy will host UNFCCC MENA Climate Week, where the young leaders will come together for sustainability-related sessions. Discussions will center on the potential and difficulties the industry faces as it works to transition to a net zero future, as well as environmental protection generally and the part that the younger generation will play in that dialogue. Young leaders will have unprecedented access to cutting-edge case studies and best practice solutions as the project develops and the STGC forges partnerships with more institutions of higher learning and international organizations. They will also get assistance with advocacy and training programs for sustainable tourism. Saudi Arabia’s development strategy, Vision 2030, places a strong emphasis on youth participation and empowerment. We’re happy to see so many young people at this successful MENA Climate Week, conducted for the first time in Riyadh, said Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor of the Saudi Arabian Minister of Tourism. It is admirable that His Excellency wants to make sure that young people are at the center of finding solutions. It is crucial that we pay attention to and take into account the opinions of today’s young because they want to actively participate in their local communities and be a part of positive change. Their contribution is essential to making the tourism and travel sector a part of the net zero solution. The STGC seeks to deeply engage young future leaders in order to contribute to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive travel and tourism industry, realizing the enormous potential of youth to assist in this transformation. Participants in this endeavor will acquire the skills, resources, and assistance required to use research for advocacy and awareness-raising activities. The new Global Solutions Hub, which will offer solutions to visitors and destinations as well as micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) to assist them move faster at implementing their own adjustments to become more sustainable, was also presented during MENA Climate Week. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/600-youth-from-100-countries-gather-at-stgc-for-solutions-to-sustainable-travel/

The South East’s largest light-weight solar array, to be completed at Farnborough Airport, the center of British aviation and Europe’s top airport for premium air travel connectivity, will allow the airport to produce 25% of its own power. The cutting-edge terminal building, the airport’s control tower, the ground support facility building, and the award-winning 169-room Aviator Hampshire hotel will all have solar panels installed as part of the creative and comprehensive designs. Additionally, the installation will make it possible for the Airport’s operating fleet of electric vehicles to be charged using electricity produced on-site. The new solar installation will enable us to reduce our controllable emissions as set out in our Net Zero Roadmap, in which we have committed to being Net Zero by 2030 or so, according to Simon Geere, CEO of Farnborough Airport, “In our efforts to be a sustainability showcase for airports around the world, we are always looking for new ways to supply and create sustainable energy sources.” The project also complies with a recent government law that favors rooftop solar over solar on agricultural property and encourages more rooftop solar. The installation will be completed by the solar power producing company Solivus, with work set to begin in 2023. In terms of new, innovative light-weight solar installations, Solivus is in the forefront.  Farnborough seized this decarbonization opportunity because traditional solar is too heavy for 40% of major structures like airplane hangars. “At Solivus, we are on a mission to simplify the decarbonization of the built environment, so we are proud to be working alongside a business who have likeminded goals,” said the company’s chief executive officer Jo Parker Swift. Plans for the solar installation at the Airport come after a string of noteworthy achievements in recent years. The first business aviation airport to attain Carbon Neutral 3+ designation was Farnborough Airport in 2018. It started providing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to all clients in 2021, and in 2022, ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow, it became the first airport in the world to do so for the same price as regular Jet A1 fuel for a two-week trial period. Farnborough Airport pledged to become Net Zero for emissions it can control by 2030 or earlier in 2022, setting one of the aviation industry’s most challenging goals. The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) initiative granted Farnborough Airport Level 4+ certification earlier this year, the highest level of carbon accreditation. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/farnborough-airport-embarks-on-one-of-the-largest-solar-installations-in-the-south-east/

Rescompany has been chosen by Exploris Expedition Cruises to supply the onboard digital systems on their first ship, the recently rebuilt MV Exploris One. Resco will be there to implement Resco’s cutting-edge Inventory System together with comprehensive PMS and POS apps for guests, travelers, and crew. Exploris One, which flies the French flag, was built specifically to navigate the world’s most challenging waterways, particularly those in the polar regions. She is the best vessel for exploring glacial regions in total safety because to her reinforced hull; in fact, she is considered as a global benchmark in this area. Rescompany Systems Ltd offers shore and ship software solutions that give small and medium-sized businesses access to the same competitive capabilities as major enterprises while making systems accessible and resource-conserving. Resco’s user-friendly technology gives clients an ever-evolving 360 degree view of the customer, from shore to ship and beyond, whether the full software suite of Rescompany is implemented as a stand-alone platform or its component modules are effortlessly integrated with third-party interfaces. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/exploris-expedition-cruises-selects-resco-systems/

The European Regional Airline Association (ERA) has chosen Loganair Airline of the Year for 2023. The most prestigious prize was presented to the UK’s largest regional airline at a formal awards ceremony that was a part of the ERA General Assembly in Innsbruck, Austria. A group of impartial, well-known judges from around the world chose the winner of ERA’s top honor, Airline of the Year. Loganair, which employs over 850 people across its network, was recognized for its “impressive performance” in getting back to a profit after the pandemic while also improving conditions for its employees. The judges also praised its forward-thinking environmental policy. The airline’s GreenSkies program was the first of its kind in the sector and was launched in 2021 with the goal of managing and reducing the environmental impact of flying through a combination of carbon offsetting, renewable energy investment, and sustainable aviation research. “It is an incredible honor to be named the ERA Airline of the Year award for 2023 and I’d like to thank our magnificent employees for their extraordinary efforts in recent years,” stated Jonathan Hinkles, CEO of Loganair. During the epidemic, we were one of the few airlines to continue operating daily flights, providing vital transportation to isolated villages, air ambulance services for Covid patients, and energy industry charter services that ensured the UK’s lights remained on. Being recognized for our environmental innovation is also incredibly rewarding. For the sake of both the industry and the future of our planet and its inhabitants, developing sustainable aviation is essential. “With an impressive overall performance during 2022, Loganair has overcome the challenges of the previous two years brought on by the pandemic,” remarked Montserrat Barriga, Director General, ERA. “At the same time, it has implemented significant and ground-breaking environmental measures, aided social and humanitarian causes, and implemented critical strategic advances intended to safeguard its future. The airline’s focus on detail, clarity of thought, and decisiveness have produced quantifiably favorable results.The entire Loganair crew deserves congratulations for this outstanding accomplishment. A trade organization that speaks for the European aviation sector is called ERA. More than 50 airlines, as well as 150 associate and affiliate members, make up its membership, which collectively represents the entire aviation industry, including airlines, airports, manufacturers, and suppliers. The regional aviation industry’s accomplishments are celebrated each year with the ERA awards. Since it was first presented in 1991, its Airline of the Year award has expanded to become the most prestigious honor in this industry. Since its founding in 1962, Loganair has grown to become the UK’s largest regional airline in terms of both fleet size and passenger volume, serving approximately 100 destinations across the UK, Scandinavia, and Ireland. It also maintains usage of Barra Airport, the only airport in the world to use a beach as a commercial runway, and runs the shortest scheduled commercial route in the world between Westray Airport and Papa Westray Airport, a distance of just 1.7 miles. ERA’s Airline of the Year honor went before to Loganair in 2018. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/loganair-named-airline-of-the-year/

Executive of the Year – Tourism went to Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, at the Middle East Management Excellence Awards ceremony in Dubai. The evening honored the region’s most remarkable business executives, with Cruise Saudi CEO taking up this prestigious title. Attendees included C-suite level, senior management, digital and technology business department heads, and marketing communications executive visitors. The “Executive of the Year – Tourism” award honors an individual who has made a noteworthy contribution to the development and success of a business. Lars Clasen has overseen Cruise Saudi’s ambitious offshore and onshore cruise ecosystem-building process in conjunction with esteemed international partners, government and local entities, and a passionate team of visionaries with the goal of establishing Saudi as a top international cruise destination. Lars Clasen has led Cruise Saudi through its exponential initial growth phase. By the end of its third season, Cruise Saudi had welcomed more than 300,000 visitors to Saudi Arabia’s shores from more than 100 different countries. Since its launch in 2021, the company has fully equipped three ports with the infrastructure needed to welcome international cruise ships: Jeddah Islamic Port, Yanbu Commercial Port, and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. By 2035, Cruise Saudi hopes to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers to the country by sea. This ambitious goal is made possible by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the government’s own goal of receiving 100 million tourists annually. Notably, Cruise Saudi has continued to implement training and development programs in conjunction with regional universities and foreign cruise lines, and additional plans are in the works to give Saudi youth the knowledge and experience they need to work in the cruise industry. Cruise Saudi is having an impact on the local economy in addition to the worldwide cruise market, with 50,000 direct and indirect employment expected to be produced by 2035, a current Saudization rate of 77%, and ambitions to hire additional Saudi residents in the coming years. A future-focused approach is a key component of the plan for Cruise Saudi’s sustained expansion and success on the global cruising arena, especially with trailblazing innovation like the introduction of its owned-cruise line, AROYA Cruises, the first of its kind created with Arabian tastes. Lars Clasen commented on the victory, saying, “Since joining Cruise Saudi in February of last year, I am extremely delighted to have witnessed the organization make enormous steps in establishing Saudi as a global cruise destination. This award was definitely a team effort, so I would want to receive it while also praising the cooperation and commitment of all Cruise Saudi employees. We are set to begin our fourth season, which will strengthen local communities, provide jobs, and expand Saudi Arabia’s great tourism industry by drawing in more foreign tourists. As the innovative cruise line sets sail for season four, Cruise Saudi will keep collaborating with the government and local organizations to develop ports and curate top-notch destination experiences that boost both tourism and the local economy—many of which are welcoming visitors for the first time. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/cruise-saudi-recognised-for-growth-of-the-cruise-sector-in-saudi/

An amazing celebration has been presented amidst the picturesque hills and foothills of Uttarakhand by the eco-friendly boutique hotel brand Stotrak Hospitality, which has properties spread across Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Kenilworth Mussoorie & Hotel Luxury Inn Mussoorie in Mussoorie and Sukhoon Retreat in Dakpathar, two of the group’s most picturesque resorts, will be hosting a delightful stay this holiday season. Stotrak promises a spectacular journey, including the allure of Mussoorie, the serenity of Dehradun’s Great Yamuna River, and the meditative vibes of Rishikesh.  The owner of Stotrak Hospitality, Manish Goyal, remarked, “The most anticipated season of the year is back. Our staff will serve as your ambassadors throughout the area and design an agenda specifically for your visit. Visitors will have the chance to discover secret pathways and relax in the great outdoors. To celebrate the holiday spirit, we present a variety of scrumptious treats, excellent experiences, and an appealing ambiance with upbeat rhythms.  A 3-star boutique hotel called The Kenilworth Mussoorie by Stotrak is situated in the center of Mussoorie. It offers generously sized accommodations, simple access to the Mall Road, parking options, and top-notch hospitality. The Hotel Luxury Inn Mussoorie by Stotrak, meanwhile, is a short stroll from the Mall Road and features 26 opulent rooms with breathtaking valley views, a rooftop multi-cuisine restaurant, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour hot water. Visitors can travel to Sukoon travel in Dakpathar, an eco-friendly haven that offers activities like swimming, Ayurvedic wellness, trekking, and secret waterfall hikes, for those who want to get away into nature. Diwali is a time of joyous celebration, and Stotrak Hospitality has offered a number of Diwali specials to make the occasion even more memorable. There is also a list of must-attend festivals that will begin the next month. Visitors can take part in the Egaas festival in Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Rishikesh following Diwali. Adventurers can enjoy water activities at the Tehri Lake Festival in Mussoorie from February 4 to February 6. Yoga fans should put March 8 through March 14 of 2024 on their calendars for the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh. With their winter sun and chilly Mall Road strolls, December and January in Mussoorie provide a “White Christmas of the Hills.”  The Uttarakhand region’s Operation Manager, Ankit Mishra, stated: “The beauty of Uttarakhand is not confined to breathtaking hills; it has a lot more to offer. We chose these locations because they each provide distinctive experiences for that reason. Visitors can even select among the well-known Ayurvedic resorts in Uttarakhand, which range from the highlands of Mussoorie to the adventurous and spiritual Rishikesh and the calm environment of Dakpathar. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/stotrak-hospitality-unveils-unforgettable-festive-experiences-amidst-nature/