Category Archives: Technology

The 2020 celebration took place on April 22, marks the 50th anniversary of this unified response to environmental concerns, with the theme of Earth Day 2020 being climate action. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable. As the ninth most visited tourist destination in the world, Thailand welcomes more than 39 million visitors per annum of which over 500,000 come from the MENA region. With this comes a great obligation for responsible tourism that preserves the natural habitat, wildlife and traditions of this beautiful country. For Earth Day 2020, Tourism Authority of Thailand have highlighted the best responsible and sustainable experiences for armchair travellers. From connecting with destinations on 3D live stream to supporting sustainable coffee production, families, couples and friends can contribute to this year’s Earth Day and be transported to the beauty of Amazing Thailand without travelling. Amazing Thailand offers the chance to join 3D virtual tours to 10 charming destinations in nine provinces around Thailand. This includes visits to some of Thailand’s most fascinating natural and historical sites including Wat Si Chum temple in Sukothai to the north, and the mangrove forests of Chanthaburi in the east, where virtual visitors can observe native flora and fauna. As well as uninterrupted views of these stunning landmarks without having to leave your seat, travellers are also contributing to the rest and recovery of these mass tourist sites. SonevaKiri is a luxury Thai resort with a strong focus on sustainability. It has developed its own Soneva Carbon Calculator to monitor the full footprint of its operations including energy consumption, air travel, ground travel, freight, food, paper, waste …

Special interview with Stewart Smith, Commercial Director, MEA for Sojern based on Sojern data collected on April 20, 2020. How fast can Dubai receive inbound tourists after the COVID-19?Time will tell. We aren’t yet seeing enough signs of recovery but consumer travel demand is as unique as each consumer. Post quarantine, people will be looking to get out of the house in a variety of ways, so the priority for travel marketers is to ensure they get their messages in front of them while they’re making decisions. Which countries will start travelling first?Sojern’s data shows that domestic travel will bounce back first. When markets stabilise and we have successfully ‘flattened the curve’ globally, international travel will pick up again. Additionally, we anticipate recovery will fluctuate depending on the impact the coronavirus had in each region. At a global level this will surely apply, APAC may open up first, followed by MEA, EU and then the US and Latin America. Some of APAC has been ahead of the world in their vigilance, so we expect that APAC will be the first region to recover. Already, China’s situation is largely under control and they are able to schedule domestic flights to fly travellers throughout the country. Of course just having planes in the air does not qualify as freedom of movement until countries start reducing travel restrictions. Every country is eager to remove their travel restrictions, but that decision will be entirely influenced by our success in combating the virus.  What impact will it have on both inbound and outbound from UAE?Looking at the composition of travellers searching for trips to the UAE in the last 14 days, the biggest increase year-over-year is from …

ILTM has commissioned a white paper to underpin the true value of luxury travel to small, medium sized and large businesses across the world. The report by Barton Consulting brings clarity to the numbers of people employed – 90 per cent of whom are working within small businesses or individual operations – and the contribution high net worth (HNW) travellers make to every sector. The report is further explained in a podcast entitled ‘Luxury Travel’s true impact on business and employment.’ Alison Gilmore, Portfolio Director, ILTM, says, “The challenge of COVID-19 has brought the realities of our world into sharp focus and none more so than our international inter-connectivity and dependence on the freedom to travel. The travel industry is one of the greatest catalysts for this globally-linked system and is also a far greater mechanism for the dispersal of wealth to local economies than has been recognised until now.” In the podcast, the report’s author, Barton’s Winston Chesterfield, explains how so few can make such a big economic impact by spreading their wealth to benefit local economies, communities, individuals and businesses. He explores how these individuals will be the first to kick start the industry post COVID-19 and why the wealth they control is vital to #keeptheworldmoving. “We wanted to contribute to the luxury travel sector and provide some new insight, facts and figures that we hope will give comfort to those whose livelihood has suffered as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown of this industry. When the time is right, we believe a new future will emerge and ILTM will be here as a catalyst, however long this journey takes,” added Gilmore.

The CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) Amr AlMadani joined fellow hospitality leaders this week to discuss the future of the industry in the Hospitality Tomorrow virtual forum, hosted by Bench Global Events and watched by a global audience of thousands. The talk was co-hosted by Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the Secretary General at the United Nations World Trade Organisation and member of RCU’s Advisory Board, under the title ‘Legacy, Sustaining Growth through Adversity’. Amr AlMadani, CEO, RCU began by highlighting resilience and innovation as key to the industry’s growth, emphasising that travel in the future will be driven by a desire for deeper, transformative experiences founded in a strong sense of community. As an example, AlMadani noted that AlUla had 250,000 years of history, amid an authentic Arabian landscape, with its own community creatively engaged in its tourism industry. Expanding on the theme of growth, AlMadani emphasised that AlUla remained open to investment, and argued that the future growth of the wider industry is dependent on lowering barriers to investment to fuel innovation. In this regard, he noted that RCU was taking an open-minded approach to current challenges but also that RCU was still signing contracts and remained committed to its partners. Amr AlMadani said, “In RCU, we are banking on a strong recovery for the industry, but one that will newly focus on offering people deeper, more experiential and transformative tourism options – rather than simply a photograph. In AlUla, we have 250,000 years of history for visitors to experience a true, unique locality of Arabian and world heritage, supported by creativity and innovation in our community, projects, and our partners.” Anita Mendiratta said, “Legacy  …

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched an inspiring video series for travellers to experience elements of Amazing Thailand at home, as part of its campaign to ‘Bring Thailand to the World… Virtually’. Available throughout April, the virtual content will feature the best of Thai culture and heritage through entertaining tutorials, with the aim of extending a message of camaraderie and positivity. The series will include Thai cooking classes, Muay Thai lessons, fruit and vegetable carving, Thai-inspired spa treatments and traditional Thai dance suitable for all ages to participate and enjoy. Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East, said, “This message extends to those who have visited Thailand and to all those we have yet to welcome to our shores. We want to share the vibrant energy of the people of Amazing Thailand with the world as we remain resilient and see this through side-by-side.” Chef Nine from Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok and chef Sonia from 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai will each present cooking masterclasses to teach viewers how to prepare popular and flavourful Thai dishes including Thai Pineapple fried rice and Pad Thai to enjoy at home. Viewers can discover the ancient art of Muay Thai through a digital training camp conducted by world-class Muay Thai practitioner and owner of Krudam Gym in Bangkok, Dam Srichan. Muay Thai is known as the “art of eight limbs” and has a history that can be traced to the 18th century. It is also an excellent Thai sport to keep fit through its strengthening techniques. Wellness experts, Gift and Jib from Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok combine nutrient-packed ingredients – such as …

In the absence of a Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2020 event, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with global cultural organisations, is delivering a special Culture Summit Abu Dhabi live stream experience, set to be broadcast on YouTube on 9 April at 5pm (UAE time). HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, will chair the panel session ‘Alone Together: Culture and Resilience’, featuring distinguished participants including Ernesto OttoneRamírez, Assistant Director-General for Culture, UNESCO; Alexandra Munroe, Samsung Senior Curator of Asian Art and Senior Adviser, Global Arts, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation; Rebecca Lyons, Director of Collections and Learning, Royal Academy of Arts; Melanie Noronha, Senior Editor, Thought Leadership, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, The Economist Intelligence Unit; and Marisa Henderson, Chief, Creative Economy, UNCTAD. ‘Alone Together: Culture and Resilience’ will address the current global situation and its impact on culture from a social, economic and psychological angle. Culture today is in crisis, but the session will address how it is responding to the threat and helping to create a resilient society that prioritises participation and community support. With culture being the continuous thread which links an increasingly isolated global population, the discussion will assess the impact of this current period of unprecedented crisis on the culture sector, and explore how culture might help to lessen our collective anxiety and trauma. With many institutions closing their doors for an extended period of time, there are severe challenges around funding and staffing, and the panellists will debate how cultural organisations can best endure this period of shutdown, and how we can most effectively support institutions, artists, and the creative …

Sojern to share current travel trends at the forefront of marketers’ minds. These insights are based on data collected on March 25, 2020. The data will be reviewed on a weekly basis in order to provide a regular view of trends and patterns in consumer behaviour. This blog series, includes the data in order to aid travel marketers in their assessment of this worldwide event. They can use these trends to inform their marketing strategies during this period and be prepared for the recovery once the situation stabilises. Whilst no-one can anticipate the full impact of these exceptional circumstances, the data can provide some insight into how travellers are responding to the current situation, the more long-term impact that COVID-19 will have on destinations, and when the first signs of recovery start to appear. Global flight bookings to the Middle East are dramatically down – as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, there are further border closures, travel restrictions and lockdowns put into place across the globe. Additionally, major airlines in the region including emirates and Saudi have grounded their fleets and countries such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have enforced strict measures in order to contain the virus including dawn to dusk curfews. It is inevitable that we see global flight bookings to the Middle East drastically drop with global flight bookings to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) down 72 per cent year-over-year. Oman sees the least pessimistic outlook with global flight bookings down 38 per cent year-over-year. This is still significantly down but less so than the likes of Kuwait which has seen a 91 per cent drop in global flight bookings.

IBTM Events recently launched a new online platform, IBTM Connect. The launch is part of a three-step plan to keep exhibitors, hosted buyers and the wider industry connected as collectively we navigate the impact of COVID-19. IBTM Connect will host regularly updated content, including insightful webinars and videos from key industry professionals, ways to virtually network with industry peers and news and updates to prepare for recovery. Commenting on the launch, Shane Hannam, Portfolio Director, IBTM Events, said, “Our connections and industry partnerships mean that we are uniquely positioned to create and curate high quality content from around the globe that can serve to provide insights and tangible benefits during this time. By keeping conversations going and sharing learnings, together we can weather the storm and emerge in the strongest possible position to rebuild and recover.” Content will be refreshed regularly, including with weekly webinars from industry experts covering topics, including motivational keynote speaker Gary Bradt delivering a session on ‘how to cope during times of unprecedented change’ and Helen Moon, Founder and MD of EventWell, talking about ‘mental health and wellbeing’. The latest content on IBTM Connect covers everything from mental health and wellness, to managing a crisis and tips for working from home.

Travelport announced signing a new multi-year content agreement with Malaysia Airlines. The agreement also includes the use of Travelport’s leading merchandising tool, Travelport Rich Content and Branding, as well as Travelport’s Digital Media Solutions. With the agreement, over 68,000 agencies servicing hundreds of millions of travellers worldwide will have real-time access to search, book and sell the content and inventory of Malaysia Airlines. It will also join over 300 other airlines using Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding merchandising tool, which gives agencies a graphically rich experience when searching for and booking branded fares. Additionally, Travelport Digital Media Solutions, including Travelport sponsored flights and destination banners, will be used by Malaysia Airlines to promote its flight options through highly targeted advertising tool kits and campaigns. Commenting on the new deal, Lau Yin May, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of Malaysia Airlines said, “We fly to over 1,000 destinations around the world and Travelport’s edge in technology innovations, air merchandising and digital marketing will help Malaysia Airlines better fulfill the demands of travellers and seize growth opportunities in today’s highly competitive environment.” Chris Ramm, Vice President Asia Pacific, Air Partners at Travelport, said, “Following the airline’s launch of new flexible fare options last year, I believe Travelport Rich Content and Branding will further empower Malaysia Airlines to offer more flexibility to travellers who increasingly demand personalised travel experience. Our Digital Media Solutions will also support Malaysia Airlines in global and tactical sales campaigns to promote its product offerings.”

Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with BeemCar, touted as one of the largest developers of sky pods in the world, to develop sky pods in Dubai, in a move to step up the development of futuristic mobility solutions in the emirate through suspended transport technology. Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Younes, CEO of Rail Agency, signed for RTA; and Robin Brownsell, CEO of BeemCar, signed on behalf of the company. “The signing of the agreement is part of RTA’s efforts to deploy autonomous transit means in line with the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy aimed at diverting 25% of total mobility journeys in Dubai to autonomous transit means by 2030. The move corresponds to RTA’s efforts to enhance the integration of mass transit modes, and offer a solution to the first and last-mile challenge; which helps riders reach their final destinations,” said His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. “I am very pleased to attend the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority and BeemCar UK. This exciting collaboration will evaluate the feasibility of an aerial transit system based on BeemCar’s unique expertise. This is another example of the UK’s continued commitment to forging partnerships with the UAE across a broad range of innovation and technology,” said His Excellency Chris Heaton-Harris, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, UK.