Tag Archives: digitalisation

In keeping their commitment to the digital transformation UN Tourism partnered with UAE to integrate an e-platform for the governing body meetings. Under an agreement announced during the 121st session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, the United Arab Emirates will sponsor the implementation and maintenance of a Mobile Application integrated platform. The platform includes an electronic voting system for the Organization that would be available at the meetings of its Governing Bodies (the General Assembly and the Executive Council) and its subsidiary organs. It also offers other features such as documentation management, online registration process and interactive communication between participants, among other features. The adoption of the new electronic platform sponsored by UAE further underscores UN Tourism’s commitment to the digital transformation of every part of the tourism ecosystem, as well as its ongoing focus on promoting innovation and modernizing its processes. UN Tourism will make use of a new electronic voting system for the meetings of its key statutory meetings and other meetings of its Governing Bodies.  

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is elevating its passenger’s airport experience with the introduction of innovative digital wayfinding. QR Codes are leveraged to provide easy to use wayfinding solution through different digital touchpoints conveniently located across the airport’s expansive terminal. Whether trying to navigate from ORCHARD to LampBear, wanting to try one of the many dining or retail experiences at the airport or finding a departure gate, passengers will experience frictionless wayfinding. The QR Codes are available across the airport through Flight Information Display Screens, Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks and other key touchpoints, to further assist passengers with their wayfinding requirements. The new digital solution is compatible with all mobile devices and passengers can seamlessly connect to Hamad International Airport’s next generation Wi-Fi to use this service. Commenting on this new digital service, Mr. Suhail Kadri, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Hamad International Airport said: “We are constantly reviewing and evaluating our multiple digital touchpoints for passengers to ensure we meet their requirements. By investing and utilizing the latest innovative technological solutions and listening to global passenger requirements at our airport, we will continue to set and exceed industry standards.” Digital Concierges located at ORCHARD include information about retail and F&B offering, flight information, relaxation and rejuvenation options and attractions at the airport. Travelers can scan the QR code to navigate to their chosen point of interest on their mobile. The airport has also introduced the Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks which are located at the North Plaza of the airport, and around the iconic LampBear to further enhance passenger experience. As part of the airport’s digital transformation strategy, Hamad International Airport is constantly investing in the latest technology …

Continuing to drive transformation in the aviation sector, Oman Air’s Digital department recently held its annual workshop. Attended by members of senior leadership and key stakeholders, the workshop reviewed the progress of the company’s ongoing digital transformation strategy and its IT Roadmap for 2023. During 2022, the company accomplished a number of digital initiatives to support its strategic goals. Among them was the restructuring of its Passenger Service System (PSS) to advance its digital retailing capabilities, facilitating the initiation of a new internet booking engine and mobile app. A New Distribution Capability (NDC) solution was also developed to allow travel agents to deliver rich content and ancillary to customers, while, in order to promote crew and operational efficiency, an elegant Crew Pairing and Fleet Management system with AIMS was established. Further safeguarding data and cybersecurity, the airline introduced a Privileged Access Management Solution, an enhanced IT Service Continuity initiative and Disaster Recovery Plan. Recently, the company also announced it has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a founding member of the pioneering Modern Airline Retailing programme alongside a global consortium of airlines. Leveraging the ‘Offers and Orders’ system, the group intends to spur technological advancement in the industry and create value for customers by reducing the hassles of increasingly complex passenger document checking requirements. Dr. Khalid Al Zadjali, Senior Vice President – Digital at Oman Air, said, “In this digital age and in the face of increasing competition, its vital that we capitalise early on advanced technologies in order to stay ahead of the curve. As such, we continue to invest in long-term, sustainable efficiencies, whilst improving IT service delivery right across the organisation, and to our guests. …

Kanoo Travel, the first IATA member agency in the GCC and prominent force within the Middle East’s travel Industry, has unveiled their key strategic initiatives (2023-2027). The future roadmap builds upon a robust digitalization plan to deploy state-of-the-art technology, utilize cloud-based contact centers, and enable intelligent retailing to provide customers with a highly tailored next-generation travel platform. As the largest travel management company in the MENA region, Kanoo Travel’s new strategy will prioritize key investments in artificial intelligence and digital platforms, data analytics software and cloud based infrastructure solutions to redefine the entire customer travel journey and experience at every touchpoint. This is in line with the company’s mission to provide the most sophisticated travel solutions on a global level, and cater to the needs of the future travelers’ changing behaviors and needs. “Mr. Ali Abdulla Kanoo – President of Kanoo Travel ” The Kanoo Family takes priority in investing in our travel division and its people. Through this investment, we are also strengthening our technological skills to give our customers a fulfilling journey. We are consistently striving to grasp opportunities and reacting by developing and setting best practices, all while responding to the changing marketplace. Our future roadmap 2023-2027 and its outlined strategic initiatives will target the future of travel for both the individual and the corporation.” Zaeem Gama  –  Kanoo Travel CEO, commented, “Kanoo Travel is now entering a new phase, backed by a extensive corporate strategy and full-scale digital transformation master plan that will enable prominent improvements, allowing us to become faster at identifying and addressing shifts in the landscape, exploring diverse revenue stream opportunities, in addition to engaging with new potential global travel management partners.” He …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has outlined its key strategic framework ahead of the return of wholescale international tourism, with various additions and adjustments to meet the needs of global travellers in a post-pandemic world. Addressing the results of recent independent surveys and reports, GNTB intends to focus on three key areas to help grow the national tourism industry: digitalisation, sustainability, and remote work.   Digitalisation “As international travellers continue to grow more confident once more, it is essential to strengthen the competitiveness of Germany as a global destination,” said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, GCC. “For this reason, we have studied public opinion and identified various way to improve our offerings. We are now in the process of constructing modern, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure for our visitors to feel comfortable when travelling.” According to a 2021 IPK International survey, 75 per cent of travellers prefer digital offers when planning a trip. Online booking not only allows for easier accessibility, but also removes physical contact during the transaction. Similarly, the use of e-guides and tour books has grown in popularity because of pandemic protocols. Germany will look to develop and widen the availability of these options this year. Sustainability Travellers’ values have also shifted towards sustainable tourism. According to Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report, 61 per cent of international travellers regard the COVID-19 pandemic as the main motivator to travel sustainably. Germany, for its part, starts from a strong position in that regard. GNTB’s Feel Good campaign won the World Travel Market’s ‘World Responsible Tourism Award’ last year, as well as the European Cultural Travel Network’s Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Award for 2021. Likewise, the 2021 Sustainable …