Tag Archives: travel

GCC, where medium-sized companies (6 to 50 employees) dominate, representing 51%  demonstrate a long term commitment to the industry. Their purpose-driven mindset, fueled by a passion for travel and human connection, continues to shape the sector and helps specialists navigate the increasing complexity of the post-pandemic environment. The survey shows that 93% of the participants work in small and medium businesses of up to 50 people. These are the findings of RateHawk’s latest report, ‘What Supercharges Travel Professionals’, which explores travel professionals’ perspectives on the ever-evolving travel industry. Of these, 50% of all travel professionals globally work in businesses of 2 to 5 people, with the highest concentration in Europe (58%) and Latin America (47%). Around 17% operate as independent agents, with North America reporting the largest share (22%). In contrast, solo professionals are far less common in Asia and the GCC, where medium-sized companies (6 to 50 employees) dominate, representing 44% and 51% respectively. Globally, medium-sized companies account for 26% of respondents. Only 7% of respondents work in companies with more than 50 employees. Travel professionals show strong loyalty to the industry, with 42% of respondents having more than 15 years of experience. This trend is especially prominent in Europe (51% on average), particularly in Italy (68%), Germany (64%) and Spain (52%). At the same time, the industry continues to attract newcomers, with 18% of respondents worldwide having joined over the last 3 years. In some regions, this share is noticeably higher — for example, 23% in North America and 25% in Latin America. Meanwhile, one in four respondents worldwide (25%) has worked in the industry for 4 to 10 years, while 15% have 11 to 15 years of …

As Samsonite celebrates 115 years of redefining travel, the iconic luggage brand looks to the future with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and consumer-centric design. TravTalk ME sat with Subrata Dutta President APAC and Middle East, Samsonite to find out about their journey – the past, present and future. Founded by Jesse Shwayder with a visionary focus on durability and conscious consumption long before sustainability became mainstream, Samsonite continues to lead by example. Its latest experiential store not only showcases innovative, eco-conscious products but also serves as a reflection of its deep-rooted philosophy: creating long-lasting travel solutions that align with the evolving needs of global travellers. From recycled materials to tech-forward features, Samsonite remains a timeless yet forward-thinking companion for modern, mindful travellers. For over a century, Samsonite has stood as a trusted name in travel, championing the founder Jesse Shwayder’s belief in durability, comfort, and responsibility. The brand’s philosophy has always centered around creating luggage that endures — not just in quality but in purpose. Today, as sustainability and innovation become global imperatives, Samsonite is more committed than ever to doing business responsibly. At the heart of this commitment is a new experiential retail concept that embodies the brand’s eco-conscious values. Beyond sleek displays and product range, the store educates consumers on sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing, and innovation — all designed to encourage more mindful purchasing without being overly didactic. Customers can explore the stories behind the materials — from recycled PET bottles turned into linings to reclaimed yogurt cups and washing machine tubs re-engineered into hard-shell cases. Since 2019, Samsonite has repurposed more than 250 million plastic bottles and introduced proprietary materials like Roxkin™, offering unmatched strength-to-weight …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Greenview have launched a Global ESG Policy Tracker that enables Travel & Tourism businesses to stay ahead of rapidly evolving ESG-related regulation and policy around the world. Developed in collaboration with Greenview, a global leader in sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data solutions for the hospitality and Travel & Tourism industries, the WTTC-Greenview Global ESG Policy Tracker offers an online interactive dashboard, alongside comprehensive coverage of regional, national-level and state-level ESG policies. Users also benefit from clear regional and thematic policy summaries, quarterly updates to ensure the latest information is always at hand, and access to a dedicated advisory group to shape future developments of the Policy Tracker. The tracker is designed to support Travel & Tourism businesses to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and integrate sustainability considerations into core business decisions. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “ESG requirements are becoming more complex and more urgent by the day, and this partnership provides an essential tool to help companies not only comply with policy, but also lead the way in responsible, future-focused Travel & Tourism. The ESG Tracker offers timely, clear and actionable insights – helping them benchmark progress, anticipate change, and deliver on their commitments.” Eric Ricaurte, Founder & CEO of Greenview, added: “We are proud to partner with WTTC on this important initiative. Our expertise in ESG policy research and content management allows us to bring high-value, practical intelligence to hospitality leaders across the globe. “Together, we’re building a resource that will drive meaningful change and support long-term resilience across the sector.” The tracker marks a major milestone in the sector’s journey towards more sustainable and transparent operations and builds on …

Etihad Airways announces the roll out of its new and elevated digital experience across etihad.com and the mobile app. The new digital experience offers a modern and inviting platform to book travel and gain inspiration for upcoming journeys. The website navigation is re-engineered as a standout left-side menu allowing users to move seamlessly and efficiently through the site; while the bold colour of ‘midnight dune’ from Etihad’s newly integrated colour palette, gives an enticing first impression. A strong emphasis on enhanced digital self-service options makes the user experience easier and more personalised. During the online check-in process many new features have been added including pre-populated data to save time, an improved seat map and streamlined access to travel extras all within a simple three-step process. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “In our commitment to delivering an extraordinary customer experience, we’ve completely redesigned the digital experience ensuring that our guests enjoy engaging with us from the very first touch of a screen until reaching their destination and beyond. Furthermore, we’ve made sure our valued Etihad Guest members can enjoy the benefits of a more personalised experience now conveniently in the one app or website.” Adding to this, Etihad Airways’ Chief Digital Officer, Frank Meyer, said: “At Etihad, we are constantly evolving and innovating the digital experience in line with customer preferences and industry trends. In our commitment to innovation and improvement, we will continue to go beyond expectations by delivering a more personalised and seamless online experience for our guests.” The Etihad Airways mobile app, on both Android and iOS, now also serves as a digital travel assistant with booking, trip management and loyalty member profiles …

Solartrip is setting a new standard for how travelers plan and experience their journeys, designed with advanced technology, intuitive design, and a unique reward system, Solartrip caters to the modern, tech-savvy traveler seeking convenience, personalization, and innovation.  According to the recent report, technology plays a significant role, with 60% of UAE travelers trusting AI for seamless trip planning. This trend spans generations, from Gen Z to Boomers, indicating a widespread adoption of tech for convenience and personalization. Immersive digital experiences, such as AI-enhanced dining, are also gaining popularity. As travel continues to evolve and web3 industries flourish, Solartrip brings the future to the present, streamlining the entire journey planning process into a seamless, enjoyable experience. The platform integrates AI-driven personalization, cryptocurrency payment options, and gamified loyalty rewards to elevate global travel for UAE residents and visitors. “Our mission is to make global travel effortless and accessible, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide a seamless booking experience”, – says Michael Sokolov, CEO & Co-founder, Solartrip. “We fuse travel and tech to push the boundaries of self-discovery. With our recent launch in Dubai, we’re bringing this vision to one of the world’s most vibrant hubs, connecting travelers to innovative tools that enhance their journeys.” Redefining Neo Travel with Innovative Features: ● Effortless Booking with One-Click Simplicity: Solartrip’s design and machine-learning algorithms simplify the booking process, reducing the number of steps and required information, making travel planning faster and more efficient. ● Endless Travel Possibilities: With access to over 2.5 million accommodations and 800+ flight routes worldwide, Solartrip provides a wide range of options at competitive prices, helping travelers find the right choices for their needs. ● 24/7 AI-Driven Support: Solartrip offers continuous support …

Bedsonline has unveiled its new loyalty programme, Bedsonline Rewards, designed to reward and recognise the hard work of travel agents around the world. This new reward programme, which will substitute the prior Star Rewards programme in some markets, will integrate seamlessly with Bedsonline’s existing booking engine and will allow agents to earn points for any of their purchases, whether it be accommodation, experiences or other products. Designed with travel agents in mind, Bedsonline Rewards is built on a tier-based structure. Starting at Bronze level, agents new to the programme will be awarded a 2,000-point welcome bonus. As agents earn more points through each booking, they can move up to higher tiers, each offering more valuable rewards. The higher the tier, the greater the benefits agents receive. Bedsonline has designed the programme to be easy for agents to join and use. They can quickly sign up through the booking engine and, once enrolled, can access their personal dashboard to track their points, view their current tier and explore the rewards available to them. The platform also provides regular updates to keep agents informed of their progress and new opportunities to earn more points. The programme offers a wide range of rewards designed to appeal to different preferences and needs. Agents can redeem Amazon vouchers or other gift vouchers depending on the market. They can also opt for Bedsonline vouchers for future bookings, allowing them to reinvest their rewards directly back into their business. Bertrand Sava, Managing Director of Bedsonline, said: ‘We are delighted to launch Bedsonline Rewards as a way of thanking our agents for their dedication and support. This pro- gramme has been created to be flexible and accessible, providing …

Emirates has introduced Chauffeur-Drive Services (CDS) in Riyadh, further elevating the travel experience for discerning premium passengers arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport. Emirates customers travelling in First and Business Class will enjoy a stress-free, comfortable journey with a door-to-door experience that reflects the airline’s exceptional onboard experience and premium services. First and Business Class customers can request for CDS on any of the airline’s three daily flights to and from Riyadh. The exclusive service is complimentary for customers within a 100-kilometre radius of the airport. Excess Mileage will apply for areas beyond the served radius*. Emirates Chauffeur-Drive Services are currently offered in over 70 cities within the Emirates’ network. Emirates’ Chauffeur-Drive service can be booked through Manage My Booking option on www.emirates.com or Emirates’ call centres as well as through travel agents. Bringing a new level of comfort and luxury to Saudi Arabia. Emirates’ recent investments in its operations to the Kingdom underpin the airline’s commitment to bringing a new, heightened level of service and hospitality, both in the air and on the ground, for customers flying to and from one of Emirates’ most important markets globally.This includes a new dedicated lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The US$5.4 million, 900-square-metre lounge located in the airport’s newest Terminal 1 welcomes 190 guests at any one time, with seating tailored to the needs of business and leisure travellers. In early October, Riyadh became Emirates’ first GCC destination to welcome the airline’s refurbished Boeing 777, offering passengers an all-new Business Class cabin and highly acclaimed Premium Economy seats. The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 offers 24 Premium Economy seats, giving customers the opportunity to treat themselves to a more spacious seat …

The first ever promotion of Sri Lankan Indigenous medical system, `Hela Wedakama` treatment was launched in United Arab Emirates by the leading Sri Lankan traditional Ayurveda company, Siddhalepa Ayurveda at Novotel Hotel, World Trade Center, Dubai. The launch was initiated by Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort as the kick-off session of the awareness campaign of targeted the GCC region. A special promotional campaign is expected its widest reach with the assistance of Sri Lankan Airlines , the travel trade and travel media of the GCC region. The expectation of present international visitor has been expanded beyond the typical holidays and the travelling for medical purpose has become a boom at present. Thus, this initiative entails enormous `healthy` results for the medical-traveller who is exploring on alternative medical treatments. The main presentation of the session was conducted by Ayurveda Ratna, Mr. Asoka Hettigoda the Chairman and Managing Director of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort (As well as Hettigoda Group of Companies). Mr. Hettigoda explained how Siddhalepa grew from the grass-root level and entered the Switzerland first in 19….. Further, he added presently Siddhalepa has attracted visitors from various parts of the world while exporting its authentic Ayurveda products to more than 40 countries. Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort aided by Siddhalepa Hospital is patronized by the visitors presently not only for their relaxation treatment but also medicament for various body abnormalities. The launch was well attended by about 45 persons comprising Arabian travel trade members and media based on the region. The Arabic travel trade members commended that they are happy to hear about the efforts to promote medical tourism by Siddhalepa this way effectively. Several travel companies added that Sri Lanka should continue …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism launched a new report revealing the stark impact of the pandemic on women and youth employment within the global Travel & Tourism sector. Almost 70 million people working in Travel & Tourism lost their jobs during the pandemic, but women and young people were disproportionately impacted because their roles were more likely to be in the worst affected areas such as hospitality and food services. While the sector has broadly seen a strong recovery, the ‘Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment’ report found it employed 42 million women and just over 16 million young people in 2022, notably lower than the 48.4 million women (-13%) and nearly 19 million young workers (15%) supported by the sector in 2019. While the sector remains a vital source of jobs for underrepresented groups, the report makes clear that more must be done to ensure an inclusive and equitable recovery. The report, which examines employment trends across 185 economies from 2019 to 2022, underscores the sector’s potential as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and social progress. It is critical that we learn from these hardships and implement measures to protect these groups from being disproportionately affected in future crises. According to the latest EIR data, in 2023, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution rose by 29.1% above pre-pandemic levels, outpacing the global average, which remained 4.1% below. Yet despite this economic rebound, the social recovery continued to lag, particularly for women and young people who remain more likely to be stuck in informal, part-time, or low-wage roles without security or growth potential. Julia …

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) revealed that the sector’s contribution to Egypt’s GDP grew almost 24% last year to reach a record E£953BN – nearly 21% ahead of the previous peak. The data also shows that across sector jobs, international and domestic visitor spending, the sector fully recovered last year to reach record-breaking levels. Domestic visitor spending grew almost 9% year-on-year to reach more than E£328.5BN, while spending by international visitors saw a strong 38.5% year-on-year growth last year, to reach E£470.4BN. Jobs supported by the sector grew almost 10% to reach more than 2.5MN, representing one in 12 jobs across Egypt. Although this is strong recovery, it continues to lag previous record job numbers for the sector, set 15 years ago in 2008, when job numbers reached 3.7MN. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector has made an extraordinary recovery, surging past previous records, highlighting the sector’s resilience and its vital role in Egypt’s economy. “The Egyptian Government recognises the value of Travel & Tourism to the Egyptian economy and jobs, placing it at the forefront of the agenda, with a real focus on investment.” This year, the sector’s GDP contribution is forecast to reach almost E£988BN, accounting for 8.1% of Egypt’s economy. International visitor spending is anticipated to grow 6.2% to reach just under E£500BN this year, with domestic visitor spending expected to reach over E£340BN. Sector jobs are projected to grow 5.7% to reach 2.67MN, to account for almost one in 11 jobs in Egypt, although still below the previous peak.With the right government support, WTTC is forecasting that the sector could grow its annual GDP contribution to E£1.57TN by 2034, representing …