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SITA releases 2025 Baggage IT Insights report
SITA released its SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025 report today, 12th June, detailing progressive improvement in the global baggage handling sector. The SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025 report reflects the views and data of 280 airlines and IATA passenger traffic. SITA applies a weighting system, based on IATA passenger traffic statistics, to its WorldTracer data to calculate the baggage mishandling rates. Improvements in Europe and elsewhere Per the report, Europe’s air transport industry handled record passenger volumes in 2024, with airports and airlines managing soaring baggage loads with increasing precision. Interestingly, Europe’s baggage mishandling rate dropped to 12.3 bags per 1,000 passengers in the past year, marking a 26 percent improvement compared to 2007 and an impressive recovery from 15.7 in 2022. Globally, despite the 8.2 percent increase in worldwide traffic in 2024, the overall mishandling rate dropped to 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 the previous year and 67 percent lower than in 2007. The total number of mishandled bags decreased to 33.4 million, compared to 33.8 million the previous year. Of the 33.4 million mishandled bags, over 66 percent or 22 million cases in all were resolved and closed in SITA WorldTracer within 48 hours, underscoring the industry’s ability to quickly reunite passengers with their luggage. Specifically, out of the 22 million, 25 percent were resolved within 12 hours, 38 percent within 24 hours, and another 38 percent within 48 hours. Mishandling remains an issue But while these results show clear improvement, baggage mishandling still cost the industry an estimated US$5 billion in 2024 and passengers are increasingly expecting more from the industry. The costs, from courier returns and customer service to claims handling and lost productivity, highlight the urgency of continued investment in real-time, automated, and data-driven baggage systems. SITA chief executive David Lavorel opined: “In air transport, transformation isn’t a phase, it’s the norm. The industry is constantly evolving, driven by technology, passenger expectations, and global change. We’ve seen a radical shift with automation and the widespread use of real-time tracking. Passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app. It’s no longer just about moving bags, it’s about delivering a smooth, connected journey.” Lavorel further pointed out that many airlines are ready to tap into technology that improves the passenger experience while keeping costs down and being simple to roll out. He concluded by saying: “Together with our partners, we’re reimagining baggage handling to give passengers full visibility and control from departure to arrival, giving them peace of mind Time for long-term solutions rather than band-aids Given how airports and airlines are now handling greater baggage volumes with more precision, it is clear that real-time tracking, AI-powered analytics, and self-service solutions are becoming standard on a global scale. This shows the real impact of investing in smart, data-driven baggage systems. In 2024, 42 percent of passengers had access to real-time baggage updates, up from 38 percent the year before. Nearly half of travelers say mobile tracking would boost their confidence in checking in a bag, and 38 percent value the addition of digital ID tags. Airlines have responded by prioritizing visibility across the baggage journey. Currently, 66 percent offer automated bag drop, and another 16 percent plan to by 2027. On the airport side, 65 percent plan to roll out biometric self-service bag drop by the same year. Incidentally, one of the standout innovations in 2024 was the integration of Apple’s Share Item Location feature with SITA WorldTracer. Passengers can share the location of their Apple AirTag with airlines, allowing quicker baggage recovery. British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, Cathay, and Virgin Atlantic are among the adopters. This integration also powers WorldTracer’s Auto Reflight, which automatically reflights bags on the original bag tag, identifies the cause of mishandling, and begins resolution with no human intervention required. It should also be noted that airports like Red Sea International in Saudi Arabia are already implementing next-generation baggage solutions, including off-airport check-in and real-time tracking, powered by SITA Bag Journey. Where most bags go missing and how the industry is responding Delayed bags remain the most common issue, accounting for 74 percent of mishandled baggage, down from 80 percent in the previous year. Lost or stolen bags made up eight percent, while damaged or pilfered bags increased to 18 percent, up from 15 percent in 2023. Transfer mishandling was the biggest contributor at 41 percent, showing improvement from 46 percent the previous year. Tagging or ticketing errors, security issues, and similar factors rose slightly by three percentage points to 17 percent, while loading failures remained steady at 16 percent. Meanwhile, operational issues such as customs delays, weather, or capacity constraints increased to ten percent, up from eight percent previously. SITA’s director of baggage Nicole Hogg remarked: “We’re making progress, but baggage still causes stress. Passengers want reassurance. The future of baggage is rapidly evolving with automation, computer vision, and mobile tools, we’re making the experience much more reliable.” New regulations to help reduce mishandling Earlier this year, the air transport industry approved the new Modern Baggage Messaging (MBM) standard. Designed to enhance data quality, MBM Version 2 is expected to reduce mishandling by another five percent. These improvements build on IATA Resolution 753, which mandates baggage tracking at four key stages. The focus now is on using shared data to predict and prevent issues, not just report them.
Fliggy releases travel insights for this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday
Alibaba Group’s online travel services platform Fliggy just released insights into travel trends for the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday. This latest report reveals a sustained demand for high-quality travel experiences throughout the Chinese mainland, as well as the country’s special autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Data shows that bookings for customised domestic tours are up by over 50 percent year-on-year (YoY), while domestic hotel packages combining accommodation with entertainment and dining options grew by 20 percent. Likewise, travellers were spending more in the leadup to the holiday, with average expenses on tickets, camping experiences, and chartered tours rising by 8.8 percent compared to last year's holiday period. In for stays and cultural immersion This year, many travelers opted for visits to theme parks or resorts with family and friends. As a result, ticket sales for major attractions and theme parks on the first day of the holiday increased by 25 percent YoY, while comprehensive packages that included dining and entertainment experienced a remarkable 140 percent surge in bookings. With southern China entering its rainy season, the hot and humid weather led many travelers to enjoy hotel-based retreats. Properties enhanced their offerings with traditional festival activities, such as making zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), handcrafting five-color bracelets, and creating aromatic sachets, attracting guests seeking cultural experiences. Among all accommodation types, luxury resorts and boutique homestays recorded particularly strong booking growth during the holiday period. This year saw the increased popularity of closer destinations During the three-day holiday, travelers favored short-distance road trips and nearby getaways. According to Fliggy data, domestic car rental bookings jumped by approximately 30 percent YoY, with flexible pickup and return options proving particularly popular. Top self-drive destinations included Urumqi, Chengdu, Sanya, Haikou, and Beijing. On the other hand, the most popular domestic destinations included Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Wuhan. Meanwhile, emerging locations such as Beitun (Xinjiang), Jincheng (Shanxi), Qiongzhong (Hainan), Qingyuan (Guangdong), Wuwei (Gansu), Nujiang (Yunnan), Dezhou (Shandong), Fangchenggang (Guangxi), and Kaifeng (Henan) showed the fastest booking growth, alluring travelers with their unique cultural and natural attractions in less crowded environments. For outbound travel, the most sought-after destinations included Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, France, Indonesia, and the United States, with short-haul flights (under four hours) being particularly popular. Notably, countries such as Poland, Iceland, Finland, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Laos, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tanzania, and Georgia experienced substantial growth in bookings, drawing travelers with their pleasant climates and distinctive cultural offerings.
VFS Global and TAAI organise Visa Insights Workshop in Hyderabad
In a significant step towards enhancing the visa application experience for Indian travellers, VFS Global, the world’s leading technology services specialist in secure mobility solutions, and the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) joined hands to successfully host a Visa Insights Workshop titled Consultant-to-Officer Dialogues in Hyderabad, Telangana, on 17 May 2025. The interactive session was attended by 40 travel agents from the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh chapters of TAAI and staff from the VFS Global Visa Application Centre. The workshop facilitated dialogue between travel consultants and VFS Global, promoting transparency and mutual understanding in the visa facilitation process. The event featured discussions on the end-to-end process of visa applications handled by VFS Global, focusing on operational best practices, process timelines, document requirements, and traveller preparedness. The workshop provided a platform for travel agents to share challenges they face while assisting clients with visa applications, allowing VFS Global to address concerns, clarify procedures, and explore opportunities for continuous improvement, leaving all participants with a sense of optimism for the future. Sunil Kumar, President, Travel Agents Association of India, said: “This joint knowledge-sharing workshop by TAAI and VFS Global, is among the firsts of its kind. This is a commendable initiative that strengthens the bridge between visa consultants from travel companies and VFS Global frontline employees. Such collaborative efforts not only enhance operational efficiency but also empower our industry professionals with deeper insights needed to deliver exceptional service to travellers, especially in an evolving travel environment. TAAI is truly delighted to have partnered with VFS Global in launching the Pilot Programme in Hyderabad, which was attended by 40 experienced visa consultants who had a dialogue with over 25 VFS Global frontline staff, which gifted all valuable learnings. We appreciate VFS Global’s joining this initiative and applaud their commitment to continuous learning and expanding partnership.” VFS Global has been spearheading travel agent outreach across the country. It recently concluded a six-city roadshow supported by the travel fraternity. This event is a continuation of this outreach, that will continue in the months ahead. Sharad Gowani, Regional Head, VFS Global, said: “Engaging with travel agents through forums not only enables us to understand their perspectives better but also improves service delivery. At VFS Global, we are committed to creating a seamless and informed visa application journey for travellers. We believe that partnerships with key industry stakeholders like TAAI are not just key, but integral to achieving that goal. We sincerely thank TAAI for their enthusiastic participation and providing us with a platform that benefits the entire travel community.” The Visa Insights Workshop underlined VFS Global's and TAAI's commitment to promoting efficiency, transparency, and traveller-centric services in the visa ecosystem. Both organisations look forward to continuing this dialogue and organising similar sessions in other regions in the near future.
Fliggy releases travel insights following 2025 Qingming Festival
Alibaba Group’s online travel platform Fliggy just released a report showcasing its travel insights for the recently concluded three-day Qingming Festival holiday period. For this year’s holiday, savvy travelers who headed overseas strategically extended their trips by taking four extra days off before the holiday, creating nine-day international getaways. Indeed, bookings for outbound trips made two days prior to the holiday were up by 20 percent year on year. Meanwhile, the sale of tickets for overseas attractions rose by 56 percent, while that of railway tickets abroad surged by 293 percent. Fliggy analysts also noted a 172 percent increase in overseas cruise bookings for the holiday season. Destinations of choice for outbound travellers included Japan, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Macau SAR, France, and Australia. But while many opted for these classic standbys, a growing number have sought to go farther afield, booking trips to Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Netherlands, and Italy. Qingming Festival domestic travel in 2025 The report also noted that, when it came to domestic travel in China for the festival, average spending per person was up by almost five percent. Meanwhile, medium-distance road trips appeared to be the vacation of preference for many holiday-makers, and car rental orders surged by 41 percent year-on-year. Likewise, many travellers opted to drive themselves to such destinations as Chengdu, Haikou, Sanya, Guangzhou, Kunming, Hangzhou, Beijing, Chongqing, Dali, and Xi’an. The most visited cities for this year were Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Nanjing, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Xi’an. However, a growing number of travellers made their way to second-tier cities like Zhangjiajie, Jingdezhen, Qingyuan, Zhoushan, and Taizhou. There was also a notable increase in bookings for outdoor activities for this year, as tea-picking tours were up 20 percent, and edible foraging tours by 47 percent. Likewise, cultural heritage tours featuring intangible cultural heritage sites and hands-on workshops grew by 68 percent year-on-year.
Munich unlocks tourism potential with data-driven insights
Sunset view of Dusseldorf city old town or Altstadt While iconic districts like Altstadt, Maxvorstadt, and Schwabing continue to dominate the city’s tourism scene, emerging neighborhoods such as Glockenbach and Schlachthof are gaining recognition as hidden gems. Despite attracting fewer visitors, these areas boast an impressive satisfaction score of 86, proving that travellers who explore beyond the main attractions enjoy unique and rewarding experiences. This insight stems from a collaboration between Simply Munich, the city’s destination marketing organization (DMO), and The Data Appeal Company - Almawave Group. By leveraging Data Appeal’s D/AI Destinations platform, they analyzed visitor trends from January to October 2024, enabling the development of tailored marketing strategies for key international markets, including Italy, France, and Poland. Key findings from the analysis Tourism hotspots: Altstadt (27%), Maxvorstadt (20%), and Schwabing (17%) collectively account for 64% of digital traces, driven by their renowned attractions, cultural venues, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitor satisfaction: Sentiment Scores across all neighborhoods range from 84 to 86 out of 100, confirming that Munich provides a fulfilling experience despite varying tourist volumes. Hidden gems: Glockenbach, known for its nightlife, and Schlachthof, famous for its street art, record the fewest digital traces but the highest sentiment scores. This highlights an opportunity for the city to develop new initiatives and events in these alternative districts. Market-specific preferences Italian visitors favor Giesing for its blend of Bavarian tradition and trendy yet affordable venues. French tourists concentrate around Altstadt and Maxvorstadt, drawn by museums and cultural attractions. Polish travellers are less represented in premium areas but gravitate towards nightlife hubs like Glockenbach. Accommodation insights: price variations across neighborhoods Hotel rates play a crucial role in shaping traveler choices. Profiling the cost of each district allows DMO to better understand visitor preferences and market segmentation. The historic center, Altstadt, and Glockenbach maintain stable pricing year-round due to high demand. Schlachthof experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, attracting more tourists primarily in the summer. Who visits Munich? Couples and families are the predominant visitor groups, comprising 20-40% of total travelers across most districts. Solo travellers favor Neuhausen (31% of visitors) and Maxvorstadt, making Neuhausen the only district where solo visitors outnumber couples and families. Groups represent 13-16% of visitors, with higher concentrations in budget-friendly areas like Giesing and Neuhausen. A data-driven strategy for smarter tourism management The partnership with The Data Appeal Company empowers Simply Munich with precise insights to refine its marketing strategies, develop personalized campaigns, and promote emerging neighborhoods alongside traditional tourist hotspots. “Munich’s proactive approach to destination intelligence exemplifies how data-driven insights can create more rewarding and personalized visitor experiences while ensuring long-term tourism sustainability. With this level of detailed analysis, DMOs can optimize their promotional strategies and tailor their offerings, enhancing the perceived value of the destination,” said Damiano Meola, Marketing Director at The Data Appeal Company. Through this data-driven approach, Munich is set to strengthen its position as a dynamic and inclusive travel destination, offering both popular attractions and undiscovered gems to an increasingly diverse audience.
Agoda releases insights on South Korean women’s travel habits
As the world celebrated International Women's Day on Saturday, 8th March, online travel platform Agoda released its latest travel insights about South Korean women. According to findings, though both men and women plan to travel more in 2025, South Korean women are taking the lead when it comes to exploring new destinations and prioritizing shared adventures. Agoda country director for South Korea Lee Jun-hwan said: "Our survey reveals that South Korean women are leading changes in travel trends, particularly with their adventurous spirit and focus on meaningful journeys with family. Agoda remains committed to helping women in South Korea explore new destinations with great deals on accommodations, flights and activities." Destinations unknown Based on survey results, 67 percent of South Korean women expressed interest in visiting unfamiliar destinations. This figure is higher than the Asia-wide average of 60 percent, highlighting their strong desire to experience diverse cultures and landscapes. Also, South Korean women are venturing beyond familiar travel spots, embracing the joy of exploring new markets firsthand. Preferences are for shared trips and shorter journeys Likewise, 39 percent of Korean women preferred to travel with family, and 22 percent opted to travel with their partners. By creating unforgettable memories with loved ones, women in South Korea are adding deeper meaning to their journeys through shared experiences. f 52 percent of South Korean women showed a preference for short trips lasting two to five days. These brief escapes provide an opportunity to immerse themselves in culture and adventure while taking a refreshing break from their busy routines. Short trips have become a popular choice for balancing daily life with the thrill of new experiences.
Insight Vacations’ Women-Only tours thrive in 2025 & beyond
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Insight Vacations is shining a spotlight on its Women-Only Tours, a pioneering collection of 11 premium itineraries crafted for women, by women. These small-group tours have quickly become a top choice for female travelers, delivering extraordinary cultural experiences, authentic connections, and a shared sense of adventure in some of the world’s most captivating destinations. The demand for women-only travel continues to soar. According to recent industry trend reports, independent female travel set to boom in 2025 with 71% of solo luxury travelers being women. Travel Advisors are maximizing sales opportunities with strong bookings for 2025 and 2026 Insight Vacations departures, proving that female-led exploration is here to stay. A Surge in Demand & Unmissable Destinations Recent booking insights reveal fascinating trends among Insight Vacations' Women-Only Tours: Top Performing Tours & Destinations for 2025: Northern Capitals, Country Roads of Portugal, Best of Morocco, Country Roads of Italy, Scenic Scotland, Splendors of Egypt. Most Popular Tours & Destinations for 2026: Best of Morocco, Country Roads of Italy, Country Roads of Portugal, Northern Capitals, Peru with Machu Picchu. Guest Profile: The average age of travelers is 66, with the largest age groups being 61-70 (28%) and 71-80 (26%). Travel Styles: A remarkable 42% of guests travel solo, while 58% opt for a companion - underscoring the appeal of supportive, community-driven travel experiences. Best Months to Travel: May leads in popularity, followed by September, June/August, July, and October/November. Tours created for Women, by Women Each Women-Only Tour is meticulously designed to provide meaningful cultural exchanges and immersive local experiences. Featuring female Travel Directors and spotlighting inspirational women from around the world, these tours celebrate female entrepreneurs, artisans, historians, and leaders. Mae Cheah, Managing Director of The Travel Corporation (TTC) Tour Brands, highlights the uniqueness of these tours: “Our Women-Only Tours offer everything you’d expect from Insight Vacations - premium accommodations, premium dining, and immersive experiences - but with a deeper focus on women’s stories and contributions across the globe. From master artisans to award winning chefs and champion athletes, these journeys celebrate and elevate women in every destination.” Insightful Experiences That Make a Difference Whether it’s dining with Isabelle Sandstedt Pedersen, Norway’s multi-award-winning hurdler, meeting renowned Moroccan chef Najat Kaanache, or connecting with female winemakers in Italy, these encounters go far beyond standard sightseeing. The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences woven into each itinerary ensure that every trip leaves a lasting impact - both for travelers and the communities they visit. Travel That Inspires and Empowers With premium 5- and 4-star accommodations, Insider Access to cultural treasures, and Insightful Encounters with the locals, Insight Vacations ensures every journey is seamless and deeply enriching. For women seeking a travel experience that is curated, immersive, and filled with meaningful connections, Insight Vacations' Women-Only Tours are the ultimate choice for 2025 and 2026 adventures. For example, in Oslo, Norway, on Northern Capitals, guests will dine with Isabelle Sandstedt Pedersen, a multi-award-winning Norwegian hurdler who shares her experience as an elite athlete of the highest level. Guests will marvel at her medals and hear about her journey to international acclaim as a champion hurdler, while breaking barriers as the first female athlete in Norwegian history to achieve her level of success. In Umbria, Italy on Country Roads of Italy guests will visit the women-run winery, Lungerotti, where sisters Chiara and Teresa, alongside their mother Maria Grazia, create outstanding wines. Founded by their father Giorgio, pioneer of modern Italian oenology and one of the great names in Italian winemaking, guests will learn how these talented women are preserving traditions while innovating for the future while indulging in a wine and olive oil tasting at the cellar door. And in Memphis, Tennessee, USA on the Country Roads of the Deep South, guests will meet civil rights activist and historian, Elaine Lee Turner for a transformative city tour, focusing on women’s rights and civil rights movements. Guests will learn how she participated in the Selma March in 1965 as well as the Meredith March Against Fear in 1966, where she met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other prominent Civil Rights leaders. Guests will also learn about notable figures such as Frances Wright, the first woman in America to act publicly and oppose slavery, and Ida B. Wells, a teacher, a journalist, anti-lynching Crusader, Suffragist and a social worker. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports UN Sustainable Development Goal: 10, Reduced Inequalities.
Sixth annual TravMedia Summit Australia concludes with key insights for the sector
The 6th annual TravMedia Summit Australia concluded with insightful discussions, networking and industry-leading expertise. Held in Sydney, the event brought together over 400 travel media, public relations, and tourism professionals to explore the evolving landscape of travel storytelling, trends and innovation. The Summit featured a line-up of expert speakers, each offering valuable perspectives about the future of travel and media. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions and gained practical strategies to navigate the industry's challenges and opportunities. TravMedia founder and chief executive Nick Wayland enthused: "What an incredible day of fresh ideas from global thought leaders. Every session sparked inspiration—from AI and powerful storytelling to the future of travel, emerging trends and working with top editors. The final session was an eye-opening workshop on how TikTok is reshaping travel.” Throughout the day, attendees engaged in multiple catered networking breaks and a closing cocktail function, further fostering connections that will drive collaboration and innovation in the year ahead. The 6th annual TravMedia Summit Australia once again became a vital forum for industry professionals to exchange ideas, explore trends and strengthen partnerships. As the event concluded, participants left feeling inspired and equipped with new strategies to navigate the future of travel and the ever-changing media landscape. Highlighted discussions Chris Jeffares on the content explosion Chris Jeffares, director of INDIE.C, delivered a compelling session on how the travel industry can harness the power of storytelling. He emphasised the need for creativity and strategic content development to engage audiences in an increasingly digital world. Key trends and insights A distinguished panel, moderated by Darren Karshagen of Expedia Group Oceania, examined the latest industry shifts. Panellists included Doug Bourgeois (Explore Louisiana), James Kavanagh (Flight Centre Travel Group), Jo McCauley (Southern Cross Travel Insurance), and Wendy Wu (Wendy Wu Tours). Their discussion covered key travel trends, consumer behaviour and market projections shaping the industry's future. Graham Lovelace’s keynote on generative AI Graham Lovelace, strategist and writer at Charting Gen AI, explored how generative AI revolutionises travel media and brand storytelling. His keynote offered a forward-looking perspective on leveraging AI tools for content creation and audience engagement and how to be part of the narrative rather than be replaced by it. Into the future of travel A panel of industry experts, moderated by Kerrie McCallum of News Corp, shared their perspectives on the future of travel. Speakers included Todd Davidson (Travel Oregon), Kara Glamore (Carnival Cruise Line ANZ), and John O'Sullivan (Experience Co). Discussions covered sustainability, evolving traveller expectations and emerging business opportunities in the sector. A high-spirited slam with travel editors This always fast-paced and engaging session featured top travel editors sharing insights on crafting compelling pitches and securing media coverage or commissions for their respective outlets and publications. Moderated by TravMedia’s Nick Wayland, the panel included Christian Barker (Signature Media), Kate Cox (ACM's Explore), Trudi Jenkins (Traveller), and Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia). How TikTok is changing the travel sector Declan Malone, Client Partner - Travel at TikTok, provided an in-depth look at how TikTok influences travel decisions and shapes destination marketing. Attendees gained valuable strategies for leveraging the platform to reach new audiences.
Sabre leaders to offer insights at ITB Berlin 2025
Sabre Corporation’s leadership team makes their way to ITB Berlin 2025 to provide insights into the evolving travel landscape and showcase its latest innovations in hospitality and travel retailing. Sabre executives will take the stage to discuss the future of travel technology, highlighting advancements in personalization, retailing, and the role of AI in delivering seamless and customized experiences for travelers. Aside from these presentations, technology buyers visiting this year’s event will be able to connect with Sabre at two trade fair booths, one dedicated to its travel distribution business, the other focused on hospitality IT. Scott Wilson on transformative trends Sabre Hospitality president Scott Wilson heads to the main stage where he will explore common myths and realities transforming the travel industry’s future via an interactive presentation. As technological capabilities, consumer behavior, and sustainability efforts evolve, businesses must navigate widespread assumptions about their impact. Wilson seeks to delve into whether personalization truly drives loyalty, how technology is redefining the role of intermediaries, and which industry shifts are likely to have the most significant long-term effects. Incorporating audience input, he will provide insights on how travel businesses are adapting to change. The shifting travel retail scene with Amy Read Sabre Hospitality vice-president for innovation Amy Read will be taking part in a panel discussion on the evolution of travel retailing. As competition intensifies across the travel and hospitality sectors, businesses are adopting new strategies to enhance customer engagement and drive revenue. The panel will explore how AI, data-driven insights, and intelligent automation are enabling organizations to deliver seamless and personalized experiences across hotels, airlines, and travel agencies. Read will share Sabre’s perspective on how travel companies can use technology to strengthen brand loyalty and unlock new revenue streams in an increasingly digital landscape. Delving into hyper-personalisation in travel with Madhaven Kasthuri Sabre Travel Solutions’ head of global solutions engineering Madhaven Kasthuri will introduce and participate in a panel discussion on the future of hyper-personalisation in travel. As demand grows for customised experiences, the industry faces the challenge of delivering personalization at scale. The panel will examine how AI and automation can be integrated into travel planning and retailing, from individual bookings to complex package and group travel. How technology providers and travel companies can balance personalization with operational efficiency while ensuring profitability will also be discussed during the session. Presenting fresh innovations for the hospitality sector Sabre Hospitality will showcase SynXis Retailing, the most comprehensive cloud-based retailing solution in the market, which enables hoteliers to create and sell dynamic, personalized offers beyond the traditional room booking, including standalone products and services that are not bound to a reservation. Also, Sabre Hospitality will showcase SynXis Insights, a new data and analytics solution providing real-time business intelligence for hotels. Additional highlights include Gift Card and Voucher to drive revenue and guest engagement. Attendees will get a first look at prototypes of Sabre’s generative AI-powered tools, designed to enhance guest engagement, and a new payment solution that streamlines transactions for hospitality providers. Rethinking technological travel solutions Sabre Travel Solutions, on the other hand, will showcase how Sabre’s multi-source content strategy provides agencies and travel buyers with seamless access to a broad range of content, including NDC, low-cost carriers, and traditional GDS content. The team will also demonstrate advanced capabilities for selling and servicing multi-source content including Sabre Red Launchpad, a streamlined, simplified booking solution for new and independent travel agents that integrates seamlessly with Sabre Red 360. Other product highlights include Content Services for Lodging, which offers a unified view of hotel content from multiple sources, making it easier to compare rates, availability, and property details; and Sabre Direct Pay, a secure and automated payment solution designed to enhance efficiency and reduce complexity in business-to-business transactions.
Fliggy presents its travel insights for the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival
With the Lunar New Year celebrations in full-swing, Alibaba Group’s online travel platform Fliggy released its key insights regarding seasonal travel for this year among the Chinese. Cultural tourism, in particular came to the fore as UNESCO recently recognised this year’s Lunar New Year / Spring Festival celebrations among its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Indeed, experiential tourism focussed on cultural experiences rose by around 40 percent compared to last year, with travellers seeking trips to heritage sites or immersive activities. There was also a 36 percent increase in terms of tickets purchased for folk performances, half of which were booked by families or friend groups. Speaking of family, most Chinese travellers opted for outings that celebrate cultural heritage. Among the most popular seasonal activities were attendance at lantern festivals and temple fairs, donning traditional attire, rice cake making, and firework displays. Longer leaves = more holiday time Fliggy also noted that many travellers extended their holiday trips because of more favourable leave policies implemented by companies. Encouraged by leave policies that allow as many as an extra two days off for an 11-day holiday, travelers chose to go on longer trips. This subsequently led to a ten percent increase in terms of per capita spending compared to last year, and the average length of stay increased by around five percent. Also, highway toll exemptions paved the way for a significant increase in the number of self-driving trips, chartered tours, and customized tours during the holiday. Where people went on their holiday Top travel spots for the Lunar New Year include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xi’an, Nanjing, and Wuhan. Likewise, cities like Jingdezhen, Zhaoqing, Ili, Altay, Kaifeng, Huangshan, Ulanqab, Meizhou, Ganzhou, and Zunyi are experiencing rapid visitor growth. For those heading overseas, Hong Kong (SAR), Macau (SAR), East Asia, and Southeast Asia were among the favoured destinations, followed by the United States, Australia, and France. Interestingly, there was a notable increase in those flying off to Hungary, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Iceland, and Austria.
OTA Insight
OTA Insight, Elm Street, Dallas, TX, USA USA
Webinar: Insight and analysis for the SE Asia region
Wednesday November 10th, 2021 @ 3PM SGT, Join our Chief Analyst, John Grant, Becca Rowland, Partner, Midas Aviation and our guest panelist Gary Bowerman, Director, Check-in Asia as they discuss: What impact the Delta variant has had in terms of pausing recovery v's other parts of the world? Vaccination rates and the degree to which this unlocks air travel, The current pace of recovery across SE Asia's main countries, Key source markets then and now Is quarantine free travel on the horizon yet, REGISTER TODAY!
AIME 2026: 9–11 February 2026 | Melbourne, Australia
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December 2024 – GXT 2024, Guest Xperience Tech Summit & Expo
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Dive into discussions on loyalty enhancement strategies, the transformative potential of generative AI, crafting personalized customer experiences, and unlocking pathways to sustainable revenue growth. Get ready to connect with leading experts, gain invaluable insights, and chart the course for success in the digital travel realm.
3rd Hospitality Japan Conference #HJC2024
3rd Hospitality Japan Conference #HJC2024 is scheduled for October 8-9 at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, stands as a pivotal part of Hospitality Asia Media's expansive Hospitality Asia Event Series, spanning across the Asia Pacific region. This comprehensive conference encompasses three pivotal summits: Hotel Investment Summit Japan #HISJ, Hotel Design Summit Japan #HDSJ, and Hotel Revenue Summit Japan #HRSJ, each tailored to address key facets of the hospitality industry in Japan.
4th Hospitality Malaysia Conference #HMC2024
Dive into the heart of Malaysia's vibrant hospitality scene at the 4th Hospitality Malaysia Conference (#HMC2024), a cornerstone event in the renowned Hospitality Asia Event Series managed by Hospitality Asia Media Pte. Ltd. Scheduled to unfold in the dynamic landscape of Malaysia, this event is set to convene a diverse array of professionals, from interior designers to fintech experts, and from property developers to spa consultants, mirroring the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the hospitality industry.
3rd Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2024
#HTC2024 is a pivotal event in Thailand's hospitality industry, is scheduled for May 15-16 at the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn in Bangkok.
7th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2024 April 3-5, 2024 Caravelle Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
The conference promises a vast array of knowledge dispersed across three uniquely curated summits: Hotel Investment Summit Vietnam (#HISV), Hotel Design Summit Vietnam (#HDSV), and Hotel Revenue Summit Vietnam (#HRSV).
AHICE SE Asia 2024 – 27 to 29 February 2024, Singapore
The Asian Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE), hosted by HM Magazine is set to make its South East Asia debut in February 2024 on Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 in Singapore.
HEDNA Bangkok – September 11-12 2023
The agenda will bring a wide array of current topics in our industry to the main stage. You’ll hear from experts in Distribution, Fintech and Payments, Marketplaces, Leading Executives and of course our Hoteliers will be bringing their perspectives to these topics and so much more.