How Do Modern Travelers Book Trips?

Keeping up with the trends and knowing your customers is crucial for any business. To know your customer is to understand their habits and needs.

How do modern travelers book trips in 2024? What are the most critical elements in determining which tour operator to choose? What matters to modern travelers in the process?

With the travel world evolving, many things have changed in the travel industry. Some new trends have emerged, and travelers’ focus, and needs have significantly changed. This transformation has been in the works for quite a while now, and tour operators and destination management companies aren’t left with much choice – they must meet the new demand for digitally transforming their businesses.

Here are the top 4 things modern travelers are looking for when booking a trip.

Master the Art of Online Presence!

The first thing modern travelers will do is conduct thorough online research on the desired destination. Every tour operator or DMC’s goal is for the customer to find them immediately. And that isn’t possible if a company doesn’t have a strong online presence, primarily web based.

Nowadays, modern travelers visit many websites before making a reservation, so it’s critical to ensure your website is unique, relevant, and quickly establishes credibility. With printed catalogs slowly becoming a part of the past, the website is the most common touchpoint any tour operator has with their target customers. It gives your company more credibility, builds your brand, gives you a web-based platform to address your travelers directly, and continuously brings new customers.

According to the Trends Global Survey, 80% of global travelers surveyed feel it’s important to be able to book their trips entirely online, with 86% of Millennials and 83% of Gen Z’s leading the charge. We’re talking about high numbers! Therefore, the web has for sure replaced physical catalogs and even your offices.

Of course, it is important not only to have a presence but also to make it a good one.

Photos, Descriptions, and Video Content – It’s Essential to Stand Out!

Having a user-friendly, clear, and visually attractive web is crucial. Destinations should be clearly listed together with some itineraries to inspire future modern travelers. Three of the most impactful deal breakers for most travelers are bland and unappealing hotel rooms, non-aesthetic food photos, and boring content presentations. There should be short descriptions and authentic photos from trips that will catch the eye.

An example of good practice by one of our clients, Hidden Iceland

More and more travelers are turning to YouTube when planning a trip. Therefore, another great thing is having video content showcasing the destinations and travelers enjoying the journey with your team.

A really cool segment is a 360° tour of a hotel, resort, or even a part of the destination. Aerial videos became very accessible and more affordable with drones – and the videos they make are of fantastic quality. Instead of filming over-produced promo films, capture authentic content – travelers will appreciate it. Be playful and use your imagination – with the modern technology we have on hand, options are numerous!

Introduce your guides and make them relatable. When travelers are scrolling through your website for the first time, meeting the team that may be accompanying them on their trip instills more trust.

Let your staff share their hobbies, favorite destinations, locations, and insights. They are the ones who know the most about each destination; they can share some insights that will attract potential travelers to choose a specific trip. This will also give that personal touch to the otherwise digital experience—and travelers love that!

DMC Amazing Africa is proud to present its team to travelers

Oh, and don’t forget. Travel has shifted to mobile. The new generations of travelers expect to have all the information in the palms of their hands.

In the past years, there has been a significant spike in the number of online bookings done on mobile phones. So, optimizing a website for mobile phones is a must in this day and age.

Shaping Sustainable Wanderlust: Travelers Are Opting for Sustainable Travel Products!

In a recent booking.com survey, over half (53%) of travelers seek accommodations that blend comfort with innovative sustainability features, and 65% want green spaces and plants in their stays.

At the same time, 67% of Gen Z’s surveyed by the Pew Research Center reported expressing a need for climate action, compared to 61% of millennials, 53% of Gen X, and 50% of baby boomers. Ecotourism is thus expected to soar in popularity in the coming years, and sustainable products are the new good-to-have.

Many travelers today increasingly prioritize sustainability in their choices, including the sustainable products they use, but also the food they eat.

“Travel can be a force for good, and travelers themselves are proving to be today’s changemakers, adopting more sustainable travel habits and seeking responsible experiences.”

Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking.com

While not all travelers may prioritize sustainability equally, there is a growing demand for sustainable products within the travel industry. As awareness continues to increase and consumers become more informed about their choices’ environmental and social impact, the demand for sustainable travel options will likely continue growing.

Here are a few tips on how travel companies can be green(er) Go check it out!

Why is a Dynamic Social Media Presence Non-Negotiable?

Like any other industry in the world, the travel industry cannot survive without being present on social media. Social media platforms are essential for communicating directly with travelers, acquiring new customers, promoting your offer, and, last but not least, advancing Google search results.

Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are the best options for tours and travel businesses. Each offers different formats and targets different demographics.

Facebook is the social media giant. According to Statista, Facebook has more than 3 billion monthly active users. It offers posting photos and videos with short descriptions, and you can also do live streaming.

Since the audience is vast, you can use all it provides to communicate directly with your travelers. Many nowadays use Facebook as a source of information. Post all information and news here, and travelers will appreciate it. Leave the comments section open for any questions your customers might have.

People enjoy reading reviews. Previous customers can rate your agency and post a short review on Facebook, which is a fantastic feature. That way, prospective travelers can read about other people’s experiences traveling with your agency.

Unsurprisingly, YouTube follows strongly – some travelers love watching vlogs because they get real and detailed feedback. Videos are entertaining, educational, and engaging. What better way to imagine yourself in a destination than with a video? Establish your presence there; travelers seek authentic, entertaining, educational, and informative content.

Instagram is one of the most preferred social media channels for Millennials, but not only. Selling products and showcasing offers on Instagram has become a common thing. Modern travelers tend to turn to travel Instagram profiles in search of inspiration.

With its specific framework, Instagram is ideal for tour operators and DMCs. It focuses on beautiful pictures, short videos, and keyword descriptions, while its search relies on hashtags. #travel links to more than 700 million posts. Instagram is here to inspire travelers to explore new destinations.

Your target customers will enjoy watching a live stream from a destination. People are much more responsive there than on Facebook. Travelers are likely to contact you directly if they require any information. Don’t hesitate to ask your travelers to tag the guides or your travel agency in their photos – there is no better promotion than that!

Last but not least, we have come to a platform that has been going strong for the last couple of years. Whereas Instagram targets millennials, TikTok users belong to GenZ and are between 16 and 24 years old.

It is a video-first platform mainly focusing on creating challenges and portraying various hacks and memes. Its content has the potential to go viral within hours of posting. Travelers will turn to TikTok for fun challenges, new recipes from all over the world, insights for different destinations, and travel tips and tricks. Also, Phocuswright research found that 35% of travelers ages 18 to 34 use TikTok to help decide what activities to partake in while traveling.

One example is the term #DestinationDupe, which has taken over social media platforms, especially TikTok. It is a trend that offers reasonably priced substitutes for the world’s most popular travel destinations, urging visitors to choose the less-traveled route. It encourages people to look into unusual possibilities that offer one-of-a-kind experiences and hidden riches, as well as lesser-known jewels, while reducing mass tourism in popular destinations.

Another is set-jetting, a trend in which travelers decide to book a trip to a place they’ve seen in movies or streamed shows. 

To sum up, you just have to be creative, aim to inspire rather than sell, and remember — consistency is key!

Blog – a Perfect Way To Showcase Your Tours!

It may seem time-consuming, but having an active blog is a great way to attract new travelers. Having one person designated to write for the blog is great, but that is not crucial. Your guides can write or, even better, your travelers.

Ask a traveler to do a guest section — what better promotion than having first-hand experience written by someone who only recently visited the destination? They can include some beautiful pictures or videos and give the highlights of the journey.

Update your blog regularly, and don’t forget to include direct links to your tours and packages.

It is a perfect place to showcase your offer in a slightly different form. Write travel guides for various destinations. Feel free to include authentic content, share tips and insights, portray local customs, include interviews with locals or your guides, etc. The options are endless and are bound to attract new travelers to book with you.

Example of a blog page by our client, Expat Explore

As mentioned, every traveler starts their research online. When using Google, it is in every tour operator’s best interest to appear in search results. To ensure you are among the first, continuously update your website’s content, mainly your blog.

As the team at Hubspot put it, “SEO writing is the process of writing content to rank on the first page of search engines like Google. This involves researching keywords, writing high-quality content that matches user intent, and optimizing your headers for easy page crawling.”

It is a great marketing technique bound to attract more travelers to your website; just give it some time and don’t give up. Read more on why every travel business should start a blog

Source: Financial times

Sabre signs distribution agreement with Delta Air Lines

  • Deal includes NDC content

Sabre has closed a multi-year renewal of its distribution agreement with Delta Air Lines. The long-term agreement enables Sabre-connected Travel agents connected to Sabre will now have access to both traditional EDIFACT and NDC Delta content.

Earlier this year, Delta announced details of its selling and servicing transformation, which included NDC. The pair will work together on the integration of NDC content into Sabre’s travel marketplace to support the transformation. “We are pleased to extend our full content agreement and value-based commercial model with Sabre,” said Jeff Lobl, managing director, distribution strategy and agency sales programmes of Delta Air Lines.

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“We look forward to collaborating with Sabre to make Delta’s NDC technology solution available to all Sabre-connected travel agents to ensure that our customers receive the best possible travel experience tailored to their needs.”

Roshan Mendis, chief commercial officer of Sabre Travel Solutions, added: “Sabre is delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with Delta Air Lines and to support their NDC journey. “This agreement underscores our commitment to building a comprehensive travel marketplace that equips travel agents with the tools and content they need to excel in today’s dynamic travel environment, including the ability to leverage the potential of NDC.”

Source:   Travolution.

Catch the latest recap of the Kenya Travel Industry Payments Summit (K-TRIPS) on YouTube! Navigating industry shifts to fostering innovation, the summit offered valuable takeaways for travel professionals.

EAC Urges Partner States to Fast Track Liberalizing Air Transport Market.

The East African Community (EAC) has urged its partner states to fast track regulations to liberalise the air transport market to boost regional integration and economic growth.

“An integrated air transport market is essential for the development of our region. By removing barriers to air travel, we can enhance competitiveness and attract investment in the region,” The East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik, said during the 19th Meeting of Director Generals of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities.

The liberalisation of the market in the region, which has been in the plans since 2006, is expected to lower the cost of air fares, stimulate demand for air traffic, connectivity, increase operation efficiency, reduce the flying time and support the expansion of air transport capacities and the regional economy.

Among other things, the EAC is urging partner states to consider harmonising regulatory fee and charges, and to designate the regional air transport market as domestic for registered air operators in the region.

Only Rwanda and Burundi have submitted their reports on the draft EAC Air Transport Market (Liberalisation) Regulations. The regulations are expected to be submitted to the 19th Meeting of EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication and Meteorology (SC-TCM) for adoption.

Once adopted, and then ratified by Partner States, the air transport market will be liberalised. States will then negotiate bilateral and multilateral arrangements.

Source: Kenyan Wallstreet.

Dubai medical tourism booming as 691,000 spend over $280m; top procedures revealed.

Dubai medical tourism is booming, with 691,000 health tourists spending AED1bn ($280m) last year, according to a recent report by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Dentistry, dermatology and gynecology are among the most popular activities for medical tourists coming to Dubai.

This upsurge is evident in the increased number of tourists seeking medical treatment in Dubai and their significant spending on a range of healthcare services.

Dubai medical tourism

The report reflects the rising global confidence in the quality and excellence of Dubai’s healthcare services across different medical specialties. It also demonstrates the emirate’s competitive advantage as a leading health tourism destination regionally and globally.

Furthermore, the report sheds light on DHA’s collaborative efforts with its strategic partners to accelerate the growth of health tourism.

These endeavours are in alignment with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which strive to double the emirate’s economy and elevate its global standing as the preferred hub for business, investment, and tourism.

As per the report, Dubai welcomed more than 691,000 health tourists from across the world in 2023, with their collective spending on healthcare services exceeding AED1.03bn ($280.5m).

These numbers bettered those of 2022, when international health tourist arrivals topped 674,000, with their spending totalling AED992m ($270m).

Dubai’s indirect revenues from health tourism stood at AED2.3bn ($626m) in 2023. These revenues played a crucial role in elevating Dubai’s overall GDP and further boosting vital sectors.

Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, emphasised that the rising number of international tourists from every corner of the globe opting for healthcare services in Dubai reflects global trust in the emirate’s healthcare sector.

He highlighted Dubai’s exceptional service quality, conforming to the latest standards of excellence and healthcare.

He also outlined several factors that have significantly bolstered Dubai’s health tourism sector. These include enhancements to the emirate’s healthcare system through incorporating and leveraging cutting-edge technological advancements, ensuring the availability of top-notch medical expertise, and attractive programmes and initiatives designed for international patients.

Furthermore, the competitive pricing provided by healthcare facilities in Dubai and the government’s dedication to advancing the health tourism sector through fruitful partnerships aim to enhance the emirate’s competitiveness in this domain, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for individuals seeking medical treatment and recovery.

Al Ketbi lauded the contributions of the private medical sector in Dubai as a strategic partner to the government sector. He praised their initiatives, facilities, and patient treatment programmes while highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional experiences for international patients in a secure and comfortable environment.

This commitment, he added, is supported by a sustainable and advanced infrastructure tailored to meet patient needs and ensure the highest level of satisfaction.

Al Ketbi reiterated the DHA’s commitment to continually enhance the healthcare system in Dubai to align with the emirate’s tireless development and rapid transformations across the economic, health, and social sectors.

This commitment showcases a visionary strategy aimed at bolstering Dubai’s standing as a pioneering global development model that meets current demands and anticipates future requirements.

Based on information from the Dubai Digital Authority, the report highlighted that 58 per cent of international health tourists were women and 42 per cent were men.

A significant volume of international medical tourists originated from Asia, comprising 33 per cent of the total, followed by Arab countries within the GCC at 28 per cent, and European countries along with the Commonwealth of Independent States at 23 per cent.

Dubai also succeeded in attracting a substantial number of medical tourists from various regions who sought out experts in key specialties, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for specialised healthcare services.

A breakdown of the medical specialisations most sought after by visitors and the region-wise breakup in terms of specialised treatments they sought is as follows:

Top 3 in-demand specialties: Dentistry – 29 per cent, Dermatology – 27 per cent, Gynaecology- 13 per cent

Region-wise demand for dermatology: Asia – 33 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 28 per cent, Europe – 23 per cent

Region-wise demand for dental services: Arab and GCC countries – 48 per cent, Europe – 20 per cent, Asia – 19 per cent

Region-wise demand for gynaecology services: Asian countries – 49 per cent, European countries – 25 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 13 per cent

Region-wise demand for orthopaedic surgery: Arab and GCC countries – 30 per cent, Asia – 29 per cent, Europe – 24 per cent

Region-wise demand for plastic surgery: Arab and GCC countries – 43 per cent, Asia – 21 per cent, Europe – 21 per cent

Region-wise demand for ophthalmology services: Asia – 28 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 27 per cent, Africa – 21 per cent

Region-wise demand for fertility treatments: Asia – 36 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 22 per cent, Europe – 21 per cent

Region-wise demand for recuperation and recovery treatments: Europe – 35 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 30 per cent, Asia – 21 per cent

The statistics provided in the report underscore the city’s appeal as a hub for specialized healthcare services, welcoming patients from all over the world seeking quality treatment and care in diverse medical disciplines.

Source:   Arabian Business.  

CS Miano pledges to fast-track strategies to unlock tourism potential.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has pledged to fast-track strategies aimed at unlocking the immense potential of Kenya’s tourism sector.

Miano said that Tourism is the third largest source of foreign exchange for Kenya, with earnings reaching Sh352.6 billion in 2023 compared to Sh268.1 billion the previous year, marking a 31.5 per cent increase.

Speaking when she took over the ministry from Alfred Mutua who is the new Labour Cabinet Secretary during the official handover ceremony in  Nairobi, Miano said that she would lead consultations in revamping the National Tourism Policy.

“I will ensure the revamping of the National Tourism Policy to serve emerging trends given the ever-changing tastes of tourists with this sector holding significant promise in boosting the country’s economic growth,” said Miano.

The Cabinet Secretary said her priority will be to accelerate the growth of tourism earnings to support the government’s development agenda by seeking a broad consensus with key stakeholders in the spirit of the Bottom-up Economic Model.

Miano said this will be done in a manner to uphold the distribution of benefits accruing from tourism and wildlife conservation more evenly throughout Kenya as she consults with sector players on ways of reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

The Cabinet Secretary was categorical on the need to enhance product diversification that caters to modern tastes and boosts the country’s competitive edge affirming that the Ministry would work closely with all stakeholders to unlock the sector’s immense potential for both domestic and international tourism.

“I will seek ways of entrenching a domestic tourism culture as we disabuse the notion that tourism is for visitors from without, i will also encourage the use of modern information technology to rally the travel industry to not only shore up tourist numbers but also create memorable experiences of our diverse attractions,” said Miano.

The Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, through the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), is collaborating with county governments to develop niche tourism circuits, which Miano said will be a game-changer for the sector.

Miano said that her door is open for all sector players as they seek partnerships that will be beneficial to the sector, with a focus on ensuring synergy with the county governments as well as creating an enabling environment for investment in tourism across the country.

The Cabinet Secretary said there was a need to retool wildlife conservation to respond to current issues like climate change with Kenya being a custodian to diverse wildlife heritage as well as flora and fauna that we must take care of

Miano expressed commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the human-wildlife conflict noting that she will work closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service and other agencies to ensure proper mechanisms for compensation and conservation are in place.

Mutua lauded groundwork laid during his tenure, particularly through initiatives which aim at uncovering Kenya’s hidden tourism treasures expressing confidence that Miano will bring a fresh perspective to boost tourism earnings.

“I am confident that CS Miano will build upon the momentum, especially through the collaborations with counties, to drive tourism revenue growth and wish her success in steering Kenya’s tourism sector to new heights,” said Mutua.

Source: Standard Media.  

Ethiopian Airlines unveils exclusive Silver Lounge at Bole Int’I Airport.

Ethiopian Airlines, the leading aviation group in Africa, is pleased to announce the inauguration of the Silver Lounge, an exclusive facility dedicated to ShebaMiles Silver members. Strategically positioned within the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the Silver Lounge offers a serene and engaging environment where passengers can unwind and enjoy entertainment amenities.

The Silver Lounge, spanning an impressive 810 square meters, is designed to offer a serene oasis for travelers. It features a variety of amenities tailored to meet the needs of diverse clientele, including dining areas with an array of buffets and services, comfortable seating areas for relaxation, a designated smoking room, a delightful kids’ corner for younger guests, ample storage room, and additional facilities to enhance the passenger experience. The lounge’s capacity allows it to accommodate up to 200 guests during peak hours, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience.

“We are pleased to open the doors to this magnificent lounge, which symbolizes our continuous efforts to elevate the standards of hospitality in the skies and on the ground,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group. “The Silver Lounge is more than just a space; it is an embodiment of our vision to further enhance the travel experience of our guests and solidify Addis Ababa as a leading aviation hub in Africa.”

The Silver Lounge is a symbol of the airline’s relentless pursuit of excellence and its unwavering dedication to providing its guests with the highest levels of comfort, convenience, and luxury. The airline’s commitment to providing superior travel experience is further exemplified by the availability of multiple lounges throughout the airport terminals, catering to the diverse needs of its clientele. Passengers holding Cloud Nine, ShebaMiles Platinum, Star Alliance Gold, and Silver memberships have the privilege of accessing these lounges to rejuvenate during their transit through Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines, a seven-time consecutive recipient of the prestigious Skytrax award, remains steadfast in its dedication to elevating the passenger experience. As the most expansive carrier across the African continent, the airline continues to invest in customer service enhancements, ensuring that its esteemed passengers enjoy the highest standards of hospitality and comfort.

Source: Voyages Afriq.  

Seychelles Strengthens Ties with Chinese Market Through Successful 2024 Roadshow

Building on the success of its 2023 roadshow, Tourism Seychelles, with the support of the Seychelles Embassy in Beijing, has once again hosted a series of trade workshops across key Chinese cities, reaffirming its commitment to the flourishing Chinese market.

This year’s roadshow, headed by Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Director for China & Japan, and Mr. Sam Yu, Senior Marketing Executive for China at Tourism Seychelles, took place between July 22nd to 31st, 2024. It covered the five major cities of Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.

The event brought together many key industry stakeholders, including tour operators, travel agencies, wholesalers, and media representatives. The roadshow provided a valuable platform for Tourism Seychelles and its Seychelles trade partners to engage in fruitful discussions, build relationships, and explore new business opportunities.

A special highlight of the roadshow was a networking meeting event organised in Beijing in collaboration with the Ambassador of Seychelles to China, Mrs Anne Lafortune, where partners were given insights and prevailing trends into the Chinese market. The discussions also explored the market’s opportunities and potential, offering a glimpse into what the future holds for local partners.

“This year’s roadshow has been a resounding success,” said Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Director for China & Japan at the Tourism Department. “The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation from the Chinese travel professionals demonstrate the growing interest in Seychelles as a destination. We are particularly excited about the potential of the first few direct flights from Chengdu in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles and Chengdu, China, which will further enhance accessibility and boost visitor arrivals from this important market.”

The roadshow also served as an ideal platform to showcase the latest developments and offerings within the Seychelles tourism landscape. Seychelles trade partners actively participated in the workshops, sharing their expertise and promoting their unique products and services. These partners included:

DMC Partners: Ms. Shi Ming Wang, Chinese Representative – 7° South, Ms. Normandy Salabao, Senior Manager Sales & Marketing – Creole Travel Services, Mr. Chamika Ariyasinghe, Business Development Manager – Luxury Travel, Ms. Zhang Junhao, Chinese Marketing Representative – Sey Yeah, Mr. Aaron Zhang, Managing Director – Cheung Kong Travel, Ms. Jona Ladouce, Sales & Contracting Manager – Tirant Tours & Travel.

Representing the hotels were; Ms. Vivienne SU, Regional Marketing Director – Constance Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Shamita Palit, Sales Consultant – Le Duc de Praslin and laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort by Marriott, Mr. Sergey Elkin, Director of Sales & Marketing – Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare.

Also present was Chengdu Youth Travel Services (CYTS), the company working on the upcoming flights and packages to be made available to the different Chinese agents and potential visitors.

Speaking about the participation from Seychelles, Mr Lai Lam added, “The roadshow would not have been possible without the all-out support of our Seychelles trade partners. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in making this event a success.”

Following the event, Ms. Normandy Salabao, Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing from Creole Travels, expressed, “I’m thrilled to share positive feedback on Tourism Seychelles’ recent China roadshow. The event was exceptionally well organised, with engaging presentations and interactive elements that effectively captured the objectives of the roadshow. The team’s tailored approach for the Chinese market was impressive, resonating well with attendees, including well-chosen agents and tour operators, and fostering valuable connections.”

Ms. Shamita Palit, Sales Consultant at Le Duc de Praslin and laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort by Marriott, shared insightful feedback on the recent developments, highlighting that the potential direct flight from Chengdu offers connectivity, visibility, and reach that extends further than China to Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korean and Japan.

She noted that this success signifies an alliance extending beyond tourism to include commerce opportunities between the two countries, necessitating a collective effort from all areas of Government. Reflecting on her personal experience, Ms. Palit remarked that China had surpassed her expectations, offering infrastructure, technology, facilities, diversity, culture, and interests far beyond what she had envisioned.

Ms. Palit sees significant potential not only for inbound leisure tourism but also for corporate groups, incentive travel, enhanced trade imports from China, and even a niche market of outbound holidaymakers from Seychelles.

Seychelles is making significant strides in penetrating the Chinese market, highlighted by the introduction of the first direct, non-stop charter flight between Seychelles and Chengdu, China, operated by Sichuan Airlines.

Seychelles is expecting its first direct flight since 2018 in the second half of 2024. This flight, with an approximate duration of 8.5 hours, marks a pivotal advancement in air connectivity between the two regions. Further discussions are already underway regarding additional flights, underscoring the growing commitment to enhancing travel links and fostering deeper engagement with this key market.

Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General of Destination Marketing at the Tourism Department, remarked that the success of the roadshow and the upcoming flights will reflect in the growth of Chinese visitor arrivals to Seychelles this year. “We are thrilled to see a significant increase in interest for Seychelles from the Chinese market. The Chinese tourism arrival numbers are higher compared to last year. The growth is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Tourism Seychelles and our trade partners in promoting Seychelles as a premier destination for Chinese travellers.”

Source: Voyages afriq

Bosses cut flying day trips as travel settles into permanent ‘new normal’

Industry body says inflation-adjusted corporate travel spending will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2027

Executives are flying less and cutting one-day work trips by plane as corporate travel settles into a permanent “new normal”, according to the chief executive of the global industry trade body.

“Inflationary pressures and other things means [travel companies] are making more money on fewer trips . . . but the way companies travel is different,” said Suzanne Neufang, head of the Global Business Travel Association. “So that is a new normal and that is probably here to stay.”

One of the big changes has been the decline of one-day flight trips, as bosses cut journeys because of frustration with disruption, environmental worries and changing attitudes to work since the pandemic.

The one-day flight trip for work “went out the door at the beginning of Covid and hasn’t really come back”, explained Neufang.

Inflation also means that executives are struggling to save money despite making fewer trips.

The GBTA does not expect spending on inflation-adjusted global corporate travel, which includes spending on flights, trains, hotels and other expenses, to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2027.

Without the inflation adjustment, the GBTA said global corporate travel would reach a record $1.48tn by the end of the year, up from $1.34tn in 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

Delays and cancelled flights are partly responsible for fewer trips since the pandemic, with 50 per cent of respondents to a 2023 GBTA survey saying concerns about disruptions or an unpleasant experience have “somewhat” or “greatly” reduced their willingness to travel for work.

Environmental and sustainable factors have also played a part as corporates try to limit flying, packing more meetings into fewer trips or only taking a plane for long journeys.

Companies including professional service firms PwC, EY and Marsh McLennan have all outlined plans to cut emissions by reducing air travel.

In addition, there was a human element, Neufang added. “Day trips are really hard, no matter what, even on the best days they are hard, very early starts and late returns.”

The chief executive of one of the big international airlines said it was noticeable how day trips had fallen out of favour as bosses cut time in the air. The CEO pinpointed fear of disruption as a likely reason for the drop. 

Neufang thought the industry was in “a little bit of a squishy moment” given the uncertain outlook for the economy, including recent stock market turmoil and signs of cracks in the US economy.

“Whether it is a hard landing or a soft landing, that is certainly something that CFOs [chief financial officers] are watching.”

However, Andrew Crawley, president of American Express Global Business Travel, was upbeat.

“Air fares and hotel rates have gone up very significantly in the past few years . . . customers’ budgets lag those price rises a little bit, but they do catch up with them eventually.”

Global multinationals were telling AmexGBT that they still planned to increase spending on travel, although small- and medium-sized businesses were more likely to suffer from economic uncertainty, Crawley said.

He also disagreed that travel problems would put people off taking trips. “You either have to travel or you don’t.”

 Source: Financial times

DET INVITES HOTELS TO APPLY FOR THE SECOND CYCLE OF THE DUBAI SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STAMP INITIATIVE.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched the second cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, to recognise hotels in the city with the highest levels of adherence to DET’s ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’, a set of mandatory standards to support the ongoing drive to position Dubai as a leading sustainable tourism destination.

Serving as a validation of a hotel’s dedication to sustainability, and showcasing its eco practices to guests and the global community, the DST Stamp was launched in 2023 and contributes to Dubai’s broader sustainability agenda. It is awarded under a three-tier scheme – gold, silver, and bronze – and validated by a committee of senior industry professionals to ensure integrity and independence. The window for hotels to submit their applications opened today (15 August) and will close on 15 September, with the announcement of the hotels receiving the DST Stamp for 2024 set to be made in January 2025.

Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector at DET, and Head of the DET Environmental Sustainability & Social Responsibility Committee, said: “The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp is more than just an accolade to recognise excellence in sustainability – it is a testament to the support and guidance of our visionary leadership to position Dubai at the forefront of global efforts in sustainable tourism. As we launch the second cycle of the DST Stamp, we invite hotels across Dubai to showcase their commitment to sustainability and contribute to our shared vision for a greener future, aligning with a key goal of the D33 Agenda to transform Dubai into the best city to visit, live and work in. This initiative continues to inspire enhanced collaboration between the government and private sectors in Dubai, further underscoring our resolve to set new standards in environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry.”

The ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’ were introduced in 2019 to guide hotels in implementing eco-friendly practices, and are part of the wider Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative, developed by DET to drive the tourism sector’s transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and sustainable industry model. It is part of DET’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable tourism in Dubai and is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

Encompassing a wide range of criteria that hotels must meet, the ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’ include taking steps to achieve energy and water efficiency, implementing waste management programmes, guest education, and employee training initiatives, all designed to enhance environmental performance and ensure compliance with sustainability standards.

In the first cycle of 2023, the DST Stamp received 278 hotel applications, resulting in 70 winners – 11 gold, 28 silver, and 31 bronze – demonstrating the hospitality sector’s enthusiastic commitment to adopting sustainable practices. Hotels recognised in the first round have highlighted the importance of the initiative, detailing the benefits their participation brought.

Nila Pendarovski, General Manager at Rove Expo City, said: “At Rove Hotels, we’re not just committed to providing exceptional hospitality, we’re also deeply invested in running our operations in a sustainable manner. We were honoured to be part of the first round of the DST Stamp certification process, an initiative we view as crucial to our growth as responsible hoteliers. This process has guided us in refining our operations from A to Z, enabling us to find more sustainable ways to serve our Rovers (guests). We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to participate in this process again, as we continue to champion sustainability in every aspect of our business.”

Luciano Fontana, General Manager, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, added: “Receiving the Gold Tier from the prestigious Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp was a remarkable honour for Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. This recognition reflected our unwavering dedication to sustainable luxury, ensuring that every guest’s experience contributes positively to environmental and social responsibility. We are proud to lead the way in sustainable tourism and look forward to setting new benchmark for excellence in this field.”

Inspired by global objectives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and country-wide strategies including the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiatives, the DST initiative and DST Stamp align with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, which was extended into 2024. Another key initiative under DST has been the rollout and ongoing development of the Carbon Calculator tool, which measures the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. The tool tracks real-time data for carbon emission sources, allowing hotels to identify and effectively manage their energy consumption.

Additionally, DST complements the citywide ‘Dubai Can’ sustainability movement, which through its ‘Refill for Life’ campaign has seen the reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 23 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles and 11.5 million litres of water dispensed via 50 water fountains located throughout the city. Dubai Can has followed this up with a second initiative, Dubai Reef, the world’s largest marine reef development project, with 20,000 modules set to be deployed across 600 square kilometres of Dubai’s waters by 2027.

Hotels can contact dstsupport@dubaidet.ae for further details about applying for the DST Stamp.

Source:  Hotel And Catering.