Eliana Willis

More stories

  • 150 Shares169 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Holland America Line Enhances Alaska Cruisetours with McKinley Chalet Resort Room Upgrades

    Holland America Line is elevating its award-winning Alaska Cruisetours in time for the 2024 season with room upgrades at McKinley Chalet Resort and a new, included tour in Dawson City, Yukon. Alaska Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali, and Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends those tours into the Yukon.Balconies will be added to 28 river-view rooms at McKinley Chalet Resort — Holland America Line’s hotel property at Denali National Park — upgrading them to the Denali Suite category. In addition, a new Deluxe category of non-balcony rooms with suite amenities is being introduced. For the excursions, guests on select Denali and Yukon Cruisetours will have a new “Klondike Gold Tour” that expands on the region’s famed gold rush experience. The tour visits the original discovery claim site that launched the gold rush and Gold Dredge 4.
    “We are consistently evolving our Alaska Cruisetour product by adding new amenities that will enhance the overall experience and opportunities to learn more about the destination,” said Dan Rough, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue management. “Increasing the balcony rooms at McKinley Chalet Resort offers even more visitors the opportunity to take in the incredible views, and adding the Deluxe category allows additional guests to have an elevated stay at the property.”
    New Balcony Suites and Deluxe Rooms Added at McKinley Chalet ResortHolland America Line’s McKinley Chalet Resort, nestled at the entrance of Denali National Park, is adding balconies to 28 existing river-view rooms. The property will now offer 84 Denali Suites — giving more guests stunning balcony views of Denali National Park or the Nenana River. Holland America Line also will upgrade 45 non-balcony rooms to feature all the suite amenities, creating a new Deluxe room category. 
    Special Deluxe and Suite amenities include a s’more kit to enjoy at Denali Square, Pendleton blankets, premium bathrobes and a Keurig coffee machine. Standard rooms are included in the Alaska Cruisetour fare, and Deluxe and Suite room upgrades are available to book for an additional fee.
    New ‘Klondike Gold Tour’ Included at Dawson CityThe new Klondike Gold Tour is complimentary for all guests on select Alaska Denali and Yukon Cruisetours that include Dawson City. Guests will visit the Discovery Claim National Historic Site that started the Klondike Gold Rush and enjoy time at Gold Dredge 4, a preserved wooden-hulled dredge once used to mine gold in the Klondike River Valley. A Parks Canada guide shares the history of gold dredging in the area and about the first discovery of gold in the Yukon.ADVERTISEMENT“The Yukon Territory is where the Klondike Gold Rush began, and we’re excited to include this new tour to Gold Dredge 4 that will give our guests a first-hand encounter with an important part of North American history and in-depth insight into this era,” added Rough. “Holland America Line is the only cruise line that shows the beginning and end of the Klondike trail, from Skagway all the way to the Yukon.”
    Guests can delve deeper into the Klondike Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise or Cruisetour on additional shore excursions in Skagway, including visiting the Gold Rush Training Camp and panning for gold, taking the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to Liarsville Gold Camp, and visiting the Gold Rush Cemetery and Historic Skagway Inn (the largest brothel in Skagway during the gold rush era).
    Highlights of 2024 Yukon and Denali Cruisetours:
    Holland America Line is the only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon.Yukon and Denali Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include either a three- or four-day Inside Passage cruise on Koningsdam or Zaandam, or a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam; a two-or three-night stay at Denali; a journey into the Yukon and additional city visits.Yukon and Denali Cruisetours feature one or two nights in Dawson City, affording guests more time to relive gold rush history.Highlights of 2024 Alaska Cruisetours
    Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam offer Denali Cruisetours from nine to 14 days.All Denali Cruisetours include a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise featuring Glacier Bay, plus either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier (depending on the direction), Inside Passage, up to three nights at McKinley Chalet Resort, and additional city visits.McKinley Chalet Resort and Denali SquareEvery Cruisetour includes a stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park. The property is Holland America Line’s 68-acre hotel on the Nenana River. The resort features a reception hall, dining facilities and guest rooms.
    Centrally located between the McKinley Chalet Resort and riverfront guest rooms, Denali Square is a gathering area with restaurants, an amphitheater, fire pits for keeping warm or making s’mores, outdoor seating, retail shops offering local goods and more. Walking paths in and around Denali Square show off the property’s mountainous landscapes and beautiful setting.
    For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

    Older
    United Adds New Corporate Partners to Sustainable Flight Fund That Now Exceeds $200 Million

    Newer
    MURU Opens at the Prestigious Waldorf Astoria West Bay Doha More

  • 175 Shares199 Views

    in organisations-operators

    United Adds New Corporate Partners to Sustainable Flight Fund That Now Exceeds $200 Million

    United have announced that Aircastle (a Marubeni & Mizuho Leasing Company), Air New Zealand, Embraer, Google, HIS, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, Safran Corporate Ventures, and Technip Energies are now among the 22 corporate partners that make up the airline’s The United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight FundSM, a first-of-its kind effort to reduce emissions and drive production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through investments in startups.
    These corporate partners make up all parts of the aviation supply chain – airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, fuel producers, engineering and technology experts, financiers, travel management and more – and have now committed more than $200 million while collaborating to provide strategic expertise to help the Fund’s portfolio companies reach commercialization.
    Since its inception in February 2023, the Fund remains aviation’s first and only venture fund backed by a broad limited partner base and created to identify and support startups advancing feedstock and technology development focused on increasing the supply of SAF.
    The airline has included a way for everyday consumers to participate as well. Anyone using United.com or the United app has an option to contribute to supplement United’s investment in the UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM before check-out. Users have the choice to contribute $1, $3.50 or $7.00.1 Continuing in the effort toward climate transparency for our customers, United also now shows an estimated carbon emissions for flights booked through United.com or the United app. In less than 12 months, more than 115,000 people have contributed nearly $500,000 since February 2023.
    SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone. To date, United has invested in the future production of over five billion gallons of SAF – the most of any airline in the world.2ADVERTISEMENT“SAF is the best tool we have to decarbonize airplanes, but we don’t have enough of it. To create the fuel supply we need for our fleet, United recognized that we would have to help build a brand-new industry from scratch – like wind and solar in previous decades,” said Andrew Chang, Managing Director of United Airlines Ventures. “As part of our effort to build a new sustainable aviation ecosystem, we recruited a group of partners with the industry expertise to support our startups with both financial and strategic capital, to help them navigate the entire process from conception to commercialization.”
    Sustainable Flight Fund Milestones
    Added 22 corporate partnersRaised more than $200 million in committed capitalPortfolio company milestones:Cemvita opens pilot plant in HoustonOXCCU to start construction on pilot plant in UKSvante and Dimensional Energy begin utilization of CO2 captured at Lafarge Canada Cement PlantEH2 opens first manufacturing plantUAV Sustainable Flight Fund
    The UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM is a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle designed to leverage support from cross-industry businesses in order to support start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel through SAF research, technology and production. The fund is comprised of more than $200 million in investment commitments from United and corporate partners including: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Aircastle (a Marubeni & Mizuho Leasing Company), American Express Global Business Travel, Aviation Capital Group, Boeing, Boston Consulting Group, Embraer, GE Aerospace, Google, Groupe ADP, Hawaiian Airlines, HIS, Honeywell, JetBlue Ventures, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, Safran Corporate Ventures, and Technip Energies, among others. For more information about the fund, please visit the United Airlines Ventures website.
    Consumer Awareness and Call to Action
    The default option for customer contributions is set at $3.50 to illustrate the potential impact of customer action at scale: if the 152 million people who flew on United in 2022 each contributed just $3.50 to the UAV Sustainable Flight Fund, that would be enough to design and build a SAF refinery capable of producing as much as 40 million gallons of alternative fuel annually.3
    United’s Commitment to Net Zero Emissions by 2050
    United aims to be net zero by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets. In addition to the UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM, United has launched a SAF purchasing program called the Eco-Skies Alliance and established a venture fund – United Airlines Ventures – to identify and invest in companies and technologies that can help decarbonize air travel. These strategic investments include carbon capture, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft and air taxis. In May 2023, United received validation of our 2035 near-term emissions reduction target from the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to reduce our carbon intensity 50% from a 2019 base year. In 2023, United became the first U.S. airline to show customers an estimate of each flight’s carbon footprint in their search. This year, United was the only domestic airline to receive an ‘A-” leadership band score for Climate Change 2023 from CDP, formerly Carbon Disclosure Project.

    Older
    oneworld serves up another major win in wine tasting awards

    Newer
    Holland America Line Enhances Alaska Cruisetours with McKinley Chalet Resort Room Upgrades More

  • 125 Shares99 Views

    in organisations-operators

    oneworld serves up another major win in wine tasting awards

    Roger Blackburn, oneworld VP Europe, Middle East and Africa (second from the left) collects the Gold award in the Best Alliance category in the Business Traveller ‘Cellars in the Sky Awards’, awarded for the 13th year in row , surrounded by colleagues from fellow oneworld members airlines.
    For the 13th year in a row the oneworld® alliance has been named the world’s Best Airline Alliance for wines served by member airlines onboard in an annual international tasting competition.
    The Gold award in the Best Alliance category came from the Business Traveller’s Cellars in the Sky Awards 2023 now its its 38th year.
    The Cellars in the Sky Awards has been running since 1985 and celebrates the best business and first class wines served by airlines on their flights.
    Judging this year’s inflight wines were winemaker John Worontschak, Masters of Wine Sam Caporn and Peter McCombie, and head judge Charles Metcalfe, founder of the International Wine Challenge.
    oneworld’s VP Europe, Middle East and Africa, Roger Blackburn, picked up the award at a ceremony in London this week following a blind tasting by judges who sampled more than 280 wines submitted by 30 airlines for consideration.ADVERTISEMENTRoger Blackburn, said: “We are delighted to raise a glass to all oneworld carriers who took part in this year’s Cellars in Sky Awards which helped to secure the alliance’s premiere position and once again recognised our member airlines for offering the best wines in-flight.”
    2024 saw oneworld member Qantas win a record thirteen medals in a total of nine categories, including Best Business Class White, Best Business Class Red, Best Business Class Cellar, Best First Class Sparkling, Best First Class White, Best First Class Red, Best First Class Fortified / Dessert Wine, Best First Class Cellar and Best Overall Cellar.

    Several oneworld member airlines also received medals in the Cellars in the Sky Awards:

    American Airlines received a Silver in a First Class Rosé awardsBritish Airways took home a Silver in the First Class Red awards, a Silver in First Class Sparkling, and a Bronze in First Class Rosé awardsJapan Airlines was awarded with a Bronze in the First Class White awards and a Bronze in the First Class Best Wine List awards   Malaysia Airlines received a Gold in the First Class White awards and a Bronze in First Class Sparkling, a Silver in the First Class Cellar awardsQatar Airways received a Gold in First Class Rosé awards, a Silver in Business Class Red, a Bronze in First Class Fortified / Dessert Wine, a Bronze in the Business Class White, a Silver in the Business Class Cellar and an Overall Cellar awardsAirlines can compete for awards in any category, so long as they serve wine in business or first class on mid- or long-haul routes and are able to enter two red and white wines, a rosé, a sparkling wine, as well as a fortified or dessert wine from each cabin.

    Older
    TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2024 IN DECEMBER

    Newer
    United Adds New Corporate Partners to Sustainable Flight Fund That Now Exceeds $200 Million More

  • 138 Shares169 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Hamad International Airport Celebrates Qatar National Sports Day with Fitness Extravaganza

    Hamad International Airport (DOH) commemorates this year’s Qatar National Sports Day by hosting a variety of engaging fitness related activities across its terminal.
    A diverse range of interactive fitness activations are featured throughout the airport for departing and transfer passengers of all ages, including a Leopard Crawl, Tyre Challenge, Sack Race, Hula Hoop Competition, Tennis Tetherball, Paper Plane Competition, Hang & Squat Challenge, and Runway Dash.
    As Qatar’s gateway to the world, Hamad International Airport takes pride in reflecting the country’s celebrations and initiatives to the millions of passengers traversing its terminals. In line with the goals of Qatar National Sports Day, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of sports and fitness in fostering a healthier lifestyle.
    The airport’s transformation into a hub for sports enthusiasts of all ages aligns seamlessly with the nation’s overarching initiatives and celebrations. Hamad International Airport plays a crucial role in extending the spirit of Qatar National Sports Day to the millions of passengers travelling through the airport, offering them with an opportunity to engage in the nation’s activities and experience the vibrant celebrations.
    Hamad International Airport extends a warm invitation to all travelers to actively participate in the various activities and join in spreading awareness about the significance of health and fitness.ADVERTISEMENTSince its inauguration in 2014, Hamad International Airport has been consistently ranked among the best in the world due to its passenger-first approach. Functioning as a versatile lifestyle destination, Hamad International Airport boasts an array of offerings, including exquisite fine dining options, captivating art collections, world-class retail, entertainment areas, sports facilities, and relaxation spaces.
    Hamad International Airport (DOH) commemorates this year’s Qatar National Sports Day by hosting a variety of engaging fitness related activities across its terminal.
    A diverse range of interactive fitness activations are featured throughout the airport for departing and transfer passengers of all ages, including a Leopard Crawl, Tyre Challenge, Sack Race, Hula Hoop Competition, Tennis Tetherball, Paper Plane Competition, Hang & Squat Challenge, and Runway Dash.
    As Qatar’s gateway to the world, Hamad International Airport takes pride in reflecting the country’s celebrations and initiatives to the millions of passengers traversing its terminals. In line with the goals of Qatar National Sports Day, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of sports and fitness in fostering a healthier lifestyle.
    The airport’s transformation into a hub for sports enthusiasts of all ages aligns seamlessly with the nation’s overarching initiatives and celebrations. Hamad International Airport plays a crucial role in extending the spirit of Qatar National Sports Day to the millions of passengers travelling through the airport, offering them with an opportunity to engage in the nation’s activities and experience the vibrant celebrations.
    Hamad International Airport extends a warm invitation to all travelers to actively participate in the various activities and join in spreading awareness about the significance of health and fitness.
    Since its inauguration in 2014, Hamad International Airport has been consistently ranked among the best in the world due to its passenger-first approach. Functioning as a versatile lifestyle destination, Hamad International Airport boasts an array of offerings, including exquisite fine dining options, captivating art collections, world-class retail, entertainment areas, sports facilities, and relaxation spaces.

    Older
    Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris Unveils Luxurious New Suites by Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon

    Newer
    Ryanair Forges New 6-Year Ground Handling Alliance with Skytanking Aviation Services More

  • 175 Shares199 Views

    in organisations-operators

    From Luxurious Glomes to Cozy Cabins – Find Your Perfect Stay in Nova Scotia

    The gateway to Atlantic Canada and only a 6-hour flight from the UK, Nova Scotia is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty and diverse cultures. The province is home to a myriad of small, independent accommodations from cozy, off-grid cabins and luxurious waterfront glomes to an exclusive vineyard farmhouse and wilderness yurts. Check out our top picks to experience Nova Scotia’s nature and local flavours this year:Nalu Retreat: Perched on a granite cliff, overlooking Porter’s Lake only 30 minutes from the capital, Halifax this retreat offers solitude with all the conveniences of the city. Soak in the views from your private outdoor hot tub, immerse yourself in nature on the nearby trails at Crowbar Lake Wilderness Area, relax by the fireplace or in the stargazing Zen loft, and indulge in delicious local farm-to-table meals. Relax and rejuvenate, surrounded by nature with all the luxuries of a boutique hotel!  Click here for more information.
    Planters Ridge Winery: Located next to the artisanal winery, this recently renovated farmhouse, which was built in 1864, features 3 luxurious bedrooms, each with their own spa like bathroom. An ideal place to have an authentic vineyard experience and take a break from the hustle and bustles of city life. Click here for more information.
    White Point Beach Resort: Stay your way, at the edge of the sea choosing from a collection of experiences: guest rooms that bring the beautiful surroundings to your doorstep, oceanfront cottages where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the crashing waves, holiday homes featuring additional space and amenities for bringing everyone together and secluded luxury getaways in one-of-a-kind oceanfront treehouses, or lakeside glomes with private hot tubs for an intimate retreat. Click here for more information.
    Sally’s Brook Wilderness: Overlooking the beautiful St. Ann’s Bay, in the heart of Cape Breton Island, alongside the world-renowned Cabot Trail, Sally’s Brook Wilderness features four off-grid cabins and two Starview tents offering cozy comfort and convenient access to a sparkling clean shared wash house with large shower rooms and a fully equipped cook house.  Explore walking trails, relax in the wood-fired barrel sauna, star gaze beside crackling bonfires or choose unique day trip adventures to Destination Cape Smokey, North River Kayak Tours, Cabot Cape Breton, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and the village of Baddeck – just to name a few! For more information click here.
    As the River Bends: An eco-conscious retreat nestled along the tranquil Halfway River in the Annapolis Valley – Nova Scotia’s wine country. Guest can enjoy nature inspired experiences whilst staying at one of two luxury designed geodesic domes or at the solar powered treehouse. The domes feature a spacious bathroom with rainfall shower, well equipped kitchen space, queen beds, full-size bbq and hot tub. The Pine treehouse is ideal for those who love camping – hassle free! The treehouse features a private outdoor shower, toilet, queen bed, covered & screened in kitchen & living spaces, propane firepit and BBQ. For more information click here. https://www.novascotia.com/places-to-stay/accommodations/as-the-river-bends-retreat/8271ADVERTISEMENT

    Older
    Barbados Announces Plans to Host Inaugural Event During Legends Tour

    Newer
    Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris Unveils Luxurious New Suites by Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon More

  • 125 Shares199 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Barbados Announces Plans to Host Inaugural Event During Legends Tour

    Barbados is poised to welcome a thrilling addition to its golfing calendar with the inaugural ‘Barbados Legends hosted by Ian Woosnam’ this year.Scheduled to unfold from May 3rd to 5th, this prestigious tournament promises to draw esteemed golfers and their families to the picturesque Apes Hill Barbados, under the stewardship of golf legend, Ian Woosnam, the 1991 Masters Champion.During Tuesday’s launch event, which took place at Apes Hill Barbados, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) announced that they were principal sponsors for the event.
    Craig Hinds, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the BTMI, said the organisation was proud to align itself with this esteemed tournament.
    “It is fitting that the Legends Tour will unfold against the stunning backdrop of Apes Hill, one of Barbados’ top golf courses. The Legends Tour, an integral part of the esteemed European Tour Group, has chosen Barbados as the stage for this inaugural event in May. This is not merely a golf tournament; it is an opportunity for Barbados to showcase its allure to affluent individuals, hailing from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa,” he said.
    Jody Addison, Director of Golf at Apes Hill, confirmed that the venue was fully equipped to welcome top-tier golfers from around the world, such as Michael Campbell, the distinguished 2005 US Open Champion celebrated for his remarkable two-stroke triumph over Tiger Woods.
    Executive Chairman of Apes Hill Barbados, Sunil Chatrani, revealed that the team at Apes Hill set out to create a course that both world-class players and amateurs would want to experience time and time again.ADVERTISEMENT“That is why hosting an event on the Legends Tour is a hugely exciting step for us, and we look forward to welcoming iconic players of Ian’s calibre to play our golf course this spring,” said Chatrani.
    Barbados Legends – an inaugural eventWith golf icon and Apes Hill Ambassador, Ian Woosnam at the forefront, the tournament will see an array of golfing greats tackle one of the sport’s most acclaimed new courses – a picturesque par-72 layout that reopened in 2022 following a major redesign by legendary course architect Ron Kirby.
    Phil Harrison, CEO of the Legends Tour, said, “The Caribbean has been high on our list since rebranding as the Legends Tour in 2020, and we are delighted to have agreed to host a tournament on this stunning new golf course.”
    The event is one of the first stops on a record-breaking schedule for the Legends Tour in 2024 – much of which is still to be fully unveiled. Aside from the competitive action, there will be a unique ‘Legends Experience’, which gives passionate golf fans the opportunity to tee off alongside their heroes in tournament play in front of the TV cameras and crowds, as well as two pro-am tournaments on May 1st and 2nd.
    “It is an honour to welcome the Legends Tour to Barbados and an even greater honour to host an event at Apes Hill Barbados as an ambassador for the resort. It will be great to welcome the guys back to Barbados after 15 years. The course is simply breath-taking, serving up a series of stunning holes with views over the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Knowing many of the players on the Tour, I can say first-hand how much they will love the course and it promises to be one of the most anticipated tournaments on the Legends Tour schedule for 2024,” said golf legend, Ian Woosnam.
    Positioning Barbados as a Golf DestinationThe BTMI continues to work to showcase the diverse aspects that destination Barbados has to offer. The strategic timing of this tournament aligns with the organisation’s vision to attract high-net-worth individuals from the United Kingdom and the United States, two key markets where Barbados has enjoyed robust visitation.
    In addition to this event, the BTMI has partnered with PGA TOUR as the Official Tourism Sponsor of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.
    “The Legends Tour, coupled with our partnership with the PGA TOUR, serves as a beacon, illuminating Barbados as an investable destination. It showcases not just the excellence of our golf courses but also the warmth of our hospitality and the richness of our culture,” said Acting CEO, BTMI, Craig Hinds.
    Hinds emphasized that the international attention garnered by events of this magnitude will undoubtedly attract investors and further elevate Barbados’ reputation as a top-tier destination.

    Older
    ETIHAD BECOMES ONE OF THE FIRST TO ENABLE PILOTS TO FLY BOTH A350 AND A380 AIRCRAFT

    Newer
    From Luxurious Glomes to Cozy Cabins – Find Your Perfect Stay in Nova Scotia More

  • 100 Shares149 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Gen-AI in travel in 2024: game-changer or hype?

    Speculation about the transformative powers of generative AI for our travel industry were everywhere you looked in 2023, but real-world working examples were few and far between.
    So as 2024 advances will the world slowly lose interest as the technology doesn’t deliver results?  In fact some top analysts are already calling the technology ‘overhyped’, even predicting it will get a ‘cold shower’ in 2024 because of unrealistic expectations, high costs and regulatory challenges.
    We asked technology experts from across the travel industry for their thoughts on whether or not generative AI will really change the travel experience in 2024, or whether we are getting too excited, too soon.
    Mike Coletta, manager of research and innovation at Phocuswright, disagrees with the analysts who are negative about the potential for generative AI. “The travel industry in on the cusp of massive change, and there’s huge potential for AI to transform the travel experience for both travelers and the travel provider ecosystem. Phocuswright research shows that nearly half of travelers in most countries would be extremely or somewhat comfortable using a GenAI tool to help them plan a trip. Between 13-22% of total traveler populations have used GenAI in some capacity. As the industry moves beyond the initial hype, 2024 will be all about leveraging what has been learned so far to focus on the most beneficial use cases – and avoid wasting resources on those without a clear ROI. Travel companies in 2024 are expected to accelerate investment in generative AI applications. But separating the winning use cases from the losers will be an ongoing process of trial and error. At this juncture, a results-based approach is needed to highlight the most relevant and impactful use cases in travel.”
    The initial success of AI is likely to depend on the challenges people are applying it to.  As Haluk Kayhan, CEO & Co-Founder of B2B accommodation booking platform Bedsopia – which is powered by global distributor PrimeTravel – points out:  “AI could be hugely transformative for travel in 2024, but the industry needs to work out where it is most needed and avoid trying to solve problems that no one knows they even have.  Focus on the real headaches or high-cost / low return areas of your operations like staff shortages, flight disruptions, sudden waves of cancelations, payments processing and operational inefficiencies generally.  These are areas where AI could catalyze the most change, most quickly – perhaps even meaningfully in 2024.  AI technology needs to be essential at this stage, not just a gimmick.  Let’s be realistic – it’s not going to change the whole world overnight – people aren’t ready for that.”  ADVERTISEMENTAccess to data is a key consideration and one of the most impactful use cases for travel.  “The main way we’ll see AI make an impact on travel in 2024 is around data,” says José Arozarena at from Tour Review, a platform for tours & activities providers to manage their online reviews.  “Companies with the largest amounts of data available – or who offer services to clients who in turn have large data sets – will benefit most and the most quickly too.  AI will be able to make sense of that data more effectively, offering insights that result in them making services to travelers better and more personalised. Think of it like the revolution in consumer market research from the 1950s onwards, just happening over a few years and not decades.”
    According to Sami Doyle from TMU Management, a data-driven insurance intermediary specializing in travel, generative AI could transform how financial institutions service the travel industry. “The travel industry is inherently risk based and that risk extends to consumers paying for goods in advance of service and to financial institutions providing services to travel companies for future delivery products. AI could be a powerful tool to assist financial institutions in providing services such as credit card acquiring and financial protection in a sustainable manner that alerts stakeholders to potential exposures before they happen. This has a knock on effect on the cost of these services and their continued provision to the sector, which would mean lower costs to consumers and comfort that financial protection is in place to cover failures.”
    As with any new technology, the most valuable benefits aren’t always immediately obvious. Adam Harris, CEO of Cloudbeds – the provider of hospitality technology solutions to independent property owners – believes that hoteliers will see accelerated efficiencies in their internal operations. “In a perfect world, advanced AI would fine-tune revenue management for hoteliers and work on their behalf as a 24/7/365 GM. This year that’s the direction we’ll be moving in as forward-thinking vendors like Cloudbeds continue innovating on products that drive and streamline internal efficiencies. Technology companies like ours are already using advanced AI and machine learning to make guest communication tools more intelligent and help hoteliers quickly develop web pages and high-performing ad copy. Over the next year, hoteliers will continue to benefit from intelligent AI solutions that help them make better decisions and execute them.”
    Meanwhile, Sergio Mendoza, CEO of pricing and airface intelligence firm Airnguru, believes the real game-changer for AI in travel has been the emergence of cloud technology. “Machine Learning techniques have long been used by airlines to forecast demand for Yield Management. However, the cloud revolution provided cost-efficient, democratic access to unprecedented, virtually unlimited storage capacity and processing power. The cloud catalyzed the use of big data for improving machine learning models and business intelligence, and the emergence of new breakthroughs such as generative AI. The cloud has empowered us to leverage off-the-shelf AI tools at a scale unimaginable a decade ago. Airlines already rely on artificial intelligence applications in several areas of their business. Generative AI is poised to substantially amplify the breadth of business functions for AI applications, increasing its impact across the enterprise. In particular, this revolution is enabling carriers to improve their pricing and overall commercial strategies substantially, driving revenue growth.”
    As a final thought, the industry shouldn’t get too carried away with new ideas that are too futuristic warns Alex Barros, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer at leading hotel revenue management platform BEONx. He believes that instead we should focus on what can be done right with this this new technology, “for AI to be transformative in travel, we need to start with how it can be applied to the things we’re already doing.  For example, we’re seeing many hotels use it to generate enticing and accurate hotel descriptions, leading to instant increases in conversation rates.  This is demonstrating real impact, and plays to consumer behaviour; the chances of a hotel offer being purchased will be much higher with AI, as there will be better and more attractive levels of personalisation and engagement.”

    Older
    Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ selects Mews as a preferred PMS partner

    Newer
    Ryanair Extends Maintenance Pact with Joramco for 10 Years More

  • 163 Shares169 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ selects Mews as a preferred PMS partner

    Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud, is now a preferred PMS partner for Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH).
    SLH is a collection of over 560 luxury boutique hotels spanning 90 countries around the globe. Although the collection is bound together by a shared spirit and high service standards, each property provides a unique, intimate guest experience in a beautiful and characterful space.
    “We selected Mews as a preferred PMS partner due to its guest-centric platform and innovative approach,” said Richard Hyde, Chief Operating Officer, Small Luxury Hotels of the World. “By incorporating automation and streamlining processes, hotels can reduce administrative burdens during stays, enabling guests and staff to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings.”
    With over 1,000 free-to-connect integrations, each hotel can build a tech stack best suited to its operational needs.
    SLH guests can book accommodation at any SLH property via their central website, facilitated by the SynXis booking engine, so it is essential that Mews has a robust and reliable two-way connection in place. This is one of the many integrations that are easily accessible through the Mews Marketplace.ADVERTISEMENT“We are delighted to be working with Small Luxury Hotels of the World to bring unforgettable experiences to guests,” said Richard Valtr, Mews Founder. “This incredible community of hotels and hoteliers embodies the type of hospitality we try to champion: immersive, unique, and truly remarkable.”

    Older
    Active Travel Group publishes its first annual sustainability report

    Newer
    Gen-AI in travel in 2024: game-changer or hype? More