Events, Technology, Organisations & Operators,

From November 4th to November 6th, World Travel Market (WTM) will bring together nearly 4,150 exhibitors from around the world and more than 46,000 attendees at the Excel in London. Additionally, the event will host 109 activities, including 79 conferences, focused on topics such as Sustainability, Technology, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI), and Geo-economics, […] More

As the travel industry prepares for the Phocuswright Conference 2025, taking place November 18–20 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California, Phocuswright revisited the journeys of its Hot 25 Travel Startups 2023 alumni.  Three years on, these companies have not only survived but thrived, validating Phocuswright’s role as the leading authority in identifying […] More

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced the launch of ATM Travel Tech, a new co-located event that will debut at ATM 2026, taking place from 4–7 May 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Evolving from its previous role as a high-growth sector on the show floor, ATM Travel Tech will now span two […] More

Arival, the global authority on the in-destination experiences sector, today announced a landmark three-in-one event taking place 29 September – 3 October 2025 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC.  The program includes the invite-only Future of Experiences Executive Summit (29 Sept), the AI Forum for Destination Experiences (29–30 Sept), and […] More

Phocuswright Europe 2025 kicked off in Barcelona last week, welcoming over 600 attendees from 20+ countries to discuss the future of travel.  The event highlighted the booming travel industry, tempered by geopolitical and economic concerns.  A key theme was the disruption in travel distribution, with technology reshaping customer loyalty and content control.  Speakers emphasized AI’s […] More

Heathrow Airport has launched a groundbreaking breakfast called “The Fly Up” in collaboration with Heston Blumenthal’s Perfectionists’ Café to raise awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The breakfast, cooked with oil that is recycled into renewable biofuels, aims to educate travelers about the importance of SAF in reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.
The Heathrow Fly Up has been created in partnership with chef Heston Blumenthal to create awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in response to only 14 per cent[1] of travellers having heard of it, despite the fact it will play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. In the UK aviation sector’s latest net zero roadmap, SAF is the single biggest innovation that will help it hit its Net Zero target by 2050.
Heathrow is committed to decarbonising, and biofuels have a key role to play in its Net Zero plan. On the ground, Heathrow has made the switch to HVO biodiesel with over 95 per cent of its operational diesel fleet now run on the fuel. It is a global airport leader on SAF – setting a goal for 11 per cent of the jet fuel used at Heathrow to be SAF by 2030. Heathrow’s pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel scheme incentivises the use of SAF at the airport, approximately halving the price gap between conventional jet fuel and SAF, making it more affordable to airlines. Thanks, in part to this scheme, approximately 10 per cent of the world’s SAF was used at Heathrow in 2022.[2]
The scheme aims to target 2.5% of all fuel used at Heathrow to be SAF in 2024. If achieved, this will amount to up to 155,000 tonnes of fuel. It is a key part of Heathrow’s ongoing efforts to protect the benefits of aviation while building a more sustainable future for the industry.
To help reach Net Zero by 2050, the airport’s shorter term goal is to cut carbon from the air by up to 15 per cent, and on the ground at the airport by at least 45 per cent, by the end of this decade. These goals have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative[3] as consistent with a 1.5 degree carbon reduction trajectory – Heathrow was the first airport to achieve this validated status with the updated 1.5 degrees standard[4].ADVERTISEMENTSAF is a fuel with a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional jet fuel and is made from a variety of sources, including used cooking oils[5]. It can be used in aircraft engines alongside regular fuel and the UK aviation sector projects that it will account for around 40 per cent of the aviation industry’s total carbon reductions by 2050.
Heathrow works with waste management service Quatra to collect, clean and recycle the used cooking oils from the Fly Up breakfast. Following collection, the cooking oils and fats undergo treatment and purification to remove organic impurities and water. The processed used oil is then forwarded to Quatra’s partners and transformed into biofuels including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
The launch of the Fly Up comes as new research reveals only one quarter (27 per cent) of the UK believe SAF will make the aviation industry more sustainable[6]. Heathrow is actively encouraging passengers to join its efforts in addressing aviation’s carbon emissions by using climate tech company, CHOOOSE. The platform gives passengers the option to support SAF or certified reforestation projects regardless of their airline or end destination.
The aim is that this will become more commonplace as people learn about the benefits of SAF. Currently 63 per cent would choose to travel more sustainably if they could, yet nine in 10 flyers are unaware of the purpose of SAF – one of the most important factors in reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.[7]
Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon at Heathrow said: “We are delighted to partner with Heston Blumenthal’s The Perfectionists’ Café to introduce the ‘Fly Up’, a breakfast that not only gives passengers a delicious start to the day but will raise awareness about SAF and its potential to transform this industry. By demonstrating how cooking oils can be converted into biofuels, we want people to understand how SAF is a real solution to decarbonise aviation and show how we’re continuing our mission to get to Net Zero by 2050.
“We know that having the right government policies in place is crucial to making this shift happen. We need a mandate for SAF use, as well as a price support mechanism, to de-risk and incentivise investment in UK SAF facilities.”
Carlos Santos, Head Chef at The Perfectionists’ Cafe said: “This is an exciting partnership that we are thrilled to be part of. The ‘Fly Up’ is made up of the best of British ingredients – a breakfast we’re proud of, and even more so as it signifies a positive step towards a more sustainable future for air travel.”
Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales U.K. and Ireland at United Airlines said: “At United, we are committed to our goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and believe SAF is the nearest term and most promising solution to decarbonise aviation. United became the first airline globally to use a SAF blend in regular operations and we endeavour to increase its availability and usage by looking beyond existing solutions and investing in future potential research, production and technology solutions associated with SAF. We are an airline that recognises the responsibility we have to help solve climate change and welcome Heathrow’s ‘Fly Up’ to raise awareness of SAF.”[8]
The net zero transition for aviation is happening. Heathrow has a clear plan and is working hard to deliver against our ambitious 2030 carbon reduction goals. United was one of the participating airlines in Heathrow’s SAF incentive programme, having received a blend of SAF and conventional jet fuel at the airport in 2023. In November last year, Heathrow celebrated the first ever transatlantic 100% SAF flight flown by a commercial airline, Virgin Atlantic. Its financial incentive to airlines to use SAF more is targeting the equivalent of over 340,000 tonnes of carbon cut from flights. £71m is available to airlines to support the swap to cleaner fuels.
Travellers can learn more about SAF, the role it plays in driving the aviation industry towards decarbonising, and how they can support Heathrow’s push to create a domestic UK SAF industry by visiting www.heathrow.com/SAF.

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For the first time ever, one of the world’s leading energy-efficiency engineering programmes for students, Shell Eco-marathon, is coming to the Middle East and will be hosted in Qatar under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani – Chairperson of Qatar Museums.
The announcement was made at Web Summit Qatar 2024 by Richard Tallant, Executive Vice President of GTL and Managing Director of Shell Companies Qatar – together with university students who competed at last year’s Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East regional championship.Commenting on the news, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa said, “Bringing the Shell Ecomarathon to Qatar marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability among our nation’s youth and the wider region. This event marks the beginning of the collaboration between our upcoming Qatar Auto Museum and Shell to empower young minds to tackle the pressing challenges of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. This collaboration underscores Qatar’s dedication to shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.”Shell Eco-marathon is a global academic programme which tests student teams to design and manufacture energy-efficient vehicles that can travel the farthest with the least amount of fuel. It aims to push the boundaries of what is technically possible and inspire young people to become leading scientists and engineers of future energy solutions.The programme provides a platform for teams to explore every aspect of design and technology, using their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills to build their own ultraenergy-efficient cars, and then take them out on the track in competition.Every year, three regional championships are held around the world. These competitions are designed for experienced teams to push new boundaries, encouraging innovation and novelapproaches to achieving energy efficiency.Richard Tallant, Executive Vice President of GTL and Managing Director of Shell Companies Qatar said, “We are thrilled that Shell Eco-marathon is making its debut in the Middle East and will be hosted in Qatar. This decision reflects Qatar’s strong commitment to innovation and education and Qatar’s world-class infrastructure will provide the perfect backdrop for teams to showcase their energy-efficient vehicles. I would like to express my gratitude to Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa for her support in bringing Shell Eco-marathon to the country, and to our strategic partners who will help to make this event possible. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering sustainable innovation in the region.”At the upcoming 2024 Asia-Pacific and Middle East regional event in Indonesia in July, teams from Qatar University, Texas A&M Qatar and University of Doha for Science and Technology, will compete with their purpose-built vehicles.Student teams can participate in one of two vehicle classes: Urban Concept or Prototype. Urban Concept vehicles have familiar road car features and more closely resemble passenger cars. The Prototype category consist of ultra-efficient, lightweight vehicles which have the potential to reach record breaking distances using the least amount of fuel possible.The cars are powered by one of three energy sources: internal combustion engine, battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell. They employ advanced engineering techniques, aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and innovative designs to maximise efficiency.On top of technical skills, Shell Eco-marathon also encourages collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among the participating students. It provides a platform for young minds to showcase their talent, creativity, and passion for engineering and sustainability.Through Shell Eco-marathon, Shell aims to inspire and support the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators in their pursuit of sustainable solutions.At the Shell booth at Web Summit Qatar 2024, visitors had a chance to get up close to a Shell Ecomarathon vehicle and learn more about the programme. University students shared their experiences from competing at past events with attendees and voiced their enthusiasm to have the competition come to the Middle East for the very first time.Shell Eco-marathon Qatar is set to take place in the first quarter of 2025 at the Lusail International Circuit.
Learn more about Shell Eco-marathon at www.shellecomarathon.com.

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Web Summit, the world’s largest technology conference, today announced that the inaugural edition of its Middle Eastern event, Web Summit Qatar, is hosting 15,453 attendees from 118 countries.
Web Summit CEO Katherine Maher took to the stage on Opening Night, saying: “Over the last few years, we noticed a growing presence from the Middle East at our events. Dynamic founders, investors and entrepreneurs from the region were contributing to our events in such a meaningful way, we knew that it was time for us to bring an event here. Web Summit Qatar represents a brand new opportunity to connect a new generation of entrepreneurs, investors and changemakers.”Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Web Summit Qatar 2024 Organising Committee, said: “Hosting Web Summit Qatar signifies a milestone in our nation’s ongoing journey to forge the future, showcasing Qatar’s growing status as a place where people, ideas and inspiration come together to envision the next digital revolution. The tremendous turnout in attendees and ticket purchases demonstrates the high demand for such events in the region, as well as Qatar’s potential as a hub for SMEs and innovators. More so, on its very first day, we set several new records in Web Summit history, including the biggest startup participation in a first-year edition, thelargest presence of startups from Africa, and more. With such a strong start, Web Summit Qatar is poised to be the next spot for technological leaps to take place.”
15,453 attendees from 118 countries
Web Summit Qatar has gathered 15,453 attendees at the sold-out event in the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), connecting a new generation of founders, investors, journalists and leaders in Doha.Attendees from 118 countries across the globe arrived in Qatar for the first Web Summit event held in the Middle East – an event that will serve as a pivotal force for innovation in the region, enabling the people who are reshaping the world to connect.The largest gathering of startups in the Middle East 1,043 startups from 81 countries were selected – out of nearly ten thousand applicants – to showcase their vision to attendees on the event floor. 10 percent of attending startups come from Qatar, while 20 percent come from Africa and 50 percent from the wider MENA region. 10 percent of startups have joined the event through Web Summit Qatar’s Impact programme, which focuses on tech for good.
358 startups will take part in 42 Mentor Hours sessions during the event, learning from and connecting with leading entrepreneurs in the industry. Participating startups will also have the opportunity to take part in Web Summit Qatar’s PITCH competition, powered by Jusour, which brings together the world’s leading early-stage startups to go head-to-head on stage in front of globally-renowned investors.ADVERTISEMENT401 investors from 46 countries and some of the largest funds in the world will attend the event to explore investment opportunities in one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, and to meet the next generation of startups. Investors at the event include Peak XV managing director GV Ravishankar, Global Ventures founder Noor Sweid, 500 Global’s Christine Tsai and Khailee Ng, and Invest Qatar’s Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani.
380 speakers will speak during the event, and 896 members of the media will attend.Top speakers at the event include His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Emmy-winning South African comedian Trevor Noah, Bollywood actress and singer Nora Fatehi, WPP CEO Mark Read, Whoop founder and CEO Will Ahmed, Groq CEO Jonathan Ross, astronaut and Deep Space Initiative founder Sara Sabry, Replit co-founder and CEO Amjad Masad, Builder.ai founder and chief wizard Sachin DevDuggal, soccer legends Patrice Evra, John Obi Mikel and Gilberto Silva, and Tabby co-founder and CEO Hosam Arab.
148 partners will exhibit on the event floor at Web Summit Qatar to explore business opportunities in the region, and to meet the up-and-coming companies and technologies of tomorrow.Big tech partners – including Microsoft, Snap, TikTok, Meta, Qatar Investment Authority, Deloitte and Palo Alto Networks – will be exhibiting on the sold-out event floor. Trade delegations from countries including Canada, Türkiye, Bahrain, Pakistan, Nigeria and Kenya will be attending Web Summit Qatar to explore business opportunities in the Middle East.Also taking part in the event are six community partners – groups that support and prioritise underrepresented people across the technology industry.
Women in tech37 percent of attendees at the event are women, and 30 percent of speakers are women. One in three startups participating in the startup programme has a woman on the founding team. The Women in Tech Lounge will welcome organisations including Women of Qatar and Women Techmakers, along with thousands of women in tech attendees from all over the world.
Qatar announces US$1bn investment in international and regional VC fundsDuring his opening remarks at Web Summit Qatar 2024, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the State of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced Qatar’s first-ever venture capital Fund of Funds programme, which will invest US$1 billion in international and regional venture capital funds. Led by the Qatar Investment Authority, the initiative aims to foster innovation and boost the tech ecosystem in the country.In addition, HE emphasised that as technological innovations rapidly advance, it is a collective duty to ensure this progress serves the greater good by balancing innovation with ethical principles, guiding progress with moral wisdom for the benefit of all.
Pics from day two follow :

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