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2825 posts

How business travel is reinventing carbon pricing

🌍 On Jan 21, 2025, it was proposed that revamping carbon pricing through business travel could fuel the decarbonization of aviation. Business travelers, accounting for 75% of profits on some flights, are seen as key to adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This strategy allows any company to engage in carbon pricing and catalyzes investment in low-carbon technologies, enhancing their affordability and availability. More details are available at the World Economic Forum website.
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Global hoteliers weigh in on AI

🏠 73% of hoteliers expect AI to significantly impact the hospitality industry. As of Jan 21, 2025, 61% believe AI is already influential or will be within a year, while 40% see a longer timeline. Larger hotels (150+ rooms) invest more in AI, with two-thirds allocating at least 10% of their budget, and 26% of those with 500+ rooms dedicate over half of their IT budget. Over 94% across various roles feel optimistic about AI's impact. Key areas for transformation include guest engagement, with 80% anticipating changes in pre-booking and communication. AI benefits range from reputation management to loyalty programs and include price optimization and direct bookings.
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International tourism recovers pre-pandemic levels in 2024

🌍 In 2024, 1.4 billion international tourists traveled, marking a 99% recovery to pre-pandemic levels and an 11% increase over 2023. The Middle East led with 95 million arrivals (+32% over pre-pandemic), Africa had 74 million (+7% over 2019), Europe reached 747 million (+1% over 2019), the Americas hit 213 million (97% of 2019), and Asia and the Pacific saw 316 million arrivals (87% of pre-pandemic), with a 33% increase from 2023.
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AI in 2025: Preparing for the future of hospitality

🏨 In 2025, AI transforms the hospitality industry, altering hotel discovery and interaction. SEO strategies must adapt to AI content prioritization. AI-driven personalization anticipates guest preferences for tailored experiences. Augmented reality enhances navigation and local exploration. The combination of AI and human service fosters guest loyalty by meeting customization demands. For more details, visit The Hotels Network blog.
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U.S. travel agency sales at record high in 2024

📅 ARC reported a 4% increase in 2024 sales from 2023, marking the highest annual total. On Jan 20, 2025, it was noted that U.S. travel agencies' December ticket sales surged to $6.7 billion, a 17% increase year-on-year. Passenger trips in December rose to 19 million, a 13% jump from the previous year, boosted by significant rises in both domestic and international travel. 2024 featured eight record months for agency sales, and in December, NDC transactions grew to 20.3% of total ARC transactions, up from 18.4% in December 2023.
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China anticipates holiday travel boom driven by longer trips

🏆 Spring Festival 2025 in China sees an average travel duration of 4.8 days, up from 4.3 days in 2019. UTour Group Co, Ltd reports a 30% increase in tourist groups and a 46% rise in outbound tourists compared to the previous year. Bookings to Australia and New Zealand skyrocket by 220%, the UAE by 200%, Southern Europe doubles, and Northern Europe climbs by 30%. Fliggy notes significant package sales growth to Austria, Belgium, Hungary, and Ireland.
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Hotel food sourcing and preparation ‘unsustainable’

🍴 The hospitality sector aims to cut food-related carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. On Jan 20, 2025, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Iberostar released a white paper addressing the unsustainability of hotel food sourcing and preparation. Hotels account for less than 0.5% of global meals yet contribute 1% of food-related emissions and 3% of food waste. A hotel meal's carbon footprint is three times that of a home-cooked meal, prompting a call for urgent changes to minimize the environmental impact.
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The year of the AI agent

💻 In 2025, Generative AI (Gen AI) specializes, enhancing healthcare, legal, and financial sectors with efficiency and accuracy. AI becomes multimedia experts, crafting campaigns with scripts, storyboards, and soundtracks, refining through real-time feedback. On-device AI, powered by model compression and specialized chips, reduces latency, boosts privacy, and increases accessibility, moving from cloud to phones and watches. Gen AI steps up as a creative partner, influencing culture with AI-generated content. Read more on Hotelemarketer.
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How small businesses shape Europe’s hospitality industry

🏨 Hospitality SMEs in Europe, crucial to local economies, face challenges against larger businesses. As of Jan 17, 2025, with chain hotels comprising 43% of hotel rooms, SMEs grapple with competitive disadvantages like less brand recognition and funding. Chain expansion and traveler behavior shifts, such as preferences for shorter stays, further pressure independents into adopting new strategies or joining larger entities. Full details at Statista.
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