Travel Weekly Group Ltd

🏢 84% of consumers prefer rewards over issuer reputation. 55% dine/drink pre-flight, 60% (71% Gen Z) want streamlined experiences. Wellness tourism is projected to grow from $637 billion (2022) to $1.35 trillion by 2028. 62% might switch cards if benefits are lost. Personalisation and partnerships are key for loyalty programs. AI enhances experiences, offering lounges, spas, and local discounts. Loyalty is evolving to include wellness and personalisation, aligning with broader lifestyle trends.

💻 The Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) partnered with SystemsX to offer the Sense AI platform to students at over 35 UK universities and colleges. This initiative aims to enhance travel and tourism students' skills through interactive learning and instant AI feedback. Claire Steiner of ITT highlighted the importance of this tool for real-world experience. The platform, now live, will prepare students for careers in the industry as they train with technology used by travel companies.

🗺️ Dida Holdings, a leading AI-driven travel tech group, unveiled a new structure to unify its brands under Travel, Technology, and New Ventures. Following Daryl Lee's appointment as CEO in October, the company aims to be the top travel ecosystem partner using AI and automation. Core divisions—Dida Hotels, Flights, Go, and Experiences—will expand globally. Operating across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Dida focuses on AI in pricing, connectivity, and sustainability.

💻 Simpson Travel launches the 'Dreamcrafter' holiday finder, a pioneering AI tool, in October 2025. This innovation helps agents find the perfect villa or boutique hotel for clients, offering a personalized, image-led experience. Clients search using terms like 'best infinity pools' or 'uninterrupted sea views.' Managing Director Ed Pyke emphasizes the tool's focus on subjective preferences, enhancing the decision-making process. Head of Trade Sales, Hannah Naylor-Vane, highlights its usefulness for agents and client interaction.

🗺 AI-powered platform Sojern launched its first European Destinations Advisory Board for 2025. This inaugural meeting took place in Paris with notable members from across Europe, including Emma Gordon from Marketing Manchester and Eleni Mitraki from GNTO. The board focuses on audience measurement, sustainability, and AI-led personalization to bolster destination marketing. Sojern's initiative aims to drive Europe's tourism industry forward by collaborating with tourism leaders to develop innovative solutions for global growth.

📹 Expedia's "The Science of Wanderlust" study surveyed 7,000 travelers across seven markets, revealing key content preferences. Video influences travel decisions three times more than static images, with 71% favoring video. Authenticity builds trust, with 52% valuing transparency. Optimal video length is 2-9 seconds. 41% value AI content with human input. Generational divides show younger audiences prefer videos and influencers, while older groups favor brand messaging. Partnered destinations include GoTürkiye and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.