Innovation

📰 STAAH's "Get Google" connects properties to Google’s hotel booking engine, increasing visibility and direct bookings while reducing OTA reliance. Appearing on Google Search, Maps, and Travel, it integrates with booking engines for seamless reservations. "Get Google" lowers commission costs and boosts competitiveness in the hospitality market. To integrate, STAAH partners activate the add-on, aiming for higher returns and improved guest relationships. More information and activation available through STAAH's website and sales team.

🚂 Virgin Trains Ticketing enhances its collaboration with SilverRail, introducing 'Gen 2' split ticketing and 'Cheaper Routes' to offer up to 78% savings on some routes. Customers now have cheaper, indirect options on 33% of peak morning searches. The new features aim to simplify fare systems and add value to train travel, with Virgin Points rewards and a double points promotion until December 15. This partnership marks SilverRail's first provision of indirect journey tools to a British rail ticket retailer.

🛫 Travelport and ETN expanded their agreement, enhancing travel retail experiences with AI-powered search and enriched content. ETN, led by Managing Director Nikos Bolias, aims to simplify travel options for corporate and marine clients. Travelport+ will provide ETN's global clients with normalised NDC content and modern retailing tools. The Cyprus-based agency will benefit from Travelport's Content Curation Layer for efficient trip searches. Fred Lindgren of Travelport emphasized the commitment to delivering choice and value in travel retailing.

🏕 Tour Amigo, a travel sector connectivity provider, is transforming destination promotion by introducing Micro Destination Platforms (MDPs) for Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) and tourism boards. MDPs integrate with current DMO websites, enabling a branded marketplace without complex redevelopment. The platform helps DMOs promote local experiences, increase visitor stays, and spending while supporting sustainable tourism. DMOs gain insights on regional trends, and local operators can connect to OTAs, agents, and wholesalers. For partnerships, visit touramigo.com/dmo-partnerships. CEO Murray Decker emphasizes ease of connection between travelers and regional experiences.

🚢 Ice Travel Group has launched a dedicated cruise hub in collaboration with Cruise Critic, aiming to enhance cruise holiday search for its TravelSupermarket and icelolly.com customers. The hub will feature millions of cruise deals, informative content, and tailored advice. Stuart Barrett, Ice Travel Group's commercial director, anticipates the hub to boost UK cruise passenger numbers in 2025. In 2024, Ice Travel Group expects to deliver over 42 million package holiday searches to its partners. The partnership between Cruise Critic and Ice Travel Group is designed to redefine cruise search experiences and expand cruising's presence in the UK market.

✈ The International Air Transport Association (IATA) inaugurated a new office and training centre in Abu Dhabi to address the increasing need for skilled aviation professionals. The facility, officially opened by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, will offer over 60 courses in areas like safety and cargo management starting in 2025. IATA's Abu Dhabi team has expanded by 140% in 18 months, emphasizing the UAE's role as a global aviation hub.

🛫 IATA warns "severe" supply chain issues affecting airlines will persist into 2025, impacting costs and growth. From a peak of 1,813 aircraft deliveries in 2018, 2024 saw only 1,254, a 30% shortfall. Deliveries are expected to increase to 1,802 in 2025, short of the 2,293 predicted. The backlog has reached 17,000 new aircraft, taking an estimated 14 years to fulfill at current rates, doubling the 2013-2019 average. The global fleet's average age has hit 14.8 years, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) making up only 0.3% of jet fuel production and 11% of renewable fuel in 2024. Airlines' net margin stands at 3.6%.

🏨 Amadeus and Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national carrier, have extended their distribution agreement, including the global deployment of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content starting Q1 2025. Saudia aims to enhance its airline products and services, offering dynamic offers and hyper-personalization for passengers, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Integration with the Amadeus Travel Platform is expected to be seamless due to Saudia's existing use of Amadeus Altéa NDC, promising improved transparency and servicing for travel sellers worldwide.