The post SAF Technology Rollout is Main Bottleneck to Net Zero, not Feedstock Availability: IATA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in partnership with Worley Consulting, has published a study demonstrating that sufficient sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock exists to enable the airline industry to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. All feedstocks considered meet stringent sustainability criteria and do not lead to changes in land use.

The study also identified significant barriers in using that feedstock for SAF production, namely:

• The slow pace of technology rollout that would enable SAF to be produced from varied sources. Currently the only commercially scaled SAF production facilities use HEFA technology, for example converting used cooking oil into SAF.
• Competition with other potential users of the same feedstock. Policies allocating biomass feedstock to hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation must be prioritized.

Airlines will need 500 million tonnes (Mt) of SAF to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the IATA Net Zero Roadmaps. This can be achieved from two main sources:

• Biomass: This has the potential to produce more than 300 Mt of bio-SAF annually by 2050. Some of this potential could be limited by use for competing sources. This potential could be expanded by unlocking additional feedstocks or through efficiency gains and technology improvements over intervening decades.
• Power-to-liquid (PtL): This will be required to reach 500 Mt of SAF production annually by 2050. Maximizing the volumes of cost-effective bio-SAF will reduce the pressure on e-SAF to bridge the gap.

In all cases, to maximize SAF output, it will be essential to improve conversion efficiencies, accelerate technology rollout, enhance feedstock logistics, and invest in better infrastructure required to scale up commercial facilities across all regions.

“We now have unequivocal evidence that if SAF production is prioritized then feedstock availability is not a barrier in the industry’s path to decarbonization. There is enough potential feedstock from sustainable sources to reach net zero carbon emissions in 2050. However, this will only be accomplished with a major acceleration of the SAF industry’s growth. We need shovels in the ground now,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Key findings from the report include:

• There are sufficient sustainable feedstocks and SAF production technologies to decarbonize aviation and meet the net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.
• With the right policies and investments, more than 300 Mt of SAF from biomass feedstocks could be produced annually by mid-century and around 200 Mt from e-SAF.

The main challenges are:

• • Enhancing the feedstock supply chain infrastructure, scaling up novel sources that meet sustainability criteria, and ensuring that the feedstocks identified for SAF production are made available to the air transport industry.
  • Accelerating technology rollout to unlock new SAF production technologies, especially PtL, including reliable access to the low-cost renewable electricity, hydrogen, and carbon capture infrastructure which are all required as part of the PtL production method.
  • Achieving coordinated government policies to support innovation, and investment to create a fully functioning SAF market, unlocking new economic opportunities.
  • Rallying regional leadership, with North America, Brazil, Europe, India, China, and ASEAN identified as key drivers of global SAF output.
  • Activating the energy industry to invest in SAF production capacity, support technology commercialization, and align their business strategies with global decarbonization goals.

“The report highlights the local and regional opportunities for SAF production to create jobs, stimulate economies and support energy security goals. Governments, energy producers, investors, and the aviation sector must work together, de-risk investment, and accelerate rollout. Policy certainty and cross-sector collaboration are essential to unlock the scale we need. The time to act is now—delays will only make the challenge harder,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.

“With this study it becomes clear that we can make SAF the solution it needs to be for aviation’s decarbonization. The potential to turn SAF feedstock into real SAF production is in the hands of policymakers and business leaders, particularly in the energy sector. The conclusion of this study is an urgent call to action. We have just 25 years to turn this proven potential into reality,” said Walsh.

 

 

 

 

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The post Sabre introduces its first agentic travel solutions appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global travel technology firm Sabre Corporation announced its first agentic solutions for travel on Tuesday, 23rd September.

Sabre’s latest innovation builds on the expansive reach and richness of its industry-leading travel data cloud to power a new era of AI-driven retailing.

Central to the solution are agentic-ready APIs made possible by a new, proprietary Model Context Protocol (MCP) server which acts as a universal translator, making the complex language of travel technology understandable to any AI agent. 

Together, these tools unlock the ability for AI to seamlessly shop, book, service and optimize trips in real time, moving agentic AI from promise to practical reality as a critical accelerator for travel industry innovation.

By empowering agentic AI, Sabre’s ambition is to move beyond digital optimisation to solve customer pain-points that typically drain time and patience. 

The first capabilities will focus on flights, hotels and post-booking services.

A world of limitless possibility 

There are endless possibilities to transform travel using agentic AI. 

For example, the following kinds of agentic tools could be built using Sabre’s agentic API:

• IROPS Call-Centre Proxy Agent that waits on hold with an airline, secures a same-day rebooking, pays with stored card details and updates the traveler’s calendar automatically;
• Hotel Ops Agent that calls at midnight to confirm a late arrival, ensures the room isn’t resold and arranges oat milk for breakfast;
• Agent-to-Agent Collaboration Agent that works directly with another agency’s AI to finalise complex changes such as split tickets or fare combinability;
• Visa & Compliance Agent that completes online applications, pays fees and attaches documents to the booking record; and
• Expense Filing Agent that gathers receipts, codes them correctly and submits a full report in line with company policy. 

These are the kinds of tasks travelers and agents waste hours on today; by leveraging Sabre’s MCP and agentic APIs, tools could allow these to be handled in the background, creating smoother journeys and lower costs.

A new age for Sabre IQ

Underpinning this innovation is Sabre IQ, the company’s systemic AI layer. 

Sabre IQ has advanced from powering retail optimization to using Large Language Model (LLM) technology: AI that can understand and respond in natural, conversational language.

But, being ‘smart’ on its own isn’t enough: data is the key differentiator here, and the Sabre IQ AI Layer is powered by an unrivaled bedrock of travel intelligence. 

Its capabilities are built on Sabre’s Travel Data Cloud, developed in deep partnership with Google, and containing more than 50 petabytes of historical and real-time signals, all aggregated, anonymised, and encrypted through Sabre’s extensive access control mechanisms, which follow applicable contractual and legal obligations. 

That gives the Sabre IQ AI layer the richest base of travel knowledge anywhere. 

To put that into perspective, 50 petabytes could hold the entire written works of humanity, in every language, many times over.

A fundamental difference 

According to Sabre’s chief product and technology officer Garry Wiseman, there is a difference between being smart and being truly intelligent at scale.

As Wiseman puts it: “With our new MCP server and agentic-ready APIs supported by Sabre IQ and our industry-leading travel data set, we’re planting a stake in the ground. This is the smartest enterprise AI solution in travel, designed for the entire industry to build on. Future possibilities are becoming reality and Sabre is driving that change.”

Unlike fragmented, one-off tools, Sabre’s new agentic capabilities are natively integrated into SabreMosaic, the company’s modular, cloud-native platform. 

This means airlines, agencies, and developers can seamlessly adopt agentic workflows without sacrificing scale, resilience, or trust. 

For travel sellers, this translates into real business value: automation of complex workflows, lower servicing costs, smarter itineraries, and more opportunities to upsell relevant, personalized offers that convert.

Together, these innovations mark the start of a new chapter in travel retailing: one where AI works seamlessly across the ecosystem, and Sabre is setting the pace for what comes next.

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The post IWTA interviews Florence Ang on “Intentional travel” appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

 

IWTA interviews Florence Ang on “Intentional travel”

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to hear their story, please visit our page and complete a nomination form!

 

NOMINATE SOMEONE

 

NOMINATE YOURSELF

 

 

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The post Ibiza eliminates more than 14,500 short-term rental illegal beds, using Mabrian technology appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

A total of 2,831 listings—representing 14,532 unregulated short-term rental (STR) beds—have been removed from Ibiza’s accommodation market. This achievement is the result of a coordinated effort led by the island government’s Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce, in collaboration with Mabrian and with the active support of Airbnb, which has reinforced its commitment to eliminating irregular tourist rental listings on the island.

Mabrian, the global travel intelligence and tourism advisory partner, supported Ibiza’s Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce by providing an advanced tourism intelligence model designed to detect and screen unregulated short-term rentals. This tool enabled the Ibiza Tourism Intelligence System (SIT Eivissa) and the IT department of the Consell Insular d’Eivissa to systematically monitor and inspect listings, owners, and hosts—allowing Airbnb to remove those that failed to comply with current regulations.

“Ibiza is the first destination in Spain to have fully removed illegal short-term rental listings from the Airbnb platform,” announced Vicent Marí, president of the Consell Insular d’Eivissa, during the presentation of the project’s results. The event was also attended by Margarita Prohens, president of the Balearic Islands Government.

President Prohens celebrated the milestone, emphasizing that this success will “allow us to extend these results to the rest of the islands more quickly,” while confirming Airbnb’s commitment to remove unregistered listings across the Balearic Islands by October.

A Milestone Project with Long-Term Vision

The first two phases of this project, carried out over 17 months, began with five months of preparatory work and concluded in July 2024 with the deployment of the final analytical model. This process led to the removal of low-quality listings that could not be considered valid rental properties, as well as those failing to provide a legitimate license number.

“This approach has allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the short-term rental market in Ibiza, and to refine the analytical model incorporating geolocation layers and profiling of hosts and owners, to compare these insights with official records, ensuring greater accuracy and effectiveness,” explained Cristina Panizo, Head of Insights & Tourism Advisory at Mabrian.

The coordinated efforts of the Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce, supported by Mabrian’s data intelligence, enabled the Ibiza’s government—working in collaboration with Airbnb—to regularise Ibiza’s short-term rentals offerings. Between July 2024 and September 17, 2025, a total of 2,831 irregular listings were identified under these criteria and removed from the market.

In terms of capacity, this represents the elimination of 14,532 illegal short-term rentals beds on the island. According to data from the Consell d’Eivissa, the 4,900 visitors who had been staying in illegal STRs each day are now accommodated in properties that comply with current legislation.

“These results represent a significant milestone for this initiative, which will continue to foster the legal short-term rental market in Ibiza through the use of data intelligence—supporting the tourism industry while enhancing the quality of life for the island’s residents,” said Cristina Panizo, Head of Insights & Tourism Advisory at Mabrian.

Vicent Marí, president of Ibiza’s government, also highlighted that the implementation of the Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce and the Ibiza Tourism Intelligence System “allowed us to base decisions on data rather than subjective perceptions, enabling us to defend the island’s legal supply, strengthen a quality tourism model, manage visitor flows, and address the sense of overcrowding experienced during the high season.”

 

 

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The post Velocity Charter Takes Flight as India’s Trusted Partner in Private Aviation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Velocity Charter, a Mumbai-based private aviation company, has quietly become a dependable name for those who need to move swiftly and seamlessly across the country. From government officials to film stars, from corporate leaders to wedding parties, Velocity Charter has been behind the scenes of some of India’s most important journeys.

At the heart of the company is Nisha Sharma, a first-generation entrepreneur whose journey into aviation is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Growing up in a small village in Maharashtra, Nisha had never even boarded an aircraft until adulthood. What started as a chance entry into the aviation industry quickly became a lifelong calling.

Nisha Sharma, Founder & CEO, Velocity Charter said: “When I first came to Mumbai, my goal was to study pharmacy. Aviation wasn’t even on my radar. But once I entered this space, I was captivated. I learned every detail—operations, ground handling, even the smallest protocols. That journey shaped Velocity Charter into what it is today: a company built on resilience, precision, and trust,”

Under her leadership, Velocity Charter has grown into an operation known for its discretion and reliability—qualities essential for high-profile travelers. Today, the company is on the official panel for the Government of Maharashtra and several other state bodies, facilitating ministerial and VVIP travel with the same care it extends to celebrities, artists, and corporate heads.

As India’s appetite for private aviation grows, Velocity Charter sees itself less as a luxury service and more as an enabler—a trusted partner making sure that those who move India forward can do so with ease.

 

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The post Gateway Ahmedabad, Sindhu Bhavan Road opens with 116 keys in Gujarat appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL),  announced the opening of Gateway Ahmedabad, Sindhu Bhavan Road in the heart of the city. Leah Tata, Vice President & Brand Leader, Gateway Hotels & Resorts, IHCL said, “Gateway, curated for the modern traveller serves as a gateway to a destination. Gateway Ahmedabad will deliver hospitality rooted in the spirit of the locale. With this opening, we continue to strengthen the brand’s presence in high-potential urban centres.”

Gateway Ahmedabad features 116 rooms and suites offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary selections at Aura, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serving global and regional favourites, and Latte@Work, a café ideal for casual meetings and artisanal brews. The hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a spa, and an indoor swimming pool. For meetings and celebrations, Gateway Ahmedabad with its versatile banqueting and conferencing spaces is ideal for weddings and social events.

Melvyn Saldhana, General Manager, IHCL said, “Gateway Ahmedabad offers the perfect balance of work and leisure with contemporary offerings and warm service. We look forward to welcoming guests in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad.”
Known for its rich heritage, thriving textile industry, and culinary culture, Ahmedabad is also recognized as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City.

 

 

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The post IT&CMA and CTW APAC opens in Bangkok appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

IT&CMA and CTW Asia, the Asia-Pacific’s only double-billed MICE and corporate travel event, formally opened today, 23rd September, at the Bangkok Convention Centre @ CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand.

Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Media Asia, delivered the opening remarks for the event together with Supawan Teerarat, president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

As with its previous editions, this year’s IT&CM and CTW Asia offered participants a highly engaging programme centred on business, education, and networking for the region’s event professionals.

Considering the needs of an emergent generation of MICE professionals

In her keynote speech which revolved around the theme Design Local Act Quenching the Thirst for Authenticity, Teerarat pointed out how the demands of the younger generation of MICE travellers are breaking the typical mould of event design. 

Indeed, crafting engaging events for such a dynamic audience now involves hands-on experience with the authentic root of the destination; and such experiences should offer an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in niche culture and heritage-embedded creation. 

Teerarat further pointed out that city destinations can exercise deeper creativity to fulfill the expectations, specifically citing the Creative City Model developed by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. 

Through this specific launch platform, the cultural assets and indigenous wisdom of a host city may be leveraged to meet the evolving requirements of MICE audiences.

At the same time, MICE can serve as a platform to drive the development of such sought-after treasures for more refined needs.

Looking towards the future

Teerarat’s keynote was followed by a strategic outlook presentation titled Shaping the Future of Travel delivered by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) chief executive Noor Ahmad Hamid.

Hamid declared that travel remains a powerful economic and social force that has been instrumental in shaping communities and cultures throughout the globe. 

In the course of the session, he shared insights into the global travel outlook over the next three years, highlighting key trends, changing traveller behaviours and strategic opportunities. 

Indeed, as the industry faces growing challenges from sustainability concerns to technological disruption, Hamid explained how destinations could foster growth through inclusive models, cross-sector partnerships, as well as innovative storytelling. 

Participants at the session included destination managers, policymakers and industry leaders looking into data-driven strategies to build a more resilient and purpose-led travel future.

Photos: Gary Marshall

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The post StarDream Cruises brings the thrill of pickleball to its voyages appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

StarDream Cruises takes onboard fun to the next level as it brings pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport, to the high seas.

Starting this season, guests departing from Singapore aboard Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream and those sailing from Keelung and Kaohsiung on StarCruises’ Star Navigator can enjoy the thrill of pickleball while sailing across Asia’s most exciting destinations. 

The  ships’ basketball courts have been transformed into two full pickleball courts on Genting Dream and one on Star Navigator, giving travellers a new way to serve, smash and score  while cruising the high seas. 

According to StarCream Cruises president Michael Goh: “Pickleball is easy to learn, exciting to play and fun for all ages, making it perfect for families, friends, and even first-time cruisers looking to try something new. We’re thrilled to bring this trendy sport onboard so our guests can stay  active, laugh together and make unforgettable memories at sea with us.” 

Play. Cruise. Repeat. 

As of 21st September, guests sailing on the Genting Dream can combine pickleball play  with 2 Night and 3 Night itineraries sailing between Singapore and Melaka, as well as to Penang and Phuket. 

For a longer adventure, travellers can also enjoy more time onboard and more pickleball rallies on the special 5 Night Cruise to South and North Bali, departing exclusively on 30th November.

From Friday, 26th September, guests on the Star Navigator can look forward to longer, more  elaborate itineraries across Asia, enjoying pickleball with stunning sea views as a backdrop.  

From Keelung, she will showcase roundtrip sailings to Japan’s Okinawa and Kyushu, as well  as Jeju and Busan in South Korea. 

From 16th November 2025 to 30th January 2026, Star Navigator will also homeport in Kaohsiung with 2 Night and 5 Night Cruises to Okinawa  (Japan), the Philippines (Laoag, Coron, Boracay, Puerto Princesa) and Vietnam (Ha Long Bay, Da Nang) 

With panoramic sea views and fresh sea breezes, every rally becomes more than just a game: it’s an unforgettable moment at sea. 

Whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a  paddle for the very first time, pickleball at sea is set to be a smash hit. 

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The post Veteran hoteliers take the lead at Quezon City’s Alino Hotel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine property developer Keyland Corporation announced the appointment of a senior leadership team as it prepares to open its 20-story, 128-room boutique hospitality flagship Alino Hotel.

Located along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City, Alino Hotel heralds a period of diversification for Keyland which previously focused on residential and office projects. 

The Quezon City property, scheduled to open in November 2025, is positioned to capture business travelers, medical guests, and families in one of the city’s busiest commercial districts.

A seasoned general manager

Heading operations is general manager Lady May Elegado, a hotelier with more than two decades of experience in both the Philippines and Malaysia. 

Her background includes senior roles at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Berjaya Makati Hotel, and City Garden Grand Hotel. 

Over the course of her career, Elegado has overseen hotel functions ranging from pre-opening to day-to-day operations in both luxury and standard-class properties, giving her broad exposure to multiple areas of management.

An F&B expert on site

On the culinary side, executive chef Rexsan Abarquez will direct the hotel’s food and beverage program, including Kutchara, its all-day dining outlet. 

Abarquez has also logged more than 20 years in the industry, most recently as Executive Sous Chef and Acting Executive Chef at Marco Polo Ortigas. 

His resume includes time with Conrad Manila’s pre-opening team, as well as kitchen posts at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Mandarin Oriental Manila, and Makati Shangri-La.

His experience in international kitchens and high-end hotels allows him to blend global techniques with Filipino flavors.

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The post Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas sponsors local youth football club appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As part of its ongoing commitment to empower Thai youth through sports, Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas steps onto the pitch to champion youth sports by sponsoring local youth football club PP United.

Founded in 2020 by locals of Paknampran, PP United has built a strong reputation in local football circuits, clinching three titles in the Under-13 category at the Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX.

According to the resort’s director of marketing Niti Mokaphun: “This initiative reflects our commitment to giving children from low-to middle-income families the opportunity to experience the joy of sport and, potentially, pursue their dreams of becoming professional football players. We look forward to continuing our support for this club in the future.”

Encouraging others to help

Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi initially donated THB4,000 to help provide essential training resources for 40 young athletes, including sports equipment, apparel, coverage for competition fees, and travel and accommodation support during tournaments.

Earlier this year, the resort also provided financial assistance to the football team at Paknampran School, further reinforcing its commitment to youth development in the region. 

The resort is now inviting its business partners to boost sponsorship efforts, aiming to extend support to even more aspiring football players.

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