The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is bolstering its collaborative partnership with the Airport Services Association (ASA).
By strengthening ties, the organisations seek to improve ground handling safety and efficiency through standardisation, the promotion of safety data sharing, and collaborating on new approaches to enhance sector resilience.
According to IATA senior vice-president for operations, safety, and security Nick Careen: “Global standards make aviation safer, and ASA and its members have been pivotal in helping develop the IATA ground handling standards we rely on today. By sharing data, we will be able to support this vital activity with data-driven insights and decisions. Maximising the impact of data relies on broad contributions. We encourage ground handler participation to strengthen our collective insights.
For his part, ASA director-general Fabio Gamba remarked: “This partnership is a significant milestone that leverages the expertise of both IATA and ASA. By coordinating our approach, we will ensure more robust support for ground and cargo handling professionals worldwide. Our goal is to ensure that standards and best practices are in place that the entire industry can rely on”
Working together for progress
The collaboration will include the sharing of safety data between the involved parties.
Through ASA’s Safety Incident Database and IATA’s Incident Data Exchange which is a part of IATA’s Global Aviation Data Management initiative), both organisations will share and analyse safety information to proactively address safety issues related to ground and cargo handling.
At the same time, ASA will continue to work with IATA in the development of industry best practices and standards related to ground and cargo handling, taking advantage of relevant data.
In particular, this work will focus on key documents such as the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), their adoption by the industry and reduction of variations.
Hilton announced the opening of two new hotels in Japan, a move that shows its drive to expand its presence in the country.
The opening of the Hilton Kyoto marks the debut of the company’s flagship brand in the city considered to be the heart of cultural tourism in Japan.
Likewise, the opening of the Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is another milestone, as it is the first Canopy property to open outside of China.
Two distinctive properties
Hilton area vice-president and head for Japan, Korea, and Micronesia Joseph Khairallah expressed his pleasure at the opening of Hilton’s flagship brand hotel in Kyoto.
Khairallah said: “With its strategic location and signature Hilton hospitality, Hilton Kyoto is ideally suited to serve business and leisure demand in the Kyoto market. The hotel is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of guests along with our four other hotels in the city. We look forward to providing our signature hospitality and thoughtful service to both international and domestic guests in Kyoto.”
For his part, Hilton president in the Asia Pacific Alan Watts remarked on the timely opening of Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, given that the city is getting ready to welcome global travellers next year for Expo 2025.
Watts said: “We are proud to debut our Canopy by Hilton brand and deliver truly bespoke, locally inspired stays in one of the world’s most sophisticated travel destinations. Canopy Osaka Umeda represents yet another exciting growth chapter for Hilton, this time within the vibrant, fast-growing lifestyle category, and is set to define new benchmarks for hospitality once again.”
Infusing tradition into modern hospitality
Hilton Kyoto is situated in the Kawaramachi Sanjo neighborhood, approximately 15 minutes by car from Kyoto Station or a two-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line.
The hotel offers convenient access to major tourist attractions such as the world-famous Kiyomizu Temple, known for its distinctive architecture, as well as the Heian Jingu Shrine.
Hilton Kyoto is also within walking distance of Gion and Pontocho, entertainment enclaves well-known for their traditional streetscapes.
The design of Hilton Kyoto is centered around the concept of creating a ‘Kyoto synapse’: seamlessly connecting guests to the city’s unique blend of history, modernity, tradition, and innovation.
Drawing inspiration from orimono, Kyoto’s iconic textiles, the hotel’s design elements of intricate lattice patterns greet guests upon arrival in the stunning five-storey atrium lobby.
A colourful addition to a dynamic city
Located within one of Japan’s most exciting urban centers, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda offers a thoughtfully curated, boutique stay, drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy and cultural heritage of Osaka.
Whether for business or leisure, guests are invited to experience a modern and stylish stay rooted in the culture of the local area.
Located within the expansive GRAND GREEN OSAKAurban complex, the hotel is surrounded by UMEKITA PARK, lifestyle stores, and community spaces that foster idea generation, innovation and collaboration amongst organizations and institutes in public and private sectors.
Conveniently located an approximately seven-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, the hotel provides easy access to major JR, Hankyu and Osaka Metro lines, with Kansai International Airport just an hour away by train.
In this prime location, the hotel also serves as an ideal base for exploring neighboring cities like Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara.
As a Canopy signature offering, guests can also immerse themselves in the surroundings with complimentary rental bicycles to explore the unique neighborhoods.
Royal Caribbean International announced a new 12-ship lineup of trips covering a variety of adventures across Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Northeast for every type of family and vacationer to get away any time of year.
These new itineraries will go on sale today, 20th November, and tomorrow, 21st November.
Headlining the adventures are four to 12 nights of island-hopping to idyllic destinations, including the vacation brand’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and the newest addition to the Royal Beach Club Collection, Royal Beach Club Cozumel, opening in Mexico in 2026.
All aboard the best ships on the seas
The revolutionary Icon of the Seas from Miami and the next in the best-selling Icon Class, Star of the Seas, from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, will take centre stage with bold seven-night vacations to the eastern and western Caribbean.
There are even more tropical getaways in store on all-time favourites from Tampa; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Galveston, Texas, as well as Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on the soon-to-be-amplified Allure of the Seas, set for an epic transformation with an unmatched combination of thrills and ways to chill.
For adventures to picturesque spots from the Northeast, vacationers will also have the ultimate lineup from Cape Liberty, New Jersey; or Baltimore.
Fun in the sun
The range of sun-soaked destinations have experiences of all kinds, from adrenaline-pumping water slides at Thrill Waterpark and the first adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, on Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas to Labadee, Haiti, featuring five jaw-dropping shorelines and the world’s longest overwater zip line.
Vacationers also have the ultimate beach day in store with pools, swim-up bars and more at Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026.
Plus, more adventures await across the eastern, southern and western Caribbean at Nassau, The Bahamas; Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, as well as up north at spots like Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada.
United reported bookings to European destinations are up nearly 30% compared to 2019 and up almost 10% versus last year, as more Americans opt to spend their holiday dollars on experiences. According to a recent Deloitte survey, consumer spending on holiday experiences is expected to rise 16% this year, while spending on physical gifts remain flat.
Europe’s markets are a cultural tradition dating back hundreds of years, and millions of people from around the world visit them annually to experience festive offerings like mulled wine, artisan crafts, live music, picturesque scenery and more.
As the world’s largest airline, measured by available seat miles, United is ready for its busiest holiday season ever and plans to offer nearly 60 nonstop flights each day from its U.S. hubs to Europe in November and December, more than any other U.S. airline. Connecting travelers can visit even more Christmas markets with United’s partners, offering seamless connections through the air with Lufthansa Group or by rail with Deutsche Bahn.
“The European Christmas markets have become even more popular in recent years and no airline makes it easier than United to get away and visit for the holidays,” said Darren Scott, United’s Director of Atlantic and Hawaii Planning. “Stay for a week or make it a long weekend with nonstop flights and easy connections to more than 130 European cities, including the legendary markets in Dresden, Strasbourg, Vienna and Cologne.”
Delta’s first-of-its-kind partnership with Shake Shack will begin on flights out of Boston on Dec. 1, with plans for expansion to other U.S. markets throughout 2025. In a sky-high collaboration that’s sure to make your taste buds take off, Delta is teaming up with Shake Shack to serve delicious burgers at 30,000 feet.
Delta’s first-of-its-kind partnership with Shake Shack will begin on flights out of Boston on Dec. 1, with plans for expansion to other U.S. markets throughout 2025. Customers sitting in First Class on routes over 900 miles will be able to pre-select a Shake Shack Cheeseburger as their meal option.
“A delicious cheeseburger is an iconic comfort food – our customers know that which is why burgers are one of the top ordered menu items we offer, and we’re thrilled to elevate the offering with Shake Shack,” said Stephanie Laster, Managing Director of Onboard Service. “However, our partnership with Shake Shack goes beyond the burger. Shake Shack’s people-first culture and commitment to enriching their neighborhoods are spot on with our own brand values of service excellence and helping the communities we serve.”
Whether it’s your first time having one of their iconic burgers or you’re a long-time fan, you’ll enjoy premium ingredients in every bite. The Shake Shack Cheeseburger features a 100% Angus beef patty, topped with cheese and served on a toasted potato bun. You can customize your burger to create the signature ShackBurger, with toppings like tomato, lettuce and Shake Shack’s famous ShackSauce, all served on the side. The meal also features chips, a Caesar salad, and a dark chocolate brownie reminiscent of Shack Attack flavors from some of the brand’s dessert offerings.
“At Shake Shack, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to meet our guests where they are, even at 35,000 feet,” said Michael Kark, President of Global Licensing at Shake Shack. “Taking our beloved cheeseburger to new heights, Shake Shack is proud to partner with Delta as we elevate the in-flight dining and hospitality experience for travelers across the country.”
The Shake Shack Cheeseburger will be available via pre-select; customers can make and edit their entrée selection up to 24 hours in advance using the Fly Delta app or a link in their email, starting seven days before departure.
The collaboration between Delta and Shake Shack builds on Delta’s longstanding relationship with Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) and Danny Meyer, Founder & Executive Chairman of USHG, who also founded Shake Shack. Meals from Union Square Events, USHG’s catering arm, are available on select Delta flights out of JFK.
Trip.com announced robust growth in its financial and operations results for the quarter ending 30th September 2024.
In its quarterly report, the Chinese travel platform showed a 20 percent increase in outbound hotel and flight reservations during the third quarter compared with the same period in 2019.
This improved performance was attributed to higher consumer confidence and equally heightened travel sentiment.
Trip.com chief executive Jane Sun remarked: “We are delighted to witness the resilience of the travel market. Through our hard work, we are proud to create new job opportunities for young people and bring new business volume to our partners in the travel industry.”
Robust growth in the third quarter
Trip.com’s executive chair James Liang pointed out that both domestic and international travel exhibited robust growth in the third quarter of the year.
The OTA recorded a 16 percent year-on-year increase in revenue to around US$2.3 billion, driven by stronger travel demand.
Liang said: “With increasing consumer confidence and heightened travel sentiment, we are optimistic about the continued growth of the travel industry. Additionally, we are confident that the AI-driven technological revolution will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global travel industry.”
The Q3-2024 results included accommodation reservation revenue of approximately US$969 million, up 22 percent over the same period in 2023, and a five percent increase in transportation revenue to about US$805 million.
Packaged-tour revenue rose by 17 percent to about US$222 million.
Net income attributable to shareholders also grew by 48 percent to US$962 million.
New GBTA research highlights strong global optimism, increased budgets and shifting travel patterns across regions as companies navigate the future.
As 2024 draws to a close, there is strong sentiment from the global business travel industry that the year outperformed expectations, paving the way for increased budgets, strategic investments and growth initiatives for 2025. This is according to a new research poll by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) where 86% of global business travel buyers and travel suppliers surveyed said that business travel performed on par or better than they anticipated in 2024.
Additionally, with 67% of professionals stating their general outlook is optimistic for the industry’s future, the results suggest a strong desire for business travel expansion in 2025. This underscores the industry’s resilience and adaptability over the past few years and highlights an increased focus ahead on budgets, technology and sustainability, even as companies navigate rising travel costs and evolving traveler preferences.
“GBTA’s findings illustrate an industry at a pivotal point. Business travel is more than rebounding, it’s transforming − driven by the need to manage costs and risk, ensure strong traveler productivity and experience, and drive responsible growth. As 2025 approaches, industry leaders are balancing expansion with accountability, looking to harness new technology, trip trends and sustainable practices to enable business travel to continue to deliver incredible value in a rapidly changing world,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA.
Now in its 35th edition, the poll reflects responses from almost 900 business travel professionals worldwide, offering significant insights into the trends, challenges and future expectations for global business travel. Here are some of the key findings fromthe GBTA Business Travel Industry Outlook Poll:
Positive sentiment and optimism, now and ahead
When asked how they thought the business travel sector has fared in 2024, survey results reveal that 93% of travel buyers and 79% of travel suppliers believe the sector has met or exceeded their expectations, despite variable economic and operational conditions.
As business travel professionals prepare for the new year, two-thirds (67%) report an optimistic outlook. Only 6% are pessimistic. North America and Latin America lead this optimistic sentiment, at 71% and 72%, respectively. Buyers, in particular, report more confidence than suppliers, with 71% of buyers expressing optimism for 2025, compared with 62% for suppliers.
While travel programs are keeping an eye on the economy, few plan to limit business travel next year. Over half (55%) are unlikely or are not seriously considering limiting business travel in 2025. Only 17% are limiting business travel because of economic concerns.
A rising share of buyers (52%, up from 44% in 2023) predict an increase in their corporate travel budgets, to support customer-facing meetings, sales initiatives, conferences, and internal collaborations. Some 7% expect budgets to be “significantly” higher. Only 16% of buyers anticipate reduced budgets, demonstrating a continuing, clear commitment to in-person engagement in 2025.
Asked to select up to three top factors driving their optimism for the year ahead, business travel buyers and suppliers most commonly say easing travel costs/corporate budgets keeping pace (46%), improving economy/inflation reduction (44%), and increased traveler confidence/more requests for travel (40%).
Emerging patterns and preferences of business travellers
The survey also reflects ongoing shifts in traveler preferences. The trend of “blended travel” − combining work trips with leisure purposes − continues to be on the rise, with almost half of buyers (46%) saying employees at their company are taking more “bleisure” trips today than they did a year ago. Only 9% say employees are taking fewer blended trips.
In-person meetings continue to bounce back. Three in five buyers (59%) say their company’s employees are attending more in-person meetings and conferences now than they did a year ago. Additionally, 45% of travel buyers said their employees wanted to travel more this year compared to 2023.
“Linked” business trips that combine multiple meetings and/or stops in a single trip continue to increase. Over half of buyers (53%) say their company’s employees are taking more linked trips than they did a year ago. However, day trips for business are on the decline while trip duration increases. A larger number of buyers report seeing fewer day trips (27%) over the past year than more day trips (21%). Additionally, over a third of buyers (36%) report longer duration of trips versus last year.
Challenges Ahead: Cost, compliance and complexities
The survey reveals that balancing ambitious goals with practical constraints will be a central challenge in 2025. Companies must navigate budget limitations alongside pressures for technological and sustainable transformation. Cost control remains paramount, cited by three-quarters of travel buyers (78%) as one of the most important strategic priorities for their program next year, alongside traveler safety (65%) and return on investment of travel (49%).
In terms of the most significant barriers travel managers are anticipating next year, the top concern by far is rising travel costs and budgets not keeping pace (74%), followed by technology evolution (40%) and employee travel program compliance (40%).
Sustainability remains a complex but critical focus
For 2024, 46% of travel professionals say sustainability was a high priority, with 44% already integrating sustainability initiatives into their programs. However, travel buyers say obstacles remain, as 75% cite higher costs as a barrier, along with concerns about complexity (not knowing where to begin), ambiguous emissions measurement standards, and traveler inconvenience.
Travel buyers also saw gains in employees making more sustainable travel choice, with one-third reporting a year-over-year increase in rail/train travel (38%) and multimodal trips (33%). Europe leads all regions in these metrics, showing that availability of practical rail options is a table stake in enabling a further rise in traveler sustainable selections going forward.
Further, respondents based in Europe (61%) and APAC (64%) are more likely to say sustainability is a high priority than respondents based in North America (34%). At the same time, 60% of buyers in Europe, versus 36% in North America, have already integrated sustainability into their travel programs, reflecting regional differences in commitment (and available options) to environmental strategies.
Technology adoption and AI integration remain a top priority
With digital transformation as a priority, nearly half (49%) of travel programs plan to ramp up investments in technology. Yet challenges persist—budget constraints, integration issues, and data security remain significant hurdles that organizations must address to realize technology’s full potential.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction as a core component of strategic operational enhancement within the industry. Two in five GBTA respondents (44%, up from 32% last year) say they are excited about the impact of AI on the business travel industry, while one in four (23%) feel it is too early to determine the impact of AI.
The poll finds only 14% of buyers currently use AI in their travel programs, but this marks an 8-point increase from the previous year, suggesting a heightening interest and adoption rate. While important, AI is not a top priority for 34% of buyer participants and 26% view it as a low or no priority, though there is a noticeable shift towards recognizing AI’s critical value.
Navigating NDC implementation challenges and opportunities
New Distribution Capability (NDC) stands out as a critical area where the industry’s push for innovation meets practical challenges. While 29% of travel management companies (TMCs), online booking tools (OBTs) and global distribution systems (GDSs) report smooth NDC content implementation and are now offering NDC content to their clients, half (52%) encountered challenges, signaling a complex transition but with a noticeable movement towards broader acceptance.
The buyers’ journey towards NDC adoption reflects a mixture of enthusiasm and hurdles, with 16% citing a seamless implementation and 31% facing challenges. This delineates a landscape of cautious optimism and the recognition of NDC as an essential but challenging evolution in travel distribution. There is stronger implementation/adoption in Europe (54%) and APAC (50%) than in North America (45%) and LATAM (29%).
Effective 1 June 2025, Etihad Airways will conclude its unilateral codeshare and bilateral frequent flyer partnership with Virgin Australia. The decision reflects a divergence in the strategic direction of the respective airlines.
As a result, when the termination takes effect passengers will no longer be able to book Virgin Australia-operated flights through Etihad’s booking channels. For Etihad customers with existing bookings that include a Virgin Australia-operated segment, there will be no changes to their itineraries. Members will not earn Guest Miles on Virgin Australia-operated flights from 01 June, 2025 onwards.
Etihad Airways remains dedicated to serving Australia, as it has since 2007. For Summer 2025, the airline will increase its flights to Sydney and Melbourne, offering Australian guests an exceptional flying experience, loyalty benefits, and connections to its expanding global network.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, is proud to announce the launch of a new strategic partnership with MASkargo, the cargo airline and subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group.
This partnership, inaugurated today by Qatar Airways Cargo’s Chief Officer Cargo, Mr Mark Drusch, and MASkargo’s Chief Executive, Mr Mark Jason Thomas, marks a significant milestone in enhancing global cargo connectivity and operational efficiency.
The collaboration, which officially began on 1 October 2024, has already seen the successful movement of approximately 2,400 tonnes of cargo, including over 600 tonnes of perishables and 130 tonnes of pharmaceuticals.
Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777 flights will now operate from Doha to Kuala Lumpur twice a week, increasing weekly cargo capacity by over 200 tonnes. The strategic partnership will further solidify connectivity and efficiency to Sydney and Melbourne with MASkargo Airbus A330 freighters carrying more than 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to these cities, with a swift connection time of just eight hours in Kuala Lumpur. The strategic hubs at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) will play a pivotal role, providing seamless connections and state-of-the-art handling facilities.
The agreement benefits both parties, allowing MASkargo to access key points in Europe, GCC, Levant and Africa, while Qatar Airways Cargo gains increased capacity access to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North East Asia. It also supports the local market in Kuala Lumpur by enabling the export of products to more global markets.
Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, Mark Drusch, said: “As the world’s leading global air cargo carrier, this partnership with MASkargo is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service and tailored solutions while expanding our global network through strategic alliances.
“By combining our strengths, we are able to offer our customers enhanced connectivity and efficiency, ensuring their products reach global markets in optimal condition. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and remain committed to setting the standard for excellence in the air cargo industry.”
MASkargo Chief Executive Officer, Mark Jason Thomas, added: “Today marks an exciting step forward for MASkargo as we join forces with Qatar Airways Cargo to create a truly interconnected global cargo network. This partnership represents a significant advancement in MASkargo’s mission to connect our customers to the world with increased speed and efficiency.
“With this partnership, MASkargo is now better positioned than ever to serve as a bridge between South East Asia and key international destinations. This alliance with Qatar Airways Cargo strengthens our infrastructure and capacity, empowering us to support the regional economy and facilitate the movement of high-demand goods to a larger global market, furthermore, setting new standards in cargo transportation”.
In July 2024, Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver an enhanced product offering to cargo customers and achieve operational synergies. This strategic joint cargo business agreement allows both airlines to leverage each other’s network strengths and fleet capacity, significantly increasing cargo offerings.
The collaboration between Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines extends beyond cargo. As members of the oneworld alliance, both airlines have a strong partnership on the passenger side as well. The codeshare agreement, which includes 62 destinations across Malaysia, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, exemplifies their commitment to providing seamless travel experiences. The strategic MoU signed in 2022 further enhances this partnership, facilitating an increase in flight options and destinations for passengers.
The premier event of the MICE and Wedding industry, the 8th International MICE & Wedding Forum – IMWF 8th Edition, is opening its doors on April 3-6, 2025.
This prestigious event, hosted by Regnum Carya and powered by Inventum Global, will bring together professionals from the MICE, Wedding, Hotel, and Airline industries, becoming one of the most influential international gathering points in the sector.
IMWF 8th Edition stands out as a platform where leading MICE and Destination Wedding agencies from around the world “set the pulse of the industry and establish business connections.
Taking place next April, hosted by Regnum Carya and powered by Inventum Global, IMWF will offer participants a program filled with experiential events, inspiring speakers, B2B meetings, and industry representatives, providing an opportunity to share the latest sector developments and connect with peers.
Participants will experience an unforgettable journey in the industry with the impressive content and special surprise events of IMWF 8th Edition. In an environment where they can explore international business opportunities, they will have the chance to meet industry leaders and establish business connections.
Bünyat Özpak, Co-Founder of Inventum Global, made the following statement regarding IMWF 8th Edition: “As Inventum Global, we are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary this year. At the same time, our main sponsor, Regnum Carya, is also celebrating its 10th year. We congratulate them on this occasion and sincerely thank them for the support and trust they have shown us.
Next year, the IMWF taking place at such a special venue as Regnum Carya, one of the world’s best hotels and a successful host of many national and international high-profile events like the G20 Summit, will create a significant impact on the international stage for our country and generate serious sectoral interaction. We are continuing all our preparations in line with this goal and are preparing a program full of special surprises to offer our participants an unforgettable experience.
At this event, participants will not only make business connections but also be part of a platform where they can develop friendships with industry gurus.
