Tag Archive for: Booking

Asia Pacific Gen-Zs and Millennials seek to unlock value with one loyalty program

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A survey by Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program of Marriott International, has found that a majority of Gen Zs and Millennials in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) prefer the simplicity of belonging to one comprehensive loyalty travel program.

While 60% of APEC Gen Zs and Millennials are actively subscribed to loyalty programs, the challenge of juggling several loyalty programs has led most (57%) to seek out one program that meets all their travel needs. Marriott Bonvoy carried out the survey of 1,000 respondents across ten markets in APEC to better understand the shifting attitudes of Millennials and Gen Zs and their travel behaviors. The survey identified an emerging generation of travel-focused, value-driven “Savvy Explorers” in APEC who seek to maximize their travel dollars and unique travel experiences.

Travel in 2024 is a priority for Gen Zs and Millennials: 73% report their intentions to take at least two trips in the next 12 months and 91% plan to spend the same, if not more, on their trips compared to the year before. Travel is viewed as an essential lifestyle component, and most are willing to reduce everyday spending on dining out (60%), shopping sprees (57%) and their daily coffee (54%) so as to spend more on a holiday.

“Survey results suggest that Gen Zs and Millennials in APEC are purposefully strategizing how they can channel value from their everyday spend toward rewarding travel experiences. They also prefer to be part of only one all-encompassing loyalty travel program which fulfills their needs. To this end, Marriott Bonvoy – which gives members access to over 30 brands in 10,000 destinations — is well positioned to deliver greater value and unlock more experiences for Gen Zs and Millennials,” says John Toomey, Marriott International’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China.

“As testament to the program’s appeal, we have seen Marriott Bonvoy’s membership base in APEC grow by more than 50% since 2019. What’s more encouraging is that our members are highly active. They earned 40% more points in 2023 compared to 2022, and are putting their points to good use, with points redemptions increasing by more than 55% in the same period,” he reveals.

The trend of greater member growth and activity extends to the Marriott Bonvoy app. APEC member enrolment via digital channels grew by more than 25%, with mobile app downloads and active users more than doubling in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The regional survey also uncovered notable trends amongst Gen Zs and Millennials across the 10 APEC countries. Market-specific trends can be found in Annex A.

Travel value unlocked through everyday spend

Savvy Explorers take considered steps to unlock travel value through everyday spend. Leveraging on their familiarity with loyalty programs, APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials employ varied tactics to maximize their travel rewards: four in five say they have gone out of their way to use a travel-linked credit card for everyday purchases, and 67% actively use a travel loyalty program to book and redeem local experiences and staycations.

This trend is supported by usage behaviors of Marriott Bonvoy members in APEC. They accumulated points from stays across more than 8,800 Marriott International properties globally, and through everyday spend. Redemption for hotel stays in 2023 registered a 130% increase compared to pre-pandemic times, accounting for the majority of redemptions, followed by points-to-miles conversions on partner airlines.

Hotels become a key destination to explore

Hotel experience is key to winning the hearts and dollars of the Gen Z and Millennial segment, with 99% of respondents believing their hotel choice can make or break their holiday. Hotels are also increasingly viewed as a key destination for exploration, going beyond the role of ‘accommodation’. Nearly four in five respondents expect their hotel to provide curated local programming and experiences, whilst 84% prefer to stay at a hotel with designs and activities reflective of its destination.

The recent debut of Moxy Hotels – noted for its hallmark playful nature, innovative design and contemporary amenities – in key APEC markets exemplifies Marriott International’s commitment to continuously bring new hospitality experiences to the region.

Despite a desire to maximize their travel budgets where they can, their hotel is one area that APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials are willing to invest extra travel dollars towards. Top motivations for new-generation travelers to splurge include the hotel’s room offerings (48%) and location (42%). Whilst amenities remain key considerations, these guests value a seamless travel experience, with mobile-first customer service (61%), reliable WiFi (68%) and flexible check-out (64%) outpacing traditional benefits like lounge access (42%).

Destination ‘dupes’ fuel intra-regional travel demand 

International travel has returned but APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials remain committed to destinations closer to home. While iconic holiday locations like the Swiss Alps and Bora Bora maintain their appeal, 55% are opting for destinations within the region that provide a similar experience. These so-called “destination dupes” are fast gaining traction amongst this segment because they allow Gen Zs and Millennials to stretch their travel expenses (69%), discover something new (63%) and are easily accessible (62%).

As a reflection of robust intra-regional travel demand in 2023, Marriott International saw over 60% of bookings in APEC coming from within the region.

Corporate backpackers on the rise 

Gen Zs and Millennials are also taking bleisure travel up a notch by capitalizing on the opportunity of a business trip to embark on multi-destination tours. In addition to extending their travel plans (68%), 84% plan to explore nearby cities and countries as part of their post-work itinerary.

With more than 560 properties across 24 brands in 22 countries and territories in APEC to choose from, Marriott International offers customers a myriad of options to mix work with pleasure.

Off-peak travel maximizes destination experience 

Gen Zs and Millennials are also carefully planning when to travel to maximize their trip experience. The majority (71%) of Gen Z and Millennials say they would opt to travel during off-peak seasons so as to beat the crowds and get more out of their trip. 67% feel they can do more during low-peak seasons, and 77% leave their holidays feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.

Where Marriott Bonvoy Can Take You

Marriott Bonvoy allows members to earn when they stay or spend at Marriott International’s growing portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands across 139 countries and territories, and in over 8,800 properties. In APEC, members can benefit from the program’s key strategic partnerships with Singapore Airlines and co-branded credits cards in Japan, Korea and India. With Marriott Bonvoy Moments, members can get access to once-in-lifetime experiences such the opportunity to get closer to the action with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team at the Singapore Grand Prix.

 

 

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia

TIS2024 is calling tourism experts to share trends and strategies in tourism innovation

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The dynamic tourism sector is in constant transformation, driven by rapid change and emerging innovations. Technological evolution, a focus on sustainability and changing traveler preferences are setting the future of tourism. To excel in a highly competitive market, tourism businesses and destinations must adapt nimbly to these trends, ensuring their relevance and future success.

From 23 to 25 October 2024, TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit, the annual meeting between the tourism industry and the technology sector, returns to Seville, Spain, to present the most innovative ‘TravelTech’ solutions and success stories of the application of these technologies that help the sector to better understand the new traveler’s demands and offer unique and personalized experiences=.

With this aim, the Tourism Innovation Global Summit looks for tourism leaders to share the latest trends in tourism innovation. Over three days, the conference plans to bring together more than 400 experts from different segments of the tourism industry such as destinations, hospitality, tourist transportation, distribution channels and OTAs, tourist activities and attractions, cultural and leisure tourism, business travel and the MICE sector, to analyze and understand this new, more connected and demanding traveler.

More than 180 sessions will be held in six simultaneous auditoriums with specific forums for each of the segments of the tourism industry and with agendas focused on different professional profiles, such as CEOs, CIOs and CTOs, CXOs, DMOs, CMOs and CSOs and CHROs. In addition, the conference will once again feature an agenda aimed at public tourism representatives from different countries, regions and cities. All professionals and experts in the tourism sector who want to share their inspiring vision with tourism managers, companies and destinations can apply to the Call for Speakers until 31 July 2024.

“Today’s travelers are looking for unique and authentic experiences, hyper-personalization and sustainable choices, and are inspired by a variety of new channels to choose their next destination. The Tourism Innovation Global Summit aims to help tourism companies and destinations understand this paradigm shift and adapt their business model and offerings to new customer needs, without losing sight of the impact of technology and the importance of sustainability in decision-making”, said Ángeles Moreno, Tourism Innovation Global Summit Congress Curator.

The TravelTech revolution

Under the slogan ‘Elevating travel industry with tech’, TIS2024 returns for its fifth edition, focusing on the present and future of the sector, which is characterized by the traveltech revolution. The event will become meeting point to discover technological solutions for the entire value chain of the tourism sector, to provide the tools that help the sector to improve its processes, build a more sustainable industry, and face the current challenges of management and promotion with technology as a facilitating lever. To this end, more than 200 exhibiting firms will showcase the latest technologies in AI, Business Intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, connectivity, 5G and augmented or virtual reality, among others, as well as solutions that help to measure environmental impact, be more sustainable, inclusive and improve accessibility.

The event will also host different networking activities to foster the creation of synergies and knowledge transfer: the Leadership Summit, a lunch that will bring together industry leaders to establish collaborations; the Tourism Innovation Awards 2024, which will recognize organizations that are leading the way in digitalization and sustainability in tourism; and the Touristech Startup Fest, which will allow emerging talents the opportunity to present their projects to investors and leading companies.

 

 

 

 

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WTAAA demands end to unfair skiplagging penalties for agents

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As airfares continue to surge, travellers increasingly turn to skiplagging for more affordable options. Skiplagging is the practice of booking a cheaper flight with a layover at a destination the traveller intends going to, and then intentionally skipping the final leg to secure a lower fare. While this approach can be tempting for cost-conscious travellers, the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) highlights a concerning reality: it’s travel agents who often bear the brunt of the consequences, facing penalties for practices driven by price-conscious consumers who book through the travel agency channel.

“Skiplagging is a long-standing issue in the travel industry that we do not support, but travel agents cannot control customer behaviour once travel is underway,” says Otto de Vries, Executive Director of WTAAA. “While airlines have filed unsuccessful legal cases against consumers who skiplag, they continue to issue Agency Debit Memos (ADMs), penalising agents whose clients break fare rules by not taking a flight segment.”

Otto de Vries

 

A recent survey by passport-photo.online found that over 64% of American flyers skiplag at least 25% of their flights annually, with the practice increasingly popular among younger generations as a way to find cheaper fares and more convenient routes. Social media platforms like TikTok have even promoted skiplagging.

“We do the right thing by booking as per the published fares, but the practice of holding the agent financially responsible when the client breaks airline rules remains a major concern,” says De Vries. “It’s time airlines play a straight game on pricing without huge markups for hub-to-hub tickets versus to final destinations, which would diminish the incentive for skiplagging.”

While skiplagging can constitute a violation of airline terms, a 2019 court case in Berlin dismissed Lufthansa’s attempt to sue a passenger for over US$2,300 in fees avoided by skiplagging, likely due to the difficulty of proving intentionally missed segments.

However, according to IATA Resolution 830a, airlines have an easier path to enforcing penalties against travel agents via ADMs issued through the Billing and Settlement Plan system when agents’ clients go against fare rules without the agent’s knowledge.

“The consequences are clearly uneven based on whether the consumer booked direct or via an accredited agent who unintentionally booked a so-called skiplag itinerary on behalf of their customer,” adds De Vries. “While airlines struggle to punish direct booking consumers legally, they readily fine agents, sometimes contributing to agency closures from the financial impact. This unequal treatment must be addressed.”

WTAAA emphasises that travel agents have a duty to advise clients about the potential risks associated with skiplagging. These risks can include voiding return flights, losing frequent flyer benefits, facing legal action, or having accounts banned by the airline. Ultimately, however, it should not be the travel agents who bear the financial cost of their client’s travel decisions.

WTAAA calls for an open dialogue between the airline industry and travel agent associations to address the increasing issue of skiplagging. This dialogue should focus on finding solutions that protect consumers’ rights to make informed choices while ensuring a fair and sustainable environment in which travel agents can operate.

 

 

 

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Cathay welcomes Olympic medallist Siobhan Haughey as its new brand ambassador

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Cathay proudly announces its collaboration with Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey as its new brand ambassador. Siobhan will feature in Cathay’s latest series of advertisements, embarking on a journey that manifests their shared belief with all of Hong Kong that “Every Move Counts”.

The new Cathay advertisement focuses on Siobhan’s daily training routine. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Siobhan has diligently practiced swimming from a young age. She pushes herself to excel in every detail of her practice – every kick, breath control, turn, and weight training exercise, striving to reach new heights day in, day out. The camera captures her dedication and pursuit of excellence, echoing the spirit of Hong Kong people who strive for breakthroughs by recognising the significance of every little move. Just like Siobhan, Cathay strives to make every move count, no matter how small, and everyone across Cathay’s different teams works together to bring customers on a truly memorable journey.

Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “We are delighted to have Siobhan represent Cathay as our brand ambassador, reflecting our shared commitment to making every move count in our respective fields. Siobhan is not only a world-class athlete, but she is also a genuine symbol of Hong Kong’s diligent pursuit of excellence on the global stage. As we embark on a new journey with Siobhan, we strive to inspire our customers and the people of Hong Kong with our meticulous attention to detail, and help them move forward in life.

“Cathay has deep roots in Hong Kong, and proudly supports the city’s home-grown athletes and their achievements. As a longstanding sponsor of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and the title sponsor of the Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards since 2019, Cathay aims to join hands with the Hong Kong public to pay tribute to the determination, unwavering perseverance, and remarkable talent exhibited by local athletes. Siobhan’s appointment as its brand ambassador further solidifies Cathay’s ongoing commitment to supporting its home city’s sports stars.”

Hong Kong Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey, as Cathay’s brand ambassador, embodies the relentless spirit of Hong Kong. Through this collaboration, Cathay aims to share its belief that “Every Move Counts” with the whole of Hong Kong.

In a scene from the advertisement, Siobhan dives underwater and curls up in contemplation, aiming to depict a moment when an athlete faces a low point. Despite facing challenges and setbacks one after another, she still grits her teeth and gives it her all in every competition. She relentlessly pursues perfection in every detail, reflecting the high standards she sets for herself and the belief that even during difficult times, every moment matters.

Siobhan Haughey, the brand ambassador of Cathay, said: “I am honoured to be the brand ambassador of Cathay. Cathay has always been a source of pride for Hong Kong, and I have cherished memories of travelling with my family on Cathay flights. The impeccable service and attention to detail left a lasting impression on me. Whenever I return home on a Cathay Pacific flight after my training or competitions abroad, hearing the familiar cabin announcements brings a sense of warmth and security. I believe Cathay holds a special place in the hearts of many Hong Kong people, and it remains the preferred airline for me and my family when we travel.”

Cathay is committed to putting customers at the centre of everything it does, constantly striving to enhance every aspect of the customer experience in pursuit of its vision to become one of the world’s greatest service brands. Whether it’s selecting the finest ingredients to offer memorable dining experiences, providing premium cabin facilities and amenities, or the thoughtful service of cabin crew, Cathay aims for perfection in every detail. As depicted in the advertisement, there is a scene where a Cathay Pacific cabin crew member thoughtfully dims the seat light for Siobhan as she rests, ensuring her utmost comfort throughout her journey. It exemplifies Cathay’s dedication to enhancing the experience for each customer, and always being attentive to their needs.

Siobhan shared her experiences of Cathay’s attentive service since her early childhood. The advertisement captures a special moment onboard, where a Cathay Pacific cabin crew member thoughtfully dims Siobhan’s seat light, ensuring her utmost comfort throughout her journey.

Day after day, Siobhan pushes her limits through rigorous weight training. Just like Cathay, she understands the importance of focusing on the details and overcoming challenges with determination. Cathay shares this same dedication, striving to create extraordinary journeys for every customer.

Inspired by its brand concept “Move Beyond”, Cathay firmly believes that travel is more than simply getting from A to B. The premium travel lifestyle brand endeavours to emotionally engage its customers with thoughtful services, moving them forward in life by connecting them with meaningful places, people, and experiences.

Building on this foundation, Cathay always bears in mind the belief that “Every Move Counts”. By focusing on the details and efforts behind every move, Cathay is dedicated to enhancing its service standards to create extraordinary journeys for every customer.

 

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China Eastern Airlines to expand NDC offering with new Amadeus partnership

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China Eastern Airlines becomes the first in China’s Mainland to sign with the travel technology leader for NDC distribution. China Eastern Airlines has signed a milestone agreement with Amadeus for international NDC distribution. The deal sees the carrier become the first in the Mainland of China to sign for NDC distribution worldwide with Amadeus.

Javier Laforgue, Executive Vice President, Travel Unit & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Amadeus, says: “China Eastern Airlines is an important and valued partner. The agreement signed today is a milestone for Amadeus, expanding our presence in the key Chinese airline market. The deal deepens our collaboration with China Eastern Airlines and will provide our global network of travel sellers with the ability to easily search, shop, and service product offerings from the airline.”

With NDC technology, China Eastern Airlines will be able to provide richer, customizable content to travel sellers, supporting better upsell of its branded and ancillary products. With access to the full range of unique offers and product attributes, travel sellers across the globe will be able to grant travelers enhanced choice, provide best-in-class customer service, resulting in an improved traveler confidence. Travel sellers will, meanwhile, have further access to enriched China domestic airline content.

Fu Jian, Vice President, Commercial Development, China Eastern Airlines says: “We want to provide our customers around the world with more choice and personalization when booking travel with us and NDC is one of the key enablers to do this. It is also an important initiative for China Eastern Airlines to accelerate the recovery of international traffic and enhance the expansion of its overseas sales channels. As an innovative leader in the travel technology space, Amadeus is a significant partner for China Eastern Airlines. We look forward to working with Amadeus to expand our reach around the world.”

China Eastern Airlines is one of the three state-owned backbone airlines of China, headquartered in Shanghai. As a member of SkyTeam Alliance, China Eastern Airlines operates an extensive network of international and domestic services from two core cities – Shanghai, Beijing, and a few regional air hubs in China.

 

 

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Folger Shakespeare Library to open new galleries, café and shop on 21 June 2024

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Timed perfectly with the celebration of Shakespeare’s 460th birthday anniversary on April 23rd and National Poetry Month, the Folger’s Shakespeare Library invites the world to journey through time, blending the rich tapestry of Elizabethan heritage with contemporary relevance.

The Folger’s 1932 building is undergoing an $80.5 million (£64.6 million) renovation to expand public space, improve accessibility and enhance the experience for visitors. The renovation project will add a 12,000-square-foot public pavilion under the Folger’s front lawn with fully accessible entry plazas for all visitors on both the east- and west-facing sides of the building. The landscaped entry plazas will connect with walkable gardens on either side of the building.

Its inaugural permanent exhibition will showcase the library’s 82-copy collection of First Folios, the first published copies of Shakespeare’s works. Produced in 1623, the books represented the first time that roughly half of the Bard’s plays appeared in print; Folger’s collection of copies is the largest in the world. When the Folger reopens on 21 June, it will display its entire collection of folios for the first time in a 20-foot vault. The Great Hall will transform from an exhibition space to a public gathering place. A new Education Laboratory will provide a flexible space for hands-on demonstrations and interactive workshops. Visitor amenities will include café services in the Great Hall and an expanded gift shop.

Grand reopening: 21 June 2024

The grand reopening will be marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting with distinguished DC officials and members of Congress, heralding a new era for both the Folger Shakespeare Library and the community it serves. Notably, the inauguration of the Folger Café will fill a cultural void in the neighbourhood, providing a space for dialogue and culinary delights.

Key information:

  • First folios unveiled: For the first time in history, all 82 First Folios will be displayed together, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into Shakespeare’s original works.
  • Exhibition Halls: Spanning 12,000 square feet of new public space, the Folger welcomes guests to explore modern amenities and enhanced accessibility, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
  • Elizabethan Time Travel: Immerse yourself in the 21stcentury interpretation of Elizabethan culture, as the Folger Shakespeare Library bridges the past and present, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time.
  • Relevance Reinvented:Emphasizing the enduring relevance of Shakespeare, the Library showcases the modern resonance of his works, sparking conversations that transcend centuries.
  • Celebrating Diversity:The Folger proudly announces a collaboration with acclaimed artist Fred Wilson, whose original work aims to intertwine the legacy of Black artists and performers with Shakespeare’s enduring influence.

“This renovation expresses our faith in the ongoing importance of Shakespeare, the arts, and the humanities to our civic life,” said Folger Director Michael Witmore. “Years in the making, these enhancements to our building and grounds guarantee that generations of DC residents and visitors will engage with our collections and programs in new and profound ways. As we look to the Folger’s next century in Washington, we continue to build community through programs that explore powerful stories as part of an inquiry into history and the human condition.”

 

 

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Apex Hotels buys Meldrum House Hotel as group expands

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Family-owned Apex Hotels has completed the acquisition of Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Aberdeenshire. This is the group’s second rural property following the purchase of Pine Trees in July 2023 and is the 10th hotel within its UK wide portfolio.

Meldrum House is a stunning 51 bedroom 4-star country house hotel comprising of a 13th century manor house and golf course, set in 250 acres of Aberdeenshire countryside. Privately owned by Aberdeenshire businessmen Bob Edwards, Terry and David Buchan, the hotel has won a range of prestigious awards including The Times’ Top 100 UK Hotels and Best Hotel at Visit Scotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards.

The purchase of Meldrum House demonstrates Apex Hotels’ continued strategy to grow and diversify its portfolio with new hotels in rural locations. The acquisition follows another strong financial year for the group, supported by a £60 million refinancing package with Barclays.

Apex Hotels Chief Executive Officer Angela Vickers said: “The acquisition of Meldrum House Country Hotel represents an opportunity to continue to diversify the Apex Hotels portfolio, giving our guests even more choice of a city or more relaxed rural option.

This is an exciting time for Apex, and after getting to know the team at Meldrum House, it was clear they share the same vision and ambitions we have at Apex Hotels.  Meldrum House will be one of our flagship hotels and we are delighted to be the next custodians of this historic property.”

Bob Edwards commented; “After 31 years of owning Meldrum House with David and Terry Buchan, it is the perfect time to hand over the reins for a new chapter, where the hotel and estate will become part of Apex Hotel’s expanding portfolio.  As a family owned and run business, we are delighted that Apex have the same family-values and passion for hospitality, and we wish them best for the next 30 years of Meldrum.”

Jordan Charles will continue to lead the team at Meldrum House. He commented; “This is a great opportunity for our team to join the Apex Hotels group, and I look forward to helping them drive the business forward.”

 

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Hilton launches Zero Waste Menus across flagship UK Hotels

The post Hilton launches Zero Waste Menus across flagship UK Hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Hilton, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, has introduced a series of zero waste and low waste menus in the UK to mark Stop Food Waste Day.  

According to UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report 2024*, a staggering one billion tonnes of food is wasted each year, equating to one fifth of all food available to consumers. Notably, the food services industry contributes over a quarter of this waste. In total, an estimated 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed.

In response, Hilton’s “Taste of Zero Waste” menus have been launched to showcase how hotel operators can join the global fight to reduce food waste, harnessing a range of techniques that can be implemented in kitchens of any size.

Launching on Stop Food Waste Day on 24th April, the menus will offer a unique take on zero waste cuisine, curated by leading chefs at hotels including London Hilton on Park Lane, Hilton’s first hotel in the UK which opened in 1963; Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Hilton’s largest hotel in the North of England; Hilton London Metropole, Hilton’s largest hotel outside of the US; and DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, newly refurbished in 2023.

Dishes will utilise a range of innovative cookery techniques to showcase the potential for commercial operators to implement simple steps that eliminate or significantly reduce waste, including:

  •  Root-to-shoot and nose-to-tail cookery: using whole ingredients to eliminate waste – from salmon cheeks to ox heart, to fermenting vegetable stalks, trimmings and peelings to make rich sauces and stocks and using bruised or overripe fruits in cocktail making
  •  Rescuing and repurposing leftover food: helping to significantly reduce waste from breakfast buffets by using items such as pastries, bread, fruit and coffee beans to create mouthwatering puddings
  •  Pickling: collecting surplus fruit and vegetables otherwise destined to be thrown away and preserving them through pickling – including last year’s delicious gooseberries.

Emma Banks, vice president, F&B strategy and development, EMEA at Hiltonsaid: “The launch of these new menus marks another step in the global fight against food waste. Conscious dining isn’t just a trend; it’s a deeply held value that guides where we all choose to indulge and unwind. These dishes have been designed to demonstrate the best-in-class techniques in use across our hotels all over the world every day – brought together to raise awareness of our ambition to continue reducing food waste across our operations, simultaneously empowering guests to make more mindful choices and inspiring them to reduce waste in their own kitchen at home.”

The initiative builds upon Hilton’s success in reducing waste sent to landfill by more than 50% (according to a 2008 baseline) and sits alongside its commitment to implement a food waste reduction programme in every hotel kitchen. It is underpinned by the company’s longstanding partnerships with like-minded businesses and suppliers working towards the same goal of reducing waste output as much as possible.

This includes Winnow, an AI-enabled food waste solution which helps to measure, track and ultimately reduce waste in commercial kitchens. By visualising the most wasted produce, chefs at over 200 hotels have been able to make small changes with impressive results. In some cases, trials have led to a reduction of 61 percent in breakfast waste.

Hilton hotels across the UK work with local suppliers to help reduce food miles and ensure the best, seasonal produce is used throughout the year. Examples include Growing Field – a farm located in Warrington which supplies all vegetables and herbs for Hilton Manchester Deansgate’s restaurant, Podium. To help promote seasonality, the farm provides a list of what is available on a weekly basis, and dishes in the restaurant are based on available produce. The hotel sources its meat from Udale, a butcher which specialises in local breeds from the hills around Cumbria. All farms the butcher partners with practice sustainable farming methods, and it uses 100% renewable energy across its estate.

In addition, Hilton London Metropole has been working with the Felix Project since 2020. The partnership began during the pandemic, when hotels across the country closed their doors to guests, leaving huge amounts of surplus ingredients. The hotel’s kitchen was transformed into a community kitchen hub, preparing thousands of meals for those in need across London, simultaneously diverting surplus food from landfill and supporting those most impacted by the pandemic. This partnership continues today, and the hotel has now cooked more than 75,000 meals for those in need.

Hilton will further deepen its relationship with the Felix Project as part of Taste of Zero Waste, donating a meal to a person in need for every dish purchased from the new menus during the coming month.

Paul Bates, executive head chef, Hilton London Metropole adds:”As chefs, we are the catalysts for positive change and have the opportunity to set the bar for sustainable dining. Our menu inspires diners to embrace new flavours, while empowering them to lead the charge when it comes to tackling food waste. We look forward to guests joining us on this culinary adventure and helping us make a meaningful difference, one delicious dish at a time.”

Hilton plans to roll out the initiative across more hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa over the coming year. Alongside the current pilot scheme, almost 20 UK hotels will also launch a new low waste menu, continuing the hospitality leader’s year-round commitment to waste reduction and marking an important step in its long-term ambition to reduce waste sent to landfill.

 

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Eurostar launches one of the most flexible international travel experiences in Europe  

The post Eurostar launches one of the most flexible international travel experiences in Europe   appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Eurostar announces flexible fares across all travel classes are now ‘the standard’ between Europe’s most loved cities.  

Following the launch of Eurostar new website, app and rewards programme in October 2023, customers can now enjoy an even simpler, more seamless and unique experience. All customers will now enjoy a premium proposition in terms of refunds and exchanges in all travel classes for European travel.

From November, travel classes will also be consistently named to align across Eurostar’s expanded five-country network which includes the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany as: Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier.

New travel classes and maximum flexibility 
Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier classes on cross-channel routes and Standard, Comfort and Premium classes on Continental routes will be replaced by three new unified travel classes:

  • Eurostar Standard offers a flexible, fast and sustainable way to travel within Europe, city-centre to city-centre. Light refreshments and drinks remain available to purchase from the Eurostar café on cross-channel and continental routes.
  • Eurostar Plus offers flexibility, extra comfy seating, more workspace and a light meal and on-board drinks service on cross-channel routes.
  • Eurostar Premier offers extra flexibility, all-day boarding guarantee, exclusive lounge access, a premium food experience and a dedicated priority lane on cross-channel routes.

As before, our tickets come at no extra cost in all classes of travel. Customers can therefore still benefit from a generous baggage allowance with no luggage fee, no seat booking fee, a free Wi-Fi and a charging point at every seat.
Additionally, a new aftersales policy will further enhance the customer experience for all travellers offering the highest degree of flexibility to meet their needs.

Customers travelling in Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus can exchange their ticket without any exchange fee and as many times as needed until just one hour before departure and ask for a refund until 7 days before departure.

Customers in Eurostar Premier can exchange or refund their tickets, without any fee up to two days after their departure.

Sales for Eurostar’s new travel classes opened on 23 April for travel from 4 November onwards. The new aftersales policy takes immediate effect from 23 April***.

Customers can manage changes and refunds directly via the Eurostar app, offering an easy self-service option.

Matthieu Quyollet, Chief Business Development & Integration Officer said: “Eurostar is setting new standards for international travel by providing the greatest flexibility, clarity and comfort to customers looking to enjoy Europe in the most sustainable way. The new aftersales policy across all of Eurostar’s travel classes means that all customers can now take advantage of more flexibility and choice than ever before and enjoy a unique travel experience for their summer holiday or autumn break.”

 

 

 

 

The post Eurostar launches one of the most flexible international travel experiences in Europe   appeared first on Brand TD.

Source: traveldailymedia

Dadabhai Travel and Sabre elevate travel experience in a renewed partnership

The post Dadabhai Travel and Sabre elevate travel experience in a renewed partnership appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Dadabhai Travel, a leading Travel Management Company (TMC) in the Middle East, announces the renewal of its primary strategic GDS technology partnership with Sabre Corporation reaffirming their position as strategic contributors in shaping the future of the travel industry. This renewed commitment underscores Dadabhai Travel’s dedication to providing enriched customer experiences across multiple verticals, including Leisure, meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), business to business (B2B), and business to consumer (B2C).

Sabre’s suite of products, including Sabre Red 360 (SR360), Content Services for Lodging (CSL), Sabre APIs, Sabre Virtual Payments (SVP), and Automation Hub, has played a pivotal role in empowering Dadabhai Travel to provide consistent and seamless services to its clients across its expansive network. The renowned SR360 platform, a cornerstone of this partnership, offers a customizable user experience that enables Dadabhai Travel to achieve product differentiation, selling branded content, add-ons, dynamic upsell options, and personalized offers.

“Sabre’s continuous commitment to future investments and technology roadmaps aligns seamlessly with our vision of being the technology partner of choice,” said Aziz Gilitwala, Managing Director, Dadabhai Travel. “As a prominent TMC brand with diverse offerings, Dadabhai Travel relies on Sabre’s technology as our trusted partner. Sabre’s products and solutions have been instrumental in enhancing our capabilities and delivering on our commitment to offering unrivaled service levels, state-of-the-art technology, and providing competitive global travel options.”

Sabre’s role extends beyond technology, with a critical contribution to enabling Dadabhai Travel to increase productivity and achieve ambitious growth objectives. This renewed collaboration marks a significant milestone setting the stage for continued innovation and excellence in the travel industry.

“Our partnership with Dadabhai Travel goes beyond technology—it’s about collaboration, shared knowledge, and a joint commitment to driving innovation in the travel industry,” said Ramzi AlQassab, Managing Director, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “With a multiple-year proven track record and a decade-long commitment, our renewed partnership with Dadabhai Travel is a testament to our ability to consistently deliver for big travel brands year over year. Sabre is proud to continue supporting Dadabhai Travel in winning new and repeat business by delivering technology, customized solutions, and insights that enhance the traveler experience.”

 

The post Dadabhai Travel and Sabre elevate travel experience in a renewed partnership appeared first on Brand TD.

Source: traveldailymedia