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Hyatt enjoys ‘robust’ demand for European business travel and meetings

Hotel company Hyatt is continuing to see “robust” demand for business travel in Europe while noting a post-Covid change in the pattern of bookings. Paul Dalgleish, Hyatt’s VP of revenue, sales and distribution in the EAME (Europe, Africa and Middle East) region, said that transient business travel was “doing well”, alongside buoyant demand for meetings and events at its European hotels. Dalgleish said he expected to see overall revenue growth of around 5.5 to 6 per cent for Hyatt in the EAME region this year compared with its 2023 performance. “I’m very optimistic – we’re not seeing a slowdown in any of our sectors,” said Dalgleish during a press conference at the new Grand Hyatt hotel in Barcelona, which opened in April. “Business travel is quite robust. IT, consultancy, pharmaceuticals and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) are our top sectors. In general, all of our segments are up – albeit by different percentages.” But Dalgleish also highlighted a change in corporate booking patterns with more business travellers now choosing to go on midweek trips than they did pre-pandemic. “London as a city is dead on Monday and Friday but comes alive on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” he added. “The younger generation want to come into the office but the older generation is doing Monday and Friday at home and coming in during the week. “There are different patterns of business travel and it’s being compressed into the week. We’re offering competitive rates on shoulder dates, and they are taking advantage of that and spreading it out. “There’s massive demand for people to have interpersonal connectivity again but patterns have changed and it’s up to us to react to that.” Dalgleish expressed confidence about the strength of the business travel market in Europe this year. But he added that the many elections being held across the region this year could have a “knock-on effect on government travel”. Meetings demand 'accelerates'- He added that the meetings market was continuing to “accelerate beyond other sectors” for Hyatt in Europe where MICE business accounts for 25 per cent of its overall sales. Dalgleish said meeting planners were increasingly focused on offering experiential or unique events, while sustainability and wellbeing were also becoming more important factors. “There’s a lot of focus on sustainability and wellbeing – different organisations have different levels and asks,” he explained. “For large corporates it’s becoming more important than the price. “There are less corporate meetings but when corporate meetings take place they are larger in size and longer in length of time. “We’re seeing the leisure components coming in. Whether that’s people arriving for a leisure experience before or after meetings. We’re also seeing meetings where families were brought in.” Franck Sibille, general manager of the Grand Hyatt Barcelona and area VP for Spain and Morocco, emphasised Hyatt’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its hotels. “We have a lot of requests from MICE clients asking what are we doing?” he added. “Our bottles of water are made of recycled plastic and one of our biggest innovations we’re implementing is on food waste. “We now have equipment to measure what we’re wasting – there’s a camera that gives us information that we’re wasting X kilos of bread or rice, for example. We’re monitoring and tracing food waste in all the hotels and our goal is to reduce that.”

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Corporate Travel Gets A Tech Upgrade: PredictX Rolls Out New Air Sourcing Tool

PredictX launches Air Sourcing Navigator, a new app to optimize corporate air travel deals and plans expansions into hotel and transport. Travel tech expert PredictX has introduced a novel application aimed at assisting corporate travel managers in enhancing their air travel programs. The application, named Air Sourcing Navigator, gathers a company’s data on air travel and expenses from the PredictX analytics platform. This data is analyzed and compared to benchmarks to uncover opportunities for travel managers to secure or improve deals with airlines on particular routes or travel classes. The company said in a statement that the PredictX platform collects data from sources such as TMCs, expense systems, credit cards, online booking tools, suppliers and HR systems. Air Sourcing Navigator also uses technology from PredictX’s AI-based platform sheri.ai, which was launched in November 2023, to allow users to “interpret the data in more detail”. Keesup Choe, CEO of PredictX, said: “Our platform puts the power of AI at their fingertips, so that they can immediately make better decisions based on accurate data and predictive insights. “We identified air sourcing as an area where buyers would benefit from our AI-led approach to data science to make informed decisions based on dynamic insights. We are therefore delighted to be bringing Air Sourcing Navigator to market as our latest product innovation.” Choe also mentioned that later in 2024, the company plans to release applications designed for sourcing hotels and ground transportation.

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Thailand Extends Visa-Free Stay To Indian Passport Holders For 60 Days

If you've been craving an international escape, there's some good news! Thailand will allow Indian passport holders to travel to the country for two months without a visa. It does sound too good to be true, but in a bid to boost tourism, the Thai government has decided to allow tourists and travellers to extend their stay in Thailand visa-free. This includes a list of 93 countries, up from the previous 57. This comes after the COVID-19 pandemic had a massive negative impact on the Thai economy, which majorly depends on tourism and various measures are being undertaken to bring in tourists. The economy of Thailand made a strong recovery in tourism post-pandemic. According to a report published by Nikkei Asia, "the number of foreign tourists reached about 28 million in 2023, more than double the 11 million in 2022." The new rules were effective from June 1. Passport holders from the following countries, who were previously receiving a 30-day stamp on arrival, will now be allowed to stay for 60 days: 1.Asia: India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Bhutan, Cyprus. 2.Europe: Malta, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia. 3.Oceania: Papua New Guinea, Fiji. 4.Americas: Mexico. Most of the measures to boost tourism includes introduction of different kinds of visas or relaxation of requirements for one. Thailand has also introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) " targets digital nomads remote workers and freelancers, as well as those who want to learn muay Thai [boxing] and Thai cuisine," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chai Wacharonke had announced in the month of May. For details on the visa do visit the official website of Thai Tourism or connect with the Embassy or consulate of your region.

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Egypt eyes on Germany, Italy, India and China as top source market for travel

At the Riyadh Travel Fair 2024, Egypt’s tourism sector showcased a robust strategy to bolster its appeal to travelers, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region. Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt, highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts to expand its market reach and introduce travelers to new and exciting destinations within the country. Focus on the Saudi Market Speaking at the fair, Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt emphasized the importance of the Saudi market for Egypt. He noted that Saudi Arabia is currently the third-largest source of visitors to Egypt, with over one million Saudi travelers visiting in the past year alone. This figure is expected to grow as Egypt intensifies its marketing efforts and strengthens travel connections between the two nations. “Saudi Arabia is a significant market for us,” he said. “We are not only maintaining but also expanding our reach in this market. Direct flights between Saudi Arabia and key destinations in Egypt, such as Sharm El-Sheikh, have already been established, making travel more convenient and attractive for Saudi tourists.” Introducing New Destinations One of the highlights of Egypt’s presentation at the Riyadh Travel Fair was the introduction of new destinations such as the North Coast. Known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, the North Coast is being promoted as a premier summer destination. “We are focusing on the North Coast as a year-round destination,” Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt explained. “It’s not just for summer; we are working to ensure that tourists can enjoy the North Coast’s attractions throughout the year.” Additionally, Egypt is enhancing its offerings in traditional tourist hotspots like Cairo and Luxor. In Cairo, new attractions and enhanced visitor experiences are being developed, including expanded city tours and cultural excursions. Strengthening Travel Connectivity To support the influx of tourists, Egypt is boosting its travel connectivity. The recent introduction of direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Sharm El-Sheikh is part of this initiative. These flights are expected to make Egypt more accessible and attractive, facilitating easier travel for tourists looking to explore the country’s rich cultural and natural landscapes. “We are constantly working to improve our connectivity with Saudi Arabia and other key markets,” Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt stated. “This includes both air travel and ground transportation, making it easier for visitors to explore all that Egypt has to offer.” Promoting Egypt’s Cultural Heritage Egypt’s unique cultural heritage remains a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. The country’s rich history, epitomized by the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the treasures of the Nile, continues to draw visitors from around the world. “Our cultural heritage is our strongest asset,” said Mr. Muhammad Al. “It is the dream of many to visit the Pyramids, explore the Valley of the Kings, and experience the grandeur of ancient Egypt. We are committed to preserving and promoting these sites, ensuring they remain accessible and captivating for future generations.” The Nile River cruises, in particular, are being heavily promoted as a quintessential Egyptian experience. These cruises offer tourists a unique way to explore the country’s historical sites while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Nile. Expanding International Market Reach Beyond the GCC, Egypt is targeting a diverse array of international markets. Traditional strongholds such as Germany, France, the UK, and Italy continue to be pivotal. However, Egypt is also focusing on emerging markets like China and India, aiming to attract a broader spectrum of tourists. “We are expanding our reach to include markets like China and India,” Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt explained. “These countries have shown increasing interest in our offerings, and we see great potential for growth in these regions.” The focus also extends to long-haul destinations, with strategic marketing efforts aimed at attracting tourists from countries like Brazil and the USA. Embracing the MICE Market Egypt is making significant strides in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. With new facilities and venues opening, including historic sites like temples and citadels now available for events, Egypt is positioning itself as a leading destination for international conferences and business events. “We are seeing a surge in the MICE market,” said Dr. Mohammad Al Sherbeiny, General Manager of the International Tourism Offices, Egypt. “Egypt is hosting more conferences and events than ever before. This not only boosts our economy but also enhances our reputation as a premier business travel destination.” Looking Forward The Riyadh Travel Fair 2024 provided a glimpse into Egypt’s dynamic and forward-looking approach to tourism. With its blend of ancient heritage and modern attractions, coupled with enhanced connectivity and a welcoming approach to international visitors, Egypt is poised to strengthen its position as a top global travel destination. As Egypt continues to innovate and expand its offerings, travelers from around the world can look forward to a richer, more accessible, and more exciting experience. Whether for leisure, business, or cultural exploration, Egypt promises to deliver unforgettable journeys for all who visit.

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Heavy rain delays flights, gives pax hard time travelling to Pune Airport

Due to heavy rain since yesterday, not only were several flights delayed at Pune Airport last night, passengers had to struggle to reach the airport as there was waterlogging and heavy traffic congestion across the city. Considering the heavy rain alert for the next few days, airlines have appealed to passengers to reach the airport two to three hours before their flights’ scheduled departure. Siddhant Malani, who flew from Delhi to Pune last night, said, “At one point, I just prayed that the ones in the air should be away from each other so that we don’t have any mid-air collision. Then finally our Delhi to Pune flight made an attempt to land. The rain was intense. I prayed for the first time for the safe landing of a flight and it finally touched down safely. This was followed by a Kolkata to Pune flight and that too landed safely.” Another flyer Akanksha Saini posted on X and said, “Disappointed with Pune Airport’s inefficiency! Landed more than an hour ago but still stuck on the runway due to parking clearance delays. Not the kind of welcome one expects.” In reply to Saini’s complaint, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) officially replied and said, “Adverse weather caused delays and diversions at Pune Airport. Improved conditions led to a rush of arrivals, causing apron congestion and parking delays. We regret the inconvenience caused.” At the same time, those who had to travel to Pune Airport yesterday to pick up or drop their friends and relatives faced heavy traffic congestion on Airport Road. Amit Paranjape, a citizen, said, “Crazy rain yesterday evening - took over two hours to drive to Pune Airport from Deccan Gymkhana, and almost the same amount of time to drive back. Major waterlogging yesterday, especially near the Lohegaon Airport and Viman Nagar areas.” Considering the heavy rain alert for the next couple of days, several airlines have appealed to passengers to reach the Pune Airport early to avoid any flight misses. Vistara Airlines issued a statement which read: “Heavy traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement are expected enroute to Pune Airport on June 9 and 10. Customers are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport.”

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Beaches in Goa become deserted and quieter with first pre-monsoon showers

As Goa has started receiving pre-monsoon showers, the beaches in the state, which are otherwise teeming with tourists and locals alike, are now wearing a deserted look. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued an 'orange' alert for Goa, forecasting heavy rains over the next four days. Although the south-west monsoon is yet to arrive in Goa, the coastal state has started witnessing rains since Friday. "This is the best time to be on the beaches. But it is not the right time to swim. One can go up to knee-deep water, but swimming is strictly prohibited," said Pele aka Fransisco Fernandes, a local fisherman from Benaulim beach. The sea is rough and fishing activities have stopped, he said. "There is an official ban on fishing using motorised vessels from June 1 till July 31. Traditional fishermen are allowed, but for some period, they also stay away from the sea as it is rough," Pele said. Drishti Lifesaving Services, a state government-appointed lifeguard agency, has installed red flags along the coast. Its personnel are seen patrolling the beaches. Due to the change of season, the number of tourists has dwindled drastically and there is hardly any visitor on the beach. "Goan beaches are cleaner during the monsoon. There are no shacks and no hurdles. You can walk freely on the beaches," said Rahul Gaikwad, a tourist from Mumbai, who has come with his family. The tariff of hotels drop down drastically during the rainy season, making the stay affordable for the tourists. A senior official from the state tourism department said Goa is focussing on round-the-year tourism. "There is nothing called off-season (in Goa). We want travellers to come to Goa even during the rainy season. Goa is greener during the monsoon," he said. He said the concept of regenerative tourism introduced by the state government encompasses highlighting of the state's hinterlands. "People can visit beaches, but they can at the same time spend more time in our hinterlands," the official said.

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