Smart travel: Saudi Arabia’s exhibition industry is booming, the United States

Tired of 5 groups of air travelers cutting in line and taking up space above your head? American Airlines is giving passengers an early holiday gift this year in the form of new technology to stop mass ticket bounces. Want an amazing dining experience at your next meeting? St. Regis Hotels & Resorts partners with Ginori 1735 to provide your attendees with gourmet meals for all ages. Considering Saudi Arabia for a future event? You’re not alone—a major conference is underway to address the fastest-growing MICE market in the G20. As always, Smart Travel will provide you with must-read news from the industry.

American Airlines cracks down on group jumpers

With the holidays just around the corner, American Airlines is giving travelers an early gift in the form of expanded technology to bolster the company’s boarding policies. After successful trials at Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Tucson International Airport (TUS), new software can reject groups of passengers who are not called to the gate boarding pass. It has been implemented in more than 100 airports.

“We’ve heard from our customers that being able to board a flight with a designated group is very important to them because it’s with them,” said Julie Rath, American Airlines’ senior vice president of airport operations, reservations and service. Benefits associated with their AAdvantage status or fare purchase” are restored. “The initial positive response from customers and team members has exceeded our expectations, so we’re excited to leverage this technology to serve them ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.”

Inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS) will focus on the future of Saudi Arabia’s business events industry

As the fastest growing G20 MICE market, Saudi Arabia’s business events sector will be the focus of the upcoming first-ever International MICE Summit (IMS) to be held in Riyadh from December 15th to 17th. Hosted by the Saudi Convention and Exhibition General Authority (SCEGA), more than 1,000 global MICE leaders will gather at the Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City (MISK) for plenary sessions, panel discussions, and innovation clusters under the theme “Expanding Horizons.” and collaboration centers.

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Saudi Arabia’s MICE industry will grow by nearly 15% in 2023, with more than 17,000 events taking place and attracting more than 20 million visitors, cementing the country’s position as a leading conference and events destination. An upcoming $156 million incentive program will be launched in 2025 to support large-scale events, while rapidly expanding infrastructure projects will provide better travel conditions for tourists.

“In an era of profound technological and environmental change, the events industry has become an important catalyst for change. By focusing on the future of the industry, IMS24 meets the needs of a globalized world and reshapes the way people, cultures and countries connect to create prosperity.” said His Excellency Fahd Al-Rasheed, Moderator of IMS and Chairman of SCEGA.

Luxury resort brand Bardo to open in Pittsburgh in 2026

Boutique hotel company Left Lane will transform Pittsburgh’s 40-story Bay Tower into the Hotel Bardo Pittsburgh, opening in summer 2006. The hotel will feature 130 guest rooms and suites, 220 residences, three restaurant and bar concepts and 10,000 square feet of leisure and entertainment space. Meeting space. “Pittsburgh is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, and now our premium portfolio – from iconic lodging to world-class museums,” said Jerad Bachar, CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH and theaters to renowned dining venues. The opening of Hotel Bardo Pittsburgh further enhances our city’s growing reputation as a place where modern sophistication meets authentic charm.”

Pittsburgh Mayor Josh Shapiro recently announced a 10-year, $600 million development investment in downtown Pittsburgh to revitalize the area. Hotel Bardo Pittsburgh will join the city’s luxury hotel portfolio, which includes The Oaklander, the Omni William Penn Hotel and The Fairmont.

WTTC calls for $65 billion investment to protect coastal and marine tourism from climate crisis

Addressing world leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference yesterday, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) called for an urgent $65 billion investment in direct emissions reductions and other climate adaptation efforts in coastal and marine tourism. The industry will generate $1.5 trillion in revenue and support 52 million jobs globally by 2023, but its environmental footprint urgently needs improvement, as highlighted by a forthcoming WTTC report released in partnership with Iberostar Group and Oxford Economics .

Read more: Atlantis, Bahamas: A leader in environmental stewardship

The report, “Climate and Oceans: Quantifying Coastal and Marine Tourism and Protecting Destinations,” shows that coastal and marine tourism directly contributed to more than 390 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions last year. Rising sea levels, extreme weather and coastal erosion are affecting destinations around the world, with some areas being particularly vulnerable. WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said: “Protecting our coasts and marine life is not only an environmental imperative; Given the economic and social value of coastal tourism, we call on governments, development organizations and tourism businesses to take immediate action to protect these important natural resources.”

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts partners with Ginori 1735 to create global luxury hospitality offering

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and porcelain brand Ginori 1735 have announced a global partnership that will see Café Ginori debut on November 26 at the St. Regis Florence, Italy. The new dining experience will feature a bold design themed “The Delight of Luxury”, with a second location opening early next year at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.

Café Ginori’s master plate chefs will guide customers through an innovative menu, offering four different dining experiences each day. Details include Oriente Italiano wallpaper, embroidered fabrics, Ginori’s Domus home decor collection and, of course, a range of tableware from the world-famous porcelain company. “This collaboration redefines unconventional luxury and invites guests to experience a sensory journey at our most iconic locations,” said Jenni Benzaquen, senior vice president, St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. Here, Ginori blends with the charm and timeless elegance of a St. Regis hotel.”