Sponsored

As traditionally popular destinations buckle under the pressure of overtourism, Abu Dhabi is cleverly positioning itself as the smarter alternative for discerning travellers who value meaningful engagement.

As the experience economy evolves the travel industry, brands are under pressure to meet rising expectations for activity-led bookings. In a fireside chat at Skift Global Forum East, Ross McAuley, MD advisor and director general of Play Qiddiya City DMMO, pulled back the curtain on how play serves as a bridge between destinations and travelers in this new reality.

Ground and sea transportation is one of the most underexplored and lucrative opportunities in travel, offering a $198 billion market that’s ready for digital transformation.

As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy under Vision 2030, new transportation solutions are reshaping key sectors. The country’s premiere commercial helicopter service, The Helicopter Company (THC), is actively contributing to the Kingdom’s transformation through its diverse services.

Industry leaders took to the stage at Skift Aviation Forum to decipher the trends and challenges facing today’s airline industry. Skift partnered with Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP) to provide an overview of some of the most important conversations and insights shared at this year's event.

As the airline industry adapts to evolving traveler expectations, premium cabins coupled with personalized experiences have become essential tools for driving loyalty and revenue. Airlines are turning to digital innovation and sustainable practices to redefine the premium travel experience and meet the needs of diverse customers.

Balancing tourism with sustainability is no small feat, but Red Sea Global has shown it’s up to the challenge. At this year’s Skift Global Forum East, Rosanna Chopra discussed how the company’s commitment to responsible travel is shaping Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast into a global destination for luxury and exploration.

A new report explores how for travel and finance managers are targeting enhanced ROI, new opportunities, greater efficiencies, time and money savings, and better experiences for employees with innovative travel and expense management solutions.

Food and beverage have emerged as powerful storytelling tools in hospitality, offering guests a taste of culture and tradition while driving brand differentiation. What was once a supporting act is now a leading role, with hotels and resorts leveraging F&B to craft immersive and memorable experiences.

The luxury travel sector is shifting towards deeper cultural engagement and authenticity. AlUla is carving out its niche in the industry by offering travelers exclusive access to one of the world's most ancient civilizations.

The aviation industry is at a turning point, with digital transformation and sustainability driving the next wave of innovation. Airlines leading in these areas are setting the course for the industry’s future.

Play is essential to human well-being, and travelers, especially younger ones, are increasingly likely to plan trips around sports, music, and other entertainment and cultural events. As a result, providing opportunities for play is becoming essential for travel companies and destinations as the centerpiece of their growth, development, and marketing strategies.