ITB Berlin, an annual event considered one of the most critical in the travel trade industry, concluded last week after another successful year.
07.03.2024 - 09:49 / breakingtravelnews.com / Itb Berlin
At ITB Berlin – the world’s leading travel trade show – Weeva launched its new AI capabilities in an industry-defining first for the travel and tourism sector. Since providing a preview of the new AI features at the Phocuswright Conference in October 2023, the formal launch now means that the award-winning sustainability management platform is the first to integrate generative AI capabilities into its user experience.
The demonstration on ITB Berlin’s eTravel Stage – which coincided with the launch of the platform’s AI features for users – was made by Weeva’s Chief Technology Officer, James Lever, who provided the vision behind why Weeva has enhanced its platform with generative AI.
“There is a real opportunity to drive innovation in the travel and tourism sector through the application of AI and support organisations to take practical steps that bring them closer to being truly sustainable,” Lever said. “Our mission has — and will always be — to democratise access to world-leading sustainability expertise, and ensure that there are no barriers to building the skills that we so desperately need to support the green transition.”
The platform provides users with simplified ways of capturing data, the ability to consult a library of industry-leading resources, tap into Weeva’s in-house expertise, and streamline ways of reporting on sustainability. The new capabilities have been developed in partnership with users during an extensive trial period and they will continue to be refined as users continue their sustainability journeys with Weeva.
Weeva’s decision to integrate AI has come at an important time for the sector, and in particular, hospitality businesses. Research on the attitudes of hospitality staff towards sustainability and the perceptions they hold of their employers indicates that there is a growing expectations gap. 87% of hospitality staff say that they are eager to receive training on how to upskill themselves in sustainability, but only 27% view their employer as being proactive in prioritising sustainability initiatives.
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The global green skills shortage – estimated to be 7 million – is a growing concern, but innovations in technology offer the potential to not only future-proof businesses with the skills they need and reduce their environmental and social impact but also address mounting expectations of businesses from their staff.
An innovative, award-winning software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, Weeva is committed to bridging the green skills gap and instigating behaviour change from the inside out; offering all staff within a business using the platform the opportunity to learn and develop sustainability skills.
Since its launch in 2022, Weeva has been adopted by over
ITB Berlin, an annual event considered one of the most critical in the travel trade industry, concluded last week after another successful year.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is driving future tourism investment for St. Thomas which is gearing up to become Jamaica’s newest tourist destination. In a meeting with German leisure, travel and tourism company, TUI Group, it was confirmed that the company is exploring expanding its footprints in Jamaica and is showing signs of interest to invest in St. Thomas.
Athens has clinched a prestigious title in the tourism realm, emerging as Europe’s Leading City-break Destination at the World Travel Awards 2024. The announcement came during a glittering ceremony held in Berlin on Wednesday, coinciding with ITB Berlin, a major tourism exhibition. Athens, represented by its special pavilion at the EOT Pavilion, took centre stage at the event.
The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has bestowed the prestigious title of Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry. This esteemed accolade, that was presented yesterday (March 6), comes as a testament to Minister Bartlett’s relentless dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the tourism sector on a global scale. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism.
Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz has appealed for travellers to visit Israel again. Travellers were safe in the country, he said in front of the press on Tuesday at ITB Berlin. He would be urging the German government to drop the travel warnings for Israel issued by the German Foreign Office.
Albania has been announced as the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025. On Wednesday, 6 March 2024, Albania’s Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, signed a partnership agreement on the Albanian stand in Hall 1.1. Afterwards, the minister introduced the CEO to various regions and local specialities.
Travel from Germany to the United States of America has returned to pre-pandemic levels. Speaking at ITB Berlin, on Wednesday the US ambassador to Germany, Amy Gutmann, stated that the two million mark has again been exceeded, and is now within 85 per cent of the 2019 figure.
THE importance of the German market to Tobago has been underscored by THA Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation Tashia Burris.
Italy’s tourism industry wants to be more innovative and flexible – Greater emphasis on interaction between visitors and locals – Minister supports better wages for the catering industry.
The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) has unveiled 21 categories for its inaugural global programme, which aims to recognise and share the stories of individuals and organisations making an impactful contribution in sustainable travel and tourism. The categories have been selected by an Advisory Board made up of 11 leaders in sustainable travel and tourism to reflect the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net positive framework of People, Planet, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships.
The State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD) has unveiled a new campaign entitled “We Are Here: Brave Hearts of Ukraine” during the ITB Congress in Berlin.
Visit Qatar is set to participate at ITB Berlin 2024, the world’s leading travel trade show. ITB hosts over 5,000 international exhibitors every year and is one of the most important events in the travel industry. His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Marketing and Promotions Officer at Qatar Tourism, along with a team of 28 delegates from travel and hospitality industries will be representing Visit Qatar this year. The ITB is a hub for informative, cultural, and inspirational B2B exchanges pertaining to travel, tourism, hospitality, and trade. Visit Qatar aims to foster several exchanges with key travel, trade, airline, and media partners to promote Qatar to key stakeholders in the European market. In addition, Visit Qatar anticipates fruitful discussions, trade meetings, new partnership deals, and opportunities.