Elite plundering planet to destruction; richest 1% account for more emissions than poorest 66%

The richest 1% of the world’s population produced as much carbon pollution in 2019 as the five billion people who made up the poorest two-thirds of humanity, according to a report published by Oxfam ahead of the UN Climate Summit, COP28.

The report, ‘Climate Equality: A Planet for the 99%’, is based on research with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). It assesses the consumption emissions of different income groups, highlighting the stark gap between the carbon footprints of the super-rich -whose carbon-hungry lifestyles and investments in polluting industries like fossil fuels are driving global warming- and the rest of the world.

IHG debuts Vignette Collection brand in Qatar with fifth signing in MEA region

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its first Vignette Collection hotel in Qatar in partnership with Hospitality for Success H4S Hotels & Residences, one of Al Baladi Holding companies.

Set to open by the end of 1Q2024, Velero Hotel Vignette Collection Doha Lusail is IHG’s fifth Vignette Collection hotel signing in the MEA region, following those in Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait.

Asia Pacific aviation – ensuring the system is working on time

The rapid recovery of passenger traffic during 2022 also saw a spike in operational disruptions globally – leading to queues in airports, delays and cancellations for airlines and disgruntled travellers.

With the Asia Pacific undergoing a slower traffic recovery, these problems have not been as pronounced for much of the region.

However, with supply chains disrupted and labour markets upended, airlines have still struggled to get things right on the operational front.

As traffic continues to build and some markets push beyond pre-pandemic levels, the performance of the regional air travel sector remains under pressure.

Airlines and airports will need to work with the public sector providers to ensure that the system is robust and able to handle both peak volumes and interrupted and irregular operations.

New working arrangements and work-life balance increasing length of domestic business trips

New research from Corporate Traveller, the SME division of Flight Centre Travel Group, has found that Australian business travellers are increasing the length of domestic trips.

New data reveals growth in bleisure travel, driven by hybrid and flexible working arrangements and the need for work-life balance. Conversely, short trips saw negative growth this year.

The future of China’s international market – traveller demands and expectations are not the same

With China’s borders now re-opened to international travel, waves of outbound travel are expected to build in the market.

After almost three years of restricted travel, Chinese travellers are back but their demands and expectations are not the same as before the pandemic.

Chinese travellers have initially opted for ‘safe’ markets, including Hong Kong, Macau and select regional destinations.

COVID-19 has also accelerated the swing away from large, organised tour groups and towards individual and small group travel with freer itineraries.

This was the topic of a panel discussion at the CAPA Asia Aviation Summit in Kuala Lumpur Brisbane at the start of Nov-2023.

Virgin Australia & ATMC working to drive collaboration and excellence in corporate travel

Virgin Australia has partnered with The Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) to reinforce its commitment to collaboration and industry excellence.

With what is a clear forward-thinking strategy for the current business climate, Virgin Australia aims to be the preferred airline in all areas it serves, delivering exceptional travel experiences to corporates and their travellers.

Marriott debuts luxury lifestyle EDITION brand in Southeast Asia

Mariott International opened The Singapore EDITION in preview from 09-Nov-2023, the debut of its luxury lifestyle brand in Southeast Asia.

The new property adds “an unforgettable mix of distinct experiences and original concepts with a lifestyle and luxury quotient the city has never seen,” according to the hospitality group.

According to Marriott, the new arrival “captures the essence” of Singapore but is “presented in a new and modern way, adding a unique twist” with “a fresh, sophisticated mood”.