Trip.com Group Highlights Tourism’s Economic Vitality and Middle East Potential
Trip.com Group Highlights Tourism's Economic Vitality and Middle ... PR Newswire
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DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun Highlights Tourism’s Economic Vitality and Middle East Potential at SuperBridge Summit Dubai
Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun delivered a keynote speech at the inaugural SuperBridge Summit Dubai, emphasizing the dynamic role of tourism as a key economic driver. She highlighted the industry’s resilience and its potential to drive substantial global growth, particularly in the Middle East. Additionally, she discussed the future of sustainable travel in the post-pandemic era.
Role of Tourism in the Middle East
Ms. Sun underscored the pivotal role of travel and tourism, noting that prior to the pandemic, the industry contributed to 10% of all jobs worldwide and created 1 in every 5 new job opportunities.
In the Middle East, the UAE stands as the third-largest economy. Tourism represented 9% of the total GDP in 2022, with approximately USD 32 billion in international tourist spending. The sector also accounted for 12% of the UAE’s GDP and employed 363,000 people in 2019.
Trends in the Travel Industry
Ms. Sun explored prevailing trends within the travel industry, highlighting the resurging demand for domestic and global travel. With international travel restrictions lifted, domestic and regional tourism has experienced a remarkable upsurge. For instance, during China’s Golden Week, outbound travel volume surged by over 800% compared to the previous year, while domestic tourism grew by nearly 200% this year.
The Middle East, in particular, has emerged as a sought-after destination. According to Trip.com Group data, hotel bookings from China to the Middle East have surged by over 400% in 2023, alongside a 300% increase in flight volumes. Additionally, bookings for attractions and events in Dubai have seen an astounding 450% surge in 2023.
Importance of Sustainable Travel
Ms. Sun also emphasized the growing importance of sustainable travel, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. Travellers are increasingly environmentally conscious, driving the industry to adopt eco-friendly practices and products. In response, Trip.com Group has actively engaged in various initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable travel. This includes partnering with CHOOOSE to offset CO2 emissions and joining the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to encourage low-carbon practices in the tourism industry. She also lauded Dubai’s The Sustainable City aims to achieve net-zero energy by 2040 as a pioneering effort in creating eco-conscious destinations for tourists.
“Tourism stands as a key economic driver with unparalleled potential, driving global prosperity and shaping a brighter future. We are committed to harnessing this potential in the Middle East, offering high-spending tourists an unparalleled blend of luxury and sustainability. Together, we will make the Middle East a prime destination for travelers seeking exceptional experiences and eco-friendly adventures,” said Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group.
Technological Innovation
Additionally, Ms. Sun highlighted Trip.com Group’s commitment to embracing technological innovation, particularly the Group’s AI-driven travel assistant, TripGenie. The tool is designed to streamline the booking process, catering to travelers’ needs and enhancing their overall experience.
About Trip.com Group
Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travelers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services. The company also enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites, and 24/7 customer service centers. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
- Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate.
The article highlights the economic vitality of tourism and its role as a key driver of the economy. It mentions that the travel industry contributed to 10% of all jobs worldwide before the pandemic and that tourism represented 9% of the total GDP in the Middle East in 2022. These align with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
- Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.
The article discusses the growing importance of sustainable travel and the industry’s adoption of eco-friendly practices and products. It mentions Trip.com Group’s initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable travel, as well as Dubai’s efforts to create eco-conscious destinations. These align with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. | Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. | Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: prnewswire.com
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