Future of Travel, Skift Global Forum East 2023, Takes Off in Dubai!

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 16, 2023

Recently, a travel marketplace named ‘Skyscanner’ has launched a new inspiration and discovery tool that AI powers. This AI tool is known as “Dream and Discover with AI.” This AI-powered tool is launching initially in Australia, India, and Singapore to test traveler behavior when planning a trip with other travel marketers. In this software tool, there is also an Open AI-powered Chat GPT technology where travelers can ask any open-ended statement and question like “Best cities for cultural tours,” Or” Best budget-friendly destinations,” and so on. This tool mainly helps to generate multiple travel-related ideas and recommendations as well. It even provides various links to choose the best flight options daily. The tool can generate multiple suitable recommendations and travel ideas. The chief product officer of Skyscanner, Piero Sierra, said, “Generative AI is such an exciting technology that we as a travel industry are only just beginning to apply. 56% of travelers are coming to Skyscanner for inspiration so with this beta launch we are looking to understand how it might help travelers in the discovery phases of the travel planning journey, and importantly how they engage with the technology versus existing tools.” He even further stated that it is one of his experiments where he wants to see how it can be a tool by incorporating AI technology. As per his perspective, Piero aids that Skyscanner helps travelers plan and even book trips easily and confidently. Learn More About: 10 Best Restaurants In The US Maldives And Bora Bora Among Top 10 Tourists Spots In The World

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 30, 2023

Tourism Minister Tetsuo Saito and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel signed a memorandum on Wednesday designating 2024 as a year to promoting tourism between the two countries. During this year the two parties will work together to boost tourism exchange using joint efforts from the public and private sectors in a bid to heighten the recovery of the demand for travel since the COVID-19 pandemic. Citing that 464 cities share sister relationships between the two countries, Saito called for taking advantage of the tourism year to resume and boost the exchanges at the local levels. After the two countries agreed to the plan to apply on Japanese tourists, which will help expedite immigration procedures in the U.S. held at the residence in Tokyo of the ambassador, it was also attended by Japanese Digital Transformation Minister Taro Kono and Justice Minister Ryuji Koizumi. Under the supervision of the Tourism Year initiative, both the countries will hold travel campaigns for the general public and it will host events for travel agencies from the two countries. The number of visitors from the U.S. to Japan has been steadily going up with the help of the fall of the value of the yen against the dollar. The monthly number amounted to some 210,000 in October, with an increase of 40% from the same month in 2019, prior to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the number of Japanese visitors to the United States in October came up at about 140,000, less than half of the pre-pandemic numbers. Read Also: Ghana Is Ready To Host The Rest Of The World: Ghana Tourism Authority On Christmas Concerts Play Airlines Is Celebrating Black Friday And Cyber Monday Deals On Flights To Europe Travel Tuesday Is Here To Get You Cheap Flights And Hotel Deals: Upto 50% Off

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 1, 2023

The World Food Association said in 2022 that culinary tourism is crucial in order to boost local pride. It will help attract travelers that are sustainable. Food and drink intake plays a huge role in the tourism industry. During holidays everyone is bound to eat and research has shown that tourists are as attracted to culinary experiences as they are to the natural beauty of their destination. Travelers are also seen to be willing to pay more for local food and unique tastes. Keeping this in mind the Maru-Maru Hotel in the Stone Town has decided to involved the tourists in this hotel. The staff led by chefs will be mixing the ingredients for a special cake for this year's Christmas Holiday. Reception manager Phillip Mwakimo spoke at the event, and said, “Getting our visitors and staff from the kitchen in mixing ingredients for the Christmas cake, is an interesting exercise and sort of fun that many tourists enjoy.” According to the chefs the cake weighing 30kgs will be baked on Christmas Day after soaking some of the ingredients for over 20 days to soften them with alcohol. Mr Odd-Helge Fjeldstad, one of the enthusiastic visitor in Zanzibar said during the mixing of the cake at the rooftop of the hotel, “I am happy to witness the mixing of the cake.” Zanzibar's leading industrial sector is its tourism. It contributes to more than 60,000 jobs and over 25% of the Isles GDP. Learn More About: Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season! The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites Chinese And US Presidents Have Come To A Common Ground Regarding Tourism Facilitation!