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Metro
16 hours ago
- Metro
Victims lose hundreds of thousands of pounds to Booking.com holiday scam
As temperatures heat up and many of us start planning summer holidays, there are fears about a booking scam that could leave you thousands of pounds out of pocket. It could be as simple as a message or email from the hotel you have just reserved a stay with, asking for a payment to secure a your holiday. And because it comes through and looks legitimate, you rush to pay or hand over credit card details. They are not going to the hotel, however, but to scammers who have taken over a hotel's account. This type of fraud can be costly. Between June 2023 and September 2024, Action Fraud received 532 reports of scams of this sort, with a total of £370,000 lost. They believe fraudsters are using phishing attacks against accommodation providers to take over their accounts. They then send unexpected in-app messages, emails, and WhatsApp messages to customers. This means the usual warning signs of a scam, such as odd text messages or emails, do not apply. Action Fraud do not believe these take-overs are linked to backend system or infrastructure. The most important thing is to check that any communication you receive is genuine. If you receive any urgent payment requests, you should immediately reach out to the Customer Service team to confirm. Be aware that no genuine transaction will ever require a customer to provide their credit card details by phone, email, or text message (including WhatsApp). Although Fraud Action says a hotel provider may reach out to request payment information, like credit card details. But you should always verify the authenticity of the message before providing any information. You should also treat any links you are sent with suspicion. Authentic payments won't take place on a site other than or their app. also advises: 'Always double-check the property's payment policies listed on the booking page or in your confirmation email. If there is no pre-payment policy or deposit requirement outlined, but you're asked to pay in advance to secure your booking, it is likely a scam.' There are other giveaways of fraud you can still look out for. These include grammar and spelling mistakes, as well as urgency. If you realise too late that you have typed financial details into a site, get in touch with your bank in case they need to block or cancel your card. The fraudsters send messages that are designed to make you panic. They tell you there has been a problem with your credit card, of your banking details need to be verified, adding that without a response your reservation will be cancelled. There might be a link in the message for you to provide your banking details. Holidaymakers should also be aware of another scam that employs fake web pages. People are then tricked into downloading a malicious file that gives criminals full control of your device. More Trending According to technology firm HP Wolf Security, links to these web pages come in email. When customers access the site and press 'accept' to cookie before they can view the webpage, thjat triggers the file to download. said: 'Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of online scams targeting many businesses operating in the e-commerce space. With the rise of AI, cybercriminals are able to create increasingly sophisticated scams.' They added that continue to invest in cybersecurity, and stressed incidents on the platform were rare. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: The 'ASAB' warning anyone going on a holiday in 2025 should know MORE: The way you pay council tax could change – here's how MORE: Free hand luggage is not the win you think it is
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
- VMY 2026 An Opportune Time For Hotels To Showcase ESG Readiness
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. This article focuses on hotels, which play a vital role in shaping visitor experiences, promoting national branding and supporting Malaysia's sustainability goals. As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, attention is turning to the hotel industry, being one of the tourism sector's key pillars. Experts are calling for strategic reforms to ensure digital transformation supports long-term sustainability. Digitalisation was also progressing, though conservatively, with a focus on enhancing efficiency through online booking platforms and loyalty programmes. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel sector had begun to show stronger commitment to sustainability. A number of upscale hotels were pursuing green certifications, investing in energy-efficient systems and engaging in community-based tourism. Many Malaysian hotels are still falling short in aligning digital transformation efforts with broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. This misalignment could slow the momentum gained during the post-pandemic recovery and may affect Malaysia's standing as a credible sustainable travel destination. While these efforts were encouraging, they remained fragmented and were not yet supported by comprehensive ESG strategies. The pandemic acted as both a catalyst and a disruptor. Between 2020 and 2023, hotels rapidly adopted technologies such as contactless check-ins, smart room automation and remote guest services to enhance safety and maintain operations. Although these tools improved operational continuity, many were adopted without being anchored in broader sustainability planning. Integration with environmental performance tracking, such as carbon monitoring or electronic waste management, remains limited. This disconnect between digitalisation and environmental accountability highlights a broader challenge. In many cases, digital upgrades were introduced for convenience or cost reduction, without considering long-term ESG implications. As a result, these systems can contribute to higher energy consumption, increased data demands and unmanaged digital waste. The key for Malaysia's hotel industry is not only to innovate but to ensure innovation is aligned with measurable sustainability outcomes. Integrating ESG into digital systems is essential for credible reporting and strategic management. Without it, hotels may struggle to produce reliable data, potentially limiting access to green financing opportunities such as sustainability-linked loans. A lack of transparent and evidence-based disclosures may also reduce stakeholder trust and investment appeal. This gap also fails to meet the expectations of post-pandemic travellers, who are increasingly environmentally conscious and digitally informed. Rising demand for sustainability According to Sustainable Travel Report 2024, 76 per cent of global travellers expressed a desire to travel more sustainably in the coming year, and 65 per cent said they would feel more confident selecting accommodation with recognised sustainability certification. These trends reflect rising demand for visible and credible sustainability performance at the booking stage. In Malaysia, although digital technologies have become more widespread, their use to support or communicate sustainability commitments remains limited. A 2024 study on hotel environmental practices found that most sustainability efforts are still basic, such as energy-saving measures or waste reduction; and are often driven by cost efficiency rather than long-term planning. Similarly, a 2025 analysis of tourism recovery found that while digital tools are increasingly used, they are rarely accompanied by systems that monitor or report environmental impact. Communication of ESG efforts is another challenge. Hotels frequently highlight social initiatives, such as staff activities or charity drives, as these are more relatable and easier to share digitally. However, effective ESG reporting requires a balanced approach that covers environmental, social and governance pillars. Without this balance, hotels risk presenting an incomplete picture of their performance and value, potentially weakening brand position and stakeholder trust. This communication gap has operational and reputational implications. With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, international travellers, travel platforms and rating agencies will likely assess how well Malaysia's hotels align with global sustainability benchmarks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Inadequate ESG transparency may result in lost competitiveness compared to destinations seen as more accountable. Government support has begun to respond to these challenges. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has positioned sustainability as a key focus in the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. In addition, MOTAC is investing in digital marketing to promote eco-conscious tourism experiences, signalling a stronger alignment between destination marketing and sustainable development objectives. Green Hotel Certification On the certification front, the Malaysia Green Hotel Certification, developed in line with ASEAN standards, has been introduced to recognise hotels that meet specific sustainability benchmarks. While still in the early adoption phase, the certification reflects growing institutional efforts to formalise ESG practices in the sector. These measures can help hotels integrate sustainability more systematically into both operational strategies and digital engagement, especially as the industry prepares for greater scrutiny. Industry observers stress that time is of the essence. Hotels are encouraged to reassess their digital investments through a sustainability lens, recognising that this is not just about technological advancement but also about strengthening operational continuity, stakeholder confidence and long-term financial sustainability. Hotels that move early to align digital transformation with ESG principles are likely to gain a competitive advantage, particularly as sustainability performance grows in importance to both consumers and investors. Malaysia's hotel sector now stands at a critical juncture. The momentum from post-pandemic recovery and the visibility offered by Visit Malaysia 2026 presents an opportunity to redefine the industry's approach to sustainability. Achieving this will require coordination between public policy, private sector practices and improved ESG reporting frameworks. The path forward lies in adopting integrated and transparent sustainability strategies that are actively communicated through digital platforms. By doing so, Malaysian hotels can strengthen their market position, attract environmentally conscious travellers and investors, subsequently contribute meaningfully to the country's broader development agenda. -- BERNAMA Dr Dalilawati Zainal is a senior lecturer at the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya.
BusinessToday
17-06-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Vmy 2026 An Opportune Time For Hotels To Showcase ESG Readiness
By Dalilawati Zainal As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, attention is turning to the hotel industry, being one of the tourism sector's key pillars. Experts are calling for strategic reforms to ensure digital transformation supports long-term sustainability. This article focuses on hotels, which play a vital role in shaping visitor experiences, promoting national branding and supporting Malaysia's sustainability goals. Many Malaysian hotels are still falling short in aligning digital transformation efforts with broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. This misalignment could slow the momentum gained during the post-pandemic recovery and may affect Malaysia's standing as a credible sustainable travel destination. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel sector had begun to show stronger commitment to sustainability. A number of upscale hotels were pursuing green certifications, investing in energy-efficient systems and engaging in community-based tourism. Digitalisation was also progressing, though conservatively, with a focus on enhancing efficiency through online booking platforms and loyalty programmes. While these efforts were encouraging, they remained fragmented and were not yet supported by comprehensive ESG strategies. The pandemic acted as both a catalyst and a disruptor. Between 2020 and 2023, hotels rapidly adopted technologies such as contactless check-ins, smart room automation and remote guest services to enhance safety and maintain operations. Although these tools improved operational continuity, many were adopted without being anchored in broader sustainability planning. Integration with environmental performance tracking, such as carbon monitoring or electronic waste management, remains limited. This disconnect between digitalisation and environmental accountability highlights a broader challenge. In many cases, digital upgrades were introduced for convenience or cost reduction, without considering long-term ESG implications. As a result, these systems can contribute to higher energy consumption, increased data demands and unmanaged digital waste. The key for Malaysia's hotel industry is not only to innovate but to ensure innovation is aligned with measurable sustainability outcomes. Integrating ESG into digital systems is essential for credible reporting and strategic management. Without it, hotels may struggle to produce reliable data, potentially limiting access to green financing opportunities such as sustainability-linked loans. A lack of transparent and evidence-based disclosures may also reduce stakeholder trust and investment appeal. This gap also fails to meet the expectations of post-pandemic travellers, who are increasingly environmentally conscious and digitally informed. According to Sustainable Travel Report 2024, 76 percent of global travellers expressed a desire to travel more sustainably in the coming year, and 65 percent said they would feel more confident selecting accommodation with recognised sustainability certification. These trends reflect rising demand for visible and credible sustainability performance at the booking stage. In Malaysia, although digital technologies have become more widespread, their use to support or communicate sustainability commitments remains limited. A 2024 study on hotel environmental practices found that most sustainability efforts are still basic, such as energy-saving measures or waste reduction; and are often driven by cost efficiency rather than long-term planning. Similarly, a 2025 analysis of tourism recovery found that while digital tools are increasingly used, they are rarely accompanied by systems that monitor or report environmental impact. Communication of ESG efforts is another challenge. Hotels frequently highlight social initiatives, such as staff activities or charity drives, as these are more relatable and easier to share digitally. However, effective ESG reporting requires a balanced approach that covers environmental, social and governance pillars. Without this balance, hotels risk presenting an incomplete picture of their performance and value, potentially weakening brand position and stakeholder trust. This communication gap has operational and reputational implications. With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, international travellers, travel platforms and rating agencies will likely assess how well Malaysia's hotels align with global sustainability benchmarks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Inadequate ESG transparency may result in lost competitiveness compared to destinations seen as more accountable. Government support has begun to respond to these challenges. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has positioned sustainability as a key focus in the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. In addition, MOTAC is investing in digital marketing to promote eco-conscious tourism experiences, signalling a stronger alignment between destination marketing and sustainable development objectives. On the certification front, the Malaysia Green Hotel Certification, developed in line with ASEAN standards, has been introduced to recognise hotels that meet specific sustainability benchmarks. While still in the early adoption phase, the certification reflects growing institutional efforts to formalise ESG practices in the sector. These measures can help hotels integrate sustainability more systematically into both operational strategies and digital engagement, especially as the industry prepares for greater scrutiny. Industry observers stress that time is of the essence. Hotels are encouraged to reassess their digital investments through a sustainability lens, recognising that this is not just about technological advancement but also about strengthening operational continuity, stakeholder confidence and long-term financial sustainability. Hotels that move early to align digital transformation with ESG principles are likely to gain a competitive advantage, particularly as sustainability performance grows in importance to both consumers and investors. Malaysia's hotel sector now stands at a critical juncture. The momentum from post-pandemic recovery and the visibility offered by Visit Malaysia 2026 present an opportunity to redefine the industry's approach to sustainability. Achieving this will require coordination between public policy, private sector practices and improved ESG reporting frameworks. The path forward lies in adopting integrated and transparent sustainability strategies that are actively communicated through digital platforms. By doing so, Malaysian hotels can strengthen their market position, attract environmentally conscious travellers and investors, subsequently contribute meaningfully to the country's broader development agenda. Related
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Happy Pride Month: Top 8 inclusive destinations for queer travellers to visit in 2025
Travel is on everyone's immediate bucket list, but a trip only becomes truly enjoyable when one feels completely at ease. A very big part of the travel experience is whether one is able to be their most authentic self. This Pride Month, for LGBTQ+ travellers, identifying inclusive destinations is essential as safety and inclusivity are key priorities while travelling for the queer community. Moreover, destinations that already have an accepting culture, having LGBTQ+-owned cafes, community-led events, and drag clubs give a sense of belonging and celebration. According to research three out of four queer travellers consider the destinations based on whether they can be their most authentic self. Booking. com also identified the top queer-friendly destinations that have accepting and inclusive culture for queer travellers. Moreover these destinations also have had a role in contributing to the queer history somehow. Check out these top destinations as shared by research: A post shared by Europe Trip Deals (@europetripdeals) A post shared by •❂ ᎳᎾᏒᏞᎠ ᎳᎪᏞᏦᎬᏒᏃ ❂• (@world_walkerz) A post shared by zurichinside (@zurichinside) A post shared by Dirk (@hamburg_and_more) A post shared by Um Outro ngulo (@um_outro_angulo) A post shared by Windy City Chicago🏙️ (@windy_citychicago) A post shared by ℬ𝓎 𝒮ℴ𝒻𝒾𝒶🦋 (@novaevolvebysofia) A post shared by Ruben Oliveira • Porto (@ ALSO READ: Always overpacking your travel itinerary? Here's how to plan according to your family size
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
World Environment Day 2025: How Indians are embracing sustainable tourism, top 10 destinations for eco-friendly stays
World Environment Day 2025: Whether you are a mountain or beach person, travelling adds a little magic to life, but it should not be at the cost of our planet. Travel is no longer just about ticking off bucket lists or collecting souvenirs. Step back to look at the bigger picture, from increased plastic use to carbon emissions from planes and cars, there's a much darker side to your beloved trips that weighs down on the environment. On June 5, World Environment Day is observed annually. The theme this year is 'Putting an End to Plastic Pollution.' This theme couldn't be more apt and relevant to travel. Tourist destinations see a lot of plastic litter, from single-use plastic bottles to packaging of chips and biscuits, strewn everywhere. The ecosystems of these places suffer from this littering - beaches, forests, hiking trails, name it, and you will find trash sadly scattered around, marring the beauty of the landscape and affecting the flora and fauna. Giving travel a complete 'eco-makeover' is the need of the hour. But all hope is not lost, as it has already started, showcasing a rising consciousness for sustainability, which is prompting a shift towards responsible tourism with eco-friendly habits. the online travel agency, released its 10th edition of the Travel & Sustainability Report 2025, revealing some encouraging trends among Indian travellers who are making eco-friendly choices to reduce their carbon footprint, from reducing waste to opting for greener transport. ALSO READ: What is conscious tourism? Know about this eco-friendly travel trend Travel & Sustainability Report 2025 identified some key trends that indicate Indian travellers are embracing sustainable practices on their gateways. Here are some of the stats that demonstrate the trend, as shared by the report: Moreover, even in their booking preferences, travellers are choosing to go sustainable. The growing consciousness of sustainable tourism is making travellers actively filter places, choosing greener alternatives. Here are some trends, as per the stats of the report: Sustainable stays are rising, becoming a popular choice among travellers who are keen to stay in eco-friendly places. These stays are rooted in local communities and focus on sustainability through energy-efficient systems like solar power, water conservation, waste recycling and more. report identified 10 Indian destinations and 10 global locations that have a booming share of eco-friendly accommodations. These destinations were selected for having the highest percentage of overall properties with an independent third-party sustainability certification. Here are the destinations as per the report: Kanha, Madhya Pradesh Winnipeg, Canada Khawasa, Madhya Pradesh Den Haag, Netherlands Panaji, Goa Hamburg, Germany Agra, Uttar Pradesh Ankara, Turkey Jodhpur, Rajasthan Geneva, Switzerland Hyderabad, Telangana Aarhus, Denmark Candolim, Goa Puebla, Mexico Bengaluru, Karnataka Newcastle, United Kingdom Mumbai, Maharashtra Seoul, South Korea Pune, Maharashtra Roanoke, United States
