Latest news with #ITBBerlin
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
New Sarawak Craft Council HQ, gallery to be built in Kuching
Abdul Karim (centre) speaks to the media at the press conference while Snowdan (right) and Sherrina look on. – Photo by Agnes Tugong KUCHING (June 20): A one-stop craft centre is set to be built in the heart of Kuching to serve as the headquarters of the Sarawak Craft Council and a dedicated gallery for local craft products, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the centre will be strategically located behind the Sikh Temple adjacent to the road leading to the Borneo Cultures Museum. 'This will be the central hub for Sarawak's craft activities. Museum visitors who wish to purchase local craft items can head directly to the centre after their visit,' he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Craft Council meeting today, adding that construction is expected to take approximately two years. Abdul Karim, is also the newly appointed Sarawak Craft Council chairman, said the council's temporary office will operate out of the Sarawak Steamship Building until the new facility is ready. He did not disclose the cost and when the construction will begin. On a related note, Abdul Karim said to further promote local crafts and recognise outstanding artisans, a Sarawak Craft Festival or Craft Day will be introduced soon. The festival, he added, would become a regular event, potentially starting as early as next year, to honour exceptional crafters through awards, certificates, or even designating craft icons He added that to streamline policy implementation and promotional efforts, all craft centres in Miri, Sibu, and other locations will be brought under the purview of the Sarawak Craft Council. 'Registration with the Sarawak Craft Council is encouraged to have access to various benefits such as support funds, promotions as well as skills development and marketing programmes. 'We have funds such as the Facilitation Fund, and if they do not want to register, they will lose out,' he said. To boost global visibility, Abdul Karim said the council would also help artisans market their products online and facilitate participation in international tourism and trade events such as ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London. He said the uniqueness and authenticity of Sarawak's crafts are major selling points on the global stage. 'Authentic and fine handmade products always have their own values. We need to patent our designs so that they are not copied or registered by outsiders,' he said. As an example, he cited the traditional Iban top hat 'Topi Tunjang', which recently drew the attention of the French President Emmanuel Macron during the 'Revelations Biennale Paris 2025' exhibition in Paris on May 21, as proof that Sarawak crafts have strong international appeal when properly showcased. Abdul Karim expressed confidence that with a comprehensive development strategy, Sarawak could not only become a national craft hub but also a benchmark for the regional craft industry. Also present at the press conference were State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini.
Travel Daily News
06-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
German travel trends in 2025: Price beats sustainability
German travel demand surges for summer 2025 despite economic pressures, with affordability outweighing sustainability concerns and Mediterranean destinations remaining top choices. The German travel market is in great shape for the 2025 summer season, with demand for holiday travel bigger than ever. However, under the impact of a weak economy and rising prices, the consequences of climate change are increasingly being ignored. ITB Berlin puts the latest developments into perspective and focuses on the latest challenges and opportunities in the travel market. Trade wars, tariffs, sluggish growth: uncertainty and stagnation are the dominant themes of the 2025 global economy. By contrast, German consumer confidence is proving to be surprisingly robust, at least where travel and relaxation are concerned. Despite the difficult economic climate in Germany, summer holidays remain a priority for its citizens. According to estimates by the German Travel Association (DRV), Germans plan to spend around 85 billion euros on pre-holiday travel services in 2025 – a significant six per cent increase over the previous year. The organised travel market with package and tailormade tours is growing particularly strongly. The industry expects that over the course of the year spending on tour company products will reach 40 billion euros, about seven per cent more than last year. Thus, organised tours are almost on a par with custom holiday services. An important growth driver in the German travel market is the demand for cruises. In 2024 it reached a new record, with 3.8 million people taking river and ocean cruise trips, a figure which this year is expected to rise again. Targets, prices and new dynamics When it comes to the holiday destinations that Germans are choosing for summer 2025 there are few surprises. Popular warm-weather destinations on the Mediterranean are experiencing high demand again, and early booking numbers are continuing to rise. Families in particular are ensuring that Turkey with its wide-ranging all-inclusive tours is doing even better business again. It remains this year's top-selling package holiday destination, followed by Spain, with Greece in third place. 'Travelling tops consumers' wish lists again this year – despite all the economic and geopolitical challenges. It seems travelling and holidays are the last thing Germans can do without', says DRV president Norbert Fiebig. The optimism within the German travel market is at odds with international trends, which compared with last year have deteriorated in many areas of the tourism value chain. 'The significant rise globally in flight and accommodation costs as well as a weak economy in many countries are increasingly impacting the market', says Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism. Nonetheless, the German market's high booking volumes cannot hide the fact that the consequences of inflation are also being felt among a nation previously described as the 'world's travel champions'. Despite around a quarter of Germans planning to spend more money on their holidays this year, they are becoming increasingly sensitive to the cost when choosing their destinations. Countries traditionally offering cheaper holidays such as Bulgaria and Tunisia are gaining in popularity. Egypt, where price increases have so far been moderate, is also witnessing higher demand. Less established and comparatively inexpensive destinations in the Balkans such as Montenegro and Albania are also reporting slight increases in bookings. According to a survey by the ADAC Travel Monitor, for one in three Germans saving money has become a necessity for planning their summer holiday. At the same time, the proportion of consumers keen on taking a holiday but barely able to finance it is growing. In 2025 around 32 per cent of Germans will not be going on a major holiday trip. In 2022 this figure was only 17 per cent. 'Price rises are damping consumer confidence and putting a strain on the disposable income of private households. Nevertheless, we see the travel industry's figures pointing upwards. Should the negative economic trends continue however, this will also impact travel behaviour', cautions DRV president Fiebig. Sustainability versus reality In a situation where prices are increasingly determining consumers' holiday choices, quality aspects are becoming less important. Sustainability criteria, such as considering a trip's carbon footprint or the transport options at one's destination, continue to be a low booking priority. According to the ADAC Travel Monitor, only around 20 per cent of people are willing to pay a premium for extra sustainability options such as local products. At the same time and more than ever, people want a perfect local environment. 18 per cent of all respondents said they take the risk of possible natural disasters such as forest fires, floods or other weather extremes into account when planning their holidays. In 2022 this figure was only 14 per cent. Such concerns are likely to grow in future under the impact of climate change. 'In addition to current geopolitical tensions, it is the increase in weather extremes that is above all significantly impacting the development of global tourism', says Executive Director of UN Tourism Zoritsa Urosevic. However, climate-related flooding events such as in the Valencia region, or unusual heatwaves in parts of the Mediterranean in the summer of last year have so far only had a marginal impact on booking behaviour. There is little evidence of travellers avoiding the Mediterranean due to the growing risk of extreme weather and switching to northern Europe for example, although this is probably also due to the considerable difference in prices at Scandinavian and southern European holiday destinations. The industry has a responsibility Current booking behaviour confirms a trend that is likely to increase in the face of economic crises and stagnating purchasing power. A growing number of holidaymakers are torn between their conscience and reality. Despite many being increasingly aware of the need for sustainable action, this is barely reflected in real terms. For travellers, what is much more important than climate action is how attractive a destination is as well as the cost – a phenomenon that has been scientifically termed the 'attitude behaviour gap'. Against this backdrop, it is unlikely that pricing alone can persuade holidaymakers to choose more sustainable travel behaviour. Heinz-Dieter Quack, Professor of Tourism Management at Ostfalia Hochschule, is among the scientists who believe the responsibility for solving this problem lies with tourism industry. 'Sustainability is not driven by demand. Instead of holidaymakers, it is tour operators who must lead the way', says Quack. According to him, it is not just about creating sustainable concepts and incorporating them into tourism products, but also about making them visible as part of a corporate marketing strategy. In his view, tour operators must also address problems such as overtourism. Here, digital solutions for regulating tourist flows and in extreme cases banning undesirable tourist activities could help to protect the environment and the quality of people's stays at destinations.
Hospitality Net
05-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
German Summer 2025 Travel Boom: Record Bookings Eclipse Climate Concerns
The German travel market is in great shape for the 2025 summer season, with demand for holiday travel bigger than ever. However, under the impact of a weak economy and rising prices, the consequences of climate change are increasingly being ignored. ITB Berlin, the World's Leading Travel Trade Show, puts the latest developments into perspective and focuses on the latest challenges and opportunities in the travel market. Trade wars, tariffs, sluggish growth: uncertainty and stagnation are the dominant themes of the 2025 global economy. By contrast, German consumer confidence is proving to be surprisingly robust, at least where travel and relaxation are concerned. Despite the difficult economic climate in Germany, summer holidays remain a priority for its citizens. According to estimates by the German Travel Association (DRV), Germans plan to spend around 85 billion euros on pre-holiday travel services in 2025 – a significant six per cent increase over the previous year. The organised travel market with package and tailormade tours is growing particularly strongly. The industry expects that over the course of the year spending on tour company products will reach 40 billion euros, about seven per cent more than last year. Thus, organised tours are almost on a par with custom holiday services. An important growth driver in the German travel market is the demand for cruises. In 2024 it reached a new record, with 3.8 million people taking river and ocean cruise trips, a figure which this year is expected to rise again. Targets, prices and new dynamics When it comes to the holiday destinations that Germans are choosing for summer 2025 there are few surprises. Popular warm-weather destinations on the Mediterranean are experiencing high demand again, and early booking numbers are continuing to rise. Families in particular are ensuring that Turkey with its wide-ranging all-inclusive tours is doing even better business again. It remains this year's top-selling package holiday destination, followed by Spain, with Greece in third place. 'Travelling tops consumers' wish lists again this year – despite all the economic and geopolitical challenges. It seems travelling and holidays are the last thing Germans can do without', says DRV president Norbert Fiebig. The optimism within the German travel market is at odds with international trends, which compared with last year have deteriorated in many areas of the tourism value chain. 'The significant rise globally in flight and accommodation costs as well as a weak economy in many countries are increasingly impacting the market', says Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism. Nonetheless, the German market's high booking volumes cannot hide the fact that the consequences of inflation are also being felt among a nation previously described as the 'world's travel champions'. Despite around a quarter of Germans planning to spend more money on their holidays this year, they are becoming increasingly sensitive to the cost when choosing their destinations. Countries traditionally offering cheaper holidays such as Bulgaria and Tunisia are gaining in popularity. Egypt, where price increases have so far been moderate, is also witnessing higher demand. Less established and comparatively inexpensive destinations in the Balkans such as Montenegro and Albania are also reporting slight increases in bookings. According to a survey by the ADAC Travel Monitor, for one in three Germans saving money has become a necessity for planning their summer holiday. At the same time, the proportion of consumers keen on taking a holiday but barely able to finance it is growing. In 2025 around 32 per cent of Germans will not be going on a major holiday trip. In 2022 this figure was only 17 per cent. 'Price rises are damping consumer confidence and putting a strain on the disposable income of private households. Nevertheless, we see the travel industry's figures pointing upwards. Should the negative economic trends continue however, this will also impact travel behaviour', cautions DRV president Fiebig. Sustainability versus reality In a situation where prices are increasingly determining consumers' holiday choices, quality aspects are becoming less important. Sustainability criteria, such as considering a trip's carbon footprint or the transport options at one's destination, continue to be a low booking priority. According to the ADAC Travel Monitor, only around 20 per cent of people are willing to pay a premium for extra sustainability options such as local products. At the same time and more than ever, people want a perfect local environment. 18 per cent of all respondents said they take the risk of possible natural disasters such as forest fires, floods or other weather extremes into account when planning their holidays. In 2022 this figure was only 14 per cent. Such concerns are likely to grow in future under the impact of climate change. 'In addition to current geopolitical tensions, it is the increase in weather extremes that is above all significantly impacting the development of global tourism', says Executive Director of UN Tourism Urosevic. Click here for the video interview with Executive Director of UN Tourism Zoritsa Urosevic on the Risks and Opportunities in the International Travel Market. However, climate-related flooding events such as in the Valencia region, or unusual heatwaves in parts of the Mediterranean in the summer of last year have so far only had a marginal impact on booking behaviour. There is little evidence of travellers avoiding the Mediterranean due to the growing risk of extreme weather and switching to northern Europe for example, although this is probably also due to the considerable difference in prices at Scandinavian and southern European holiday destinations. The industry has a responsibility Current booking behaviour confirms a trend that is likely to increase in the face of economic crises and stagnating purchasing power. A growing number of holidaymakers are torn between their conscience and reality. Despite many being increasingly aware of the need for sustainable action, this is barely reflected in real terms. For travellers, what is much more important than climate action is how attractive a destination is as well as the cost – a phenomenon that has been scientifically termed the 'attitude behaviour gap'. Against this backdrop, it is unlikely that pricing alone can persuade holidaymakers to choose more sustainable travel behaviour. Heinz-Dieter Quack, Professor of Tourism Management at Ostfalia Hochschule, is among the scientists who believe the responsibility for solving this problem lies with tourism industry. 'Sustainability is not driven by demand. Instead of holidaymakers, it is tour operators who must lead the way', says Quack. According to him, it is not just about creating sustainable concepts and incorporating them into tourism products, but also about making them visible as part of a corporate marketing strategy. In his view, tour operators must also address problems such as overtourism. Here, digital solutions for regulating tourist flows and in extreme cases banning undesirable tourist activities could help to protect the environment and the quality of people's stays at destinations.
Hospitality Net
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
NEW: ITB Travel & Tourism Report 2025/2026
Knowing what makes the industry tick and how it should deal with challenges: as the world's leading tourism trade show kicks off, interested parties can look forward to the publication of the ITB Travel & Tourism Report 2025/2026. Totalling 32 pages, it offers far-reaching insights into how the tourism industry views digitalisation and disruption and provides 20 takeaways with specific recommendations for action on the future role of marketing in tourism. The report was based on a three-part survey by the global travel community carried out between summer 2024 and the beginning of 2025, in collaboration with Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and a number of industry experts. It can be purchased in digital form at the following link. Key topics of the report In view of the dynamic nature of our times, the report focuses on three key questions: • How marketing in tourism is currently changing • The role that sustainability and the digital transformation play • How AI is currently changing the industry The report also sheds light on the impact of politics and social influences, the challenges they pose and why crisis management and resilience are more important than ever before. Tourism industry on course for success - but challenges remain The authors of the report note that the international tourism industry is on course for success again after the end of the coronavirus pandemic. As the ITB Berlin Convention opens, most companies can look back on a financial year with high booking figures and dynamic growth. Nevertheless, the industry faces numerous tasks and challenges, and the pressure to innovate and adapt is growing steadily. The ongoing digital transformation, new opportunities and uncertainties in the field of AI as well as changing customer markets and habits require considerable investment in IT infrastructure, marketing and expertise. What is more, many traditional tour operators, hotels and distributors as well as numerous tourist destination companies have so far resisted tackling these tasks. Medium-sized companies in particular are currently not sufficiently prepared to meet the complex challenges. As a result, there is a risk they will lag behind large platform providers and technology companies in an increasingly competitive environment. The business world of the future will be characterised more than ever by the availability of data. Investing in data and collaboration is key to success The report reveals that targeted investment in data infrastructure, analysis and management is essential for digital visibility and successful customer communications. In addition to technological aspects, the authors of the report highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the tourism industry. Traditional core competencies remain key to positioning and personnel management, while sustainability and resilience require transformative skills. Furthermore, technological expertise and the targeted use of AI are crucial to achieving a successful digital transformation. For more Details please visit
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Armenia eyes stronger tourism ties with Qatar: Official
Doha, Qatar: A top Armenian tourism official visiting Doha has lauded the phenomenal rise of Qatar's tourism sector, hoping to emulate Qatar's success story and establish tourism links between the two countries. Lusine Gevorgyan, who chairs the Tourism Committee of Armenia, was on her first official visit to Qatar earlier this week. She met with business leaders and stakeholders in Doha to promote Armenia as a destination for tourists from Qatar. In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Gevorgyan, expressed enthusiasm about the future of Qatar-Armenia tourism ties, describing the visit as a starting point to promote two-way travel and unlock untapped potential between the two nations. "Yesterday (May 3), at the Embassy of Armenia in Qatar, we hosted a presentation to showcase the beauty of Armenia to the Qatari business community," Gevorgyan said. 'We see a great opportunity to develop both inbound and outbound tourism.' Positioning Armenia as a four-season destination, Gevorgyan highlighted the country's rich offerings throughout the year. 'In winter, many Armenians travel to Qatar to enjoy the warm climate and the sea, especially during the New Year holidays. Now we are promoting Armenia for summer and autumn travel. Our green mountains, eco-farming, and harvest season offer a unique experience,' she said. Adventure tourism is a growing niche in Armenia, with activities like hiking, kayaking, and off-roading drawing international visitors. Armenia was recently named the 'Best Adventure Destination' at ITB Berlin, one of the world's leading travel trade shows. Armenia boasts more than 25,000 historical and cultural landmarks. 'Our cuisine is clean, fresh, and full of variety. Apricots from Armenia will be in season starting June, and our agriculture sector is attracting investors from the Arab world,' she said. Travel between Qatar and Armenia is now more convenient than ever. Daily direct flights by Qatar Airways have significantly shortened the journey to just two and a half hours. 'It's like taking a taxi to visit your friend,' Gevorgyan said. 'And for Qatari citizens, Armenia is visa-free.' Residents can easily obtain an e-visa or visit the embassy and get a visa, she said. Armenia is actively seeking investment in its tourism and hospitality sector. 'Our government offers a simple, digital process to start a business in just one day,' she explained. 'We are especially encouraging investment in hotels and restaurants.' Halal food options are increasingly available, catering to the preferences of many tourists. 'We understand the importance of offering culturally appropriate experiences,' she added. Despite the strong foundation, tourism numbers from Qatar remain modest, with just 300 Qatari visitors last year. However, the trend is changing. Armenia also plans to launch marketing campaigns in Qatar. The official's visit coincided with her participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, where Armenia showcased 26 tourism businesses under a national stand. 'What impressed me most about Qatar is the safety, beauty, and vibrancy of life here,' Gevorgyan said. 'Qatar had five million tourists last year. Armenia hosted 2.2 million – but we see room to grow and learn.' She underscored Armenia's commitment to sustainable tourism as a national strategy through 2030. 'We are not aiming for mass tourism. We want to grow wisely, protect our environment, and deliver high-quality experiences.' Closing the interview, Gevorgyan offered heartfelt thanks to the people of Qatar: 'I've felt deeply welcomed. Armenian and Qatari people share values of hospitality, family, and tradition. In Armenia, Qatari visitors will feel safe, respected, and at home.' © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
