Latest news with #travelinnovation
Skift
17-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Skift IDEA Awards Deadline Extended to June 30 Due to Overwhelming Demand
The Skift IDEA Awards deadline has been extended to June 30 due to overwhelming demand and high interest from across the travel industry. This gives entrants two extra weeks to submit their most innovative work for recognition. Due to unprecedented interest and a surge in submissions, the deadline for the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards has officially been extended by two weeks. Entrants now have until June 30 to submit their work for consideration. The Skift IDEA Awards celebrate the most impactful and innovative design, experiences, and initiatives across the global travel industry. From trailblazing campaigns and transformative sustainability projects to cutting-edge digital experiences and creative hospitality concepts, the awards aim to spotlight the visionaries shaping the future of travel. New Deadline: Monday, June 30 The deadline extension comes in direct response to overwhelming demand from companies and creatives around the world requesting more time to finalize their entries. With submissions arriving from every corner of the travel landscape—airlines, hotels, tourism boards, experience providers, short-term rentals and more—this year is on track to be our most competitive and inspiring yet. If you've been considering submitting your work but needed more time to polish your presentation or gather final materials, this is your moment. The Skift editorial and judging teams are eager to see the innovation, imagination, and impact you've brought to the industry. Still unsure which category to apply for? Take our easy quiz to guide you to the best fit. We encourage all organizations, agencies, and individuals working in the travel ecosystem to take advantage of this additional window. This is your chance to gain global recognition and be celebrated as a changemaker at the forefront of travel's evolution. For submission guidelines, past winners, and judging criteria, visit:
Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Times
Most airlines ignore economy — but these are the ones doing it well
Ah, the golden age of travel, said no one flying in economy. Don't mind us: we're too busy trying to fold up our limbs so we take up as few cubic inches as possible, reassert our extremities on armrests or find a space for the puny handbag that was all we were allowed to take for free. Perhaps the boss of Emirates has a point. This week Sir Tim Clark said that economy class has long been ignored in favour of premium seats and is stuck in the 1990s. While there has been huge innovation in the expensive seats, including bumper premium economy cabins (Virgin Atlantic), snazzy double beds in first (Singapore Airlines), customisable lighting (Cathay Pacific's new Aria Suite) and 'ultra-first-class' (Lufthansa's Allegris cabin), plain old economy has remained just that. There has been some innovation. On the big blue-sky thinking end there's Global Airlines, whose first transatlantic flight took off from Glasgow to New York last month. The entrepreneur James Asquith wanted to recover some of the magic of the 'golden age of travel' with his new venture, which involves posh amenity kits and even champagne in economy, but after two odd one-off charter flights there's no indication when it might fly again. At the bottom end there is talk of stand-up seats, or double-decker seats, which the planemaker Airbus is exploring with the Spanish firm Chaise Longue, to pack even more passengers in. Unfortunately economy class is a topic I'm extraordinarily well qualified to talk about. You might think travel editors turn left but I find myself in seat 54K far more often than I'd like to admit. Over the past 15 years of doing this job I've flown on hundreds of flights in what feels like a billion different seats, from short hops on Ireland's Aer Lingus to long-haul travel on Air New Zealand. I have seen the state of decay across different brands in everything from 'lite' fares that only involve hand baggage and no food, all while paying hundreds of pounds for the privilege. Of course the state of economy varies hugely depending on the airline you're flying with, the aircraft itself and how old it is. Seat 26F on a knackered old Boeing 747 is not the same as seat 26F on a top-of-the-range Airbus A350. I'll take the cheap seats on an Airbus A380 — the world's largest passenger aircraft — where window seats in economy come with handy storage bins. But some airlines do a much better job than others. The Middle Eastern 'Gulfies', for example, are actually pretty good, although naturally bombastic products such as Qatar Airways' Qsuites — spacious cubicles for up to four sheikhs only, given the exorbitant cost — munch all the column inches. I flew from Heathrow via Dubai to Sri Lanka and back in an Emirates middle seat a few months ago; if you forgive the sensible beige-and-red colour scheme, plus its old-fashioned swirly carpet-like seats, you'll find hundreds of box-office films, yummy meals and some natty storage for your phone and glasses. (My only complaint is that due to Emirati taste each film had the language sanitised, so Bridget Jones's memorable line about the Iraqi dictator came out as: 'I'd rather have a job washing Saddam Hussein's cars.' But then that's not economy's fault.) Same for Qatar Airways, with 13.3in TVs and amenity kits that now clog up my bathroom. It helps that its Doha hub, with its indoor waterfall and garden, is one of the most gorgeous airports there is. • Dear hotels, baths belong in bathrooms. The clue is in the name Air New Zealand and Qantas deserve a mention for their plush economy cabins — because the distances that they fly are so great, they have to be state-of-the-art. Qantas, which is planning nonstop London-to-Sydney flights, has a 'wellbeing zone' for mid-flight yoga and stretching on its Airbus A350 aircraft; Air New Zealand has the SkyCouch, where passengers can lounge across three seats as if they're in business. Somewhere in the middle is our very own British Airways. Although it did away with its free short-haul meals years ago and now you're lucky to get a bottle of water and a bag of ludicrously small pretzels, last year it announced an overhaul of its economy seats on short-haul aircraft, with snazzy quilted leather seats and various fast-charging USB plugs. On its transatlantic cousin in the Oneworld group of airlines, American Airlines, economy passengers do at least get a big can of Diet Coke to go with the free nuts. On the topic of food, I've always had a soft spot for Air France, which serves free champagne in economy; Swiss, which gives passengers a little bar of milk chocolate; and Virgin Atlantic with its free pots of Häagen-Dazs ice cream. It's the little things! Give me any of this over the Chinese airlines' 'vegetarian' options that actually mean chicken. Space is the main gripe of those who fly regularly down the back. The average pitch — the space between the back of one seat and the one in front — in economy is about 29 inches. A Which? report from April this year found that Aer Lingus and Air Canada had the most generous seat pitch in economy for a long-haul airline (31 inches), although the American airline JetBlue beats the lot of them with its ultra-wide seats, among the industry's best at 18 inches. • The best business class, first class and premium economy cabins You don't need to cross the pond to find this, though. The Scottish regional airline Loganair has a 30in seat pitch, the most generous among the short-haul carriers; as well as space you'll also get a lovely Harris Tweed tartan headrest cover, a proper brew and a Tunnock's caramel wafer. But presumably not on its shortest flight, which lasts just 53 seconds, from Westray to Papa Westray in Scotland's Orkney Islands. In this very scientific analysis it feels mean to target budget airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz. They all get you from A to B safely with no faff; you'll have to bring your own martini glasses and caviar, as two TikTokkers did on an economy flight from New York to Miami. • Hand luggage: Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways policies explained That said, Wizz has started to fly medium-haul flights from London to Saudi Arabia — sevenish hours — with no free food, just one small handbag and no opportunity to recline the seat. You might need more than a martini to deal with that. If you are flying in economy, here's how to behave 1. Don't hog the armrests, especially if you have a window or an aisle seat. If you're stuck in the middle seat, this is your real estate to annex. Elbow others out of the way as appropriate.2. Respect the overhead bin space. If all you've got is an anorak and a tiny handbag, don't throw them up there with the Samsonites, which passengers have no doubt paid through the nose for. Put them under your seat and move them up there only when everyone else has boarded.3. Don't put your feet on the seats. In 2025 this shouldn't need saying but I've lost count of the number of passengers who disrobe and then put their icky feet everywhere — including poking through the gaps in the seats in front. Quite the mid-flight sharpener.4. If you're in a window or middle seat, control your liquid intake and don't tap passengers on the shoulder constantly asking to get up. This is particularly important on a night flight. What do you think airlines could do to improve their economy offering?
Skift
30-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Submit Now: Win Big at Skift Global Forum with the IDEA Awards
Enter the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards for your chance to win a physical trophy, complimentary ticket, on-stage photo with Skift's founder, plus recognition on Travel's biggest stage at Skift Global Forum in New York City. If you've launched a standout campaign, product, experience, or platform in the travel industry, now is your chance to be recognized where it counts. The Skift IDEA Awards celebrate the most forward-thinking work in travel, and winners will be honored live at Skift Global Forum, held this September in New York City. This is more than an award. It's a platform for visibility, credibility, and connection at the industry's most influential gathering. Why the Skift IDEA Awards Matter The Skift IDEA Awards recognize projects that push boundaries and move the travel industry forward. And for winners, the recognition is anything but symbolic. Each award winner receives: ✅ Complimentary tickets to Skift Global Forum in NYC ✅ Recognition live on stage, including an on-stage photo with Skift founder Rafat Ali ✅ Inclusion in experiential showcases and editorial coverage ✅ Visibility in front of 1,000+ industry leaders, including executives from travel, hospitality, tech, and investment ✅ Industry validation from an expert judging panel, comprised of global travel leaders and innovators ✅ A moment to celebrate your team's hard work, creativity, and collective achievement on travel's biggest stage "Skift IDEA Awards accelerate innovation by recognizing ideas that move the industry forward... These awards encourage faster adoption of new ideas, spark collaboration, and help scale innovations that might otherwise go unnoticed." - Peter Durama, Senior Executive Director of Technology and Digital Transformation, Destination Canada 'Skift IDEA Awards are key to showcasing the best of the industry's innovations. During unprecedented challenges, it's crucial we continue to learn from each other and innovate together.' - Stuart Blake, VP of North America, TravelPerk Past winners have landed media coverage, new partnerships, and global exposure directly tied to their IDEA Award win and Forum presence. What Kind of Work Are We Looking For? The IDEA Awards span 31 categories, designed to capture the full spectrum of creativity and progress in travel. Not sure where your project fits? Take our Find Your Category Quiz — it's quick, simple, and helps guide your submission. How to Submit Your Entry It's easy to enter. All you need is: A short written summary of your work and its impact Supporting materials: images, videos, data, or case studies A few minutes to complete the entry form Here's our complete guide - How to enter the Skift IDEA Awards. Deadline: Two weeks remaining. Be Part of the Industry's Defining Moment Skift Global Forum is where leaders come to see what's next. It's where the biggest ideas in travel are unveiled, debated, and celebrated. Winning an IDEA Award means more than being listed in a press release. It means being part of the story and celebrating with your team, your peers, and the global travel community in one of the industry's most prestigious moments. It means standing on stage in New York City, alongside the brightest minds in the industry, and getting the recognition your work deserves. 'For those of you who are considering entering the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards, we highly encourage you to share your work with the world... Take the leap, showcase your achievements and contribute to shaping the future of hospitality.' - Mandy Stum, Senior Director of Business Solutions, Radisson Hotel Group 'I want to learn from the many different solutions that are out there. And I think that's absolutely the role that the Skift IDEA Awards play—shining a light on the projects that are new, unique, and deeply relevant.' - Shannon Guihan, Chief Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation Don't want to miss out on the industry's premier thought leadership conference? Buy your ticket to Skift Global Forum now and join travel and hospitality leaders shaping the future of the industry this September in NYC. Get Your Tickets Early Bird price of $2,695 (Solo) and $2,495 (Group) for a limited time only. Full-price tickets are $3,695 (Solo) and $3,245 (Group). 1 Person Solo Ticket $2,695 Buy Now 2-6 People Group Ticket From $2,495 Buy Now
Skift
23-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Find the Perfect Fit: Take the Skift IDEA Awards Category Quiz
Not sure which category to enter in this year's Skift IDEA Awards? Take our quick quiz to find the perfect fit and get a chance to win a trophy, stage time at Skift Global Forum, editorial features, and more! Choosing the right category to enter for the Skift IDEA Awards just got a whole lot easier. This year, we're introducing a new Category Quiz to quickly help you determine the best fit for your travel innovation or experience. Whether you're a destination marketing expert, a hospitality brand, or a cutting-edge tech platform, our quiz takes the guesswork out of selecting the category that aligns most with your strengths. With so many exciting categories - from Experiential Design and Sustainability to Creative Marketing and Transformational Tech - we know it can be a challenge to pinpoint where your entry shines brightest. That's where the quiz comes in. In just a few clicks, you'll answer a series of thoughtfully crafted questions about your project's focus, impact, and innovation. The quiz then matches you with the most relevant category (or categories) so you can submit with confidence. It's fast, helpful and a great starting point for making your IDEA Awards entry stand out. Ready to find your perfect match? Take the quiz here. What You Can Win Winners of a Skift IDEA Award receive more than just recognition, they earn a spotlight on one of the industry's biggest stages. Here's what's in store: A physical trophy to proudly display your achievement to proudly display your achievement A moment of celebration on stage at our largest event - Skift Global Forum in New York City in New York City A full digital brand kit to showcase your win across channels to showcase your win across channels Inclusion in editorial coverage on viewed by the global travel industry on viewed by the global travel industry And more to amplify your impact Once you've found your category, head over to to start your submission.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Marhaba adds Check-In Anywhere, Land & Leave to deliver end-to-end travel services
Move comes as industry reports show rise in demand for innovative, seamless travel solutions Dubai, UAE: marhaba, part of dnata and a leading global airport hospitality brand, has integrated services from DUBZ, the baggage technology and logistics company, into its expanding service portfolio. The move creates one of the most comprehensive airport service offerings in the world enabling passengers flying from Dubai to check in and hand off their luggage remotely, fast-track through immigration, and relax in a lounge, all while experiencing marhaba's signature hospitality in one seamless booking. As part of the integration, marhaba now offers three signature DUBZ services under its own umbrella: Check-In Anywhere allows passengers to check in from the comforts of their home, hotel or office – where certified check-in agents will issue boarding passes and collect luggage, which is securely delivered to the airport Land and Leave enables arriving passengers to skip baggage claim entirely, with their luggage delivered to their doorstep within hours of landing Baggage Storage and Delivery offers travellers flexible short-term or extended baggage storage options, as well as secure same-day delivery across the UAE ideal for transit passengers, early checkouts or those looking to experience the city baggage-free Check-In Anywhere and Land and Leave are now bookable directly via with Baggage Storage and Delivery offered at designated service points in Dubai. Combined with its core offerings – including Meet & Greet and lounge access – these services position marhaba as one of the few global providers delivering a fully integrated hospitality journey that extends well beyond the airport terminal. The announcement follows a significant uptick in demand for smarter airport experiences. According to IATA's most recent Global Passenger Survey, speed and convenience at airports remain a top priority among travellers around the world – some 70% of respondents said they would prefer checking in their luggage in advance to avoid long queues. Since dnata acquired a majority stake in DUBZ in 2018, the service has seen consistent year-on-year growth – particularly among families, business travellers and premium passengers. In 2024 alone, DUBZ served over 70,000 passengers through its off-airport check-in, Land and Leave, and baggage storage and delivery services – marking a 15% growth compared to the previous year. 'We're seeing a fundamental shift in how people want to travel,' said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata. 'Whether it's a family trying to simplify their departure or a business traveller looking to save time, the demand for seamless airport experiences has never been higher. With this integration, we're anticipating those needs and going beyond them. It's about removing friction and giving people back time and peace of mind.' The move also comes as Dubai International (DXB) airport continues to scale new passenger records, with more than 92 million travellers passing through in 2024 – a figure projected to rise even further in the year ahead. As a response, airports worldwide are accelerating investments in off-airport processing technologies to streamline operations and enhance journeys. Since launching in 1991, marhaba has served millions of customers across key international hubs, including Dubai. By bundling off-site check-in, meet & greet, fast-track clearance and other services, the company positions itself as a one-stop solution in the airport hospitality services market. Contact dnata Public Relations
