Edition #112, June 29th

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Hi ,

I am in London this week for the Travel Tech Show, where I had the privilege of interviewing Andrew McGuiness on stage yesterday about the blending in of virtual reality he is building at LayeredReality. I want to share 3 insights that left me thinking during the past 3 days here.

Firstly, offline networking is still king. While digital technology has transformed how we communicate, nothing beats meeting in person, creating a personal connection, and exchanging ideas. This was an opportunity to put faces to names and build connections organically, sparking potential collaborations and driving innovation. As we embrace digital tools, let's not forget the value of in-person networking and those serendipitous moments. By the way, I'm looking forward to seeing you in person on October 27th, . <3

Secondly, the travel industry is experiencing a digital revolution, and it's time to embrace new tools to enhance traveler experiences. Attractions around the world are investing in immersive technologies and tailored recommendations to create memorable experiences that go beyond the ordinary. It's exciting to see the potential these digital tools offer to reshape the industry's landscape, and we should continue to embrace and leverage them — Gotta love tech designed for travel.

Lastly, London's rich cultural diversity was a breath of fresh air amid the hustle and bustle of the city. But diversity isn't just inspirational; it's also a driver of innovation. By embracing multicultural perspectives, collaborating across cultures, and catering to diverse traveler segments, we can unlock transformative solutions. Working with local businesses from different cultural backgrounds not only encourages teamwork but also opens up new market opportunities. I’ll take that as a reminder to continue to bring diversity as a path to innovation in the travel industry.

Now let’s head to this week’s curation of the top news in trends, innovation and startups shaping the travel industry.

• Talent is always welcome. In a bid to address staffing challenges within the hospitality industry, Hilton has announced plans to hire 1,500 refugees across Europe over the next three years. This initiative aims to support underrepresented groups, including refugees, minorities, persons with disabilities, and military veterans. Since 2022 over 400 refugees have been employed across 73 hotels from the chain in Europe. The goal is to create 5 million "learning and career growth opportunities globally by 2030." This commitment aligns with the growing trend in the industry, as other leading companies like Marriott International have also pledged to hire refugees in the United States and Europe.

• Stockholm Airport's Metamorphosis. Swedavia, the Swedish Airport company, is embarking on its largest-ever commercial investment to revamp the retail and food & beverage offerings at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The first phase of this exciting project is set to be completed by the end of this summer, promising a brand-new airport experience focusing on local brands and unique products that can't be found elsewhere. Swedavia is currently in the process of selecting ten new shops, presenting businesses with a remarkable opportunity to be a part of this thrilling airport development. Really enjoyed reading this interview where Marie Ullmark (Swedavia's Director of Retail, Food & Beverage, and Aviation Pricing) shares the ambitious vision and strategy behind this massive undertaking.

• The most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Europe. The LGBTQ+ segment is a driving force in the travel industry, accounting for 10%+ of global tourists and contributing $195+ billion in spending annually. Mabrian's ranking unveils Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly cities, emphasizing exceptional service and acceptance. This presents opportunities for destinations and businesses to customize offerings, foster inclusivity, and attract diverse travelers year-round. Interesting to see Spain's impressive achievement of securing two entries in the top five.

Last year, when CitizenM launched its membership program, it immediately caught my attention. I was familiar with their beautifully designed spaces made to welcome travellers in busy locations, and their membership program extends a warm invitation to become part of their community. What sets mycitizenM+ apart is the refreshingly simple approach to earning perks: a straightforward monthly fee that opens the door to elevated status. No points collection hassle here. The result? Impeccable service, tailored experiences, and exclusive perks that emanate value and gratitude. As I write this newsletter from a cozy chair in the rooftop bar of CitizenM, right in front of the Tower of London, I can't help but wonder which other sectors in the travel industry are ready to bring on non-obvious approaches to loyalty - any inputs?

See you next week, Ana

Thank you for reading until the end.

The content of this newsletter is curated and published by Ana Metz, an innovation expert, passionate about technology and excited about the future of travel.

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