As part of WTTC’s membership, Allianz Partners will contribute its expertise in travel protection, assistance, and digital innovation to advance discussions around traveller confidence, emergency services, and the evolution of seamless, end-to-end travel experiences.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said:  “Welcoming Allianz Partners to WTTC highlights the increasing importance of resilience and traveller assurance in a rapidly evolving Travel & Tourism landscape. As the sector grows and adapts, integrated insurance and assistance solutions play a vital role in enabling safe, confident, and frictionless journeys. Allianz Partners brings valuable global insight and innovation that will help strengthen our collective efforts to build a more resilient and future-ready sector.”

Allianz Partners, interim Chief Officer Global Strategic Partnerships & Travel Anna Kofoed, noted:  “The travel industry is transforming faster than ever, and WTTC is at the heart of that transformation. Becoming a member allows us to bring our digital expertise and global perspective to a network that is actively shaping the future of travel.

At the same time, it allows Allianz Partners to learn from WTTC and its members, leaders who are redefining resilience, sustainability, and innovation across the sector. I’m thrilled for us to contribute to this collective momentum, to exchange knowledge, and to work alongside WTTC members to push boundaries and unlock new possibilities for travellers worldwide.”

Through its participation, Allianz Partners will support WTTC’s research, policy engagement, and industry collaboration—helping to strengthen resilience, enhance traveller trust, and reinforce the sector’s long-term economic and social impact globally.

About Allianz Partners
Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions spanning international health and life, travel insurance, and mobility and assistance. 

(Source: WTTC)

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Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), increased 5.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 81.4% (+0.3 ppt compared to February 2025), the highest February figure on record.

International demand rose 5.9% compared to February 2025. Capacity was up 5.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.5% (+0.5 ppt compared to February 2025).

Domestic demand increased 6.3% compared to February 2025. Capacity increased 6.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 82.8% (+0.1 ppt compared to February 2025).

“With an RPK expansion of 6.1%, February was a strong month, showing that the fundamentals for demand growth were in place for a positive year. However, without knowing the length and intensity of the war in the Middle East, it is impossible to quantify the full impact on airline prospects. But some things are already clear. Fuel costs have risen sharply. With tight capacity and thin margins, airfares are already rising. Capacity deployment is also adjusting, particularly for traffic to, from, or through the Middle East, or in areas where fuel supply is an issue. Capacity growth scheduled for March, for example, has eased to 3.3% from earlier predictions of more than 5%,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets 

International RPK growth reached 5.9% in February compared to a year ago, with growth particularly strong in Latin America. Asian traffic benefited from the Lunar New Year travel demand. Traffic between Europe and Asia was especially robust (+14%), particularly between Asia and Spain and Italy.

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved an 8.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 86.6% (+1.0 ppt compared to February 2025).

European carriers had a 5.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 75.6% (+0.4 ppt compared to February 2025).

North American carriers saw a 5.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.9% (+2.0 ppt compared to February 2025).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 0.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 3.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 79.6% (-2.2 ppt compared to February 2025).

Latin American airlines saw a 13.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 9.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.0% (+3.1 ppt compared to February 2025).

African airlines saw a 4.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 6.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.5% (-1.3 ppt compared to February 2025).

Read the latest passenger market analysis.

IATA passenger market analysis 

(Source: IATA)

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Lufthansa made the necessary airport slots available to ITA Airways at London Heathrow, allowing ITA to schedule twice daily services from Rome.

Rome Fiumicino → London Heathrow 
The first flight departs at 0750 and arrives at 0940. The second flight departs Rome at 1350 and arrives at 1540.

London Heathrow → Rome Fiumicino
The first flight departs at 1030 and arrives at 1410. The second flight departs at 1630 and arrives at 2010.

Connections between the British capital and Milan Linate will continue to operate via London City Airport. With these services, travelling between Italy and London becomes even easier and more convenient — whether for business or leisure.

“Our company is back at Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport and the most connected airport in the world. It is further proof of the importance of the synergies with the Lufthansa Group, which enabled us to secure the slots needed to operate”, said ITA Airways CEO and General Manager Joerg Eberhart. “Returning to Heathrow will bring many advantages: thanks to the characteristics of the airport, we will be able to operate flights with larger aircraft and greater capacity, increasing both passengers and revenues”.

The return to Heathrow is one of the most important new features of Summer 2026, in which ITA Airways will fly to 72 destinations on 19 domestic, 36 international and 17 intercontinental routes, including 12 seasonal destinations (three domestic and nine international) to Italian, Greek and Spanish islands.

The new intercontinental flight to Houston, US, will also begin on 1 May 2026. This is the first direct connection between Rome Fiumicino and the state capital of Texas, with three weekly flights, which will increase to five from June.

The summer timetable will also include new direct flights from Rome Fiumicino to Malaga, Valencia, and Marseille. ITA will add seven flights per week from Rome Fiumicino to Tunis between June and September. 

For Summer 2026, seasonal connections will also include Olbia–Turin and Olbia–Genoa, both operating in August with weekly Saturday services.

(Source: ITA)

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Since 1 April, ITA Airways has been connected to the Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, to more than 1,150 destinations worldwide.

Customers travelling across the network can now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy.

Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers when travelling across multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, more comprehensive loyalty benefits, and other benefits like baggage tracking – all designed to enhance the journey at every step.”

The Lufthansa Group has mentored ITA Airways’ induction into the Alliance, and expert teams across the group’s airlines have facilitated an intense integration programme over the last several months.

ITA Airways, which flies over 16 million customers every year, adds more than 350 daily flights to the Alliance network, supported by a strong domestic and regional footprint. The addition expands travel options across Italy and Europe and improves connectivity between Southern Europe and key international markets.

As part of its membership, eligible customers can enjoy priority services, lounge access across the Alliance network, and reciprocal recognition of frequent flyer programmes, including the ability to earn and redeem miles. Star Alliance Gold customers will also have access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan and Catania.

Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.

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A leading foreign exchange company, Travelex, released its inaugural Travelex Travey Money Insights Report last week, which suggests more than two-thirds of global travellers choose to take cash when they travel.

While domestic cash usage may be decreasing, the report found that, on average, 69% of travellers still use cash when overseas, higher than card usage (whether debit, credit, or pre-paid) in almost every region surveyed.

The majority of travellers also travel with a card, and the combination of cash and card gives travellers peace of mind and safety.

Travellers are also shifting decisively toward pre-trip planning, with most purchasing travel money weeks in advance.

“Domestic cash transactions may be falling, but in the travel money market, cash firmly remains king. Cash is vital for small items like tipping and taxis, whilst many travellers have reservations over cards being accepted and potential fees,” said Travelex’s Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock.

Travelex’s Travel Money Insights Report highlights the growing shift in how travellers acquire travel money, moving away from traditional in-trip purchases at the point of departure towards pre-trip planning and acquisition in the weeks and months before travel. On average, just 6% of those surveyed say they usually purchase their travel money on the day of travel.

“Travellers who traditionally relied on airport stores to acquire cash last minute are today far more inclined to do so in the weeks leading up to their trip — be that when they do their holiday shopping, or through alternative channels such as home delivery or pre-order click-and-collect,” added Bowcock. “Airport stores are still a key resource for many, but the market has shifted.”

The report coincides with Travelex’s 50th anniversary, the company having grown to become one of the market’s leading and most trusted foreign exchange brands since 1976.

Full report available here: Travel Money Global Consumer Trends – INSIGHTS 

About Travelex
Founded in 1976, Travelex has grown to become one of the market-leading specialist providers of foreign exchange products, solutions, and services, operating across the entire value chain of the foreign exchange industry in more than 20 countries. It has a growing network of ATMs and stores in some of the world’s top international airports, major transport hubs, premium shopping malls and city centres.

(Source: Travelex)

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This year’s theme, “The Tomorrow Operator: Europe & the Future of Tours & Experiences,” sets the stage for a forward‑looking programme designed to help operators navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.

In a period defined by rising demand, disruptive technology, overtourism pressures, and shifting traveller expectations, Arival 360 Valencia will provide operators with the insights, tools, and connections they need to build resilient, future‑ready businesses. The event will feature original Arival research, executive perspectives, hands‑on workshops, and peer‑to‑peer learning, all tailored to the realities of running and scaling an experiences business in 2026.

“The experiences sector is at a turning point,” said Arival, CEO and co-founder Douglas Quinby. “From the rise of AI to the challenges of overtourism and the shifting expectations of travellers, operators must rethink how they deliver, distribute, and grow. This year’s Arival 360 in Valencia is about equipping the industry with the insights and connections to thrive in this new era.”

Arival 360 Valencia brings together more than 60 speakers from across the global experiences ecosystem – including operators, OTAs, technology innovators, culinary experts, multi‑day specialists, and destination voices. The speaker lineup includes:

• Doug Weiss, Airbnb
• Guillermo Oxangoiti, TUI Musement
• Josh Carr, Intrepid Travel
• Kristin Dorsett, Viator
• Matt Jones, Klook
• Dan Christian, Travel Trends Podcast
• Andrès Spitzer, Civitatis
• Brennen Bliss, Propellic
• Sam Jefferies, Bókun (Tripadvisor)
• Christian Watts, Magpie Travel
• Roisin O’Sullivan, Walks
• Travis Pittman, TourRadar
• Robin Harnish, OCTO
• Sean Finelli, The Tour Guy

This year’s event introduces several new programme elements designed to reflect the sector’s most dynamic areas of growth, and there will be three dedicated Experience Streams – AI for Experience Creators, Multi‑Day Experiences, and Culinary Experiences.  

Arival 360 Valencia will also be more accessible than ever, with sessions delivered in both English and Spanish and AI‑powered translation available in more than 15 languages. 

Valencia provides an ideal backdrop for a conference focused on the future of experiences. The city blends rich cultural heritage with a thriving culinary scene, innovative urban development, and a strong commitment to sustainability. From its historic old town and iconic City of Arts and Sciences to its Mediterranean coastline and renowned gastronomy, Valencia reflects the spirit of the experiences that inspire travellers worldwide.

(Source: Arival)

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The first inclusive security checkpoint of its kind in Germany is now open at Munich Airport for passengers with special needs and families with small children.

The area creates an environment that meets as many needs as possible. The new control point is fully barrier-free and designed to improve support for passengers with reduced mobility. 

The focus is on people, not technology. Instead of an electronic boarding pass reader, an employee personally welcomes travellers and adapts the boarding process to their pace. The Sunflower Initiative, which Munich Airport has been a member of since 2025, was also taken into account in the planning. 

The initiative promotes greater understanding, guidance and support to passengers with non-visible disabilities. Families also benefit from the new checkpoint. A bright, friendly design and short children’s films help keep kids relaxed while their parents organise their luggage.

More space and a larger baggage inspection system also ease the control of wheelchairs, walkers, walking aids, and strollers. The new control area will increase the capacity of the central security in Terminal 2 by 400 passengers per hour. All security checks at Munich Airport are the responsibility of the South Bavarian Aviation Authority.

(Source: Munich Airport)

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The partnership was officially sealed during ITB Berlin 2026.

Visit Maldives (MMPRC) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree and Messe Berlin CEO Mario Tobias signed the agreement during an official photo ceremony at the Maldives’ stand in Hall 5.2. 

“We are delighted that, 10 years after their first appearance as Host Country, the Maldives will once again take centre stage at ITB Berlin. This long-standing partnership underscores the importance of ITB Berlin as a global platform and highlights the Maldives’ prominent role in the international travel industry,” explained Tobias.

Four people standing behind a high table, the two people in the middle smiling and holding hands for the camera.

As Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, the Maldives will present the full diversity of its tourism offering: from luxury resorts and boutique properties to diving experiences, water sports, wellness retreats and cultural encounters. Sustainability remains integral to the country’s tourism strategy, with numerous initiatives dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems and supporting local communities.

The year 2027 has been officially designated “Visit Maldives Year”, a landmark national tourism initiative aimed at highlighting the Maldives’ unique appeal on the global stage. Announced by the Maldives President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the campaign will emphasise the country’s commitment to sustainable growth, international collaboration, and the continued development of its tourism sector as a key driver of the economy. 

Through a series of global marketing efforts, including participation in major travel events, roadshows, and targeted digital campaigns, “Visit Maldives Year” will showcase the islands’ natural beauty, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality to travellers and partners worldwide, reinforcing the Maldives’ position as a leading long-haul destination.

(Source: ITB Berlin)

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In the fourth quarter of 2025, revenues increased by 12% year over year, reaching USD6.3 billion. The fourth quarter profit from core operations increased by 23% compared to the same quarter in the previous year, reaching USD534 million.

In 2025, the EBITDAR (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortisation, and Rent) margin exceeded the mid-point of the long-term target, reaching 23.7 %. Consolidated assets amounted to USD46.6 billion.

Despite an exceptionally challenging and unpredictable operating environment created by geopolitical tensions, the airline reports strong performance in January and February, supporting expectations that the 2026 EBITDAR margin should reach between 22% and 24%.

Maintaining its position as the network carrier operating the most flights in Europe, Turkish Airlines sustained steady growth throughout 2025 despite geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties stemming from trade wars, as well as aircraft delivery and engine supply issues in the aviation industry. Despite production bottlenecks, the airline group has expanded its fleet by 5% year over year to 516 aircraft by the end of 2025.

In 2025, revenue increased by 6.3% year over year to USD 24.1 billion, supported by strong contributions from passenger operations.  

Passenger revenues increased by 7.4%, driven by favourable demand in international and premium segments. The decline in cargo unit yields stemming from the slowdown in global trade volumes and the adverse effects of tariffs was offset by a 16.6% increase in cargo volume, resulting in USD 3.4 billion in cargo revenue.  

(Source: Turkish Airlines)

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The campaign is co-funded by the European Union and supported by a coalition of leading destinations and travel brands, and encourages a shift towards more responsible travel.

Fliggy, the first Chinese partner for “Unlock and Unexpected Upgrade”, officially joined the initiative by signing the partnership agreement with ETC during ITB Berlin last week. 

The campaign reimagines responsible travel as an unexpected upgrade — encouraging travellers to explore off-peak seasons, venture beyond popular hotspots, choose low-carbon transport, and support local businesses for fewer crowds, deeper connections, and more meaningful experiences across Europe.

Travellers are invited to kayak the serene Baltic Sea, walk Dubrovnik’s ancient walls in quiet moments, celebrate carnivals like a local in Germany, or discover hidden coastal towns and seasonal flower festivals.

Fliggy CTO Dr Alex Chen said: “We are pleased to partner with ETC on this initiative as Europe offers endless opportunities for discovery. Through this partnership, we’re leveraging our technology to help travellers unlock richer experiences — from hidden gems to local festivals — making every journey to the continent more immersive.”

European Travel Commission CEO Eduardo Santander said: “We’re excited to join forces with Fliggy to bring the ‘Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade’ campaign to Chinese travellers. This is more than a campaign. It’s a collective movement to make travel more meaningful and rewarding for everyone.”

As part of the partnership, Fliggy will deploy the “Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade” campaign assets, recommend popular tourist attractions and product routes, and jointly develop niche European destination routes for users on its platform. Fliggy and ETC will further cooperate on special event promotions, including the flower season, Christmas, and snow and ice travel, during the Global Travel Festival and mid-year sales.

Learn more about the campaign at https://unexpectedupgrade.eu. 

About Fliggy 
Fliggy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group, is one of the leading online travel platforms in China. 

About the European Travel Commission
The European Travel Commission (ETC) represents the national tourism organisations of Europe. Established in 1948, ETC’s mission is to strengthen Europe’s sustainable development as a tourist destination and to promote Europe in third markets.

(Source: Fliggy)

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