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Dusit executive leads TICA team.

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BANGKOK, 20 MAY 2025: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, congratulates Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, Vice President of operations (Central & Southern Thailand) and Government & Business Relations, who has been appointed President of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) for the 2025–2026 term.

TICA, a non-profit organisation established in 1984, is vital in promoting Thailand as a preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE).

With more than three decades of service to TICA, including her most recent role as the TICA Vice President and a distinguished track record in Thailand’s MICE sector, Prachoom brings deep industry insight, a firm commitment to sustainability, and a collaborative spirit to the role. Her appointment highlights Dusit International’s ongoing contribution to advancing Thailand’s tourism and hospitality landscape through strong leadership and values-driven engagement.

“I feel incredibly honoured to step up from Vice President of TICA and take on the President role,” she commented. “At Dusit, I’ve always felt proud to represent a Thai brand on the global stage. Now, as TICA President, I also have the privilege of leading efforts to promote our beautiful country as a world-class MICE destination. Together with our partners across government, private, and international sectors, I will work to ensure Thailand remains top-of-mind for organisers worldwide.”

Drawing on Dusit’s four core pillars of Dusit Graciousness — Service (personalised and gracious), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), Well-Being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), and Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) — Prachoom intends to integrate these values into TICA’s national MICE strategy. 

“My goal for TICA is the same as my goal for Dusit,” she said. “We won’t just keep up with competitors—we will lead them.”

Prachoom takes the helm from Sumate Sudasna Ayutthaya, who served as TICA President for 16 years. Inspired by his visionary leadership. 

Her appointment adds to a growing list of Dusit executives making meaningful contributions to the industry at both regional and global levels.

Dusit International Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee Chanin Donavanik serves as an Honorary Advisor to the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and as President of the Thai Hotels Standard Foundation, which operates under THA. 

Dusit International Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun is a School International Advisory Board member at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Asia, a leading regional platform for hospitality investment, where she contributes strategic insights to help shape the future of hospitality across Asia-Pacific.

Dusit’s industry contributions extend through Dusit Hospitality Education, which has nurtured hospitality professionals for over 30 years. Beginning with the launch of Dusit Thani College in 1993, the company’s education portfolio now includes Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School and The Food School — Bangkok-based institutions that equip students with internationally relevant skills.

Students from Dusit Thani College regularly participate in prestigious international events such as WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the Rising Star Hotelex China International Young Chefs Competition 2025, and the Startup Thailand League while also hosting global academic forums. Recently, the college welcomed the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) for a seminar on “Sustainable Transformations in the Asia Pacific — further reinforcing Dusit’s role as a thought leader in responsible tourism.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services. 

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide. 

For more information, visit dusit-international.com

PHAB supports local scholarships

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PHUKET, 20 MAY 2025: Phuket Hotels Association, the non-profit organisation of hoteliers focused on creating a sustainable future for Phuket, has announced that its “Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale” is back with more prizes than ever, including luxury hotel stays and outstanding travel experiences worldwide.

The Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) annual online auction is a charitable initiative that donates all proceeds to the association’s education programme. The programme funds hospitality scholarships and internships for young people in Phuket. Talent development is a key pillar of the Phuket Hotels Association, which collaborates closely with local colleges, universities, and hotels to empower the next generation of Thai hospitality professionals.

PHAB campaigns have raised funds to support more than 100 local students through professional development opportunities, including three- and four-year scholarships. Now in its seventh year, PHAB continues to rely on the generosity of its supporters to create life-changing opportunities for Phuket’s talented youth.

This year’s Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale gives members of the public the chance to bid for multi-night stays at hotels and resorts in dream destinations worldwide, such as the Maldives, Phuket, Bali, Bangkok, London, Dubai, Japan, Fiji, Samui Island, Hong Kong and many others. With prizes donated by the world’s most desirable hotel brands, including Rosewood, Six Senses, COMO and InterContinental, the auction promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In addition to the hotel stays, other prizes include dining journeys and spa therapies, while the prestigious Cornell University is inviting bids for a place in its Online Certificate Programme, which is valued at USD3,750. For the complete list of prizes and to participate, visit phab.phukethotelsassociation.com/silent-auction.

Phuket Rajabhat University students are supported by the Phuket Hotels Association’s educational programme

Phuket Hotels Association President Bjorn Courage commented: “The PHAB is always one of the highlights of the year, as it creates priceless opportunities for local young people to embark on a rewarding career in the hospitality industry, potentially raising the standard of living for themselves and their families. I invite everyone to place their bids in this year’s Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale. By participating, you could win the experience of a lifetime while also creating a brighter future for local people in Phuket.”

The Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale runs until 1400 (Bangkok time) on 16 June 2025. Click here to place your bids

Talent development is one of the key pillars of the Phuket Hotels Association, which works hand-in-hand with local educational institutions and hotels to empower the next generation of Thai hospitality professionals.To learn more about the Phuket Hotels Association, call +66 (0) 896 452 576, email [email protected], or visit www.phukethotelsassociation.com

Duxton Reserve sold to Lotus One

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 May 2025: The Garcha Group has concluded the sale of Duxton Reserve Singapore, a 49-key luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, to Lotus One Investment Pte Ltd for SGD80 million.

The property, which operates under the Marriott International Autograph Collection brand, was marketed by JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Singapore’s market-leading real estate advisory firm specialising in hospitality assets. 

Duxton  Reserve Singapore.

Global Investment Institution, Lighthouse Canton, which is headquartered in Singapore, acted as portfolio advisor to Lotus One Investment in acquiring the property for its broader hospitality and real estate portfolio strategy.

Duxton Reserve is housed within a row of conserved heritage shophouses and has become one of Singapore’s most architecturally distinctive boutique hotels. The Garcha Group, known for curating a portfolio of heritage-rich luxury properties, successfully repositioned the asset into a flagship hospitality destination. As part of the agreement with the new owners, the Garcha Group will continue to manage the hotel to provide a smooth operational transition.

The sale represents a strategic capital reallocation, allowing the group to focus on new development projects and expand the Garcha brand both locally and internationally. 

 Lotus One Investment Director Nirmal Singh commented: “Our group’s presence in Singapore spans over a decade, and we are proud to invest in a property that reflects the city’s heritage and character. Duxton Reserve is an iconic and rare asset that embodies cultural richness and architectural distinction, values that align closely with our long-term philosophy. This acquisition is not only a strategic investment but also a meaningful step in supporting the continued vitality of Singapore’s unique built environment. We also see this as the beginning of a long-term partnership strategy with the Garcha Group, built around shared values and a commitment to distinctive hospitality.”

JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group Senior Vice President of Investment Sales Singapore Ling Wei Tan said: The (Duxton Reserve) sale campaign attracted strong investor interest due to this asset’s high-quality and unique nature. The enthusiastic response underscores the growing appeal of boutique heritage properties – particularly those converted from shophouses – which are increasingly sought after for their strong capital appreciation and potential for stable returns.”

Traveloka identifies top EPIC Sale destinations

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KUALA LUMPUR, 20 May 2025: Travel demand is rising across Asia-Pacific, with more travellers eager to explore new destinations and seek meaningful experiences. 

According to Traveloka, a leading all-in-one travel platform specialising in Asia Pacific, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam emerged as the top three most-searched destinations by millions of APAC travellers during the EPIC Sale 2025, which ran from 11 April to 5 May and offered discounts of up to 60% on flights, accommodations, and experiences.

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park.

Launched simultaneously across seven key APAC markets, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, the EPIC Sale campaign showed travellers are looking to make the most of long weekends and school holidays, with a rising interest in destinations that offer cultural discovery, nature escapes, and family-friendly experiences.

Traveloka’s EPIC Sale Insights

In addition to Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, Traveloka EPIC Sale recorded that international destinations like Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore remained popular choices for APAC travellers. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching and Langkawi continued to attract strong interest from Malaysian travellers as the top domestic destinations. This reflects a strong enthusiasm for both global adventures and local explorations. The highest searches for international destinations are Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam and China.

Leisure travel and staycations continue to rise, indicating a growing preference for nearby travel with a more flexible itinerary. Based on accommodation searches, Traveloka observed high interest among Malaysian travellers in destinations such as Melaka, Cameron Highlands, Johor Bahru, Penang, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur, with Kuantan also seeing an increase. These locations were favoured for short getaways, typically three-day and two-night stays, to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and explore family-friendly experiences. This aligns with a broader shift toward more conscious travel, where convenience and affordability play a greater role.

During the EPIC Sale, the top five accommodation types booked by Malaysian travellers were hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, and guesthouses. This mix indicates a rising preference for flexible lodging that can suit various travel styles, from solo travellers to couples, families and groups.

More Than Just a Trip

“Today’s travellers are increasingly focused on value, measured not just in price, but in relevance, flexibility, and the quality of experience,” Traveloka Vice President of Commercial, Travel Activities Baidi Li said. “This campaign not only drove strong engagement across key markets but also strengthened our role as a trusted partner in helping brands grow their visibility and reach through data-driven, customer-centric solutions.”

During the EPIC Sale, Traveloka also reported a clear shift in traveller behaviour. Users were no longer just booking trips; they were curating experiences. In Malaysia, this was reflected in the surge of interest in activities such as Genting Skyworlds, Discovery Park at Gamuda Cove, Wonderpark Melaka, KLCC Aquaria, and Berjaya Square Theme Park. In addition, cruise travel gained notable traction, with more users exploring unique seafaring getaways that combine leisure, exploration, and cultural enrichment.

Agoda shines light on lantern festivals

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 May 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda is shining a light on some of Asia’s most enchanting lantern festivals coming up in the remainder of the year. These lantern festivals are unmissable for travellers eager to immerse themselves in culture and dazzling light-filled celebrations. 

Lantern festivals have long been a traveller favourite, offering a unique blend of tradition, artistry, and community spirit. For those who marvelled at earlier festivals this year, like China’s Spring Lantern Festival or Taiwan’s PingXi Lantern Festival, there’s good news—there are still plenty of opportunities to catch more lantern-lit magic in the months ahead. 

Photo: https://blog.bangkokair.com/en/loy-krathong-festival-chiang-mai/

Monthly: Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam 

Hoi An’s Lantern Festival transforms this charming riverside town into a glowing wonderland every full moon. Visitors can expect the streets to be bathed in the warm glow of colourful lanterns while the Thu Bon River sparkles with floating lights. This monthly celebration is a tribute to Vietnam’s rich heritage, offering travellers a chance to release their own lanterns and make a wish. The festival’s intimate atmosphere and timeless beauty make it a must-see for those seeking a serene yet magical experience. 

August 2025: Nara Tokae Lantern Festival and Obon Festival, Japan 

August in Japan is a double delight for lantern lovers. The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival lights up the historic city of Nara with thousands of candle-lit paper lanterns, creating a captivating illumination amidst ancient temples and deer-filled parks. Meanwhile, the Obon Festival, celebrated nationwide, honours ancestors with floating lanterns and traditional dances. Together, these festivals offer a harmonious blend of reflection, celebration, and cultural immersion. 

October 2025: Mid-Autumn Festival, China 

China’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is a time for family reunions and moonlit festivities. Lantern displays take centre stage, with intricate designs ranging from mythical creatures to modern art. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai host grand celebrations, but smaller towns also offer a more intimate charm. Mooncakes, storytelling, and lantern parades make this festival a feast for the senses and the soul. 

November 2025: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival is a breathtaking spectacle of light and water. Thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, while floating ‘krathongs’ (banana leaf decorative baskets) are set adrift on rivers. This dual celebration symbolises letting go of misfortunes and welcoming good luck. The sight of illuminated lanterns ascending into the night sky is a memory that will linger long after the festival ends. 

December 2025: Giant Lantern Festival, Philippines  

The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Philippines, is a dazzling display of craftsmanship and community spirit. Known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando showcases massive, intricately designed lanterns that light up the night in a kaleidoscope of colours. This festival is a testament to Filipino creativity and a joyful way to usher in the holiday season. 

Vietjet transfer 737 to Tha fleet

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 MAY 2025: Vietjet and Boeing have agreed to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand, marking a strategic initiative to strengthen aviation and tourism connectivity between Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries in the region. 

The signing ceremony convened in the presence of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the latter’s first official visit to Vietnam in over a decade.

Caption: Penny Burtt, President of Boeing Southeast Asia (3rd from left, front), Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (middle, front) and Vietjet Thailand CEO Woranate Laprabang (3rd from right, front) exchange the agreement to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand in the presence of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (3rd from right, back) and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (3rd from right, back).

Under the agreement, Vietjet will allocate 50 aircraft from its existing order of 200 Boeing 737s to Vietjet Thailand. Deliveries will begin in October 2025, significantly expanding Vietjet Thailand’s domestic and international network, particularly enhancing air links between Vietnam and Thailand. 

“We are pleased to partner with Vietjet and Vietjet Thailand to expand Boeing 737 operations in Vietnam and Thailand,” said Boeing Southeast Asia President Penny Burtt. “Together, we aim to connect communities and drive economic development, paving the way for a prosperous future in Vietnam and Southeast Asia’s dynamic growth region.”

Vietjet chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao stated at the event: “The transfer of 50 modern and efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand demonstrates our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation development in the region. We are determined to implement the ‘Three Connects’ Strategy between the two countries – encompassing supply chains, businesses, and localities.”

Boeing will also provide Vietjet Thailand with comprehensive technical support, including pilot and engineer training, maintenance programs, and product services to ensure safe and efficient fleet operations in Thailand. 

The agreement marks a new milestone in cooperation between Vietnamese, Thai, and US enterprises, with shared priorities in digital transformation, sustainable development, and narrowing development gaps among member states.

Established in 2014, Vietjet Thailand is based at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. It operates 33 domestic and international routes, linking Thailand’s economic and tourism hubs with Vietnam, Japan, China, India, and Cambodia.

Qatar Airways Group reports strongest results

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DOHA, 20 MAY 2025: Qatar Airways Group reports its strongest set of financial results in its history, highlighted by a year of expansion as it buys a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia and the South African regional airline, Airlink.

Profits for the group, which includes cargo, catering and Qatar Duty-Free, reached QAR7.85 billion (USD2.15 billion ) in the 24/25 fiscal year – an increase of more than QAR1.7 billion (USD0.5 billion) on the year before.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “These record-breaking results are a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication of teams across Qatar Airways Group.

I know that none of the outstanding results we’re announcing today would be possible without our people, more than 55,000 of them across the globe, and it’s our focus on fostering that talent, which has been a core focus of our Qatar Airways 2.0 strategy.

“We have also successfully implemented strategic partnerships throughout the industry so that the group can remain agile in the face of ever-shifting world events, whether political, economic or environmental.

“All of this means we continue to offer and develop exceptional service in the skies, whether it’s the award-winning Qsuite, fine dining, or super-fast, complimentary Starlink internet connectivity for all passengers.”

Key achievements

  • Record-breaking 28% increase in profit in 24/25 financial year.
  • Hamad International Airport’s expansion enables it to cater for 65 million passengers annually.
  • 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia.
  • 25% acquisition of South African premier regional airline, Airlink.
  • Introduction of conversational AI into its world-first digital cabin crew, Sama.
  • A range of technical MoUs, future-proofing and diversifying the business across the sector, and working to fulfil the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Gawai Dayak Open House 2025 in Betong

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KUCHING, 19 MAY 2025: The Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) presents the Gawai Dayak Open House 2025, which will take place on 7 June 2025 at Rumah Veriland, Engkeranji, Layar, Betong, Sarawak.

The cultural event, which is open to the public, is hosted in collaboration with the Betong Resident Office and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and the Ministry of Youth Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak. 

The STF Gawai Dayak Open House 2025 returns for its third year, celebrating cultural unity and supporting rural tourism. It will take place from 1700 to 2400 at Rumah Veriland, Engkeranji, Layar, Betong. The event will feature traditional music and dance, cultural exhibitions, storytelling, and hands-on workshops on Dayak customs.

Visitors can enjoy local food, browse a handicraft bazaar, and experience the special Gawai-Kaamatan Concert, a unique collaboration between the Dayak and Kadazan-Dusun communities. 

This year,  there are glamping options for those who wish to stay overnight and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a touch of comfort and Dayak hospitality.

“This year’s Gawai Dayak Open House is not just a celebration of our heritage but also a reflection of innovation in rural tourism,” said

Sarawak Tourism Federation President Mdm Audry Wan Ullok. “We’re proud to introduce glamping and the Gawai-Kaamatan Concert as new features to attract more visitors, especially among youth and cultural enthusiasts.”

Supporting partners include the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, the Betong Resident Office, the Betong District Office, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Betong, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak. They were praised for their unwavering commitment to promoting Sarawak’s cultural vibrancy and community spirit.

STF Gawai Dayak Open House 2025 is a free public event celebrating heritage, harmony, and hospitality. 

For those looking to explore more of Betong and its rich surroundings, various tour packages are available for purchase, ranging from three days and two nights (3D2N) to six days, five nights (5D4N). 

Options include the 3D2N Gawai in the Head-hunters Heartland, 3D2N Gawai Glamping, 3D2N Gawai Harvest Festive, and 6D5N

Each Sarawak Gawai Festival offers a unique way to immerse in local culture and rural charm.

For more information visit: 2025-Open House – Sarawak Tourism Federation 

Sabah to join global LCC gathering in Malta

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KOTA KINABALU, 19 MAY 2025: Sabah’s international tourism profile will increase after Lufthansa City Centre (LCC) invited the Sabah Tourism Board to join the prestigious LCC General Assembly in Malta this November.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment cum Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, welcomed the invitation as a timely opportunity to raise Sabah’s visibility on the global stage.

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister cum STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with LCC International managing director Heiko Brix (second left) and STB deputy chairman Datuk KL Tan (second right) at the dinner last Thursday.

He said the summit, which brings together over 500 travel agency owners and decision-makers from more than 85 countries, provides a valuable platform for Sabah to present its unique offerings.

“This opens doors for us to showcase Sabah’s strength in nature, culture, and community-driven experiences, as well as our growing MICE potential,” said Joniston.

He added that such international exposure aligns with Sabah’s long-term tourism strategy and efforts to prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

The invitation was extended by LCC International managing director Heiko Brix during a dinner hosted by the Sabah Tourism Board last Thursday.

Scheduled for November 2025, the global LCC gathering in the Mediterranean destination of Malta is a high-level biennial gathering of global travel leaders focused on industry strategy, innovation, and collaboration.

The agenda includes sessions on travel and geopolitical trends, AI-driven transformation, evolving traveller behaviour, and resilient leadership.

Brix has described Sabah as a new but promising destination within LCC’s global network of travel agencies.

Having personally experienced Sabah, he said the visit gave him a clearer view of how to position and promote the state to international travellers.

“Sabah has strong appeal as both a natural explorer destination and an emerging MICE destination. Sabah has what international travellers are looking for – authentic nature, culture, and space to disconnect,” said Brix.

LCC members are currently in Sabah for their Asia Pacific regional meeting, where they also have the opportunity to explore the state’s tourism offerings.

For more information on Sabah’s tourism, visit Sabah Tourism Board

WTTC calls for an urgent SAF scale up

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SINGAPORE, 19 MAY 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with global consultancy ICF, has today launched a new framework urging the entire Travel & Tourism sector to unite in tackling one of its toughest challenges: scaling up the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other renewable fuels. 

The report, Scaling Up Sustainable Fuel, sets out a practical roadmap for how every business in the sector, no matter its size or role, can help address transport-related emissions and accelerate the shift to cleaner fuels. 

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Sustainable fuel is the single biggest game-changer for Travel & Tourism, but supply falls dangerously short of demand. If we don’t act together, we risk rising costs, limited availability, and stalled climate progress.  

“Every hotel, tour operator, travel agency, cruise line and airline has a role to play. This framework gives them the blueprint. Sustainable fuel is not just an environmental necessity; it’s a business imperative, and governments must incentivise the production of SAF, not just set targets for the sector.” 

Today, SAF accounts for just 0.3% of global jet fuel use. To meet net-zero targets by 2050, production must increase more than 400-fold — from 1.25 billion litres today to over 450 billion litres. That will require as many as 6,500 new renewable fuel plants worldwide. Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF) faces similar supply and infrastructure constraints. 

Unlike other decarbonisation options, SAF is a ‘drop-in’ solution. It works with existing engines and aircraft. However, high production costs, limited infrastructure, and feedstock competition have kept volumes low and prices high, up to 10 times that of conventional fuel. 

The new WTTC-ICF framework offers clear, tiered actions for Travel & Tourism stakeholders to engage, whether as Collaborators, Promoters, Adopters, or Investors. From joining campaigns and supplying waste products to funding production facilities or purchasing sustainable fuel certificates, the report clarifies that every business can contribute. 

 ICF Managing Director Daniel Galpin stated: “Decarbonising transport is a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable tourism sector. While transport industries, particularly aviation, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), have recognised the importance of sustainable fuels and are courageously working towards a new era, a significant journey remains ahead. The broader tourism ecosystem needs to take action and provide support to meet the targets set and implement the operational and strategic changes required. 

“ICF is proud to have collaborated closely with WTTC to identify the roles tourism stakeholders can adopt and the actions they can take to facilitate the sector’s decarbonisation, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.” 

Real-world case studies show how action is already underway. The Erawan Group is turning hotel waste oil into SAF in Asia, whilst Jet2 has invested in a UK-based SAF plant using recyclable household waste. 

Crucially, the report warns that unless the sector collaborates, SAF mandates introduced by governments, requiring a 5% to 10% blend by 2030, could increase travel costs and limit consumer choice. 

With Travel & Tourism forecast to generate USD16.5 trillion and support over 460 million jobs by 2035, scaling up sustainable fuel isn’t just an environmental challenge. It’s an economic imperative.

For more information and to access the full report, visit WTTC’s Research Hub

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