News & numbers “Despite persistent economic and geopolitical challenges, it is encouraging to observe


the ongoing rebound of European tourism.” Miguel Sanz, ETC President


ISHC kicks off the celebrations


The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) recently commemorated its 35th Anniversary. Established in 1988 by 19 founding members with the aim of promoting awareness and advancement within the hospitality consulting profession, along with fostering high ethical standards for the industry. After three and a half decades, ISHC has evolved into the foremost repository of hospitality expertise, boasting a membership exceeding 200 professionals hailing from more than 26 countries, specialising in over 50 functional areas across the breadth of the hospitality domain. ISHC’s members are recognised leaders in their respective fields.


Business is booming


Meliá PRO, the professional channel of Meliá Hotels International that caters to travel agencies, businesses, tour operators, meeting and event organisers, experienced remarkable growth in 2022, with a staggering 67% increase. This positive trend is persisting into 2023, and in the final quarter of this year, the company anticipates that the business trip segment will match the historical performance levels seen in 2019. On a global scale, data from the 2023 SAP Concur Global Business Travelers Report indicates corporate trips across Europe are projected to surge by 25.3% compared with 2022. Additionally, a survey conducted by Cvent reveals that a significant majority of corporate travel managers anticipate a substantial uptick in their organisations’ business travel volumes. Moreover, the latest forecasts from the Global Business Travel Association indicate that business trips are rebounding at a faster pace than initially anticipated, with global business travel spending expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. Meliá is embarking on the new season by further promoting business trips through its Meliá PRO Business Traveller, its benefits and rewards programme that offers exclusive rates with discounts of up to 20%. This programme is tailored to the needs of contemporary business travellers, delivering a range of advantages during their stays while also enabling them to accrue MeliáRewards points that can be used for their leisure travels.


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Over the course of its history, ISHC has instituted several prestigious awards. These include the Pioneer Award, presented at ALIS; the Young Leader Award, conferred at IHIF; the Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting, granted at the ISHC annual conference; and the Rising Star Awards – Caribbean and Asia Pacific, presented at CHRIS and HICAP. These accolades serve to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the hospitality industry, as well as recognising its young leaders and emerging talents. Additionally, the ISHC Celebrating Diversity Scholarship programme provides


two deserving students with the opportunity to attend the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. The 35th Anniversary of ISHC was celebrated during the 2023 annual conference at the Park Hyatt Washington, DC, taking place from 5–7 October. The theme for this year’s conference was ‘charting the future of hospitality’. It will not only commemorate ISHC’s thirty-five years of excellence but also delve into contemporary industry developments, technological advancements and personal growth within the ever- evolving professional landscape


IHG’s on cloud nine


IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in next- gen cloud solutions, recently announced the introduction of an overhauled digital booking experience for its guests.


Harnessing the capabilities of cloud- based platforms, IHG is revolutionising the hospitality sector by offering a more intelligent, convenient and quicker means for guests to make reservations and personalise their accommodations. This improved booking experience empowers


guests to individually select specific room attributes, such as opting for a higher floor or securing a room with scenic views. Guests can personalise their stays with a range of enhancements, including elite-qualifying bonus points through IHG One Rewards, food and beverage credits, access to exclusive lounges, special welcome amenities in their rooms or pre- paid parking – all seamlessly integrated into the revamped booking process.


A promising year in Europe


Despite economic challenges, Europe’s tourism recovery remains on a strong trajectory, with international tourist arrivals reaching approximately 95% of 2019 levels. Despite concerns regarding inflation and rising travel costs, travellers are still prioritising their travel spending over other discretionary expenses. Notably, a quarter of European destinations that have reported data have already surpassed the levels of foreign arrivals seen before the pandemic. The European Travel Commission (ETC) report for Q2 2023 offers an in-depth analysis of the region’s most recent tourism trends and macroeconomic developments.


In response to the report’s findings, Miguel Sanz, president of ETC, shared his perspective: “It is encouraging to see the positive recovery of international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2023. With this in mind, European destinations must be prepared to effectively manage the increased demand and return of travellers. “Tourism strategies should embrace the concept of travel dispersal, allowing destinations to address overcrowding issues while also distributing the benefits of tourism to less-visited areas. Tourism can and should be leveraged as a force for social, economic and sustainable progress.”


Hotel Management International / www.hmi-online.com


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