Latest news with #TravTalkME
Tourism Breaking News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Seamless, Smart, and Sustainable: Honeywell's Vision for the Future of Airport Operations
Post Views: 441 As global airports continue to evolve to meet growing passenger demand and sustainability targets, Honeywell is at the forefront of shaping that transformation. TravTalkME speaks with Nabil Cheqroun, Chief Commercial Officer, Honeywell Building Automation, on the sidelines of the Airport Show about the technologies which help achieve the seamless and smart services for the passengers. At the Airport Show this year, Honeywell showcased its suite of cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance airport efficiency, passenger experience, and environmental responsibility. 'Our focus is based on three strategic pillars: delivering a seamless passenger journey, ensuring resilient operations, and accelerating the path to net zero,' said Nabil Cheqroun, Chief Commercial Officer, Honeywell Building Automation. 'We're showcasing several innovations that are already making a significant impact in airports around the world.' A Seamless Journey: Follow the Green One of Honeywell's standout solutions is Navitas, the 'Follow the Green' technology. This system enables aircraft to taxi from runway to gate in the most efficient and safe manner possible. 'Navitas helps reduce downtime and fuel consumption, improving turnaround time while significantly cutting carbon emissions,' explained Cheqroun. Complementing this is Honeywell's latest Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS), which ensures precise docking of aircraft. 'Accuracy is critical in airport operations, and VDGS provides pilots with exact guidance to reach the correct gate position,' he added. Unified Airport Intelligence Honeywell also emphasizes integration with its Command and Control Suite, a platform that connects building management systems, fire safety, and security infrastructure. This unified view streamlines airport operations both landside and airside, enabling quicker response times and optimized resource management. 'Our Enterprise Building Integration (EBI) solution is built to manage complex airport environments. Whether it's lighting, HVAC, or emergency response, EBI brings everything under one intelligent dashboard,' said Cheqroun. Predictive Maintenance & Energy Efficiency In the realm of sustainability, Honeywell brings a tangible edge. Around 40% of its equipment is made using sustainable sources, and its building automation focuses heavily on energy efficiency and predictive maintenance. 'Our FORGE platform is agnostic, meaning it can integrate with any manufacturer's hardware,' noted Cheqroun. 'It uses data analytics to monitor asset performance and predict failures before they occur, helping operators maximize lifecycle value without impacting airport operations.' These capabilities not only support environmental goals but also reduce operational costs by optimizing energy use and improving system reliability. Supporting Regional Growth Honeywell's legacy in the region spans over seven decades, and that deep understanding of local market needs gives it a significant advantage. 'We've co-developed technologies with airport authorities in the region. That collaboration has allowed us to tailor our solutions to the specific climate, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements,' said Cheqroun. 'For airport operators looking to modernize, our long-standing presence and experience make Honeywell a trusted partner.' Looking Ahead While the focus at the Airport Show was primarily on airport operations, Honeywell's technologies also contribute to the cargo sector, offering similar operational and sustainability benefits. As airports expand to meet the demands of rising air cargo volumes, such solutions will play an even greater role. In closing, Cheqroun reinforced the company's commitment: 'Honeywell is not just showcasing technology. We are enabling airports to operate smarter, greener, and more efficiently—from gate to runway to terminal.' For stakeholders in airport infrastructure and operations across the Middle East and beyond, Honeywell's integrated solutions represent a comprehensive, future-ready approach to aviation.
Tourism Breaking News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Malaysia to launch global promotions across the Middle East, Asia and beyond
Post Views: 37 In an exclusive interview with TravTalkME, Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Head of Secretariat, Visit Malaysia 2026, highlighted that Middle East is their key target market to increase their revenue and global initiatives to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 are underway. He said, 'The Middle East is our key target market to increase revenue in terms of tourism to the country. Visitors from the region are among the highest-spending and longest-staying tourists—on average, they spend 11 days in Malaysia. We see them as a key source for driving tourism preparing for a major global campaign to promote Visit Malaysia through various campaigns. Creating demand is our priority across different countries and market segments. We want to ensure that people know more about Malaysia through promotions across Middle East, Asia and beyond. Our strategy includes strong partnerships with airlines, OTAs, travel agents, industry players, and MICE groups. We're also segmenting our markets, particularly targeting luxury travellers, who are a key focus for us. A major announcement is scheduled for World Tourism Day on 27 September 2025, in Malacca, Malaysia. More than 150 countries will participate in both the World Tourism Conference and the World Tourism Day celebrations. We take this opportunity to launch a bigger scale of Visit Malaysia 2026.'
Tourism Breaking News
30-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Shaikha Al Nowais makes history as First Female Emirati Elected UN Tourism Secretary-General
Post Views: 30 TravTalkME is proud to celebrate a landmark achievement for the region and the global tourism sector: Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, has been elected as the Secretary-General of UN Tourism. This historic appointment marks her as the first female Emirati to hold this prestigious international position. A trailblazer in the hospitality industry, Shaikha Al Nowais has long championed gender diversity and the empowerment of women in the workplace. Under her leadership, Rotana has implemented progressive policies focused on equal pay, access to education and training, and supportive workplace environments for all employees—regardless of gender. Her election not only reflects her outstanding contributions to tourism and hospitality but also signifies a bold step forward for female representation in global leadership. As Secretary-General, she is expected to bring fresh vision and inclusive leadership to the future of international tourism.
Tourism Breaking News
30-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 with Global Meet and International Outreach
Post Views: 80 In a special interview with TravTalkME, Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Director International Promotion Division, North and East Asia, Tourism Malaysia shared that efforts are being made to intensify priority markets such as the GCC to drive more opportunities and that they are planning a special event to connect Malaysian sellers with international buyers and media in September this year on world tourism day to further promote about 'Visit Malaysia 2026'. She added that Malaysia is ramping up its preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, with major initiatives already underway this year. A national priority, the campaign brings together strategic partners from across the hospitality and tourism industry—including hotels, airlines, and media platforms—to amplify Malaysia's brand on the global stage. 'Among the key highlights is Global Meet, a business-to-business (B2B) platform taking place later this year. The event will connect Malaysian tourism sellers with international buyers and media, aiming to boost global awareness and drive business opportunities ahead of 2026. Additionally, Malaysia will host World Tourism Day in Melaka this September, further showcasing its readiness and commitment. Efforts are being intensified in priority markets. While neighboring countries remain strong contributors to tourist arrivals, Malaysia is expanding its focus to China, India, and notably the Middle East—aligning with the Prime Minister's regional engagement efforts. Long-haul markets like Europe are also a renewed priority.' To drive this agenda, Malaysia has launched a series of sales missions and workshops. These include recent promotional tours in India, China, and the Middle East, such as the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and missions to Jeddah and Riyadh. Post-COVID, the push is clear: re-establish Malaysia's presence in under-engaged regions and aggressively market the country as a top tourism destination. With 2026 on the horizon, Malaysia is going 'all out' to ensure the campaign's success.
Tourism Breaking News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Qatar eyes greater role @ ITB China 2026 after strong showing in 2025: Visit Qatar
Post Views: 70 Jassim AlMahmoud – PR & Communications Director – Visit Qatar in a special interview with TravTalk ME shared that their presence at ITB China 2025 was most successful and their intention to expand their presence next year with the positive feedback received as they participated for the first time. 'ITB China is a very important event for us for two key reasons: first, the exceptional quality and professionalism associated with the ITB brand; and second, the high caliber of exhibitors and potential partners participating in the show. We are here to build meaningful partnerships, but most importantly, to deepen our engagement with the Chinese market—which we consider a Tier 1 source market for Qatar. This is my first visit to China, and already it is clear that the country offers immense opportunities. China's vast population and its growing appetite for international tourism make it a key focus in our global tourism strategy. But to truly attract Chinese travellers, we must understand their preferences and expectations. We've already identified that gastronomy, shopping, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions are particularly appealing to Chinese tourists. Fortunately, Qatar can offer all of these. From luxury shopping and world-class cuisine to rich heritage and attractions suited for travelers of all ages, we are confident in our ability to cater to Chinese guests. We are seeing solid growth from this market. For example, in 2023 we welcomed 56,000 Chinese visitors, and in 2024 we've recorded a 28% increase—a clear sign of rising interest. To support this momentum, we are actively expanding our partnerships. We brought 10 partners from Doha with us to ITB China this year. And based on what we've experienced here, we're seriously considering expanding our presence next year. The market potential is undeniable, and the hospitality we've received reinforces the importance of being here. To better serve Chinese travellers, we've already taken practical steps: We have representative offices in Shanghai and Beijing. We currently have 35 Chinese-speaking tour guides, soon increasing to 45, including both full- and part-time staff. Many of our hotels now offer Chinese-speaking staff and Chinese cuisine. Visitors from China enjoy visa-free access to Qatar, which significantly eases travel. We are exploring training initiatives similar to those launched by other countries, such as tailored cultural and language programs for frontline tourism staff.' Speaking on connectivity he shared, 'On the connectivity front, Qatar Airways operates 61 flights per week to 8 major Chinese cities, in addition to services offered by three Chinese carriers—Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern, and Air China. We're in ongoing discussions to further increase this number, pending regulatory developments. The relationship between China and Qatar is strong at both the governmental and cultural levels. This mutual understanding is reflected in our visa policies and bilateral cooperation. Looking ahead, while language can still be a barrier, we are leveraging AI tools and professional translation services, and considering further steps to make our destinations more accessible—such as enhancing signage and information in Chinese. To conclude, China is a top-priority market for Qatar Tourism. ITB China has been a valuable platform, and based on our first-hand experience here, I am confident that our post-event report will strongly recommend an even larger presence next year. We are committed to building long-term relationships and delivering an outstanding experience for every Chinese traveller visiting Qatar.'
