#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #travel industry #Trip.com

Trip.com Group's Global Partner Summit 2024

In December 2024, Trip.com Group hosted its annual Global Partner Summit in Abu Dhabi, marking a pivotal gathering for over 2,000 leaders from the travel industry, including airlines, accommodation providers, and tourism boards. The event focused on the themes of collaboration, future growth, and sustainability in travel, showcasing significant achievements made in the past year.

Celebrating Industry Growth

With the event themed 'A Shared Journey to a Better World', the summit highlighted impressive statistics from the travel sector. According to Trip.com, hotel and flight bookings saw a remarkable growth of over 60% year-on-year, with the Asia-Pacific region witnessing a staggering 70% increase. This growth is indicative of a recovering industry with robust global demand after facing previous challenges.

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration throughout challenging times, stating, "This year's summit celebrates the spirit of unity and collaboration that helps us create new opportunities."

The Group has formed strategic partnerships with major airlines and earned a commendation for their innovative efforts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Innovations in Travel

To improve the travel experience further, Trip.com Group unveiled its new Open API Platform that simplifies the process of accessing attractions and booking activities. This platform uses the OCTO standard, streamlining connections for suppliers. It enhances the customer experience by making it easier for travelers to book activities and tours, thereby fostering a more integrated travel ecosystem.

Additionally, Trip.com Group's corporate travel division, Trip.Biz, reported a 53% growth year-on-year, driven by innovative payment solutions and increased hotel availability.

Commitment to Sustainability

As the summit progressed, Trip.com Group reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability. They introduced several initiatives designed to promote eco-friendly travel and community development. A notable program is the Country Retreats Project, which invests in high-end eco-tourism accommodation in rural regions, creating local employment opportunities and boosting economies.

They reported that their new carbon-saving solutions have successfully reduced travel-related emissions by over 260,000 tons in 2024, clearly highlighting their progressive stance towards promoting more sustainable travel options.

Strategic Partnerships in Focus

During the event, Trip.com Group announced a strategic partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. This collaboration aims to promote Abu Dhabi as a premier global tourism destination, further enhancing its appeal to international travelers. The partnership will utilize Trip.com Group's extensive marketing channels to connect travelers with Abu Dhabi's diverse offerings.

Abdulla Yousuf from DCT Abu Dhabi expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Trip.com, emphasizing its role in enhancing Abu Dhabi's global presence among travelers.

A Bright Future for Travel

Looking ahead, Trip.com Group remains devoted to leading with innovation and sustainability at its core. The senior management outlined their ambitions for fostering growth opportunities within the travel industry and reinforcing their commitment to responsible travel principles.

In conclusion, the 2024 Global Partner Summit served as an essential backdrop for industry collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships. As the world adapts to the evolving landscape of travel, Trip.com Group is poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future towards a more sustainable and connected experience for all travelers.