IWTA interviews Marta Grutka on “Promoting global understanding and local empowerment through travel”

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The United States maintained its position as the world’s largest Travel & Tourism market in 2025, yet it faces challenges as international visitor numbers dropped by 5.5% compared to the previous year. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), international visitor spending also fell by 4.6% to $176 billion, despite a global increase of 80 million international travellers.

The US Travel & Tourism sector contributed $2.63 trillion to the global GDP and supported 20.4 million jobs in 2025, adding approximately 242,000 new positions. Domestic visitor spending remained robust at $1.54 trillion, marking a 0.3% increase year-on-year and 14.3% above pre-pandemic levels. However, the WTTC warns that the US is at a critical juncture in its tourism development.

China, the second-largest market, is rapidly advancing, with a 9.9% growth in its Travel & Tourism sector, contributing $1.75 trillion to GDP. The Asia-Pacific region, led by countries like Malaysia and the Philippines, is now the fastest-growing in the sector.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, emphasised the need for the US to invest in promoting its attractiveness and changing perceptions to maintain its leadership. Jason Wynn, CEO of Chase Travel, highlighted the potential of upcoming global events to attract international visitors and foster connections.

The WTTC continues to collaborate with governments and industry leaders to ensure sustainable growth in the Travel & Tourism sector, aiming to keep it a significant driver of jobs and economic opportunity

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Alaska Airlines has announced a strategic partnership with Tailsight, a Texas-based AI company, to introduce an AI-powered maintenance planning solution. This collaboration marks Alaska Airlines as the first major airline to deploy Tailsight’s platform, aiming to streamline maintenance processes, improve performance, and reduce aircraft-on-ground time.

The platform, developed over nearly two years of collaboration, integrates maintenance constraints, operational context, and planner workflows into a single system. Nathan Engel, vice president of maintenance operations at Alaska Airlines, expressed confidence in the platform, stating, “What gives me the most confidence is the team behind the product. For nearly two years, we have worked closely together to define requirements, shape the software, and test it in real-world conditions.”

Tailsight’s platform offers real-time insights, optimising maintenance plans by considering labour, parts, station capability, and aircraft readiness. It aims to provide a shared operational view, allowing technical operations teams to coordinate planning and execution more effectively. Adam Houghton, CEO of Tailsight, highlighted the platform’s capability to help airlines plan and adapt with greater speed and visibility.

This initiative is part of Alaska Airlines’ broader “Alaska Accelerate” strategy to invest in AI-driven software companies, enhancing operations and generating long-term value. The partnership will continue with ongoing product enhancements based on operational lessons learnt.

Tailsight, headquartered in Austin, Texas, focuses on modernising airline technical operations with its innovative software solutions

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The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 (TMS APAC) concluded its third edition at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, showcasing the robust growth of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector in the region.

Held from 14–15 April, the event attracted 1,913 professionals and over 600 buyers from more than 80 countries, marking a 10% increase in participation from the previous year.

Organised by Northstar Travel Group, TMS APAC was co-located with the inaugural Global Travel Marketplace Luxury Asia Pacific and the second edition of the Business Travel Show Asia Pacific. The event underscored the industry’s momentum despite global uncertainties, with significant business outcomes and deeper regional engagement.

Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group, remarked, “The Meetings Show Asia Pacific has become a powerful barometer for where the global MICE industry is heading.” He highlighted the confidence and adaptability driving the region forward. Irene Chua, Vice President and Group Publisher for Asia, Northstar Travel Group, noted the show’s role in facilitating meaningful business connections and exchanges.

The event featured a curated Buyer Programme, fostering high-quality connections and tangible business opportunities. New participants, including Korea Tourism Organisation and Hilton, joined returning exhibitors like Japan National Tourism Organisation and Singapore Tourism Board, enhancing the show’s diversity.

As Asia Pacific’s leading MICE trade show, TMS APAC will return on 21–22 April 2027 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, promising further growth and strategic relevance for the industry

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Fans of literature and history have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Sir Walter Scott by spending the night at Abbotsford, his 19th-century home in the Scottish Borders. Known for popularising the historical novel genre, Scott’s residence, often referred to as ‘Conundrum Castle’, has long been a cultural landmark attracting global visitors.

As literary tourism experiences a resurgence, travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences in the homes and landscapes that inspired iconic writers. Abbotsford offers guests the chance to stay overnight, drawing inspiration from the same surroundings that influenced classics like “Waverley” and “Ivanhoe”. This trend highlights a global shift towards meaningful, experience-led travel that connects tourists with culture and creativity.

The Abbotsford Trust, which manages the property, also runs the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, one of the UK’s most prestigious literary awards. This initiative continues Scott’s legacy by fostering new writing in a setting that bridges heritage and contemporary storytelling.

Abbotsford, designed and inhabited by Scott himself, remains an architectural and literary treasure. It serves as a site of inspiration for writers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts, offering an environment where history lives on through new narratives. For those interested in experiencing this unique blend of history and creativity, more information and booking options are available on the Abbotsford website

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The UK Civil Aviation Authority has acknowledged a major milestone achieved by Vertical Aerospace, highlighting the rapid advancements in aviation technology. Giancarlo Buono, Group Director of Safety and Airspace Regulation at the Authority, emphasised the transformative potential of new technologies in reshaping travel. He stated, “New technology is unlocking new opportunities for the aerospace industry, and will reshape how people travel.”

Vertical Aerospace’s recent progress is seen as a testament to the swift pace of innovation within the sector. Buono remarked, “This milestone for Vertical Aerospace shows how far and fast new aviation innovations are progressing.” The Authority is committed to supporting such advancements through effective and proportionate regulations, ensuring that emerging technologies can be safely integrated into the skies.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s support underscores the importance of regulatory frameworks in facilitating groundbreaking innovations. Buono added, “We will continue to work with and support the industry to ensure that emerging aviation technologies can develop safely.” This collaboration aims to foster a safe and innovative environment for the future of air travel

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Portland is set to enchant visitors this August with the launch of “Wildwood: Follow the Crows,” a city-wide art trail inspired by LAIKA’s upcoming stop-motion film, Wildwood. This free, self-guided trail will transform downtown Portland into an open-air gallery, featuring larger-than-life crow sculptures designed by local and regional artists. Each installation will offer a unique interpretation of the film’s themes, inviting visitors to explore the city in a novel way.

The initiative aims to replicate the success of Portland’s previous art trails, such as the one inspired by LAIKA’s Coraline, which significantly increased visitor numbers and engagement. “Wildwood: Follow the Crows” is expected to drive footfall and support local businesses, reinforcing Portland’s reputation as a cultural hub.

In collaboration with LAIKA, local civic organisations, and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, the trail also includes a charitable component. At the event’s conclusion, the sculptures will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting paediatric healthcare services. This offers visitors a chance to engage with art that contributes to a meaningful cause.

To facilitate exploration, dedicated maps and digital tools will guide visitors along the trail, making it easy to navigate between installations. Whether visiting as a family, a film enthusiast, or a culture-seeking traveller, the trail promises an engaging experience of Portland’s unique neighbourhoods.

“Wildwood: Follow the Crows” is part of a broader effort to revitalise downtown Portland, encouraging both locals and visitors to reconnect with the city through art and community

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Emirates and Wesgro have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Africa’s World Travel Market to enhance inbound tourism to Cape Town and the Western Cape.

This partnership seeks to leverage Emirates’ extensive global network to attract visitors, supporting the region’s Growth for Jobs Strategy.

The MoU, signed by Afzal Parambil, Emirates’ Regional Manager for Southern Africa, and Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro’s CEO, focuses on increasing travel from key markets such as the GCC, Far East, and India. Parambil highlighted Cape Town’s popularity, stating, “Through this agreement with Wesgro, we will collaborate to unlock new growth opportunities and further stimulate inbound tourism.” Emirates plans to introduce a third daily flight to Cape Town using the Airbus A350, reinforcing its commitment to the region.

Stander emphasised the importance of such partnerships, noting, “Wesgro continues to focus on stimulating demand and unlocking new opportunities across priority markets.” The collaboration aims to position Cape Town as a premier destination for both business and leisure.

Tourism is vital to the Western Cape’s economy, creating numerous jobs and attracting millions of tourists annually. In 2025, Cape Town International Airport recorded 11.1 million passengers. Emirates, which began Cape Town services in 2008, continues to enhance connectivity with its fleet, including the A380, Boeing 777, and A350.

Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, transporting fresh produce and other goods swiftly and efficiently. This partnership is expected to further stimulate economic growth and strengthen Cape Town’s position on the global tourism map

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Dakota Hotel Group has announced an exclusive pre-opening package, ‘Dakota First Class Escapes’, for its new Manchester Airport hotel, set to open on 1 July.

The offer, available until 31 May, includes an overnight stay for two, secure valet parking, a complimentary chauffeur-driven airport transfer, and a glass of Taittinger Champagne on arrival.

The package is designed to provide a premium travel upgrade for leisure and domestic travellers, offering a seamless start to their journey. Guests can choose from parking durations of four, eight, or 11 nights, catering to various travel plans. Prices for the package start at $275 (£225), applicable to any room type for bookings between 1 July 2026 and 28 February 2027.

Matt Townley, Group Operations Director, expressed excitement about the offer, stating, “As we approach our highly-anticipated opening date, we’re excited to bring this exclusive offer to our valued guests. Our intention is always to make guests feel like they are experiencing something one of a kind when staying with Dakota, and the First Class Escapes package is guaranteed to do just that, combining warm hospitality with a premium experience.”

The new Manchester Airport hotel will complement Dakota’s existing city-centre location at Dakota Manchester Piccadilly, maintaining the brand’s reputation for outstanding service and sophisticated interiors. With high demand anticipated, potential guests are encouraged to secure their bookings promptly

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The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has welcomed back the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) as a Destination Partner, enhancing its global network of convention bureaux.

This renewed partnership aims to bolster international collaboration and advance the meetings and events sector across Africa.

Rwanda’s re-engagement with IAPCO underscores its commitment to international cooperation and the growth of its meetings industry. The collaboration is expected to enhance Rwanda’s bid competitiveness and access to global networks, thereby unlocking long-term economic benefits. Strategically located in Africa, Rwanda ranks third on the continent for meetings destinations, with its capital, Kigali, ranked second, according to ICCA 2024.

Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Rwanda Convention Bureau back to the IAPCO Destination Partner community. Rwanda continues to demonstrate strong ambition and capability as a global meetings destination.” Janet Karemera, CEO of RCB, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s role in promoting Rwanda globally and providing growth opportunities for local Professional Conference Organisers.

The Rwanda Convention Bureau, established to promote the country as a prime destination for business events, plays a crucial role in supporting international congresses. This partnership is set to elevate Rwanda’s profile and attract events that generate economic value and knowledge exchange. Established in 2013, the IAPCO Destination Partnership Programme unites leading convention bureaux worldwide, driving progress in the global meetings industry

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