Sustainability Archivi | Twissen https://twissen.com/en/tag/sustainability/ The first independent in tourism Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:43:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://twissen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/logo-breve-50x50.png Sustainability Archivi | Twissen https://twissen.com/en/tag/sustainability/ 32 32 Archaeology Beyond the Past: Slow Tourism, Social Value, and the Faro Convention by Fabio Carbone https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/archaeology-beyond-the-past-slow-tourism-social-value-and-the-faro-convention-by-fabio-carbone/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/archaeology-beyond-the-past-slow-tourism-social-value-and-the-faro-convention-by-fabio-carbone/#respond Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:43:06 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=11276 A journey between Crotone and Tobruk to discover how archaeology, the spirit of the Lighthouse, and slow tourism can generate identity, sustainability, and peace in the Mediterranean

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]]> Crotone and Tobruk: Two Mediterranean Laboratories for Sustainable Development and Positive Peace
by Fabio Carbone
Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Northampton (UON) – UK
Director of the Research Centre for Global Economic and Social Development (GESD, UON)
Consultant in Sustainable Tourism Management and Heritage-Led Development in post-conflict reconstruction contexts

This article draws on reflections shared during my keynote address at the 2nd International Conference on Archaeology and Tourism hosted by the University of Tobruk in Libya, under the theme “Investment and Sustainable Development between Archaeology and Tourism:
Prospects and Challenges.” My presentation, entitled “Archaeology Beyond the Past: Slow Tourism, Social Value, and the Faro Convention,” placed two Mediterranean cities in dialogue — Crotone and Tobruk.
Two coastal communities, both peripheral and central at once: ports of history and identity now seeking to redefine their relationship with memory, development, and the future. The central idea is that archaeology, when understood in the broad sense proposed by the Faro Convention (Council of Europe, 2005), is not merely a science of the past. It is a practice of the present, capable of generating social value, cohesion, and, ultimately, what Johan Galtung (1969) called “positive peace” — not the absence of conflict, but the active presence of justice, dialogue, and participation.

Living Archaeology: From Past to Future

Traditionally, archaeology has been understood as a discipline of protection and conservation, a look backward rather than forward.
Yet, the Faro Convention invites us to a radical shift in perspective: cultural heritage is not an assemblage of objects, but a network of relationships. Article 4 of the Convention states that “everyone, alone or collectively, has the right to benefit from the cultural heritage and to contribute towards its enrichment.” Heritage, therefore, becomes a right of cultural citizenship.
In this view, archaeology becomes a language through which communities narrate and recognize themselves. In Crotone, ancient Kroton still speaks, not only through the remains preserved at the Archaeological Museum of Capo Colonna, but through the collective memory of a city struggling to reconcile its past glory with a sustainable future. In Tobruk, Greco-Roman vestiges coexist with the modern memory of twentieth-century conflicts and the ongoing challenges of reconstruction. Here, archaeology is more than material legacy; it can serve as an instrument of civic resilience, reconnecting present-day life to the long history of the Mediterranean as a space of encounter and exchange.
Crotone and Tobruk: Two Mediterranean Laboratories

The comparison between Crotone and Tobruk emerges naturally: both cities stand at a threshold, poised between marginality and rebirth. They are historic ports, crossroads of civilizations, and custodians of extraordinary archaeological heritage, yet neither has fully transformed that wealth into sustainable social and economic value. In Crotone, recent data show an encouraging yet fragile trend. Regional statistics for the first four months of 2025 report 464,240 overnight stays (+10.1% compared to 2024) and 224,000 arrivals (+10.4%). The local airport welcomed 273,240 passengers in 2024, marking a 20% increase over 2023. Cruise tourism has also grown, with 26 ship calls and over 27,000 passengers in 2024, and 31 arrivals already scheduled for 2025.
However, these numbers conceal a deeper paradox. The enthusiasm surrounding the return of cruise ships to Crotone has been widely celebrated as a symbol of revival. Yet, as I have argued elsewhere, cruise companies are not humanitarian organizations; they do not operate for the destination, but through it. Their economic footprint often bypasses the local community, while the environmental and infrastructural pressures they create remain.
For emerging destinations such as Crotone, this kind of growth can quickly become a Pyrrhic victory: impressive on paper, but hollow in substance. Real development, by contrast, lies in building a tourism model that strengthens the local economy, empowers residents, and
sustains authenticity.
From this perspective, Crotone remains in the “exploration phase” identified by Butler (1980): a critical juncture in which the choices made today will determine whether it evolves toward sustainable maturity or falls into dependency and imitation.
The challenge is clear — to grow without surrendering authenticity, to define a vision rooted in identity, knowledge, and community participation. Tobruk, in eastern Libya, faces a similar turning point in a more complex environment.
After years of fragmentation and instability, the city is rediscovering its archaeological, natural, and human heritage as a resource for social reconstruction. Unlike the already established World Heritage sites of Cyrene, Leptis Magna, and Sabratha, Tobruk represents a living laboratory — a place where cultural tourism can be built from the ground up, combining education, international cooperation, and local engagement.
In this sense, Tobruk can become a model of heritage-led recovery, where archaeological enhancement goes hand in hand with civic education and peacebuilding.
Slow Tourism and the Faro Spirit

In both Crotone and Tobruk, the answer cannot be mass tourism. What is needed instead is a measured, rooted, and participatory approach. The paradigm of slow tourism, developed in the early 2000s, provides an ideal framework to translate the principles of the Faro Convention into concrete practice. It is not merely about “moving more slowly,” but about reconnecting travel with meaning, people with place.
In Crotone, this means enhancing experiences rooted in authenticity — local markets, traditional crafts, vineyards, fishing, gastronomy, and walking routes inspired by Pythagoras and Magna Graecia.
Here, the visitor becomes a participant rather than a spectator, engaging with daily life and human stories rather than consuming attractions.
For Tobruk, the same logic applies. Cultural tourism could involve young people, universities, and local guides; it could merge archaeological visits with education, dialogue, and intercultural exchange. Such a model does not only bring visitors — it builds connections. It fosters understanding, trust, and micro-economies that reinforce the social fabric.
In this regard, event tourism would also be a path worth pursuing. Without going into technical or theoretical details here, this form of tourism is useful in giving a destination a special and unique personality, and in promoting it nationally and in international markets in a sustainable way. In the case of the two locations in question, sporting events would be the most suitable, with particular attention to water sports, but not only. Moreover, tourism and historical-archaeological heritage would once again come together, especially in Crotone, which is strongly connected to the ancient Olympics.
As the Faro Convention reminds us, heritage is valuable not because of its monuments, but because of the meanings people attach to it. In this sense, slow tourism is the living embodiment of the Faro spirit: time, care, and reciprocity as tools for sustainable growth.

Positive Peace and the Social Value of Heritage

The link between heritage and peace is often overlooked. Yet, as Johan Galtung (1969) emphasized, peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of justice and cooperation. In this regard, participatory heritage valorization can become a concrete instrument of positive peace.
In Tobruk, where memories of war remain vivid, archaeology can provide a neutral, symbolic ground for rebuilding trust and belonging. Young people, in particular, can find in cultural tourism a way to participate in their country’s rebirth, becoming both custodians
and narrators of their own history.
In Crotone, the same idea applies in civic form: tourism as education in citizenship, as a collective rediscovery of territory and pride. As I have often noted in public discussions and local media such as Il Crotonese and WeSud, “true sustainable tourism begins with the principle that the first beneficiaries of heritage must be the residents themselves” (an idea I started with my Paideia Approach to tourism development, in 2013). The value of heritage, therefore, is not measured by visitor numbers, but by relationships: by the social capital (trust, cooperation, shared identity…) that it generates.
The Mediterranean as a Workshop for the Future

Crotone and Tobruk stand as two shores of the same sea. Both face the challenge of turning their histories — ancient and recent — into engines for the future. The Mediterranean today needs visions that unite development and humanity, economy and culture, tourism and peace.
In this broader vision, archaeological heritage becomes a universal language — a shared alphabet through which Mediterranean peoples can begin to speak to each other again. The real goal is not simply to attract tourists, but to build meaning; not to increase flows, but to regenerate communities. Slow tourism, inspired by the principles of the Faro Convention, offers a concrete path toward that goal: promoting a tourism that does not consume but enriches, that does not simplify but educates, that does not separate but connects. Crotone and Tobruk, each in its
own way, remind us that the most important archaeology is not the one that digs into the ground, but the one that digs into people’s hearts.
Please note that the opinions expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Twissen.

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]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/archaeology-beyond-the-past-slow-tourism-social-value-and-the-faro-convention-by-fabio-carbone/feed/ 0 Indonesia: A Rapidly Growing Tourism Market Full of Opportunity https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/indonesia-a-rapidly-growing-tourism-market-full-of-opportunity/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/indonesia-a-rapidly-growing-tourism-market-full-of-opportunity/#respond Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:35:45 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=11038 With over 13.9 million international visitors in 2024, Indonesia confirms its position as a rapidly growing tourism market. The country focuses on sustainability, innovation, and green investments to attract industry players and build a competitive, inclusive tourism offering.

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]]> Indonesia continues to affirm itself as one of the most dynamic and promising global tourism destinations, thanks to a unique combination of natural wealth, cultural diversity, and a stable political-economic framework. According to the latest UN Tourism report, the country welcomed over 13.9 million international visitors in 2024, marking a strong post-pandemic recovery, alongside more than one billion domestic trips in the same year (source: UN Tourism, 2025).

Tourism represents a strategic pillar for Indonesia’s economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and regional development. Over the past decade, the sector has attracted around USD 16.1 billion in investments, with 34.7% from foreign capital and the remainder from domestic investors. Forecasts indicate an average annual GDP growth of 5.1% for 2025–2026, supported in part by the vitality of the tourism sector.

The Indonesian government has adopted forward-looking development strategies, such as the 10 Super Priority Destinations initiative and the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) dedicated to tourism. These are backed by tax incentives, regulatory simplification, and infrastructure investment, with a focus on emerging segments such as eco-tourism, wellness, gastronomy, sports tourism, and luxury hospitality. The country also prioritizes training and innovation, fostering an inclusive and sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Major foreign investors include Singapore, China, Japan, and the United States, with the latter particularly active in sustainable tourism and green hospitality projects. Corporations such as Marriott and MasterCard have launched partnerships to develop low-impact hotels and renewable-energy-powered resorts. The government aims to attract up to USD 6 billion in green investments over the coming years, promoting responsible and forward-thinking practices.

2024 marked a turning point for Indonesia’s global tourism reputation: the country climbed 14 spots in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI), ranking 22nd out of 119 nations, second in ASEAN after Singapore, and sixth in the Asia-Pacific region. This makes Indonesia the most improved country globally since 2019, with a 4.5% score increase.

The TTDI evaluates tourism competitiveness across multiple pillars. Indonesia stands out in particular for:

  • Sustainability and resilience: The country has rapidly adapted to post-pandemic challenges through integrated strategies and collaborative efforts at local, regional, and international levels, strengthening recovery capacity.

  • Cross-sector collaboration: Its success is rooted in strong cooperation among public institutions, private stakeholders, and global organizations, involving partners such as UNWTO, WTTC, IATA, and leading data providers.

  • Development policies and innovation: The government has implemented targeted policies to enhance attractiveness and competitiveness, with a focus on digitalization, education, and infrastructure.

  • Appeal to foreign investors: The rise in TTDI ranking reflects increased investor confidence, driven by a more favorable regulatory environment and green incentives.

  • Destination management and global image: Indonesia’s ability to promote emerging destinations and showcase its rich cultural and natural heritage has reinforced its position compared to regional competitors like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The TTDI highlights that Indonesia’s strength lies in its capacity to design integrated and sustainable strategies, actively involving all stakeholders in the tourism value chain and promoting resilient and inclusive growth.

At Twissen, we observe that Indonesia—thanks to its strategic vision and strong commitment to sustainability—is emerging as one of the most attractive tourism markets for medium- to long-term investment, offering diverse opportunities within a rapidly evolving context.

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]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/indonesia-a-rapidly-growing-tourism-market-full-of-opportunity/feed/ 0 India 2025 Travel Trends: Sustainability, AI & New Destinations https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/india-2025-travel-trends-sustainability-ai-new-destinations/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/india-2025-travel-trends-sustainability-ai-new-destinations/#respond Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:27:57 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=10953 India 2025: Tourism focuses on sustainability, AI, and authentic destinations. Discover emerging traveler preferences and new opportunities for the industry.

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]]> The tourism landscape in India is poised for dynamic changes in 2025, marked by a significant evolution in traveler preferences. This analysis, focusing on key emerging trends, offers strategic insights for businesses within the sector. 

Conscious Travel and Wellbeing: The growing emphasis on sustainable tourism and wellness travel is defining the choices of Indian consumers. 70% seek eco-friendly experiences, while 57% prioritize personal wellbeing at the heart of their vacation. The interest in longevity retreats (60%) underscores a demand for transformative journeys. 

Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Tourism: Artificial intelligence for travel is redefining planning processes. 84% of Indian travelers trust AI for destination research (52%), flight booking (50%), travel deals comparison (48%), and travel inspiration (46%). AI chatbots for tourism are enhancing customer service and the efficiency of online bookings. 

Enhancing Airport Stopovers: Airport stopovers as destinations are emerging as opportunities. Cities like Istanbul, Doha, and Dubai offer free stopover stays and discounted airport tours. 34% consider airports when choosing a destination, and 60% are attracted to airports with unique experiences. 

Events and Concert Tourism: Concert tourism in India is gaining relevance, with live music events influencing domestic travel itineraries. 

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations and Low Season: The trend towards off-the-beaten-path travel and choosing unique destinations in the low season reflects a desire for authentic and less crowded experiences. A shift away from traditional tourist destinations towards emerging locations is observed. 

At Twissen, we observe that the future of Indian tourism in 2025 is intrinsically linked to environmental sustainability, the effective integration of artificial intelligence in the customer journey, and the ability to offer authentic and personalized travel experiences. Companies that can intercept these needs, focusing on technological innovation and responsible tourism, will gain a lasting competitive advantage. The evolution of the Indian tourism market rewards those who invest in an offering that balances progress and respect for the environment, responding to the increasing desire for meaningful and conscious travel. 

 

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]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/india-2025-travel-trends-sustainability-ai-new-destinations/feed/ 0 Arctic Tourism: Growth, Investments, and the Challenge of Sustainability https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/arctic-tourism-growth-investments-and-the-challenge-of-sustainability/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/arctic-tourism-growth-investments-and-the-challenge-of-sustainability/#respond Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:33:09 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=10768 In recent years, the Arctic has grown in popularity, attracting 1.2 million visitors to Russia, thanks to the rise of cruises and tourism programs. However, sustainability and climate change pose challenges. While Russia focuses on growth, the European Arctic implements responsible strategies, like restrictions in Svalbard and new infrastructure in Greenland, to balance development and environmental protection.

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]]> In recent years, interest in Arctic tourism in Russia has grown significantly. As reported by Tass – Russia News Agency, travelers are drawn to the region for its exotic appeal, rich culture, and indigenous traditions. 

According to the Russian Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, around 1.2 million people visited the Russian Arctic—less than 1% of all domestic tourists. This highlights a vast growth potential, with projections suggesting that visitor numbers could double thanks to the expansion of cruises and new tourism programs in Arctic regions. However, despite rising demand, the current tourism infrastructure still struggles to fully meet travelers’ expectations. 

Beyond the domestic market, Russia is also aiming to promote Arctic tourism internationally. The “Year of Arctic Tourism” project, launched in 2024 by the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR) in collaboration with the tour operator Polar Travel Club, seeks to showcase the Russian Arctic’s tourism potential to global travelers. 

European Arctic tourism is also experiencing increased demand, leading to the creation of promotional initiatives such as Visit Arctic Europe (VAE), involving Finland, Sweden, and Norway. This project unites over 120 companies and tour operators, with a budget of €12.8 million, partly funded by the EU Interreg Nord program. VAE focuses on sustainable tourism, both socially and environmentally, aiming to make the Arctic a competitive and year-round destination while preserving its fragile ecosystem. 

As reported by Osservatorio Artico, climate change is significantly impacting Arctic tourism. Ice melting has opened access to previously unreachable areas, increasing traffic from both small boats and large cruise ships. While a longer summer season benefits tour operators by improving accessibility, shorter winters affect snow-based activities like skiing and sledding. Additionally, extreme natural events—such as avalanches and storm surges—make organizing safe excursions increasingly complex. 

The Arctic presents a wide variety of cultures and tourism approaches, each responding differently to the challenges of expanding tourism. The Svalbard Islands have adopted restrictive policies to limit mass tourism, whereas Greenland is focusing on building new infrastructure to accommodate a growing influx of visitors. These contrasting approaches reflect a delicate balance between environmental protection and economic growth. 

At Twissen, we have observed that Arctic tourism is growing, fueled by cultural interest and greater accessibility due to ice melting. However, the sector faces challenges related to sustainability and climate change. Diverging strategies across the Arctic highlight the need to balance economic growth and environmental preservation for a responsible tourism future. 

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]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/arctic-tourism-growth-investments-and-the-challenge-of-sustainability/feed/ 0 Business Travel: Trend Analysis and Future Forecasts https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/business-travel-trend-analysis-and-future-forecasts/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/business-travel-trend-analysis-and-future-forecasts/#respond Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:02:56 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=10723 In 2024, business travel has grown, but the industry is evolving. Sustainability and technology will reduce trips, favoring eco-friendly solutions and virtual meetings. Travel will become more targeted, while geopolitical dynamics will influence business strategies.

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]]> In 2024, the global business travel industry experienced strong growth. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) report, 86% of business travel buyers and suppliers stated that corporate travel met or exceeded expectations. However, over the next 15 years, the industry will undergo significant changes driven by sustainability, technology, evolving work models, and geopolitical dynamics 

The report highlights key trends: 

 Sustainability as a new priority 

  • Companies are integrating sustainable travel policies, favoring eco-friendly destinations like Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
  • Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and environmental impact scores will influence corporate bookings.
  • Rail and electric transport are increasingly replacing short-haul flights, as seen in France. 

Technology as an alternative to physical travel 

  • AI, virtual reality, and blockchain are transforming travel management.
  • Virtual meeting platforms like Google and Logitech enhance remote collaboration, reducing the need for business trips. 
  • The adoption of electric aircraft and autonomous vehicles could cut travel time and costs. 

Evolution of work models 

  • Companies are revising travel strategies to align with new work trends.
  • Corporate retreats and team-building events are becoming more frequent, while training trips are concentrated in centers of excellence.
  • The trend is shifting towards fewer but more targeted and extended business trips. 

The influence of geopolitical and demographic dynamics 

  • Expansion into emerging markets in Asia and Africa will drive an increase in business travel.
  • An aging population in developed countries may lead to fewer corporate trips.
  • Companies may limit travel to high-risk areas, instead prioritizing the hiring of local talent. 

At Twissen, we observe business travel is rapidly evolving under the influence of sustainability and technological innovation. Companies must balance reducing their environmental impact while maintaining global connections. The future of the industry will depend on the ability to integrate sustainable and technological solutions to ensure efficiency and productivity.  

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]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/business-travel-trend-analysis-and-future-forecasts/feed/ 0 Destination Europe Summit 2025: Innovation and Sustainability for the Future of European Tourism https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/destination-europe-summit-2025-innovation-and-sustainability-for-the-future-of-european-tourism/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/destination-europe-summit-2025-innovation-and-sustainability-for-the-future-of-european-tourism/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:44:43 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=10570 The Destination Europe Summit 2025 highlighted the challenges and opportunities of European tourism, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and digitalization. A Sustainable Tourism Strategy was announced for 2026, including measures to reduce environmental impact, support SMEs, and improve transportation. Artificial intelligence and new regulations will play a key role, while a new narrative promotes off-season travel and alternative destinations.

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]]> The second edition of the Destination Europe Summit, organized by the ETC – European Travel Commission in collaboration with Booking.com and Euronews, brought together experts and tourism sector representatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the future of tourism in Europe. 

Among the central themes emerging during the event were sustainability, technological innovation, access to funding, and the implementation of strategies for more balanced tourism.

A Strategy for Sustainable Tourism by 2026 

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the first European Commissioner for Tourism and Transport, announced the goal of defining a Sustainable Tourism Strategy by the first quarter of 2026. Among the identified priorities are: 

  • Sustainability: Reducing the environmental impact of tourism.
  • Rebalancing Tourist Flows: Tackling the phenomenon of overtourism and promoting a more even distribution of visitors.
  • Environmental Certifications: Streamlining the process for obtaining sustainability labels, which are currently not easily accessible for SMEs.
  • Support for SMEs and Digitization: Facilitating the digital transformation of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises. 
  • Strengthening the Europe Brand: Positioning Europe as a sustainable, safe, inclusive, and innovative destination.

Another strategic objective concerns improving access to funding for local players.

The transition to a more sustainable tourism model necessarily requires an efficient transportation system. Among the proposed solutions is the idea of an integrated single ticket for various modes of transportation, which would make tourist travel more convenient and help reduce the ecological footprint. Furthermore, new regulations on vehicle rentals could further optimize the connections between various destinations. 

Between Regulations and New Technologies: The Role of AI 

Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking.com, emphasized how the adoption of artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming the tourism sector. Advanced digital tools allow travellers to have a “virtual travel agent” at their fingertips, making the experience more personalized and efficient. 

However, Fogel also stressed the need for smart regulations to ensure that technological innovation does not create competitive imbalances in the industry. 

Additionally, a crucial aspect concerns consumer behaviour: although many support sustainable tourism, they often opt for more economical choices. To incentivize responsible decisions, it is essential to make sustainable alternatives more accessible and competitive. 

Regarding lesser-known destinations, Fogel encourages SMEs and local players to develop new strategies and initiatives to create appeal, for instance by focusing on authentic experiences and targeted marketing campaigns. 

Decarbonization and Connectivity: Priorities for the Future 

Priorities such as the decarbonization of transportation, safety, and the improvement of connectivity between destinations have emerged as key focal points. 

George Simon, Executive Vice President of Mastercard, highlighted the growing importance of the “experience economy”, where the value of the lived experience surpasses that of the mere journey. 

A New Narrative for Tourism 

There is a pressing need to monitor the perception of local communities towards tourism, achievable through specific indicators as already envisioned by the UNWTO. It is essential to ensure that tourism infrastructures benefit both visitors and residents, avoiding situations of overcrowding and degradation. 

Eduardo Santander, Executive Director of ETC, unveiled a new narrative for the Europe brand centred on more responsible tourism, promoting off-season travel and visits to less visited destination. The key message is that the travel experience in Europe can represent an “unexpected upgrade,” rendering every journey more authentic and rewarding. 

At Twissen, we observe that the future of European tourism lies in striking a balance between innovation and sustainability. Digitization, smart regulations, simplified access to funding, and a new approach to tourism management will be essential in making Europe a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally respectful destination. 

 

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]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/destination-europe-summit-2025-innovation-and-sustainability-for-the-future-of-european-tourism/feed/ 0 12 Key Travel Industry Trends for 2024: Insights from SITA Megatrends Report https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/travellers-en/12-key-travel-industry-trends-for-2024-insights-from-sita-megatrends-report/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/travellers-en/12-key-travel-industry-trends-for-2024-insights-from-sita-megatrends-report/#respond Tue, 24 Sep 2024 08:51:31 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=10456 The SITA Megatrends 2024 report outlines twelve critical trends poised to reshape the travel industry over the next decade.

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]]> The 12 SITA Megatrends 2024 report outlines twelve critical trends poised to reshape the travel industry over the next decade. These trends span technological advancements, societal shifts, traveler expectations, and economic factors, all of which will demand swift adaptation from industry players.
  1. Digital Identity: The integration of biometrics and digital identities is set to streamline the entire travel process.
  2. AI and Automation: Airports and airlines will increasingly rely on AI and automation to optimize operations and enhance efficiency.
  3. Urban Air Mobility (UAM): The emergence of UAM as a new transport mode, particularly in congested urban areas, is expected to revolutionize short-distance travel.
  4. Sustainability: The industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will be fueled by data analytics and more sustainable operations.
  5. Multimodal Travel: A seamless, integrated travel experience across multiple transport modes will become the norm.
  6. Digital Travel: The digital transformation of travel will continue, with mobile commerce and innovative payment systems leading the way.
  7. Workforce Dynamics: Automation will change workforce dynamics, requiring a more agile, service-oriented approach.
  8. Supply Chain Transformation: Blockchain and other technologies will enhance the efficiency and transparency of the aviation supply chain.
  9. Passenger Experience Personalization: Data-driven insights will allow for a more personalized passenger experience.
  10. Flattened Business Structures: Airports will adopt flatter organizational structures to improve communication and decision-making.
  11. Resilience and Adaptability: Building resilience against future challenges, such as pandemics, will be critical.
  12. Collaborative Innovation: Collaboration between airlines, airports, and governments will be essential to drive innovation.

As these trends take shape, the travel industry will face challenging obstacles, particularly in sustainability and technological adoption. However, the role of human resources will be crucial in ensuring that companies and projects not only meet these challenges but also achieve success through innovation and adaptability.

Click here to download the full report 

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]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/travellers-en/12-key-travel-industry-trends-for-2024-insights-from-sita-megatrends-report/feed/ 0 Sustainable Tourism and Overtourism: Reflections on the Current Situation https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/policies-funding/sustainable-tourism-and-overtourism-reflections-on-the-current-situation/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/policies-funding/sustainable-tourism-and-overtourism-reflections-on-the-current-situation/#respond Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:55:44 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=10425 Explore the challenges of sustainable tourism, from overtourism to the importance of generating real benefits for local communities.

L'articolo Sustainable Tourism and Overtourism: Reflections on the Current Situation proviene da Twissen.

]]> In the current context, it is increasingly common to hear about sustainable tourism, the capacity of territories, and tourist overcrowding or overtourism. However, before diving into these issues, it is essential to ask what the true priorities of tourism are. Why does a territory open up to tourism?

We should remember that tourism is an economic sector, both public and private, which by its nature should bring benefits to the territory and the resident community. If this does not happen, then something is not working.

Today, there is much talk about the overcrowding of tourist destinations, environmental unsustainability, inadequate working conditions that do not allow the sector to retain and value human resources, and the depopulation of cities like Venice, where normal life is becoming, according to many residents, unsustainable. So, why do we engage in tourism?

It seems that tourism has become a race to see who can boast the most about their growth numbers: “This year we grew by 300%, room revenue is up by more than 400%, we’ve made more money.” But if all of this does not bring benefits to the territory and the resident community, what is the point?

Tourism decision-makers should prioritize the function of tourism, ensuring that the benefits fall to the local community, and not just to external entities that have no connection to the territory. I read an article stating that two-thirds of hotel revenue in Italy ends up abroad, not remaining within the territories. If tourism does not generate advantages for the territory, then it becomes merely a cost.

Another important aspect is that tourism is often supported by public spending: from land management to roads, waste, and even promotion. Therefore, if it does not generate, in return, utility for the territory, perhaps we should call it something else.

In my opinion, there are two possible explanations for this situation. The first is a lack of competence: some decision-makers do not understand how tourism works and continue to follow the logic of “record numbers.” The second is propaganda: the ability to boast about growth data allows for the communication of successes, but without a thorough analysis of the real benefits.

Returning to the topic of overtourism, there are no simple solutions or magic wands. However, two considerations are necessary. The first is that we must ask the resident community if they want that type of tourism and that type of city life because the citizens are the true owners of the city. It is absurd to imagine a situation where residents, annoyed by tourism, are forced to leave their own city. Who benefits from that?

In my early years working in the tourism sector, I attended meetings with mayors and administrators where more than one would say, “But the tourist doesn’t pay taxes.” In reality, the tourist pays the “tourist tax,” which, to be precise, is a tax. But if the citizen is unhappy and leaves the city, who will pay the taxes?

Furthermore, we have examples where every street has a different speed limit. Why is there fear of talking about limits in tourism? It is not an unhealthy invention, but rather something discussed in an enlightened European Commission document as early as 2007.

Regarding overtourism, it is clear that it cannot be solved simply by imagining “mechanically” moving tourists from a city like Rome to the surrounding areas, hoping they will automatically fall in love with the surrounding territory. If someone decides to go to Rome and is diverted elsewhere, they are likely to feel deceived.

So, the work to be done is different and requires, among other things, careful governance, robust planning, the creation of strong networks, extensive training, rebranding of destinations, and effective communication. Tourism must bring benefits to the territory, otherwise, there is a risk of standardizing destinations, as has happened in other popular locations. In some of these destinations, local cuisine has disappeared, and the cultural identity, which was a motivation for the trip, has been replaced by standardized vacations focused on consumption and sharing on social media.

The work to be done is entirely different… unless it is decided that major destinations should become theme parks.

L'articolo Sustainable Tourism and Overtourism: Reflections on the Current Situation proviene da Twissen.

]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/policies-funding/sustainable-tourism-and-overtourism-reflections-on-the-current-situation/feed/ 0 LIFE: The key connection between tourism and environment https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/policies-funding/life-key-connection-between-tourism-environment/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/policies-funding/life-key-connection-between-tourism-environment/#respond Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:13:40 +0000 https://twissen.com/?p=10003 The Life programme celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, testifying to the solidity and continuity of European action in "bringing green ideas to LIFE".

L'articolo LIFE: The key connection between tourism and environment proviene da Twissen.

]]> Life is the European Programme dedicated to funding projects in environment and climate action. The budgeting period 2021-2027 allocates 5,43 billion to be spent in support of the Green Transition. This year the Programme celebrated its 30th anniversary, which testimonies the solidity and continuity of European action in “bringing green ideas to LIFE”.  

The implementation of LIFE  is managed through four sub-programmes: 

  1. Nature and Biodiversity
  2. Circular Economy and Quality of Life
  3. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
  4. Clean Energy Transition 

The subdivision helps with the achievement of the following aims: 

  • facilitating the shift towards a sustainable, circular, energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and resilient economy 
  • protecting, restoring and improving the quality of the environment, including the air, water and soil 
  • halting and reversing biodiversity loss 
  • tackling the degradation of ecosystems 

Tourism is not directly part of the Programme. However, tourism projects dealing with environmentally sensitive topics could benefit from funding. In this case, the tourism proposals should be related to the themes of circular economy, energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, as well as climate neutrality. 

At Twissen we observe a growing level of awareness towards the environmental topic. However, concrete actions are still limited to a minority of actors. In this sense, the role of European funds is essential to spread and promote interventions positively impacting both environment and climate action.  

For more information on projects funded in the 2014-2020 budgetary period, see LIFE SUSTAINHUTS; Burren Tourism for Conservation; Sustainable Cruise; Integrated information campaign for the reduction of smoking-related litter on beaches 

L'articolo LIFE: The key connection between tourism and environment proviene da Twissen.

]]> https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/policies-funding/life-key-connection-between-tourism-environment/feed/ 0 Recovery and Resilience Facility: responding to the pandemic with tourism https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/policies-funding/recovery-resilience-facility-responding-pandemic-tourism/ https://twissen.com/en/trends-en/policies-funding/recovery-resilience-facility-responding-pandemic-tourism/#respond Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:31:46 +0000 https://twissen.com/uncategorized/recovery-and-resilience-facility-responding-to-the-pandemic-with-tourism/ Recovery and Resilience Facility aims to act and mitigate the socio-economic effects of Covid-19 in European countries

L'articolo Recovery and Resilience Facility: responding to the pandemic with tourism proviene da Twissen.

]]> Recovery and Resilience Facility is the central pillar of Next Generation EU and aims to act and mitigate the socio-economic effects of Covid-19 in European countries. 
The post-pandemic crisis is an opportunity to make society more sustainable and resilient, so that the challenges and opportunities related to the green and digital transition can be better understood.  

Project funding is based on six pillars:  


The allocation of resources depends on results. That is, regular payments will be released when targets are reached.
The Scoardboard provides an update on the progress of the Programme in the various countries, while RECOVER is the task force set up to support activities.  

Whether or not the Programme has a direct impact on the tourism sector depends on the National Recovery and Resilience Plan drawn up by the country itself. The European Commission recommends intervention in four key areas, which are also functional for tourism development:  

-Innovation
-Reskill and upskill
-Modernisation
-Recharge and refuel  

At Twissen, we consider goal setting to be a key step in securing funding for the project and ensuring long-term prospects. Targets should be realistic, measurable and shared among the partners.  

L'articolo Recovery and Resilience Facility: responding to the pandemic with tourism proviene da Twissen.

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