This week’s broadcast of Eye on Travel comes from the Saudi Arabia booth at the World Travel Market in London — 40,000 world leaders, ministers and CEOs from 150 countries. All talking the present — and future — of travel. Starting with Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso, discussing the increased digitization of travel and overtourism awareness. Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, explains Saudi Arabia’s efforts to open itself to travelers, including initiatives to build more airports and issue more visas. John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, shares what he’s learned about sustainability while developing 90 previously uncharted islands in the Red Sea. Niall Gibbons, on the vision for NEOM, the city of the future. David Goodger, Managing Director at Tourism Economics, breaks down travel data, revealing changes in airfare pricing, and how 73% of travelers are now saying they want to go somewhere outside their comfort zone. Ali Hosseini, Chief AI and Technology Officer at PwC Middle East, dives into the good, the bad, the future and the challenges of implementing AI as a travel tool, for destinations, airlines, hotels and travelers. And then, Saudi Arabia as a cruise destination? Barbara Buczek, Chief Destination Experiences Officer at Cruise Saudi, on why Jeddah and the Red Sea is evolving into a premiere cruise destination. There’s all this and more on this week’s Eye on Travel.

 

 

On this broadcast:

Peter’s News Open, Matthew Upchurch, Jerry Inzerillo (0:00-39:40)