Business

The travel industry's resilience and innovation took center stage at Trip.com Group's annual Global Partner Summit, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Over 2,000 industry leaders, including accommodation providers, airlines, tour operators, and tourism boards, gathered under the theme "A Shared Journey to a Better World" to celebrate achievements, explore opportunities, and shape the future of travel.

Industry Milestones and Growth
The summit highlighted remarkable progress in 2024, with Trip.com Group reporting over a 60% year-on-year growth in hotel and flight bookings globally. The Asia-Pacific region led the charge, showcasing a 70% increase in bookings, while international flights in Asia nearly doubled compared to 2023.

In the accommodation sector, Trip.com Group’s Trip.Best review ranking system boosted property traffic by over 20%, benefiting its network of 1.7 million hotel partners worldwide. The company’s partnerships with airlines like Ryanair and recognition through the International Air Transport Association’s GoGlobal certification underscored its leadership in the travel ecosystem.

Trip.com Group’s Open API Platform, based on the OCTO standard, is streamlining connectivity for attractions and activity suppliers, offering seamless booking experiences for travelers while simplifying partner operations.

Corporate Travel Growth
Trip.Biz, Trip.com Group’s corporate travel arm, reported a 53% year-on-year growth in clients, driven by innovations like the globally available Trip.Biz VCC payment system and an expanded hotel network in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sustainability at the Forefront
Trip.com Group reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable travel through initiatives like the Country Retreats Project, which supports rural economic development via eco-tourism accommodations. The project’s 34 retreats have created sustainable employment opportunities and were recognized in the UN Global Compact’s ESG 20 Report.

In 2024, Trip.com Group’s efforts to reduce travel-related emissions resulted in a 260,000-ton carbon reduction, achieved through partnerships and initiatives such as the Low-Carbon Hotel Initiative. Certified sustainable properties now feature GSTC-accredited labels, simplifying eco-friendly travel choices for customers.

Strategic Partnership with Abu Dhabi
During the summit, Trip.com Group announced a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism to elevate the city’s global appeal. The collaboration aims to enhance Abu Dhabi's reputation as a premier travel destination, leveraging the city’s cultural and innovative strengths.

CEO Highlights
Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, emphasized the industry’s resilience and collaborative spirit:
"Together with our partners, we are paving the way for travel to inspire and connect. This year’s summit celebrates unity and innovation, ensuring a brighter future for global travel."

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