Saturday, November 4, 2023
The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) held its Annual Meeting in the picturesque Douro Valley, North Portugal, in partnership with the Portuguese Travel Agents’ Association (APAVT). With over 50 delegates from European travel firms in attendance, the gathering focused on furthering ECTAA’s Climate Action Plan and maximizing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the travel sector.
Climate Action at the Forefront
The innovative ECTAA Climate Action Plan was at the heart of the organization’s debates. Following a thorough assessment of its carbon footprint, ECTAA committed to lowering and compensating its climate effect, aligning with worldwide goals of a 50% reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. ECTAA strives to set a good example by actively tackling climate change and raising industry awareness. Delegates discussed climate action measures, emphasizing the industry’s responsibility to satisfy future customer expectations responsibly.
AI’s Role in Shaping Travel Experiences
Aside from climate action, ECTAA stressed the importance of AI in the tourism industry. Delegates discussed the tremendous prospects for AI with Microsoft, academic, and industry counterparts. Ongoing AI-driven projects were investigated, promising improved productivity and consumer experiences without undermining the critical function of travel advisors. ECTAA emphasized that AI is accessible to everyone, not just giant tech companies, allowing small travel businesses to compete.
“Our Lamego meeting underscores our commitment to combat climate change and embrace the future with AI,” said Frank Oostdam, President of ECTAA. We strive to best serve our clients, industry, and planet by leading in climate action and harnessing AI.”
In an era of digital transformation, ECTAA’s strategic focus on sustainable practices and technical breakthroughs positions the travel industry for a robust and eco-friendly future.
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Saturday, December 30, 2023
