Technology

Bridging the Action-Awareness Gap: Trip.com Group’s 2024 Sustainable Travel Consumer Report Insights

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2024

Gap between awareness and action among travellers for sustainable travelAround 54.7% of respondents seek access to sustainable options when booking onlineGen Z’s attitudes toward sustainability highlight greater need for motivation and targeted engagement

SHANGHAI, Oct. 13, 2024 /CNW/ — Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider, reveals that while sustainability awareness is rising among travellers, there remains a gap between awareness and action. This is one of the key insights from the Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2024 that the Group released today.

The report draws from 9,867 survey samples from 109 countries and territories, including the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), North America (NORAM) and Latin America (LATAM). It also looks at Gen Z’s travel preferences and regional variations in motivations and perceptions.

Gap between Awareness and Action

An overwhelming 92% of travellers may consider sustainable travel, yet only 56.9% say they have actually practised it. Of those who did not consider this option, some cited confusion around what sustainable travel entails. Others doubt the authenticity of sustainable products or initiatives. This highlights the need for better consumer education and more straightforward communication from travel providers.

A series of other factors also contribute to the gap between awareness and action. Primary barriers include the perception of sustainable travel as a collective endeavour or the view that it does not bring added benefits to trips.

These considerations diminish travellers’ appetite for usually more expensive sustainable options. The report reveals a divide when it comes to paying extra for sustainable travel options. While some travellers are open to paying a premium, many have clear limits on how much more they are willing to spend. Findings show that 38.8% of travellers are unwilling to pay more, while 42.5% are open to paying a premium, but only within certain limits. For example:

1 in 5 travellers (21%) are willing to pay up to 5% more for sustainable travel.Willingness drops as costs rise: only 4.7% will pay 10-20% more, and 1.7% will exceed 20%.

The report also underscores contrasting attitudes toward cost: APAC travellers are generally more likely to pay a premium for sustainable travel. About a third of them (32.3%) opt out of paying any additional cost at all.

Price sensitivity is noticeably higher among travellers in NORAM, EMEA, and LATAM, where 53.0%, 49.4%, and 47.3%, respectively, are unwilling to pay extra for sustainable options.

Demand for Sustainable Travel Information

Travellers may not always practise sustainable travel. But an increasing number of them now seek sustainable options when booking trips online. Over half of those surveyed (54.7%) now routinely look for these options. This is in line with the report’s findings about their expectations for online travel agents (OTA). Further findings include:

Three in four (75.83%) travellers anticipate clearly labelled sustainable options when booking from OTAsMore than half (53.07%) prefer to see sustainable travel tips online

According to the report, a significant 72.4% of travellers are attracted to OTAs and providers that highlight sustainable travel offerings. These choices act as a feel-good factor, as people express increased interest or positive sentiments when informed about them.

Four out of five travellers from APAC and LATAM expect OTAs to clearly label sustainable options, coming in at 80% and 83.6%, respectively. This reflects a growing demand for transparency and more sustainable choices. Access to sustainability-related information has steadily become a basic consumer right in the eyes of travellers.

Diverse Motivations for Sustainable Travel

While sustainable travel is gaining momentum worldwide, the report shows that priorities differ across regions, with travellers focusing on distinct motivations depending on their location:

Globally, environmental and cultural concerns lead the way, with 47.3% of travellers prioritising environmental protection.APAC and LATAM travellers are driven primarily by environmental factors.EMEA and NORAM travellers adopt a broader perspective, considering wildlife protection, cultural heritage, and economic impact.

As sustainability awareness grows, environmental concerns are no longer the sole driver of sustainable travel. Travellers are now motivated by a broader range of factors, signalling a shift toward viewing sustainability more holistically.

Opinions differ on who should lead efforts to reduce tourism’s carbon footprint. APAC travellers see it more as an individual responsibility than a shared commitment. In contrast, their counterparts in EMEA, LATAM, and NORAM place a bigger emphasis on collective action from governments, communities, and the travel industry.

Engaging Gen Z in Shared Responsibility

The travel industry can strategically engage Gen Z travellers by understanding and addressing their views on sustainable travel.

Despite greater exposure to sustainability-related information, Gen Z is just as hesitant as other age groups to pay extra for sustainable options. Gen Z exhibits several distinct characteristics:

Three in four (73.0%) Gen Zs consider buying from OTAs with sustainable offeringsMore than half (53.6%) say the environment is a key motivator for travelling sustainably48.3% are unsure of what qualifies as a sustainable trip31.5% fail to see any added benefit from sustainable travel

These insights indicate that stronger understanding or motivation is needed to get Gen Z onboard in the quest to advance sustainable travel.

To align themselves with this goal, OTAs can guide this generation with clear labelling and incentives for sustainable choices. By closing the gap between awareness and action, they support travellers in making sustainable decisions.

Trip.com Group’s Commitment to Advancing Sustainable Travel

As sustainable travel awareness grows, OTAs have a key opportunity to bridge the gap between awareness and action. For its part, Trip.com Group continues promoting sustainability within the travel industry. The Group has introduced a range of ‘lower-carbon travel products’ and partnered with organisations like GSTC, Travalyst and WWF to advocate for sustainable tourism.

Trip.com Group is committed to reducing its environmental impact across its operations and supporting the global fight against climate change. It joined the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Additionally, the Group also aims to introduce over 10,000 lower-carbon travel products, targeting 100 million travellers to consider adopting lower-carbon travel practices.

“As we enjoy the planet’s natural wonders, it is our duty and responsibility to protect and preserve these treasures for future generations,” said Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun. “We are encouraged by the growing awareness of sustainable travel, and will continue to collaborate with, and empower, our stakeholders in building a sustainable future.”

To read the full report, please click here Trip.com Group Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2024

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

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SOURCE Trip.com Group

Technology

Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

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SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

Technology

L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com

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SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

Technology

HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact:
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com

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SOURCE HBX Group