Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Cost, quality top priorities for travellers: report

According to a report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), cost and quality remain the dominant priorities for travellers, outweighing sustainability considerations.
 
Over 50 percent of consumers say cost is the most important factor influencing their purchasing decisions, while around 30 percent prioritise quality.
 
Sustainability is a primary factor for only a small minority, ranging from 7 percent to 11 percent, even among the most environmentally conscious groups. A lack of visibility also remains a significant barrier to progress.
 
WTTC has released a report titled "Bridging the Say-Do Gap: How to Create an Effective Sustainability Strategy by Knowing Your Customers" at FITUR 2025 in Madrid, which explores the gap between travellers' desire for sustainable options and their actual behaviour.
 
Developed in collaboration with WTTC's knowledge partner YouGov, the report provides actionable guidance to travel and tourism businesses on how to address this gap by offering solutions that make sustainable travel more accessible and attractive, ultimately balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
 
The study, which surveyed over 10,000 respondents, categorised travellers into six consumer segments, ranging from eco-conscious "Hopeful Worriers" to disengaged "Climate Change Agnostics." Each group has unique behaviours, priorities, and barriers to selecting sustainable choices. Understanding these diverse perspectives is essential for businesses to craft effective sustainability strategies that resonate with their audiences and drive real impact.
 
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travelers care about sustainability, but when buying travel, cost and quality are king. Customers expect businesses to create affordable sustainable options. Many WTTC companies inspire change—whether that involves regrowing coral reefs or reducing food waste. Customers engage with brands that have strong values.
 
“I am delighted to collaborate with YouGov on such a crucial piece of work. By closing the say-do gap, we not only protect the planet but also ensure more rewarding experiences for customers and a brighter, more resilient future for our world.”
 
The report offers seven key recommendations to help the industry bridge this divide, calling on businesses to lead by example and partner with other businesses and governments on sustainability initiatives.
 
These recommendations include highlighting the economic and personal benefits of sustainable travel, ensuring eco-friendly options are simple and convenient for consumers, and introducing tiered reward programs to motivate action at all levels. -TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

AquaChemie opens advanced chemical facility in Kezad

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad Group), one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, today (February 12) announced the opening of AquaChemie Global Chemicals' new facility within its integrated economic ecosystem. 
 
A UAE-based chemical manufacturing group, AquaChemie said its 25,800-sqm facility in Kezad Area A (Kezad Al Ma’mourah) is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure built to adhere to global safety and environmental standards.  
 
This milestone development strengthens the UAE’s local manufacturing capabilities and aligns with the nation’s “Make it in the Emirates” programme, said Kezad in a statement.
 
AquaChemie, which has invested AED90 million ($24 million) in the facility, will utilise the site to manufacture, store, and blend, drumming  a diverse range of industrial chemicals in liquid and solids shape, primarily serving Adnoc and other major clients. 
 
This development enhances supply chain resilience, reduces reliance on imports, and supports sustainable industrial practices in the region, it stated.
 
Mansoor Al Marar, VP - Industrial Business Development, Kezad Group, said: "The opening of AquaChemie’s facility highlights Kezad Group’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth."
 
"By supporting projects like AquaChemie, KEZAD continues to play a critical role in advancing the UAE’s industrial diversification goals and driving regional economic competitiveness," he noted.
 
Anand Kumar, the Managing Director of AquaChemie, said: "Our facility at Kezad represents a significant milestone in AquaChemie’s strategic growth. Kezad’s robust infrastructure, strategic connectivity, and business-friendly environment provide us with the tools to deliver high-quality chemical solutions, meet the needs of our clients, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s industrial ambitions."
 
Through its strategic location, Kezad provides AquaChemie with direct access to its multimodal logistics network, including proximity to Khalifa Port, ensuring seamless regional and global connectivity, stated Kumar. 
 
"Kezad continues to attract leading industrial players with its competitive ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and tailored solutions, positioning it as a preferred destination for global investors," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Saudia to fly 10 new destinations this year

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, will more than 10 new destinations this year, significantly expanding its global flight network.
 
The new destinations offer a diverse range of destinations, spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. They include: Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman). 
 
Saudia flies to over 100 destinations across four continents.
 
Eng Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Following last year’s operational success, we've implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand. Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.”
 
This strategic growth, fuelled by a 16% increase in international guest numbers last year, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and meeting increasing global travel demand, the airline said.
 
Saudia has a modern fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The airline’s commitment to high standards of onboard service, including comfortable seating, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and authentic Saudi hospitality, complements the diverse destinations offered. Saudia's planned delivery of 118 new aircraft during the upcoming years will further enhance its operational capacity, the airline said. - TradeArabia News Service