Trip.com Group introduced its new vision focused on artificial intelligence and sustainability at the Envision 2025 conference. At the event, which was also attended by Prince Harry, the future of tourism was redefined in terms of technology and social responsibility.

 Trip.com Group’s global conference Envision 2025, held in Shanghai, featured important messages about the future of the industry. Duke of Sussex Prince Harry, who attended the event as a surprise guest, emphasized how travel can be a transformative force for sustainability. Speaking as the founder of the Travalyst initiative, Prince Harry stated that tourism should balance growth targets with environmental and social sustainability, saying, "Every flight, every full hotel can be either an opportunity or a threat."

Reminding that the number of international tourists reached 1.4 billion in 2024 with an 11% increase, Prince Harry said that the Asia-Pacific region has the power to drive sustainable tourism with its potential of 490 billion dollars. However, he underlined that the increasing interest in sustainable options has not yet turned into concrete action: "We must turn intentions into action, and adopt a tourism understanding that protects cultures rather than consumes them."

3 Trends That Will Shape the Sector

Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun, in her speech, said that "tourism has not only returned, it has leaped forward," stating that the global travel industry exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and contributed 10% to the world's GDP. The Group created an economic value of 170 billion dollars for its partners in 2024; There was a 120% increase in travel from China compared to 2019.

Sun pointed out three key trends rising in the sector:

1. Event+Travel: Concerts, sports and cultural events trigger travel demand.

2. Silver Travelers: The over 60s group offers significant potential, especially in the low season.

3. Rising Markets: New destinations such as Tunisia, Oslo, Cape Town are reshaping the global route map.

Artificial Intelligence Based Journey Ecosystem

Trip.com places artificial intelligence at the center of innovation. The company's virtual assistant TripGenie is known for its personalized travel planning and instant translation functions. However, this is just the visible face of a comprehensive ecosystem called "Travel Platform 3.0". The Group has increased booking conversion rates by 30% and reduced operational costs by 60% by integrating artificial intelligence into every stage of the customer journey.

One of the most notable projects was Driver by the Platform, launched in 2023. Today, 140,000 drivers are registered, 20,000 of whom are active. This initiative both offers individualized transportation services and creates training and employment opportunities for 2,000 young people every year with the TripTravel Academy.

Trip.com also promotes train journeys as an alternative to flights; Train solutions on the platform have been increased by 1000%. Sustainable products such as electric vehicles and environmentally friendly hotels are showing rapid growth, especially in corporate travel.

Big Plans for Europe

Europe also plays a key role in Trip.com Group's global growth target. EMEA Regional Director Andy Washington stated that their progress in the European market continues steadily, saying, "Thanks to artificial intelligence, OTAs have now become not only booking engines, but also a personal travel consultant. We want to be not just the biggest, but the best."

Trip.com's European goal is to offer a holistic travel platform that includes restaurants, shopping and experiences, just like in Asia. Washington said, "We will progress to this point in Europe step by step. In the past, tour operators offered options and the customer chose. OTAs presented a showcase, but now, with artificial intelligence, we anticipate what the customer wants and we offer the solution," underlining this transformation.

Evaluation

In this period that Trip.com Group defines as "a new era in travel", technology and responsibility move forward together. Sustainable tourism, artificial intelligence integration and a user-oriented approach reinforce the group's goal of not only being a market leader, but also a pioneer in sectoral transformation.

Source: L'Agenzia di Viaggi Magazine

Photo: Yahoo