Agoda partners with GSTC to support hotels
Agoda is partnering with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to support hotels develop sustainable tourism practices.
Singapore is the first country where the programme will be launched, with Agoda and GSTC sponsoring 50 Singapore hotel professionals to attend a “Sustainable Hotels” course that will equip them with the knowledge and skills to accelerate their sustainability transformation.
Randy Durband, CEO at GSTC said, “Agoda has been an active GSTC Member over the past few years and our partnership has resulted in an intensive sustainable tourism course that will help hotels gain the necessary knowledge and skills to advance their sustainability transformation. Moreover, this course prepares the groundwork for participants to upskill their “green” credentials with a professional certificate.”
In March 2022, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) jointly launched the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap, setting out clear sustainability goals for hotels as part of Singapore’s ambition to become a top sustainable urban destination. These include a target for at least 60% of Singapore’s hotel room stock to achieve internationally recognized hotel sustainability certification by 2025, and to commence tracking of emissions by 2023.
Glenn Thorsen leads sustainability at FCM Consulting
In its bid to to help clients address their environmental aims, FCM Consulting has appointed Glenn Thorsen as Sustainability Lead.
Thorsen leads a new dedicated customer-facing practice specialising in sustainability, representing the first significant structural change made by consultancy head Jo Lloyd, as she reshapes the business for post-pandemic success.
Denmark-based Thorsen, who begins his new position in early September, was previously Head of Partnerships for Thrust Carbon.
Along with his consulting responsibilities, Thorsen will support FCM’s internal efforts in this key area, collaborating with Global Sustainability Officer Michelle Degenhardt as she further develops and oversees the execution of strategies to deliver on the organisation’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives.
Vietnam Airlines extends with Sabre
Sabre Corporation has announced an extended distribution agreement with Vietnam Airlines. The new deal means that Vietnam Airlines will continue to distribute its content to travel agents through Sabre’s travel marketplace.
In addition to Sabre’s Global Distribution system (GDS), the Hanoi-based carrier also uses SabreSonic Passenger Service System (PSS) technology including reservation and ticketing, inventory and departure control solutions, and Sabre’s Revenue Optimizer.
Vietnam Airlines continues to ramp up operations following the re-opening of Vietnam’s borders to international travellers earlier this year. The carrier is playing a key role in Vietnam’s aim to push tourist arrivals to five million this year, including attracting tourists from key markets including India, the US, Europe and the Middle East.
RedBus Offers “Cancel For Any Reason” cover
Cover Genius, the insurtech for embedded insurance, has sealed a partnership with RedBus, the online bus ticketing platform. By integrating with XCover, RedBus can now offer customers in Singapore cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel protection when they book their tickets.
“Recent research shows that 51% of travellers across Singapore intend to switch how they purchase travel protection, mostly in favour of suppliers and OTAs who can embed it within the booking experience. The shift is caused by a demand for convenience but also because customers were dissatisfied with their insurance coverages and claims experience during the pandemic. There’s clearly a need for technology to provide a more seamless experience,” said Barney Pierce, SVP Strategic Partnerships, APAC for Cover Genius.
This partnership follows research that revealed travellers are choosing to attach protection to their purchases at a rate 6X times higher than the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. RedBus customers in Singapore can now add CFAR travel protection to their trip when booking online.
