AI for SMEs. Visa approval checks. Digital replaces pens Down Under. More.

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25/10/2024 by Ian Jarrett

PATA primes SMEs for AI

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) – concerned that SMEs in the travel sector are in danger being left behind in the rapid take-up of artificial intelligence (AI) by business organisations – has launched a a new training programme in Sarawak, Malaysia.

PATA said it recognised that while tourism SMEs are the backbone of Sarawak’s tourism sector, many of these businesses encounter challenges in adopting and applying new technologies, particularly AI.

The complexity and practical applications of AI can be difficult to navigate, leading to slow integration processes and missed opportunities for growth, PATA said.

“PATA recognises that, while AI has immense potential, SMEs require targeted, practical training to bridge the gap between understanding AI concepts and applying them in real-world contexts,” said PATA chief executive Noor Ahmad Hamid.

Scheduled from 29 October – 1 November 1, the four-day training will take place in the Sarawak capital of Kuching.

Visa approvals: Dubai agency checks your chances

A Dubai-based visa agency has developed an AI system that has reduced visa rejections by 20% across all application types.

The Visa Services’ AI was trained on its database of internal visa cases (positive and negative ones), allowing the company to:

Predict Visa Outcomes: Accurately forecast the likelihood of visa approval based on passport data, previous visas, and financial information.
Optimise Application Strategies: Based on real-time data analysis, identify the most favourable countries for visa applications, considering factors such as demand, seasonality, and family composition. For instance, AI has identified Italy as a favourable destination for family visa applications in October-November 2024, potentially increasing approval chances.
Minimise Human Error: Automate routine tasks, such as document verification and bank statement analysis, to ensure greater accuracy and efficiency. Visa Services can now also quickly analyse bank statements from foreign banks or in multiple languages.
Provide Real-time Insights: Offer a user-friendly dashboard that provides near-real-time forecasts for visa approvals and rejections, allowing clients to make informed decisions.

TA Network tie-up is nice for ICE

Malaysian travel wholesaler ICE Holidays has launched GStay Hotel & Tour portal to attract a more diverse customer segment and adapt to industry trends.

Powered by Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network), ICE Holidays is able to adopt technology to jump start its global connectivity with suppliers and customers, foster stronger online collaborations with its travel operators, using an inventory and booking management platform that enhances customer satisfaction and engagement with bespoke itinerary customisation capabilities.

The technology collaboration provides ICE Holidays access to TA Network’s multi-faceted digital solutions.

Mita Lim Swee Kok, managing director of ICE Holidays, said in statement, “We have watched TA Network grow in technical competence and sophistication over the years, providing impactful and cost effective FIT and packaging solutions for us to leverage on our strong franchise and branding to expand our travel business.

“Our partnership with TA Network fits in with our goals to continually expand innovation, support, and travel partnerships throughout the Asia.”

Traveloka ahead of the trends

Beyond generating strong bookings, Traveloka’s 10.10 Travel Fest campaign revealed key travel trends shaping consumer behaviour, highlighting travellers’ eagerness to make the most of year-end holidays and kickstart 2025 with diverse experiences.

“The 10.10 Travel Fest reflects our continued commitment to understanding and meeting travellers’ evolving needs,” said Caesar Indra, president of Traveloka.

“By anticipating these trends and offering personalised platform solutions, we enable travellers to plan with confidence and explore new travel possibilities.”

The campaign brought together travel providers and hospitality brands such as Qatar Airways, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, and Universal Studios Singapore, offering travellers exclusive deals on flights, hotels, and travel activities.

Options ranged from family vacations and international getaways to cruises and stays.

Throw away your pens Down Under

Australia a is doing away with paper incoming passenger cards that travellers are required to fill out when they enter the country.

Qantas passengers travelling from New Zealand will be the first to test the pilot programme later this year.

Tourism & Transport Forum Australia chief executive Margy Osmond said the paper passenger cards were a “relic of the past” and that the move into the digital age was a step towards more efficient travel.

The system will roll out to other destinations next year.

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