Trip.com Group showcased its vision for the future of travel at its Envision 2023 Global Partner Conference. The conference was attended by about 700 industry partners globally.
Mr James Liang, Chairman of Trip.com Group, remarked in his video address: “Travel is unique. It not only promotes economic growth and development but also fulfills our intellectual needs. Trip.com Group is dedicated to enriching the travel experience while maintaining industry responsibility. We believe that travel, as a fundamental human need, has the power to inspire innovation, drive progress, and foster a greater sense of unity and understanding among people from around the world.”
Speaking at the conference, Trip.com Group CEO, Jane Sun recapped the company’s journey, including the series of initiatives and programs implemented in support of its partners during the past three years. Over the years, Trip.com Group has proactively collaborated with partners across hotels, flights, vacations and attractions, supporting their efforts in serving Chinese travelers, who are among the top spenders in many markets globally. In 2019, Chinese tourists represented 15% of international spending, and post-pandemic, that figure is set to grow tremendously.
GSTC CEO, Randy Durband, participated in the panel discussion theme “Envision Sustainable Tourism” along with other panelists: Jane Sun – CEO of Trip.com Group, Eric Chen – STA Country Manager of Greater China (Saudi Tourism Authority) and Ken Wong – Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, Greater China, ACCOR. Moderating the panel was Koko Tang – Founder of Colorful Earth and Board Member of GSTC.
During this discussion, the panelists shared their insights and had an inspiring conversation on how key stakeholders can integrate resources together, driving the sustainable transformation of the industry.
Mr. Durband, GSTC CEO, was asked about the challenging factors of the industry. “We must maintain rigorous standards for what we label as sustainable. But there are varying degrees of sustainability, and a myriad set of components. We believe that businesses should be rewarded in the marketplace for meaningful effort in the range of issues including not just environmental but also social and community-impact issues.” he said.
Jane Sun, Trip.com Group CEO, affirmed the promising outlook in a rejuvenated, eco-conscious landscape “In this revitalised travel industry, the opportunities ahead are immense. We’re poised to redefine the travel landscape with our cutting-edge tech innovations, expanding partnerships, and strong investor confidence. As we harness these opportunities, we envision a future where travel is not just thriving but is also greener and more responsible. The horizon is bright for our partners, investors, and travellers, and together, we’ll journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future in travel,” she said.
Thanking the partners for their support over the years, Ms. Sun concluded: “Let us envision a future where travel is not just a destination, but a transformational experience. Together, we can chart the future of travel.”
