Visa is on the brink of transforming the way people handle payments, potentially rendering physical credit cards and even credit card numbers obsolete. Travelers and tourists will soon store all their payment methods—credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts—in a single digital credential.

Generative AI and the Future of Payments

This shift is part of Visa’s broader strategy to leverage generative AI to revolutionize the payments landscape. By the end of 2023, tap-to-pay technology had already achieved a 65% global adoption rate, highlighting the rapid shift away from traditional payment methods. Jack Forestell, Visa’s chief product and strategy officer, noted that new technologies are dramatically changing how people shop and manage finances, positioning the industry at a pivotal moment.

New Payment Technologies Introduced

Visa announced a suite of new payment technologies aimed at streamlining and securing transactions. These innovations promise to impact how travelers manage their payments:

• Unified Credential System: Within a decade, users might access all their cards with a single credential, including credit, debit, buy-now-pay-later options, and direct bank payments. Initially, Visa Flexible Credential will pull from accounts within the Visa network and is currently available in Asia, with a US rollout planned for the summer.
• Biometric Payment Security: Visa is also introducing Visa Payment Passkey, which uses biometrics—such as face or fingerprint recognition—to confirm online transactions and prevent fraud. Digital fraud is significantly more common than in-person fraud, and biometric confirmation is expected to provide a robust security layer. This service is being piloted in the European Union, with North American expansion set for the third quarter of 2024.

Expanding Tap-to-Pay Technology

Visa is expanding its popular tap-to-pay capabilities. Soon, users will be able to add their cards to digital wallets by simply tapping them on smart devices. Additionally, transactions can be confirmed by tapping the card to a phone, eliminating the need for additional input.

Protecting Information and Preventing Fraud

Visa’s new technologies aim to enhance security, but users can also take proactive steps to protect their financial information:

• Virtual Card Numbers: These generate unique numbers for online use, preventing merchants from storing actual credit card details.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Financial institutions will never request personal details via text.
• Identity Theft Protection Services: These services monitor for signs of fraud and identity theft.
• Free Credit Monitoring: Some services also monitor the dark web for personal information.

Impact on Travel and Tourism

These innovations are set to significantly impact travel and tourism by streamlining payment processes and enhancing security. Tourists will benefit from the ease of managing multiple payment methods through a single credential, and the improved security measures will provide peace of mind during transactions. However, widespread adoption will require cooperation from banks and merchants. Additionally, other card networks like American Express, Discover, and Mastercard would need to integrate their products into Visa’s system for it to become a comprehensive solution.

Visa’s advancements in digital payment technologies and AI-driven security measures promise to revolutionize the travel and tourism industry by making transactions more secure and convenient. The success of these innovations will depend on their adoption across the financial ecosystem.

Malaysia, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage in the Asian travel market, is emphasising sustainability and ecotourism in its tourism strategy. Datuk Dr. Yasmin Mahmood, Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, with highlighted the country’s commitment to preserving natural resources and biodiversity.

The key attractions include the Mulu Caves and Danum Valley in Borneo, offering unique experiences for eco-conscious travelers. The focus also extends to promoting indigenous cultures and practices, positioning Malaysia as a destination for affordable luxury and ecological responsibility.

At ATM Dubai 2024, Datuk Dr. Yasmin Mahmood, Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and ecotourism. Central to this strategy are the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity, with key attractions including the Mulu Caves and Danum Valley in Borneo.

Malaysia’s seven geoparks offer unique experiences for eco-conscious travelers. The focus on sustainability also extends to promoting indigenous cultures and practices. Malaysia aims to position itself as a destination for affordable luxury, combining ecological responsibility with diverse, rich experiences for travelers.

Sustainability as a Cornerstone

Sustainability is at the heart of Malaysia’s tourism strategy. Datuk Dr. Mahmood stressed that sustainability efforts are foundational to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. Post-pandemic, Malaysia aims to rebuild its tourism sector with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices and conservation.

Ecotourism Initiatives

One of the standout elements of Malaysia’s sustainability strategy is the development of ecotourism. Malaysia boasts seven geoparks, each offering unique experiences for eco-conscious travelers. Among these, the Mulu Caves and Danum Valley in Borneo are particularly notable.

-Mulu Caves: These caves, 16 million years in the making, are one of the world’s oldest passage cave systems. They offer a glimpse into ancient geological formations and are a key attraction for tourists interested in natural history.

Danum Valley: Known for its rich biodiversity, Danum Valley is an ancient rainforest, estimated to be 130 million years old. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including 172 different types of birds and 75 species of reptiles. This pristine environment also gained fame as a honeymoon destination for the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Promoting Indigenous Cultures

Datuk Dr. Mahmood highlighted the importance of promoting and preserving indigenous cultures as part of Malaysia’s ecotourism initiatives. The country offers unique experiences, such as jungle schools, where tourists can learn how indigenous people live in harmony with nature. This not only supports cultural preservation but also educates visitors on sustainable living practices.

Affordable Luxury Escapades

Malaysia is positioning itself as a destination for affordable luxury, catering to families, young couples, and the younger generation. The diverse range of offerings includes beaches, highlands, shopping malls, and adventure activities. This variety ensures that Malaysia can appeal to a broad spectrum of tourists while maintaining its commitment to sustainability.

Malaysia’s focus on sustainability and ecotourism under the leadership of Datuk Dr. Yasmin Mahmood is set to make it a top destination for eco-conscious travelers. By preserving its natural resources and promoting indigenous cultures, Malaysia offers a unique blend of adventure, luxury, and ecological responsibility.

EasyJet has announced that its chief executive, Johan Lundgren, will step down in early 2025 after seven years at the helm. The airline’s chief financial officer, Kenton Jarvis, has been named as Lundgren’s successor and will continue in his current role during the transition period.

Lundgren, who became CEO in December 2017, has been praised by EasyJet chair Stephen Hester for his leadership through the “immense challenges” of the Covid-19 pandemic and for developing a clear future strategy for the airline. “There is good positive momentum and Johan will be with us to close out the current year, which we hope will be another one of strong progress,” Hester said.

The announcement coincides with EasyJet’s half-year financial results, which show a £350 million loss from October 2023 to the end of March 2024. This loss is in line with previous expectations and represents a £61 million improvement year-on-year, driven by a 12 per cent increase in capacity and a 42 per cent increase in customer growth from EasyJet holidays.

Despite the winter losses, EasyJet is optimistic about its medium-term profit target of more than £1 billion. The carrier has 59 million seats on sale for the second half of 2024, an 8 per cent increase over the same period last year. Booking progress is also promising, with 77 per cent of Q3 seats and 39 per cent of Q4 seats already sold, both showing a 1 percentage point increase year-on-year.

Kenton Jarvis, who joined EasyJet in February 2021, will assume the CEO role in 2025 and is expected to “hit the ground running” with close collaboration from Lundgren during the transition. “I am a huge believer in the future for our airline, which is powered by the talents and enthusiasm of our front-line staff. I will be immensely proud to lead our teams to fulfil EasyJet’s bright potential,” Jarvis said.

The search for a new chief financial officer will commence shortly, according to the airline.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has launched a digital identity service for pilgrims arriving on Hajj visas this season. This initiative represents a significant step towards promoting digital transformation and harnessing technology to serve pilgrims, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

A Collaborative Effort

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the digital identity service allows pilgrims to verify their identity electronically. This can be done through the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms, which are widely used for various governmental services in the Kingdom.

Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience

The primary objective of this service is to facilitate the use of digital identity for pilgrims, thereby improving the quality of services provided and enriching their overall experience in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging digital identity, pilgrims can seamlessly access a range of services throughout their stay, reflecting the advancements in digital transformation in the Kingdom.

Special Passport Stamp for Mecca Route Initiative

In addition to the digital identity service, the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Passports has introduced a special passport stamp for pilgrims benefiting from the Mecca Route Initiative. This stamp will be available at designated lounges across 11 airports in seven countries: Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, and Cote d’Ivoire. The Mecca Route Initiative aims to streamline the pilgrimage process, ensuring that pilgrims have a smooth and efficient journey from their home countries to Saudi Arabia.

Promoting Tourism and Innovation

These initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience through innovative solutions. By integrating digital identity services and special passport stamps, the Kingdom aims to provide a more convenient and modernized travel experience for pilgrims. This not only improves the logistics of the Hajj journey but also aligns with the broader vision of making Saudi Arabia a global leader in technological advancements and tourism services.

As Saudi Arabia continues to implement its Vision 2030 goals, the introduction of digital identity services and special passport stamps for pilgrims signifies a major step forward. These measures are set to transform the pilgrimage experience, making it more efficient, secure, and enjoyable for millions of pilgrims who visit the Kingdom each year. Through these efforts, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of digital innovation in tourism, enhancing its reputation as a leading destination for religious travel.

Waterloo Station experienced significant travel chaos after a trespass incident led to numerous train cancellations. South Western Railway and Thameslink services faced severe disruptions expected to last until the end of the day. Emergency services responded to the incident, initially blocking all lines through Wimbledon, which have since reopened.

Impact on Commuters

• Rush Hour Disruptions: Commuters on South Western Railway services from London Waterloo were advised to find alternative transportation, such as taxis, due to the high level of disruption. Thameslink services between St Albans and Sutton were also severely affected.
• Passenger Experiences: Angie Pitt, a commuter from Leatherhead, Surrey, reported being stuck on a train for an hour before it was cancelled. She noted the crowded and tense atmosphere at the station, highlighting the impact on passengers trying to return home during rush hour.

Additional Transport Issues

• Northern Line Delays: Minor delays were reported on the Northern Line due to a shortage of trains, adding to the overall travel difficulties in London.
• Elizabeth Line: Severe delays occurred between Hayes & Harlington and Reading due to a trespasser on the track at Maidenhead.
• Central Line: Eastbound trains experienced severe delays because of a faulty train at Marble Arch.
• Bakerloo Line Incident: An unattended bag caused a security alert on the Bakerloo Line, leading to severe delays between Stonebridge Park and Harrow & Wealdstone. The line was temporarily suspended but resumed with minor delays.

Southeastern and Thameslink Disruptions

Southeastern and Thameslink services were disrupted by a signalling fault at Charlton, affecting trains between Rainham and various London destinations. Southeastern plans to introduce a new fleet of trains to improve services, but these are not expected until the end of the decade.

• Affected Services:
  • Southeastern: Delays impacted routes between Dartford, Gravesend, Lee, Slade Green, and London Cannon Street.
  • Thameslink: Services between Rainham and London Bridge, St Pancras International, and Luton were diverted.

Commuters’ Reactions and Advice

Passengers expressed frustration over the delays and the lack of communication. Mark McQuade, a Southeastern passenger, reported being stuck on a train at Woolwich Dockyard for an hour without updates. Network Rail apologized for the disruption and stated that engineers were working on fixing the signalling fault.

Future Improvements

Southeastern’s announcement of a new fleet of trains aims to lure commuters back by enhancing the travel experience. However, passengers will need to wait until the end of the decade for these improvements.

The travel disruptions at Waterloo Station and across other London transport services caused significant inconvenience for commuters. The incident underscores the importance of reliable infrastructure and timely communication during emergencies to minimize the impact on travelers. With plans for future improvements, there is hope for a more resilient transport network in the coming years.

Cloverly, the leading platform for climate action, has partnered with IMEX to enable participants at IMEX Frankfurt 2024 and IMEX America 2024 to make positive climate contributions. This collaboration allows participants to purchase vetted carbon credits through their IMEX accounts, offsetting their estimated travel emissions.

Empowering Climate Contributions

Participants at both IMEX Frankfurt 2024 and IMEX America 2024 can view their travel emissions and offset them by selecting from a curated portfolio of carbon credits. Each credit undergoes a thorough quality and risk evaluation by Cloverly’s science team, ensuring participants contribute to high-impact environmental projects.

Featured Carbon Credit Projects

IMEX Frankfurt participants have the opportunity to support various impactful projects:

• Katingan Project: Located in Indonesia, this project protects and restores 149,800 hectares of tropical peat swamp forest, a vital area rich in biodiversity and home to endangered species.
• Trees for Global Benefit: This award-winning reforestation project in Uganda empowers families to engage in tree planting and reforestation, providing significant socioeconomic benefits to rural communities.
• Novocarbo Biochar: A cutting-edge plant-based carbon removal initiative situated minutes from Messe Frankfurt.

Participants can also choose a blended carbon credit portfolio, contributing to all three projects and maximizing their positive climate impact.

Cloverly’s Role in Climate Action

Cloverly is trusted by over 300 leading businesses worldwide for its wide selection of high-quality carbon credit projects. The platform’s robust technology solutions enable event organizers to seamlessly integrate climate action into their attendees’ experiences, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Through this collaboration, Cloverly and IMEX are setting a precedent for climate action in the meetings and events industry. By offering participants the ability to offset their travel emissions with vetted carbon credits, they are fostering a culture of sustainability and empowering individuals to make a tangible impact on the environment.