UK tourists driving in Spain warned of major 2025 rule change

Travel

Motorists thinking about getting behind the wheel on a trip to Spain have been urged to learn a number of new rules to prevent being subject to serious fines.The prospect of a trip to sunny Spain seems particularly pleasant with the cold weather and snow experienced in various parts of the country during the week.However, new rules recently announced by the Direccion General de Trafico (DGT) for use on motorways and dual carriageways from January 2025 could result in penalties for uninformed residents and visitors.First, the DGT highlighted that they would be clamping down on cases of middle and fast-lane hogging, particularly when travelling in adverse weather conditions.Drivers have been urged to stick to the right, with overtaking off limits when the weather is poor, to free up space for snowploughs, which typically travel in the left-most lane.Similarly, drivers taking to the roads in Spain from January 2025 will need to learn the emergency corridor rule that could help emergency vehicles to pass quickly through heavy traffic jams.If motorists stuck in heavy traffic on dual carriageways hear an emergency response vehicle approaching, they must pull to the side of the lane to create as wide a passing as possible to let the vehicle pass through.A number of other mainland European countries, including Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland, already use the emergency corridor procedure. Drivers in the UK are recommended to learn it to help those responding to an incident.Finally, the DGT has also noted that motorcycle riders using dual carriageways and motorways will soon be able to use the hard shoulder during heavy traffic.An unconventional decision, the organisation highlighted that allowing motorcycle riders to use the lane at a limited speed of 30kph (18mph) will help to ease congestion.Nevertheless, motorbike riders will still need to give way to any vehicles using the hard shoulder for breakdowns or road users who are already allowed to use the lane, such as pedal bikes, animal-drawn vehicles, and mopeds.Whilst these changes are somewhat drastic, the DGT has changed rules on dual carriageways and motorways to improve road safety, particularly when travelling in bad weather conditions.The Spanish organisation also hopes that the measures will reduce traffic jams, which could increase the amount of emissions produced.It is currently unknown how much drivers who break the new rules will be fined. However, traffic penalties in Spain are generally about the same as in the UK.

11th SITTF invites global experts to discuss tourism

Travel

The forum unveils a line-up of panels and workshops to explore new technologies, digital innovations, health protocols, and new safety practices in the Travel & Tourism industry.The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announces this year’s theme for SITTF as “The Future of Tourism: Digitisation, Health, and Safety” marking Sharjah’s tourism growth,  inviting industry experts to witness its innovative ideas, and to partake in discussions shaping the future of tourism.“The Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum is a vital opportunity for us to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. This forum represents our commitment to fostering a resilient tourism sector that not only meets the needs of today’s travellers but also protects our cultural heritage and environment for future generations. By focusing on the intersection of digitisation, health, and safety, we aim to equip industry decision makers and leaders of influence in the sector with the information, knowledge and expertise necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of tourism to keep pace with its major transformations, creating a safer and more sustainable travel experience for everyone,” said HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDADigital Transformation in TourismThe forum will explore how digital technologies are fundamentally reshaping the tourism industry, with attendees gaining valuable insight into the transformation of consumer behavior driven by digital platforms and the critical role of data-driven decision-making. His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and HE Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, United Nations Tourism, will participate in the first key panel titled “Tourism in the Age of Digital Disruption” sharing Sharjah’s smart tourism initiatives that integrate mobile apps and AI to improve visitor services.Thierry Malleret, distinguished global strategist, economist and co-founder of the Monthly Barometer, will present an insightful presentation titled “Tourism 2030: Balancing innovation, Sustainability and Safety in a Digital World”. Participants will also learn the importance of collaboration among government entities, private sector stakeholders, and technology firms to foster innovation while ensuring sustainable tourism practices.  Navigating Digitisation, Health, and Safety in TourismThe forum will discuss the role of advanced health technologies in building traveller confidence and maintaining safety standards, with participants delving into how digitisation merges with health and safety protocols in the tourism sector. As the world moves on from the pandemic, health and safety continue to be critical areas of focus for travellers and destinations. The second key panel moderated by Thierry Malleret titled “Navigating Digitisation, Health, and Safety in Tourism”, will include tourism industry experts alongside fintech and technology leaders Rehan Asad, Thamer Al Harb, Chris Gregory-Pasha, and Karl Tlais, who will discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning can personalise travel experiences while ensuring compliance with health regulations. Discussions will emphasise the need for cohesive regulatory frameworks that support both digitisation and health standards.Future-Proofing Tourism with Global Standards The forum will emphasise the alignment of global health standards with local best practices to ensure traveller safety. Participants will learn about innovations in food safety measures within the hospitality sector that contribute to overall tourism safety.The third key panel titled “The Future of Safe Tourism: Health Protocols and Best Practices” presented by hospitality experts and health and safety experts Dr. Mariam Al Ali, Bashir Yousif, Judith Ravasingadi, Fadi Masharafie, and Ed Kastli, will explore strategies for building resilience in the tourism sector, focusing on comprehensive assurance and certification practices that can enhance safety standards. Additional presentations will offer practical insight into the integration of new technologies in shaping future health protocols, ensuring the industry can effectively adapt to potential health crises.Workshops for Industry Professionals Complementing the panel discussions, the forum will also host practical workshops on essential aspects of tourism safety and service excellence.These include:- Food Safety Training in Hospitality – covering safe food handling, outbreak response, and regulatory compliance.- Hospitality and Safety Tourism – emphasising first aid, safety standards, and crisis management in tourism.- Safety Standards of Sharjah Tourism Hotels – the requirements of safety standards at hotels   These workshops aim to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance operational standards, protect public health, and ensure guest satisfaction, in addition to training workers in the sector and equipping them with essential skills and relevant general knowledge, to benefit from on both the professional and personal levels.Keynote Speakers and Special Guests The forum will feature distinguished speakers, including:- HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)- HE Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)- HE Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, UN TourismEvent Details:- Date: November 25, 2024  – Time: 09:00 AM – 02:30 PM  – Location: Sharjah Expo Centre, Hall #5  – Website: shf.sharjahtourism.ae  The Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum 2024 is an unmissable event for tourism professionals, decision makers and employees in government and private agencies and institutions.By bringing together insights on technology, health, and safety standards, SCTDA aims to position Sharjah at the forefront of sustainable, safe, and digitally advanced tourism.

Design And Travel Shifts That Will Define 2025

Travel

Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedinThe design and travel industries are intertwined in many ways. For example, design can create lasting memories for hotel guests by engaging the senses and evoking emotions, thus directly influencing customer loyalty and decision-making. First impressions are vitally important for guests, and often set the tone for the entire stay. As such, an inviting design is paramount. In addition, design can influence how consumers understand and perceive brands across physical and digital touchpoints.

Thoughtful designed environments can engage and excite the senses.WATG Wimberly Interiors
Innovative design creates lasting memories for guests. Every design element, from spatial layout to material selection, along with amount of open floor space and styles of furniture, contributes to the overall story and atmosphere of a room. Designing environments that engage and excite the senses, along with evoking emotions, are key in hospitality. Also, good lighting changes and transforms a space. Expertly placed lighting adds another dimension to a space.

Skilled and thoughtful hospitality interior design can also have a direct impact on a hotel’s bottom line. By creating a visually appealing space, hotels and resorts can attract more guests, leading to increased stays. Design can often involve the celebration of indigenous culture and local cuisine, thereby setting the stage for a memorable meal. If guests feel comfortable in a hotel’s restaurant, for example, they will likely stay instead of going outside for a drink or dinner.

Hospitality designers WATG, with offices throughout the world, and their interior arm, Wimberly Interiors, are at the forefront of shaping spaces that respond to these trends. Whether it’s creating immersive experiences at iconic resorts or designing spaces that integrate wellness, sustainability and cultural storytelling, their work provides a unique lens on the future of travel. Below is their overview of some of the key trends shaping travel and hospitality in the coming year.

Timeless elegance has been thoughtfully designed and refreshed.Hotel del Coronado
Reviving Legacy: How Iconic Resorts Are Blending History with Modern Luxury
The modern traveler wants a destination that not only tells a story but also invites them to be part of it, blending comfort and luxury with cultural authenticity. This demand is driving a surge in the renovations of iconic resorts in North America. Once renowned for their timeless elegance, these spaces are being thoughtfully designed and refreshed to offer guests a rich, immersive experience that honors their past while introducing a contemporary sensibility. “It is about celebrating the legacy of these properties, while retelling history in a more contemporary, fresh way,” says Margaret McMahon, Global Practice Principal, Wimberly Interiors. The focus is on layering history with modern elements, creating interiors that feel authentic yet vibrant. Gone are the days of stark minimalism. In its place are rich, textured spaces featuring bold accents, vintage pieces and curated elements that reflect the local narrative. The challenge lies in updating such iconic properties without alienating returning guests or losing the magic that defines their charm. She adds. “Part of the experience that the traveler is looking for is to have the hotel itself be part of the journey. So that sense of theater and drama within the property has become just as important, offering an immersive, memorable experience that captivates at every turn.”
Travel Decisions Driven by Stories of a Place
The modern traveler is increasingly driven by stories that offer a deeper emotional connection to the places they visit. These stories, embedded in the design, culture and essence of a destination, tap into the spirit of place, or genius loci, creating a narrative that resonates on a personal level. Travel decisions are no longer just about sightseeing but about immersing in experiences that reveal layers of history, culture and atmosphere unique to a location. Designers play a key role in crafting these experiences, blending natural and built environments, culture and community into a cohesive narrative that transforms travel into a purposeful journey of discovery.
Authentic Storytelling in Hospitality Design
In the design of new and renovated hotels, authenticity and a strong sense of place are key to enhancing the guest experience. Hospitality brands are turning to the unique stories of their locations, incorporating local culture and history into design elements. This narrative-driven approach ensures that every stay feels memorable and immersive, with the hotel’s character reflecting the destination’s essence.
Expansion of Hotel Brands and Residential Offerings
Hotel brands are expanding their scope to offer a more comprehensive range of experiences and services, from boutique, specialized stays to residential options. In response to the growing trend of exploratory travel and bucket-list trips, these brands are creating curated, one-of-a-kind experiences through unique amenities and cultural engagement. Additionally, many properties are now offering residential accommodations, allowing guests to enjoy luxury living beyond their vacations.Cultural significance blends with modern-day comforts.Omni
Iconic Properties with Historical Significance
Travelers are increasingly drawn to iconic hotels steeped in history. Properties like the Omni Homestead and Hotel Del Coronado not only offer luxurious stays but also provide a window into the past. Guests can learn about the architectural and cultural significance of these landmark destinations while enjoying modern-day comforts, blending history with indulgence.
Luxury Travel is Conscious & Responsible
The definition of luxury travel is shifting towards responsibility, with discerning travelers now seeking experiences that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Thoughtful design, eco-conscious operations, and meaningful connections with the destination, indulgence today must go hand-in-hand with social and environmental responsibility. This trend reflects a growing demand for luxury that leaves a lasting, positive legacy while delivering unparalleled comfort and exclusivity. Think about regenerative design where it results in a better site than when it was first found.Authenticity and strong sense of place are key design elements.Omni
Authentic Storytelling in Hospitality Design
In the design of new and renovated hotels, authenticity and a strong sense of place are key to enhancing the guest experience. Hospitality brands are turning to the unique stories of their locations, incorporating local culture and history into design elements. This narrative-driven approach ensures that every stay feels memorable and immersive, with the hotel’s character reflecting the destination’s essence.
MORE FROM FORBES

Winter storm blasts Northeast with snow and rain as major travel hubs face Thanksgiving delays

Travel

A potent winter storm system over the Northeast is bringing snow, rain and strong winds as millions of people prepare to travel ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday.

Most of New England and parts of the Northeast will likely only see beneficial rain from this event due to warm air surging in from the Atlantic Ocean, but the higher elevations and locations directly under the cold upper-level low-pressure system may see heavy snow.

Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Catskills of New York are expected to see the heaviest accumulations, with up to a foot piling up before the second half of the weekend.

How much snow will fall?

The FOX Forecast Center said impactful snow is falling in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, for residents above 1,000 feet in elevation.

“Now, what sticks out, of course, are those purples,” FOX Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera said in reference to the forecast snow totals map. “Those are going to be portions of the West Virginia mountains up into portions of Pennsylvania. Of course, we’ll see that over the Poconos.”

Only a dusting to a few inches is possible across lower elevations, where air and ground temperatures are warmer.

‘High-impact winter storm possible’ in parts of New York

The winter storm comes as people get ready to travel for Thanksgiving. FoxWeather

The winter weather alerts have expanded since Wednesday, with winter storm warnings remaining in effect for areas of West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, while portions of Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky are also under winter weather alerts.

“When you’ve got all that over portions of West Virginia, all that wind coming in from the west, banking up against the mountains, squeezing out the moisture, boom, you’ve got a whole punch in the way of snow,” Herrera stated. 

A winter storm brought snow, rain and strong winds to millions in the Northeast. REUTERS

The National Weather Service office in Binghamton, New York, warned of a potential “high-impact winter storm” in its forecast discussion Wednesday. On Thursday morning, forecasters again warned about the potential for heavy snow.

The NWS said there are strong signals that banding could move into Sullivan County in New York and Pike County in Pennsylvania and could track along Interstate 86 through the overnight hours toward Broome County in New York. 

“Snowfall rates under the band have the potential to be 1-3+ inches per hour for several hours,” the NWS said.

Storm left blanket of snow around Great Lakes region

The storm system has been gaining strength since it developed over the Great Lakes region, and it has since started to pull in colder air from the north. That, in turn, allowed for snow to break out in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

Heavy snow began to push into major Great Lakes cities, including Chicago and Milwaukee, on Thursday morning, dropping visibility down to a quarter-mile during the morning commute.

View of the Milwaukee skyline from the snow-covered deck of the future USS Beloit (LCS 29) on Nov. 21, 2024. Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A video recorded outside Indianapolis on Thursday morning shows the flakes flying through the area as winter weather began to ramp up.

While travel will peak next week, some people have decided to hit the roads and pack airports early, hoping to beat the holiday rush. AAA said a potentially record-breaking 80 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home this year. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it, too, was preparing for what could be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record and offered tips for passengers to help make traveling through airports as easy and stress-free as possible.

Badly needed rain will also fall

Forecast rain totals in the Northeast and New England should remain in the 1-2 inch range, although locally higher amounts of 2-3 inches or more are possible in some areas.

Precipitation in New England is expected to help ease record-breaking drought conditions.
FoxWeather

Most of New England and parts of the Northeast will likely only see beneficial rain from this event. AFP via Getty Images

“Given the drought, the rain along the (Interstate) 95 corridor is significant,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan said. “Will we see more than an inch in New York City? I think there’s a pretty healthy shot over the next few days. Does it fall in one day? Maybe not.”

The precipitation is expected to help ease some of the record-breaking drought conditions and reduce the wildfire threat that has been plaguing the region.

How to travel with an anxious cat this holiday season

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Our feline friends are called cool cats for a reason − and we want to try to keep them that way when traveling.In the worst cases, flying or driving with a cat can be fraught with stress, because cats become threatened by unfamiliar smells and can hate being stuck in a carrier. Airlines also require paperwork ahead of time, including a health certificate signed by a vet. Unless you’re willing to put in the work to prepare properly, it might be best to leave your cat with a house sitter if you can, said Ashlie Saffire, president of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.“That’s the big thing,” Saffire said. “Consider how long you’re traveling for, is it worth putting your cat through that stress of traveling?”For situations where you can’t leave your cat behind, planning ahead is a must and you can purchase some key products and everyday items to help your cat chill out.Does your cat catch mice?Hunting drive could be linked to cat’s personalityShould I travel with my anxious cat?Cats as a species are far less adaptable and socialized than dogs, which are used to traveling with humans and enjoy going on walks, said Wailani Sung, a cat behaviorist who helped make the 2022 Netflix documentary Inside the Mind of a Cat.Most cats get scared in unfamiliar settings, because cats in the wild are solitary predators who must also be on-guard against potential threats from even larger predators.“Cats are creatures of habit and territory so being taken away from their space is stressful for them, full-stop,” said Max Branch, who works transporting rescued cats daily with nonprofit Flatbush Cats in New York City.Puppy under the tree:Why not to surprise someone with a pet this ChristmasIf a cat is not used to its carrier, it may try to escape, Branch said. That’s what happened last summer, when an orange cat named Tofu Veggie decided to be “Houdini” during a trip from the clinic to the shelter, Branch said.”The driver turned around to see a little orange head poking up right beside them,” and then had to pounce on Tofu Veggie to try to get him back inside the crate, Branch said.”He went nuts,” said Rosario Washburn, the volunteer who went after the escaped cat. “He slithered under the driver’s seat and came out at my husband’s feet.”Saffire, of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, said our pet cats need to feel at-home in order to feel safe, and smells are the top way they gain a sense of familiarity. That’s why cats rub up on furniture and brush their cheeks against corners in their homes, Saffire said.Your cat will think its carrier smells “weird” and will likely feel trapped unless it has spent significant stress-free time inside the crate, Saffire said.Service guide dogs:Families raise the adorable puppies to have perfect mannersDo not skip carrier training, vets warnFamiliar smells and positive memories of the carrier are the two key things to prep your cat for travel, Saffire said. It’s even important to consider how you hold the carrier, Sung said.”The best thing you can do for your cat is carry it like a box, with both arms underneath, not swing it like a hand bag,” Sung said.Carrier training recommended by vets includes:Feeding your cat inside the carrierPlacing treats inside the carrierKeeping the carrier in the living room, that way it smells like a space your cat feels safe inPlaying with your cat inside the carrierGently take your cat in and out of the carrier after they’re comfortable inside itPractice carrying the carrier with your cat insideTake car drives around the neighborhood with the carrier“A lot of it is going slow,” Saffire said. “Each day you do a little more.”Assess after taking several of these steps, and ask yourself if your cat is terrified or nauseated, Sung said. If so, consult a veterinarian and ask for advice about anti-anxiety and anti-nausea medications. If you have a kitten, you can start getting them used to traveling in their carrier now so that they’re more comfortable traveling their entire lives, she said.Pet prenuptials:Why this married couple has themCalming sprays are a ‘gamechanger’On the day of travel, calming sprays are a “gamechanger,” Saffire said, because they mimic the pheromones that come from cats’ cheeks when they rub on surfaces. Here are sprays, medications and non-drug supplements Saffire recommends.Feliway spray “makes a huge difference,” Saffire said, and she uses it all the time with cats in her clinic in Dublin, Ohio. Saffire recommends wiping the entire carrier with Feliway while also spraying towels with it to keep inside the carrier during transport. Placing a sheet sprayed with the stuff over the carrier can also help a cat “feel like they can hide.”VetriScience Composure™ supplement treats are non-drug treats made with colostrum proteins, Vitamin B1 and a naturally occurring amino acid, all of which have been proven to reduce stress and improve cognition in cats, according to VetriScience’s website.Bonqat, an anti-anxiety medicine, became the first approved for cats by the FDA in November 2023. Saffire said she recommends it because it was developed specifically to treat “anxiety associated with travel in cats.”Heard of the ‘cat distribution system?’What the craze really means, rescue groups sayWhat cat carrier is best?Branch and Saffire both recommend hard-sided carriers because your cat will feel more secure inside them and be more able to hide, tucked away in a corner.Owners may feel more comfortable with a soft-sided carrier because they may be easier to squeeze underneath a seat on a plane. But remember that cats need to feel like they can hide in a secure place, not one that’s closing in on them, said Branch, whose nonprofit only uses hard-sided carriers when sending cats home with foster parents across New York City’s five boroughs.“Their instinct in a new space is to hide and we have to make sure they’re able to do that,” Branch, 42.In a car, a hard-sided carrier can easily fit in the back seat. But if you must fly, carefully research your airplane’s seat dimensions to ensure a hard-sided carrier will fit under the seat in front of you. Airline websites also have carrier size recommendations.You can find recommendations for different carriers on the Feline Veterinary Medical Association’s “Choosing the Perfect Cat Carrier” guide.How to fly with a cat: Airlines need paperwork ahead of timeEach airline has slightly different paperwork requirements and fees for bringing a cat onboard. In most cases, your cat’s carrier can be considered baggage and placed under the seat in front, but it’s up to you to confirm. Consider buying an airline-approved cat carrier to give yourself extra peace of mind.You’ll need a vet to sign a certificate of health and submit it to the airline days before traveling, and some travel destinations may require proof of vaccination, especially against rabies, Saffire said.3 more tips for traveling with a catThere are a few predictable hiccups you can prepare for ahead of time, Branch said, including bathroom accidents and escapes.Line the carrier with puppy “pee pads” in case your cat has an accident.Don’t feed your cat their normal breakfast and/or dinner the day you travel, because “traveling on an empty stomach minimizes the risk of nausea and vomiting,” VCA Animal Hospitals says.A harness will let you hold your cat effectively when you have to take your feline out of your carrier, especially during TSA screening at airports, during which owners must remove their cats from the crate, Branch said. “You should have your cat in a harness so that you’re not just clutching the cat’s fur during that moment − you’ll feel a little more secure.”

Caribbean travel specialist scheme established for UK and Ireland agents

Travel

A Caribbean travel specialist programme has been created for agents in the UK and Ireland in collaboration with incentives and rewards specialists My Booking Rewards. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) online portal will offer opportunities to boost agent earning potential via rewards, incentives and learning.Participating agents will have access to benefits such as fam trip opportunities and invitations to CHTA’s annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace trade event.The partnership also offers hoteliers and stakeholders access to discounted rates for MBR services, allowing them to incentivise bookings via white label loyalty schemes.CHTA immediate past president Nicola Madden-Greig said that the programme “reflects our commitment to providing travel agents with the tools and resources they need to promote the Caribbean as a premier destination”. She added: “Each destination has its own distinct personality, and we aim to ensure that agents are recommending the best travel choices for their clients.”My Booking Rewards founder and chief executive Darren Pearson added: “We are delighted to be supporting the CHTA to educate more agents across European markets on the full Caribbean product. “Their desire to support their members with MBR’s reach will certainly allow for increased agent engagement and we’re excited to be able to offer special rates to support this drive. “Our agile technology and engaged database will help CHTA members to successfully reach more active travel agents across the UK and Ireland, building meaningful relationships through education and incentivisation.”

Inaugural Chain4Travel Decode Travel Hackathon finds winning solution

Travel

The Decode Travel Hackathon, organised by Chain4Travel, made its debut in Turkey this month, bringing together over 30 travel and tech specialists at the headquarters of SAN TSG & Paximum. From seasoned travel tech developers to blockchain enthusiasts and students, industry leaders like SAN TSG/Paximum, SunExpress, A3M Global Monitoring, Technoly/Petour (AERTiCKET Group), Juice, TripX, and TraSo participated in tackling real-world challenges in travel tech.Chain4Travel, the organiser of the Decode Travel hackathon, is the driving force behind Camino Network, the blockchain designed and built specifically for the travel industry. In a two-day innovation sprint, seven teams worked on solving pressing industry pain points, from fragmented systems of various industry players and inefficient payment methods to creating transparency, security, and personalization in global travel. Camino Network is the infrastructure designed to solve these challenges. Following the showcase of Lufthansa’s blockchain integration, many Decode Travel teams also used the Camino Messenger for global travel product sourcing and distribution. Two teams addressed the challenge of inefficient and complex micropayments in the travel industry. Both teams presented solutions with efficient, transparent, and reliable micropayment distribution by incorporating smart contracts for automated conditional payment, multi-party disbursement, seamless settlement, and dispute resolution.While one team redefined the upselling process in travel bookings, by creating a blockchain-based protocol on Camino Network for personal data sharing and selective disclosure among travel businesses, such as OTAs and car rental companies.Another team worked on the privacy vs. personalization challenge addressed data privacy and GDPR compliance with a platform using Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) principles. Their blockchain solution gives travelers control over their digital identities and employs smart contracts for efficient and transparent bookings, enhancing data security and process efficiency.SunExpress & Paximum (SAN TSG) also participated with teams addressing their core business challenges, streamlining distribution, and automating B2B payment processes.The winning team however, was from TripX. It won for its travel packaging with an AI-driven solution integrated with Camino Messenger for personalised booking experiences. Camino’s blockchain technology enabled real-time, secure data flows, and the conception of a next-gen product combination prototype facilitating faster, more engaging, and highly personalized responses for travelers.Erol Türk, CEO of SAN TSG, said, “We aim to support the digital transformation in the sector by combining technology and tourism. Hosting Turkey’s first Web3 travel hackathon in partnership with Chain4Travel at our headquarters marks a significant milestone in shaping the future of travel technology.He added: “We believe that this platform we offered to the participants will generate new ideas that will play a role in the digitalization of the tourism industry. Such events are a great source of excitement for us to contribute to the industry and support projects that will shape the future”.Chain4Travel invites travel businesses worldwide to co-host hackathon initiatives in their region and drive innovation in travel tech.Pablo Castillo, CEO of Chain4Travel, said: “We started this hackathon series for travel companies to explore blockchain’s transformative potential, gain hands-on experience, and bring sharp minds from many backgrounds and companies together. “The solutions created during Decode in Turkey are proof that innovation on Camino Network can be realized in a matter of days.”