In today’s read:
- Cvent levels up event planning with AI-powered features
- Mauritius doubles down on sustainability in tourism
- Air Peace expands fleet under pressure
CventIQ: AI-Powered Event Tech for Planners, Hotels & Smarter Sourcing
CventIQ: AI Streamlines Event Planning and Sourcing
Cvent has launched CventIQ, integrating artificial intelligence across its event management and sourcing tools. This aims to automate tedious tasks, allowing planners to focus on event experiences. A key feature is “Snapshots,” a mobile app function letting attendees bookmark key session moments, generating personalized summaries. This provides valuable data for planners, showing which parts of events resonated most with attendees.
For sales teams, CventIQ enhances the Cvent Supplier Network (CSN), offering features similar to LinkedIn Sales Navigator. It provides detailed planner profiles, allowing targeted outreach and personalized message creation. Integration with LinkedIn’s marketing tools enables targeted advertising to potential attendees. The platform also incorporates 3D visualizations of event setups, creating immersive property listings and speeding up proposal generation. This rapid response is crucial, as 79% of RFPs are won by the first three responders.
Cvent is also focusing on simplifying its platform with Cvent Essentials, a budget-friendly option for smaller events. This brings more events into the Cvent ecosystem, improving data collection and strategic meetings management. Integrations with recent acquisitions like Splash, Jifflenow, and Reposite further enhance functionality, offering AI-powered attendance predictions and improved vendor visibility. The platform also allows properties to showcase sustainability initiatives, contributing to a more eco-conscious event industry.
Cvent emphasizes a human-led approach despite the AI enhancements. CventIQ represents a significant investment in the future of event technology, offering African MICE professionals opportunities for increased efficiency, personalization, and ultimately, more successful events.
Mauritius: Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism & Eco-Friendly Hospitality.
Mauritius is accelerating its transition into a leading sustainable tourism destination. The island nation aims to become a “Green Destination” by 2030, prioritizing environmental protection and community benefits alongside tourism growth. This commitment is evident in government initiatives, industry-wide adoption of eco-friendly practices, and a surge in environmentally conscious real estate development.
Government-led programs are actively banning single-use plastics, promoting renewable energy sources, and encouraging local sourcing within the hospitality sector. Leading hotel groups like Marriott, Radisson, and Wyndham are actively supporting this vision, incorporating sustainable practices into their operations and new developments. They are adopting eco-certifications, integrating digital technologies, and emphasizing authentic cultural experiences.
Investment in green hospitality projects is rising, although challenges remain in attracting institutional funding. Perceived market risks and a lack of liquidity in some African markets hinder large-scale investment. However, innovative models like branded residences and rental pool resorts are emerging as effective strategies to mitigate these risks, allowing for pre-selling of units and reducing upfront capital requirements.
This collaborative effort between the Mauritian government, the hospitality industry, and international investors positions Mauritius as a frontrunner in sustainable tourism. The island’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility is attracting increasing attention from environmentally conscious travelers and investors alike.
Air Peace Expands Fleet with A320 Amid E195 Engine Challenges.
Nigeria’s Air Peace is demonstrating resilience in the face of significant operational challenges. More than half its fleet, including all its new E195-E2 jets, are grounded due to engine problems affecting several global airlines.
To maintain service, Air Peace has leased an Airbus A320, utilizing an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) agreement. This provides immediate operational flexibility, and a dry-leased Embraer E195 (older generation) is also being integrated to temporarily replace the grounded E2s.
This strategic use of leasing options – both ACMI and dry lease – showcases Air Peace’s commitment to passenger service. The airline is balancing immediate needs with long-term plans, awaiting the resolution of the engine issues and delivery of previously ordered aircraft.
Air Peace’s actions highlight a trend in African aviation: increased reliance on flexible fleet solutions to manage operational disruptions and fluctuating demand. The airline’s diverse fleet, including Boeing 737s, 777s, and Embraer ERJ 145s, along with future orders for Embraer E175s, additional E195-E2s, and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, points to a long-term commitment to expansion and fleet modernization.
That’s it for today, thank you for reading.