Rafat Ali

Dec 11, 2024 | skift.com | Rafat Ali

This was written by Skift’s Rafat Ali with AI assistance, and edited by Skift. All quotes and figures have been confirmed with original sources, and further insights have been added by the writer and editor. Despite surging global demand and the historic milestone of surpassing $1 trillion in industry revenues, air travelers will find their tickets slightly cheaper in 2025, according to a newly released outlook from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Dec 9, 2024 | skift.com | Rafat Ali

Skift Take Tourism shapes what gets cooked, grown, and served. Over time, it even shapes what locals think their own cuisine is. Key PointsTourism often distills local cuisines into familiar dishes, leading to a loss of culinary diversity. Local food cultures can become homogenized, affecting how locals perceive their own cuisine. Awareness and slow travel can help travelers experience the true richness of a region's culinary heritage.

Dec 5, 2024 | skift.com | Rafat Ali

Skift Take The exploration of quiet beauty of cities in the early morning and the potential of alcohol-free nightlife to create inclusive tourism experiences is immense, tourism boards and experience creators should take notice. Key PointsMornings offer a serene and intimate side of city life, which is often overlooked in tourism. There is a growing need for inclusive nighttime tourism options for non-drinkers, especially in Muslim-majority countries.

Dec 2, 2024 | skift.com | Rafat Ali

First read is on us. Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news. Skift Take Will the Western travel industry rethink its approach to serving families rather than offering mere lip service? This is the fourth in a series of video diaries I am doing while spending time in Morocco for a family commitment. I am experimenting with this video diary format to share my thoughts on the travel industry through the lens of my stay here.

Nov 30, 2024 | skift.com | Rafat Ali

Skift Take Western destinations need a full reset of cultural values that prioritizes empathy and human connection. That’s the only way to compete with regions where hospitality is woven deeply into the fabric of their societies. The essence of travel lies not only in the destinations we visit but in the authentic experiences that linger in our hearts long after we return home.