Global Trends and The Future of Travel – The Role of Technology and Sustainability

Join the Centers@Anderson and Professor Terry Kramer, in conversation with M. İlker Aycı, chairman of the board of directors and executive committee for Turkish Airlines, Europe’s busiest carrier, and the largest airline in the world by the number of passenger destinations served (315) . He will discuss global trends including trade issues, growing nationalism and trade wars and their implications for the future of global travel. He will also address the longer-term effects on aviation that have been accelerated by COVID-19, including digitization, remote work and the importance of sustainability. Chairman Aycı will share his observations on the values and principles that will help guide the industry towards a healthier and more sustainable future and explain how responding to these shifts decisively now, carriers should be able to look beyond the pandemic and adapt to the long-term realities of COVID-19 that are transforming global travel. UCLA Anderson Dean Tony Bernardo will provide opening remarks.

The pandemic has changed consumer and business behavior—and the airline sector—irrevocably. As remote working and virtual meetings become the norm, the industry is likely to see a slow return of business travel. Many have questioned whether business travel will ever return to its original state pre-COVID-19. And digitalization and contactless technology will continue to transform the travel experience. Personalization, hygiene and safety measures will be more important than ever. Tourism trends surrounding low-carbon travel will continue to evolve and travel will become greener and more efficient. Finally, notwithstanding the challenges of COVID-19 and technology-based transformations – – many geopolitical trends have driven growing nationalism, reducing global trade and travel. Will these trends be short term or become part of a “new normal?”

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