"CONNECTED": ConX2025 Explores Key Tourism Industry Trends

PRESS RELEASE

Mallorca, May 21

ConX 2025, organized by Travelgate, the leading Connectivity Marketplace in the travel industry, successfully concluded its fifth edition, delving into the current challenges and future opportunities facing the tourism sector.

Under the theme “Connected”, ConX 2025 brought together over 800 senior executives and decision-makers from some of the most influential and forward-thinking companies in the B2B travel distribution ecosystem. With Huawei as the main sponsor—alongside other notable partners such as Smyrooms (part of Viajes El Corte Inglés), Ávoris, and HotelDistribute—the event served as a vital forum for industry leaders to explore the future of travel distribution.

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, including the development of emerging travel destinations, strategies for steering the tourism industry toward greater environmental sustainability, and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and automation in optimizing processes across the travel value chain. This ecosystem, comprising hotel groups, airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), technology providers, destination management companies, and independent operators, is becoming increasingly interconnected. Moreover, it is now being reshaped by the entry of major brands from outside the traditional travel sector—companies that are leveraging their platforms and data to enter the market.

In this rapidly evolving landscape, seamless connectivity between all stakeholders is no longer a competitive advantage—it is a fundamental requirement for operational efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth.

The event was held at the Son Moix Stadium in Palma (Mallorca, Balearic Islands), a fitting venue to host renowned voices such as Ada Xu, Director of International Affairs at FLIGGY (Alibaba Group); Dor Krubiner, CEO & Co-Founder of Mize; Emilie Dumont, CEO of Digitrips; Faisal Memon, Founder & CEO of iOL; Kate Irwin, Managing Director of Skift EMEA; and a keynote talk by Johan Lundgren, former CEO of easyJet.

A Special Edition of ConX 2025

"This has been our most well-received edition to date," stated Pedro Camara, Founder and CEO of Travelgate, referring to the nearly 800 attendees who convened in Palma for ConX 2025. "We’re very pleased—it was a special edition with many surprises prepared throughout the day."

Camara explained that this year’s theme, “Connected”, represents more than a slogan—it is “a way of life, a philosophy”:

“At Travelgate, we connect people and companies on a technical level, but we created this space specifically to enable deeper, more personal connections. That is why we are all here. ‘Connected’ is who we are, it’s what we do.”

The program addressed timely and relevant topics such as India’s explosive growth as a tourism market, the global expansion of B2B companies, and the increasing entry of non-travel brands into the travel business.

“People are still traveling—last year was our best ever in terms of numbers, even beyond expectations. This year started somewhat slowly, likely due to the timing of Easter, but the second quarter is already showing signs of recovery.”

New Strategies, Markets, and Brands in Tourism

The day began with the panel “The New Wave of Growth Strategies in B2B Travel”, moderated by entrepreneur Alex Gisbert and featuring Dor Krubiner (Mize), Tejveer Singh Bedi (Traveloka Partners Network), Felix Shpilman (Emerging Travel Group), and Faisal Memon (iOL). The panelists discussed the importance of agility in responding to digital transformation challenges and the strategic use of data analytics to anticipate market needs. Understanding where we are today and where we want to go, they agreed, is essential for defining the next steps in B2B travel.

In a related session, Kate Irwin, Managing Director of Skift EMEA, interviewed Javier Cabrerizo, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at HBX Group. He noted that while strategic planning used to follow five- or even ten-year timelines, today’s environment demands a more flexible, three-year outlook.

“You must be highly adaptable,” Cabrerizo said. “You may think the market is moving in one direction, only for it to suddenly change course. Flexibility is not just advisable—it’s essential, especially in times of uncertainty.”

Another central topic at ConX was the entry of non-traditional travel brands into the sector. In the panel “How Non-Travel Brands Are Entering Travel”, moderated by Kate Harden-England, participants included Ada Xu (FLIGGY, Alibaba Group) and Emilie Dumont (Digitrips).

Dumont emphasized that travel remains a “resilient product in terms of experience, even during economic downturns,” which explains the interest from non-travel brands. She does not see them as a threat but rather as a chance for established players to lend their expertise. Ada Xu added that FLIGGY brings valuable insights into the Chinese traveler through robust market research.

India’s Expanding Role in Global Tourism

The panel “India’s Rising Influence in Travel” featured Albert Fernando (Travelwings.com), Bhanu Chopra (RateGain), Jaal Shah (RezLive.com / Travel Designer Group), and Rajnish Kumar (Ixigo), moderated by Walter Buschta of Phocuswright.

From January to October 2024, India welcomed 76.8 million international tourists. Projections suggest that by 2030, there will be nearly 50 million outbound Indian travelers—twice the current number. Panelists agreed that India is no longer a merely “emerging” market. Investments in infrastructure, rapid digital adoption (nearly half the population is under 30), and a focus on MICE tourism make India a key destination for future travel growth.

From Music to the Skies

One of the highlights of this edition was the inspirational talk by Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet from 2017 to 2024. Originally a musician, Lundgrenunexpectedly found himself in the travel sector, becoming CEO of one of Sweden’s largest travel companies at just 29. He later led Europe’s second-largest airline through turbulent times including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and staffing shortages—while also modernizing the business and solidifying its global standing.

“It’s great to lead a major airline—but not so great if you can’t fly,” Lundgren remarked, drawing laughs from the audience. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and holistic leadership in fostering both personal and professional growth within organizations.

About Travelgate

Travelgate, part of the Travelsoft Group, is a Connectivity Marketplace that enables travel agencies, OTAs, bedbanks, DMCs, and tour operators to connect seamlessly through a single API. Buyers gain real-time access to a wide range of Sellers through a single integration, while Sellers benefit from global exposure to an extensive distribution network.

Thanks to its intuitive platform, users can manage connections, monitor performance, generate intelligent reports, and receive instant support—all from a single interface.