The global travel industry is poised for a significant transformation in the post-pandemic era, driven by innovative technologies and evolving consumer expectations. To navigate this dynamic landscape, key players from across the travel ecosystem, including airlines, hotels, fintech companies, and travel platforms, will converge in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from October 20-22, 2025, for the Loyalty & Awards Summit. Organized by Global Flight, a renowned management firm specializing in customer loyalty within the travel industry, this summit aims to showcase cutting-edge innovations and explore strategic trends shaping the future of travel.
The summit will delve into critical areas impacting customer engagement and revenue generation, with a particular focus on customer retention, personalization, and non-air revenue growth. These topics reflect the industry’s evolving priorities as it seeks to rebuild and thrive in the post-pandemic world. Airlines, facing increased competition and the need to diversify revenue streams, are increasingly exploring ancillary revenue opportunities beyond traditional ticket sales. Similarly, hotels and other travel providers are recognizing the importance of personalized experiences and loyalty programs to retain customers and drive repeat business. The summit will provide a platform for industry leaders to share best practices, discuss emerging technologies, and collaborate on solutions to address these challenges.
A key theme of the Loyalty & Awards Summit will be the integration of technology to enhance customer loyalty programs. Sessions will explore the development of app-based loyalty programs that provide seamless experiences across all touchpoints of the customer journey, from booking and check-in to in-flight services and post-trip engagement. Furthermore, the summit will examine the potential of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to personalize offers, predict customer behavior, and optimize loyalty program effectiveness. This focus on technology underscores the industry’s recognition of the need to leverage data and digital tools to create more engaging and rewarding customer experiences.
The summit will also address the growing importance of non-air revenue streams for airlines. Sessions dedicated to this topic will explore strategies for generating revenue beyond traditional ticket sales, including co-branded credit cards, partnerships with retailers and other businesses, and the development of ancillary services such as premium seating, baggage fees, and in-flight entertainment. This focus on non-air revenue reflects the airlines’ need to diversify their revenue streams and enhance profitability in a competitive market. The summit will provide a forum for airlines to share innovative approaches to non-air revenue generation and learn from the experiences of other industry players.
A distinguished lineup of speakers will share their expertise and insights at the Loyalty & Awards Summit. Industry leaders including Ravindra Bhagwanani, Global Flight Managing Director; Camilo Courtenay, Global Loyalty Lead at Avolta; and Bahadır Durak, Senior Head of Data Analytics and Loyalty Programs at Pegasus Airlines, will provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of customer loyalty. Representatives from major airlines, including members of the three global alliances – SkyTeam, OneWorld, and Star Alliance – will also participate, offering insights into the strategies being employed by these industry giants.
Further enriching the speaker lineup will be Ben Lipsey, Senior Vice President of Customer Loyalty & President of Flying Blue at Air France KLM Group, and Sven Neweling, Head of CRM Strategy and Loyalty Programs at Deutsche Bahn, providing insights into loyalty programs within the airline and rail sectors. Ralph Piket, Chief Loyalty & Customer Insights Officer at Abra Group, and Maria Romero Panizo, Global Loyalty Director of Meliá Hotels International, will share their perspectives on loyalty programs within the broader travel and hospitality industry. This diverse range of speakers will ensure a comprehensive exploration of loyalty program strategies across various travel sectors, offering attendees a valuable opportunity to learn from the best practices of leading companies.
