How can travel and tourism leaders inspire innovation and creativity?

Innovation and creativity are essential for the travel and tourism industry, especially in times of uncertainty and disruption. How can leaders foster a culture of innovation and creativity among their teams and partners? Here are some tips and examples to inspire you.

1 Be curious and open-minded

One of the key traits of innovative and creative leaders is curiosity. They are always eager to learn new things, explore new possibilities, and challenge their own assumptions. They are also open-minded to different perspectives, feedback, and ideas from others. They encourage their teams and partners to do the same, and create a safe and supportive environment for experimentation and learning. For example, Airbnb's founders were curious about how people travel and what they need, and they were open to trying different solutions and pivoting their business model.

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Deepak Anand

CEO at TRIPHUNTER.IN
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Travelling makes one empathetic, resilient and adaptable to changes. We are blessed to work in this ever giving industry. We should absorb the lessons and stories of our travel and that of our clients and try to implement it in our personal and professional lives. Different cultures teach us a lot of things. We can unlearn and learn a lot. Plus a lot of curiosity is essential to lead in the travel industry as travellers often come with various different requests - the patience to accommodate it is what makes one stand out!

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Pedro Luis Criado García

Lidero el equipo de operaciones, asegurando la entrega exitosa de #HMobile | Vivo Kaizen para optimizar procesos y resultados | Enfocado en Customer Success.
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Cada vez los viajeros se sienten motivados por distintas experiencias. Dar el primer paso para ofrecer experiencias vivenciales memorables y novedosas dará la ventaja competitiva que tanto se busca.

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2 Be collaborative and inclusive

Innovation and creativity are not solo activities. They require collaboration and inclusion of diverse talents, skills, and backgrounds. Leaders who value collaboration and inclusion create opportunities for their teams and partners to work together, share knowledge, and co-create solutions. They also seek input from their customers, stakeholders, and communities, and involve them in the innovation process. For example, Marriott's Innovation Lab is a collaborative space where employees, guests, and partners can test and refine new concepts and services.

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3 Be agile and adaptable

Innovation and creativity are not linear or predictable. They involve uncertainty, ambiguity, and change. Leaders who embrace agility and adaptability are flexible and responsive to changing needs, preferences, and situations. They are willing to experiment, iterate, and fail fast and learn from their mistakes. They also empower their teams and partners to do the same, and provide them with the resources and guidance they need. For example, Singapore Airlines' KrisLab is an agile platform where employees, partners, and startups can prototype and launch new products and services.

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Pedro Luis Criado García

Lidero el equipo de operaciones, asegurando la entrega exitosa de #HMobile | Vivo Kaizen para optimizar procesos y resultados | Enfocado en Customer Success.
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Los nuevos clientes cada vez son más volátiles y esperan que se resuelvan sus peticiones de manera ágil y resolutiva. Lo que hoy es tendencia mañana estará demodé. Es importantísimo estar al día con los nuevos gustos e inquietudes y saber adaptarse.

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4 Be visionary and strategic

Innovation and creativity are not just about generating ideas. They are also about turning ideas into reality and creating value. Leaders who have a vision and a strategy are able to articulate the purpose, goals, and direction of their innovation efforts. They are also able to align their teams and partners around a common vision and strategy, and communicate clearly and effectively. They also measure and evaluate their innovation outcomes and impact, and adjust their plans accordingly. For example, Disney's Imagineering is a visionary and strategic team that designs and delivers immersive and memorable experiences for guests.

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5 Be passionate and resilient

Innovation and creativity are not easy or comfortable. They require passion and resilience to overcome challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. Leaders who have passion and resilience are driven by their passion for their industry, their customers, and their mission. They are also resilient in the face of difficulties, and inspire their teams and partners to persevere and overcome. They also celebrate their achievements, recognize their efforts, and reward their contributions. For example, Virgin Group's founder Richard Branson is a passionate and resilient leader who has launched and grown multiple businesses in the travel and tourism industry.

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Pedro Luis Criado García

Lidero el equipo de operaciones, asegurando la entrega exitosa de #HMobile | Vivo Kaizen para optimizar procesos y resultados | Enfocado en Customer Success.
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La resiliencia es clave para el éxito. Levantarse, fracasar para aprender, mejorar continuamente consigue romper el estancamiento.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can travel and tourism leaders inspire innovation and creativity?

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1 Be curious and open-minded

2 Be collaborative and inclusive

3 Be agile and adaptable

4 Be visionary and strategic

5 Be passionate and resilient

6 Here’s what else to consider

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