TRAVEL | Trip.com Group unveils $100M tourism fund at Envision 2025

Trip.com Group laid out its long-term strategy for reshaping the global travel landscape at its Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference in Shanghai, where more than 3,000 leaders and partners from across the tourism sector gathered to discuss the future of the industry.

At the center of the event was the company’s announcement of a $100 million Tourism Innovation Fund, designed to accelerate industry transformation through technology, sustainability, and strategic partnerships.

Innovation, resilience in travel sector

James Liang, Trip.com group chairman and co-founder, addressed the crowd in a keynote that emphasized the potential of innovation to transform the travel experience while fostering inclusive, long-term development.

“Travel and innovation are vital forces in the world economy, and among the most meaningful and fulfilling pursuits for humanity,” Liang said. “Innovation is already propelling the travel industry forward — from advancing sustainability to immersive experiences. Through our new Tourism Innovation Fund, we are supporting pioneers to travel further together, shaping a better future for humanity.”

The fund will provide financial support to destinations, organizations, and entrepreneurs with new approaches to cultural tourism, technological integration, and sustainability.
Liang cited global examples of initiatives that blend art, culture, and technology to enhance destination appeal. He also stressed the importance of cross-border partnerships in achieving a smarter, more resilient global tourism ecosystem.

Momentum and social impact

Jane Sun, Trip.com group chief executive followed with remarks focused on recent performance and the importance of global partnerships. She reported strong international business growth, noting that outbound bookings in the first quarter exceeded pre-pandemic levels by over 120%.

“Following record numbers, travel remains a priority for global consumers, and the industry will continue to grow faster than the broader economy,” Sun said. “With exciting opportunities ahead, we will keep innovating — always putting people first and working with our partners to deliver the perfect trip, for everyone and for a better world.”

She added that the company’s customer support model combines automation with human service, achieving a global satisfaction rate of nearly 90%. Its Global Travel SOS Service responds to tourists in emergency situations within two minutes, Sun said.

Push for sustainable travel

One of the highlights of the summit was a speech by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, appearing on behalf of Travalyst, a sustainability coalition he founded to promote responsible travel practices.

“Now is the moment for the industry to reaffirm its commitment to being a force for good,” Prince Harry told the audience. “The true measure of our commitment is how we respond when the path becomes difficult. We must never give up.”

He highlighted the Asia-Pacific region as a driving force in sustainable travel, citing research from Trip.com Group that shows regional travelers are leading in international spending and are more likely to consider environmental impact when making bookings.

Prince Harry also recognized Trip.com Group’s long-standing efforts, including a six-year partnership with Travalyst. The company’s initiatives include carbon offset options for flights, sustainability labels for transportation and accommodation, and incentives for hotels to pursue certifications for low-carbon operations.

Tourism Innovation Fund

Trip.com Group also launched a global award program under its new fund to recognize achievements in travel innovation. The Tourism Innovation Award will grant $1.4 million to outstanding initiatives across sustainability, technology, heritage tourism, and other emerging categories.

Additionally, the fund will invest in destination experience projects such as digital festivals and immersive culinary events, particularly in underrepresented or emerging cities.
Expanding Global Partnerships

As part of its mission to make travel more interconnected, Trip.com Group announced new collaborations with national tourism boards from Austria and New Zealand. It also signed partnership deals with hospitality groups including Indonesia’s Archipelago International, Malaysia’s Seafest Hotel Group, and Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts.

These new alliances aim to strengthen the company’s reach in key Asian travel corridors while diversifying accommodation options across its platform.

Looking ahead

While Envision 2025 served as a business conference, it also marked a larger pivot point for Trip.com Group as it positioned itself not only to keep pace with global travel trends but to help define them. Through focused investments, partnerships, and a clear emphasis on social and environmental responsibility, the company is setting out to lead tourism into a more connected, sustainable future.

WATCH TECHSABADO ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: