Travelscope Magazine

SITA DELIVERS INDUSTRY-LEADING CYBERSECURITY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PALO ALTO NETWORKS

SITA, the global leader in air transport technology, has reached a significant agreement to partner with Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity protection for mission-critical airports applications.

This partnership marks a key milestone with the addition of Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered cybersecurity platforms into SITA’s CyberSecurity portfolio.

SITA will provide the management and operation from its CyberSOC. The solution will safeguard access from remote sites, mobile workforce and airport assets such as check-in workstations, self-service kiosks, tablets, smartphones and baggage scanners, enabling smooth passenger flows whilst also avoiding downtimes and reducing turnaround times where efficiency of operations is a key priority.

The partnership will focus on delivering advanced cybersecurity solutions (including Palo Alto Networks Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Prisma SD-WAN Instant-On Network (ION) Devices, and Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access) to provide comprehensive network security, connectivity and cloud-based protection, all managed by SITA.

This innovative solution, called SITA Managed Security Service Edge (SSE), consisting of Palo Alto Networks solutions, offers a complete suite of network security services (such as Secure Web Gateways, intrusion detection, threat intelligence, next generation antivirus or WildFire, DNS protection, SSL decryption and data loss prevention), all seamlessly delivered from Palo Alto Networks’ dedicated cloud platform.

As a specialized subset within SITA’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework, SSE delivers robust and innovative world-leading security measures to protect digital infrastructure and implements the kind of advanced protection demanded by all CISOs and compliance authorities – including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and ISO 27000.

Martin Smillie, SITA Senior Vice President for Communications and Data Exchange (CDE) said: “The need to protect vital digital applications within the transportation industry has never been more acute, given the ever-evolving threat from cyber-attacks. This agreement delivers industry-leading cybersecurity protection for our airport, airline and other customers, in mission critical areas of their operation. Managed by SITA CyberSOC, this combines Palo Alto Networks best-in-class AI-powered, cloud native Endpoint and Application protection, all optimised and future-proofed to combat cyber threats.”

Patricia Murphy, VP EMEA & LATAM Ecosystems at Palo Alto Networks said: “SITA has provided innovative answers for communications and data exchange to the aviation industry for the past 75 years and is now expanding into other areas of transportation also. This partnership will begin a transformation of cybersecurity in the air transport industry, helping ensure that critical systems are protected with the most advanced cybersecurity platforms available (platformization) – fostering a safer and more efficient environment for air travel worldwide.”

Palo Alto Networks will help provide the current and next generation of cybersecurity protection and software for SITA Secure Service Edge at mission-critical areas of aviation and other areas of transport.

Palo Alto Networks leverages its Precision AI proprietary AI system to detect and outpace potential cyber threats, providing next-generation cybersecurity to thousands of customers globally across all industry sectors. Its best-in-class platforms and services are supported by cutting-edge threat intelligence and state-of-the-art automation.

Meetings Africa 2025 set to ‘raise the bar’

This year’s Meetings Africa will raise the bar with new features and a packed programme designed to ignite growth and spark innovation at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from February 24 to 26.

Bjorn Hufkie, General Manager: MIC Sales for the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), a business unit of South African Tourism, says the 19th edition of Meetings Africa will be more than just a trade show – it will be a catalyst for transformation, innovation and economic growth.

“This event is a chance for the continent’s existing and aspiring economic drivers to form part of a dynamic platform shaping the future of Africa’s thriving business events industry.”

Registration for Meetings Africa is now open, gathering exhibitors, buyers, trade professionals and future leaders from across the globe.

What to expect: A new educational programme: Whether a seasoned professional or a first-time attendee, you’ll dive into the evolving business events landscape with a cutting-edge educational programme developed in collaboration with leading trade associations such as the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry, the South African Township and Village Tourism Association, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, the Association of African Exhibition Organisers and more.

Insights into critical topics like South Africa’s G20 Summit hosting, macro-economic trends, youth and skills development, the power of artificial intelligence and technology and funding opportunities.

Interactive sessions with industry titans: Get ready for engaging sessions led by expert speakers and moderators who will share their knowledge and inspire you to think outside the box.

Connecting the dots for inclusive growth: Meetings Africa is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth, job creation and contributing to poverty reduction by connecting small, medium and micro enterprises with global buyers through targeted matchmaking events paving the way for sustainable partnerships and ground-breaking innovation.

Nurturing tomorrow’s leaders: The Future Leaders Forum is back – empowering the next generation of industry professionals with a dedicated programme designed for students and emerging leaders.

“As the premier trade show for the business events industry on the African continent, Meetings Africa is hosted with the invaluable support of our partners: Johannesburg Tourism Authority, Gauteng Tourism and the Sandton Convention Centre,” adds Hufkie.

“Together, these partners uphold the exceptional standard that Meetings Africa is known for.”

According to Hufkie, Meetings Africa 2025 is set to be the SANCB’s most impactful event yet. “We are thrilled to bring together the brightest minds in the industry to highlight the incredible potential of Africa as a leading business events destination. This is an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn and grow your business in a dynamic and supportive environment.”

Kubanychbek Omuraliev Receives “Leader in Tourism Award 2024”

The World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) proudly presented the “Leader in Tourism Award 2024″* to Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to global tourism development and fostering collaboration among nations.

The World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) proudly presented the “Leader in Tourism Award 2024” to Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to global tourism development and fostering collaboration among nations.

The award ceremony, held at the elegant Alici Restaurant on Bluewaters Island, brought together high-level delegates, industry leaders, and distinguished guests to celebrate this significant milestone. Among the notable attendees were Bulut Bağcı, Chairman of WTFI, H.E. Ahmed Adeeb, Minister of Tourism (2012-2015) and Vice President (2015) of Maldives.

In his opening remarks, Bulut Bağcı emphasized Ambassador Omuraliev’s instrumental role in promoting regional integration and advancing tourism initiatives within the Turkic States. “This award highlights not only Ambassador Omuraliev’s dedication to the tourism sector but also the critical importance of collaboration in driving sustainable development and cultural exchange,” Bağcı stated.

H.E. Ahmed Adeeb, underscored the significance of leadership in transforming tourism into a catalyst for economic growth. “Tourism is a bridge that connects people, cultures, and economies. Recognizing visionary leaders like Ambassador Omuraliev inspires us all to strive for excellence in this vital sector,” H.E. Ahmed Adeeb remarked.

The event also provided an opportunity for participants to engage in discussions on advancing sustainable tourism, investment opportunities, and future partnerships across the Turkic States and beyond.

The Leader in Tourism Award is one of WTFI’s flagship initiatives, celebrating individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the tourism industry. This year’s honoree, Ambassador Omuraliev, has been a driving force in promoting regional tourism cooperation and unlocking the economic potential of member states.

The evening concluded with a toast to continued progress and innovation in global tourism, setting the stage for future collaborations that will shape the industry’s future.