Tag: economy

The Current Meta: What’s Hot for CS2 Players Today

What’s good, shooters? It’s techbuzzireland.com here, your go-to for everything Counter-Strike 2. The scene has been absolutely buzzing since CS2 dropped, and if you’re not logging in to grind, you’re seriously missing out. Whether you’re sweating it out in Premier mode or just hopping into a casual for fun, the game’s in a wild spot right now. Let’s break it down for all the CS2 players today and see what’s popping in this fresh, revamped Counter-Strike era.

CS2 Players Today: The Meta Has Evolved

CS2 isn’t just a new coat of paint on CS:GO; it’s a full-blown upgrade. With the new responsive smokes, revamped maps, and insane attention to detail, the meta has shifted big time. If you’re not adapting, you’re already falling behind. Smokes now interact with bullets and grenades, which opens up a whole new layer of strategy.

Gone are the days of spamming utility on autopilot. Now, a well-placed nade can clear a smoke, giving your AWPer a free sightline. This has made aggressive AWPing more viable than ever, and trust me, nothing feels better than popping a quick peek mid and doming someone who thought they were safe.

Weapons and Economy: What’s the Play?

The weapon meta is still heavily debated, but a few trends have emerged. The M4A4 versus M4A1-S debate rages on, but with tighter smoke mechanics, the silenced rifle is edging out slightly. It’s all about keeping it quiet and punishing over-aggressive T’s. For the big spenders, the AWP remains king, but you already knew that.

Budget options are also spicier than ever. The Five-SeveN and CZ-75 are still great for eco rounds, but let’s not sleep on the Deagle. That one-tap headshot? Still iconic. And if you’re not forcing on pistol rounds with dualies, are you even playing the game? Pro tip: stack up with your squad and rush a site. Even if you fail, you’ll look cool doing it.

Premier Mode: High-Stakes Grinding

Let’s talk about Premier mode—the new proving grounds for CS2. This isn’t your dad’s Matchmaking. With the revamped ranking system and leaderboard grind, every match feels like it matters. If you’re queuing solo, good luck; it’s a coin toss whether you’ll get a team that’s cracked or clowns who can’t hold an angle.

Communication is key here. If you’re not calling out enemy positions, you’re basically throwing. And for the love of GabeN, learn your nades. There’s nothing worse than a teammate who whiffs a smoke and costs the team a round. Pro tip: warm up in Deathmatch before you queue. Nobody wants to hear “sorry, first game on” after you miss an easy clutch.

Pro Scene: The Best of the Best

The pro scene is absolutely stacked right now. Teams like Vitality, G2, and FaZe are setting the bar ridiculously high. CS2 has brought a breath of fresh air to competitive play, and the way pros are adapting to the new mechanics is unreal. Watching them manipulate smokes and pull off pixel-perfect plays is basically a masterclass in how to dominate.

The Major scene is about to pop off too. With CS2 as the official platform, expect insane plays, unexpected upsets, and maybe even some Cinderella stories from underdog teams. And let’s not forget the aim gods like s1mple and ZywOo, who are still out here redefining what’s humanly possible with a mouse and keyboard.

The Community: Toxic But Lovable

We can’t talk about CS2 without addressing the community. Let’s be real: Counter-Strike players have always been a unique breed. You’ve got your hyper-competitive grinders, your meme lords spamming voice chat, and, of course, the occasional troll throwing with a Zeus in hand. It’s chaotic, it’s messy, but it’s home.

For new players, the learning curve can be steep. But don’t let the occasional toxic teammate or salty opponent get to you. Focus on improving, find a squad you vibe with, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun. After all, it’s just a game… until it’s not.

Final Thoughts: Stay Sharp, Stay Toxic (In a Good Way)

CS2 has completely redefined what it means to play Counter-Strike. From the new mechanics to the fresh meta, it’s a game that rewards creativity, precision, and a little bit of chaos. Whether you’re grinding Premier mode, watching the pros, or just messing around with friends, there’s something for everyone in this new era.

So gear up, load in, and get ready to make some big plays. And remember: when the pressure’s on, don’t just play the game—own it.

Taking a Look at Ireland’s Thriving Tech Industry

Whilst Ireland is already known for its gorgeous nature, Paddy’s Day, and the creation of one of the best beverages out there – there’s still so much more it has to offer the world. Chiefly, it has a surprisingly innovative tech sector that has been growing steadily in recent years. But let’s take a deeper look at this below.

The Rise of Dublin as a Tech Hub

Thanks to its strategic location in Europe, Ireland quickly became a base for many tech companies, especially when it comes to US tech giants. Some examples include Google, which has made Dublin its European headquarters and Apple, with a major campus in Cork. Even Uber holds an office in Limerick, while Amazon followed Google’s choice of Dublin for its fulfilment centre.

However, this isn’t simply limited to foreign businesses opting to open a location in Ireland. The region is also home to its own successful companies. One such company is Paddy Power, founded in 1988 in Dublin, Ireland and part of the iGaming sector. The iGaming sector provides uses with access to several online gambling options. For instance, users can play bingo for free at Paddy’s, rather than being limited to physical bingo halls. The sector has welcomed several technological advancements, such as mobile gaming, that ensure the prosperity and longevity of their services. 

These factors have led multiple startups to pick Ireland as their hub, acknowledging the fact that it provides a prime location in Europe. Moreover, strong government incentives and support have further made it the ideal area for such ventures. Some of the best startups in Ireland to watch are Wayflyer, Everseen, and NomuPay.

The Impact of Ireland’s Tech Industry on the Economy

The booming tech sector has positively impacted the economy of Ireland in multiple significant ways. For starters, the revenue of tech businesses tends to be a major contributor to Ireland’s tax revenue, reaching 17% as advised by the Irish Revenue Department. 

The developments have also greatly improved employment rates, with over 120,000 workers in ICT, as per the Central Statistics Office. This number is poised to continue rising as the sector continues growing, creating thousands more job opportunities. This has also led professional talent from all over the world to flock to Ireland, further contributing to increased consumer spending.

In terms of investment, many investors are looking to invest in the flourishing tech ecosystem, making Ireland a great option for investors. Also, since Ireland has been put on the map as a tech hub, it has ensured that other sectors outside of technology choose this place to make their home, further boosting the economy. 

Ireland is poised to become one of the leading countries when it comes to tech, and this will continue to have a far-reaching impact on the economy, employment and investment. As such, whether you’re a professional, business owner, or investor, we’d suggest keeping a keen eye out on anything and everything the Irish tech sector has to offer.

Piceasoft introduces new, unique solutions to extend the lifecycle of mobile devices and advance the circular economy

Finnish circular economy company Piceasoft introduces major updates to its unique-to-the-industry PiceaOnline platform to boost circular economy, increase customer choices, and broaden retailer business and sustainability program opportunities in the used mobile phones market.

Mobile phones are one the most common electronic devices, but at the same time, one of the least recycled or resold. According to the International Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) forum, 5.3 billion mobile phones were thrown away in the year 2022 alone. With many of these potentially reusable, better access to mobile reselling opportunities could significantly reduce the 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste produced annually, a significant amount of which comes from discarded mobile devices.

Also, there is a chronic shortage of pre-owned mobile phones in Europe, so the sales of used phones are severely limited by supply. Used phones are exported from the USA, which partly meets the demand. But US devices are not CE marked, and only phones with CE approval can officially be sold in Europe. While compliance with CE standards varies across Europe, this further complicates the availability of used devices.

Despite the many mobile phone trade-in programs from operators and retailers, it is estimated that less than 20% of consumers recycle their phones. One major reason is the lack of transparency in the trade-in process: many times, the actual trade price for the old phone can be significantly lower than the original estimation due to the shortcomings in accuracy and lack of transparency of the diagnostics and evaluation process. These issues limit consumer options, demotivate them to recycle phones, and hinder trust towards the whole trade-in process.

Now through major developments to the PiceaOnline platform, Piceasoft is bringing unique features and benefits currently missing from the mobile trade-in business. These advancements make recycling phones and extending their life cycle easier and more valuable to both consumers and retailers.

“The mobile phone industry is one the largest in the world, but still in the starting blocks regarding circular economy. Now it is the time to start walking the talk, since the current system is broken and not fair to the customers. Old phones and other consumer electronics create a lot of waste. In fact, waste streams equivalent to more than 300,000 double-decker buses are created every year by smartphones and similar devices sent to waste and buried underground. Also, the consumer awareness of reselling your old phone is still quite low, and the whole value chain needs to take more responsibility in changing this,” says Kristian Järnefelt, the CEO of Piceasoft.

An operating system for circular economy

Usually, when reselling their phones, operators and major retailers only have the option to provide offers from only one trade-in partner program. PiceaOnline’s Multi-partner trade-in increases the value of mobile phone trade-in programs by offering fair and best prices for consumers from multiple trade-in partners, so consumers can benefit from the best and highest-value option for their reselling. Also, the operators and retailers can decide to sell devices matching their self-defined criteria directly to their customers instead of shipping them to the trade-in partner.

“Consumers, trade-in partners, and other retailers can see us as an operating system for the circular economy: we bring concrete, fair, and easy-to-use circular economy choices to every consumer interaction when they are buying a new phone, whether in digital or in stores. PiceaOnline platform merges mobile device lifecycle management technology and consumer-facing services into one easy-to-use business platform. We aim to make Piceasoft Europe’s leading platform to extend the lifecycle of mobile devices,” Kristian Järnefelt continues.

One of the bottlenecks in mobile phone recycling and reselling is the accuracy of grading devices to check their condition. It is estimated that around 78% of consumers lose interest if grading their device requires installing a new app on their smartphone. PiceaOnline’s new Web-based diagnostics make the trade-in process easier for consumers by accurately grading the devices without the need to install an app. Also, more automated diagnostics help to grade the devices in more detail, resulting in concrete value estimates that consumers can trust will be the price they get from their old phone.

PiceaOnline’s new Mobile SDK makes it possible to enhance the reach and value of trade-in programs by integrating PiceaOnline’s trade-in capabilities into retailers’ or mobile operator’s apps. By integrating the PiceaOnline Mobile SDK into their applications, operators, and retailers can directly engage with mobile device consumers, enhance user experience, and provide seamless trade-in experiences and instant trade-in quotes—all within the existing apps. Similarly, the PiceaOnline Mobile SDK can be utilized for self-support use cases.

Piceasoft is showcasing PiceaOnline and how it connects business opportunities to mobile devices’ circular economy with its new features at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona 26.-29. February 2024.

PayPal survey reveals the second-hand economy is booming with 47% of people selling their preloved goods and average earning approximately €598

As the cost-of-living continues to climb, the second-hand economy is experiencing a surge. PayPal’s Resale Renaissance report*, conducted by Censuswide and involving more than 1,000 consumers across Ireland, revealed the reselling movement has gone mainstream.

An interesting trend, the report found that people are selling their unwanted or unused items to supplement their income. In fact, almost one in eight (12%) of those who buy preowned items do so in order to upcycle and sell on. This trend was found to be most prevalent among Gen Z (18%) and most prominent among respondents from Mayo (24%), Kerry (23%) and Clare (20%). It also seems that this could generate quite the profit with the average consumer in Ireland estimating they have approximately €222 worth of unwanted items gathering dust around the home.

Some 47 per cent of people across the country resell their preloved goods, with money earned from reselling unwanted items over past 12 months estimated, on average, to be approximately €598 – potentially providing people with an extra €50 per month. Gen Z led the way with earnings from reselling items over the last year, coming in at €844.

One person’s trash is another’s treasure

Delving deeper into the preowned trends, of those who have bought such items before, the average spend over the past year was found to be €101. Clothes (46%), books (23%) and furniture (22%) top thrift shopping lists – turning one person’s trash into their own treasure.

In terms of what is driving Irish second-hand shoppers, saving money is the leading reason for more than half (59%), followed by the drive to find a real bargain (41%). For others, it’s a conscious choice with a third (33%) choosing second-hand to be more sustainable and a similar proportion (31%) doing so to reduce waste.

More than three quarters of Irish people (78%) purchase preloved items and the average consumer makes such purchases 20 times a year. Gen Z are most active in this area (average of 26 times a year), followed by Millennials (21 times a year). Buying preowned items was most common among respondents from Longford (66 times a year), Roscommon (61 times a year) and Donegal (46 times a year).

The study noted that, on average, consumers estimated they have €401 of disposable income each month. People in Ireland are finding ways and adapting their behaviours to make their disposable income go that bit further. In this regard, some 61 per cent of consumers look for discounts and deals, while more than half (54%) have switched to cheaper brands and 52 per cent  are using store loyalty points/coupons more often.

Thrifty consumers are exercising caution

The PayPal study found that the preferred channels for purchasing preowned items were charity/thrift shops (51%), online and mobile marketplaces (35%), and social media (32%). However, while demand for preloved treasures is high, the second-hand economy isn’t without its concerns, with more than four in five (84%) people worrying about dishonest sellers and the quality of preowned items.

As a result, people are mindful when it comes to the checkout process and it turns out that the biggest factor that instills trust in preowned purchasers is having safe, recognised payment methods like PayPal (55%). Other important trust factors were found to be comments/reviews about the seller (54%) and more images and visuals of items (43%).

Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President, PayPal Ireland shared: “With prices soaring, it’s no surprise we’re seeing a boom in the second-hand economy. Whether it’s shopping or selling on online marketplaces or resale mobile apps, or using the Goods and Services person-to-person payments on our mobile app at car boot sales, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing PayPal works hard to keep your financial information safe. Both buyers and sellers want – and should have – security, flexibility and confidence when it comes to managing transactions, making payments and taking control of their own budgets.”

How Much Does The Irish Horse Racing Sector Contribute To The Economy?

When we talk about horse racing history, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most horse racing enthusiasts would say England, which is somewhat correct. But horse racing quickly traveled to Ireland, and now we have a country where horse racing is well embedded into their history and tradition.

Horse racing is a huge sector in Ireland. Just browsing through the winners of the most popular races in history, we can see a huge dominance of Irish horses. Even by checking the 2023 Breeders’ Cup odds by TwinSpires, you can see the horse Mostahdaf might be among the contenders.

Now that we know that horse racing is huge in Ireland, let’s dive into the much deeper water and see how horse racing affects their economy by creating jobs, and generating revenue through breeding racing and tourism.

The Impact of the Horse Racing Sector on the Irish Economy

Let’s get one thing straight from the start. The impact of the horse racing sector on a country’s economy cannot be big right?

Wrong.

Ireland is a country where horse racing is well embedded in its roots and traditions. On top of that, the Ireland horse racing industry expanded internationally thanks to breeding and opening doors for tourism.

Research conducted by Deloitte, suggests that the horse racing industry delivered €2.5bn to the Irish economy in 2022, and created more than 30,000 jobs.

But what does this sector cover?

Well, all horse racing activities. From breeding to training and racing and even ancillary activities that can bring a lot of money.

Even though horse racing is huge in Ireland, this number suggests that the industry is still growing. According to this research, the horse racing industry in Ireland has grown by 34% since 2016 in terms of money, and we have 1,500 horse-related jobs more.

If we take the breeding sector alone, we can see that it generates close to $1 billion annually. Everyone wants to have an Irish champion running in their horse bloodlines, right?

But, these are not the only horse racing sectors generating money for their economy.

Betting

Now, let’s talk turkey—money, that is. Betting is at the heart of horse racing economics. The Irish have a penchant for placing bets, and it’s a symbiotic relationship. 

Punters wager their hopes and dreams, and the industry thrives on the adrenaline-fueled excitement. Whether it’s a cheeky bet at the local pub or a high-stakes wager at the racecourse, money flows like a river.

The betting sector in Ireland is also huge. On-course betting is quite popular and tracks like Leopardstown and Gowran are leading with revenue generated from betting. There is no actual data on the impact of betting on the Irish economy, but we can safely assume that this sector alone generates billions of dollars each year.

Employment and Tourism

Let’s talk about employment, shall we? The Irish horse racing sector is a bustling hub of job opportunities. From stable hands who know the quirks of every horse to trainers with an eagle eye for talent, and not forgetting the unsung heroes in the administrative trenches—thousands earn their daily bread thanks to this vibrant industry. It’s like a job fair but with hay and oats.

Horse racing isn’t just for the locals; it’s a global magnet for tourists. International visitors descend upon Irish racecourses like the Curragh and Punchestown, turning race days into vibrant celebrations of sport and culture. It’s not just about winning bets; it’s about creating unforgettable memories in the heart of Ireland.

Global Ambassadors of the Sport

Last but not least, the power of the horse racing industry in Ireland is boosted by all the Irish trainers, jockeys, and horses that travel to international horse racing events and they bring all their prize purses at home.

Their success amplifies Irish racing reputation and attracts many partnerships from all around the world which also can have a huge impact on the country’s economy.

The Impact of Technology on Ireland’s Economy and Society

Technology has become a driving force in shaping economies and societies around the world, and Ireland is no exception. Over the years, Ireland has witnessed a significant impact of technology across various sectors, propelling growth, innovation, and transformation. In this article, we will explore the different ways in which technology has influenced Ireland’s economy and society, with a focus on the rise of the tech industry, advancements in education and healthcare, the impact on businesses, government services, entertainment, culture, society, and even tourism. Additionally, we will highlight the role of technology, including online gambling, in supporting the country’s economy.

The Rise of the Tech Industry in Ireland

Ireland has emerged as a prominent hub for technology companies, attracting major players such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. The establishment of multinational tech corporations, along with the growth of indigenous startups, has contributed to the country’s economic development. The tech industry has created numerous job opportunities and has become a significant contributor to Ireland’s GDP, showcasing the importance of technology in driving economic growth. 

Impact on Entertainment, Culture, Society, and Tourism

Technology has had a significant impact on Ireland’s economy, society, and culture. In terms of the economy, one notable aspect is the growing online gambling industry. The emergence of online casinos and betting platforms has not only provided entertainment options but has also contributed significantly to the country’s economy. The online gambling sector has created jobs, generated revenue through taxation, and attracted international players, supporting the overall economic growth of Ireland.

One way to participate in the online gambling industry is to sign up with a top pay by phone casino and grab free spins. This is a great way to try out different games and see if online gambling is right for you. Many top pay by phone casinos offer free spins to new players, so you can get started without having to risk any of your own money.

In addition to the economy, technology has also had a major impact on Irish culture and society. Social media platforms have facilitated communication and social interactions, allowing individuals to connect with others across the globe. Moreover, technology has revolutionized entertainment and media consumption, with online streaming services offering a wide range of content. Additionally, technology has played a crucial role in promoting Irish tourism, with online platforms providing information, booking facilities, and virtual tours, attracting tourists from all corners of the world.

Technology in Education and Healthcare 

Technology has revolutionized the education sector in Ireland, enhancing teaching methodologies and providing new avenues for learning. The integration of digital tools and online platforms has facilitated remote learning, personalized education, and access to a vast array of educational resources. Similarly, technology has transformed healthcare delivery, enabling telemedicine, electronic health records, remote monitoring, and advanced diagnostic tools. These advancements have improved patient care, increased efficiency, and reduced healthcare costs.

Impact on Irish Businesses 

Technology has had a profound impact on Irish businesses, enabling them to expand their reach, streamline operations, and enhance productivity. The adoption of e-commerce platforms has facilitated online sales, allowing businesses to reach global markets. Moreover, digital marketing strategies and data analytics have helped businesses target their customers more effectively, leading to improved customer experiences and increased sales. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have particularly benefited from technology, levelling the playing field and empowering them to compete with larger companies.

Technology in Government and Public Services 

The Irish government has embraced technology to modernize public services and improve governance. Digital initiatives, such as the eGovernment strategy and the development of online portals, have simplified administrative processes, making it easier for citizens and businesses to interact with government services. The digitization of public records, tax filing, and online payment systems has increased efficiency and transparency. Furthermore, the use of technology in data analytics has helped government agencies make informed decisions and develop evidence-based policies.

Conclusion 

Technology has permeated every aspect of Irish society and has had a profound impact on the country’s economy. From the rise of the tech industry to advancements in education, healthcare, government services, culture, and tourism, technology has transformed Ireland’s landscape. Looking ahead, the future of technology in Ireland holds immense potential for continued growth and innovation. By embracing emerging technologies and fostering digital literacy, Ireland can further strengthen its position as a global leader in the technology sector, driving economic prosperity and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

 

Aon Survey Reveals Main Risks Facing Irish Companies Amidst Economic Slowdown

Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm, today published a new survey that reveals the main risks facing Irish companies and the difficult decisions business leaders must make to successfully navigate economic headwinds.

Aon’s Business Decision Maker Pulse, which surveyed 228 senior business leaders from companies employing more than 250 employees across Ireland between October and November 2022, has found that economic slowdown is seen as the top risk facing companies (40 percent), followed by inflation (26 percent) and the failure to attract or retain top talent (16 percent).

52 percent of leaders believe that rising energy prices will hinder their company’s ability to grow within the next 6 months. The growing unease over high inflation is also impacting upon business sentiment. Over half (53 percent) expect low economic growth while 41 percent expect the Irish economy to enter recession in the next six months. Irish leaders appear to be more optimistic than their global counterparts, with 79 percent of leaders globally expecting a recession this year, according to a separate survey carried out by Aon.

When considering the steps that will be needed to mitigate the impact of inflation on their organisation, half of businesses in Ireland (50 percent) are considering decreasing day-to-day spending in order to mitigate the impact of inflation on their finances. Almost a third (32 percent) say they will consider reducing headcount. 27 percent are looking to optimise supply chains and 26 percent will look to digital technology in order to increase efficiencies.

Commenting on the results, Rachael Ingle, CEO, Aon Ireland, said: “As Aon’s Decision Maker Pulse survey highlights, inflation and rising energy costs are having a tangible impact on Irish businesses and their plans for the coming months. Many leaders are now actively considering ways in which they can manage costs while continuing to build a workforce that attracts the very best talent who can help foster innovation. But with the increasing likelihood of a global recession, it is clear that economic risk is becoming the driving factor in how Irish leaders make business decisions over the coming months.

“That’s why it is vital that leaders focus on protecting their organisation’s resilience and find growth opportunities in the face of heightened volatility. Businesses will need to be agile in the face of current uncertainty and look at ways in which they can enhance their competitiveness. Despite the economic headwinds we now face, Irish businesses should not lose sight both of the need to invest in the future and continue advancing their sustainability journey. Aon Ireland is helping to give Irish businesses the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect their organisation this winter and unlock new growth opportunities in the months ahead.”

Despite short-term economic challenges, Ireland’s labour market appears to remain near full employment. According to Aon’ Business Decision Maker Pulse, 52 percent of senior business leaders say their company is experiencing difficulty in attracting and retaining talent. 30 percent of Irish businesses have enhanced their employee benefits and rewards packages in the past six months in order to attract and retain top talent.

The survey also points to the growing importance placed on company culture by leaders looking to incentivise new talent into their organisation and keep their existing employees engaged. Almost three in four (71 percent) now see company culture as more critical in attracting and retaining talent than a competitive salary or employee benefits.

Methodology

Between the months of October and November 2022, iReach Insights conducted research on behalf of Aon Ireland into attitudes and actions being considered by Irish businesses who face new economic challenges. The survey received 228 responses from senior business decision makers across the country, with 81 mid-sized SMEs, 86 large SMEs and 123 enterprises with 250+ employees taking part in the research.

Metaverse Operations Autonomous Electric Vehicles And The Digital Economy Set To Transform The Travel Industry

Several powerful megatrends – from young, highly connected travelers to the arrival of electric air taxis – will exert an immense influence on air travel over the next decade, forcing industry, governments, and technology to adapt rapidly. This is according to “Meet the Megatrends,” a new report from SITA that examines 12 emerging technological, societal, traveler, and economic trends that will significantly morph the travel landscape by 2033.

These megatrends do not exist in silos but operate in an evolving ecosystem where emerging technologies interconnect the trends and help drive them forward. Data is at the heart of this ecosystem. The increasing willingness of providers to share data across the wider travel industry will help further accelerate these trends and pave the way to the more connected, seamless travel experience that passengers want.

Ilkka Kivelä, VP Strategy and Innovation, SITA, said: “The air transport industry is at a post-pandemic crossroads, facing challenges from all sides. While the travel recovery accelerates globally, airports and airlines are scrambling to provide the seamless travel experience passengers expect, often with slashed workforces and squeezed budgets. The climate crisis demands swifter and more decisive industry action to make travel more sustainable. We now have an opportunity to reimagine the world of travel, connect the dots and transform travel with bold solutions that cross sectors and exploit the latest technologies.”

One of the key trends identified in the report is Gen Z and millennial travelers driving a digital transformation of the transport industry, demanding a more integrated digital journey, and accelerating the digital way of life. Privacy, digital identity rights, and controls for passengers will be a priority for passengers opening the door to a future where we can travel from everywhere to anywhere without the need for physical documents or being stopped for identification.

Another power trend is the automation and emergence of smart airports, which will reshape the workforce, give rise to a new flattened business organization, and streamline operations through technology. By 2030 metaverse operations will be commonplace at leading airports and play a vital role in optimizing processes, avoiding disruption, and facilitating intuitive, immersive control of intelligent airports. This in turn will require new skills and create new opportunities for employees in the industry.

Meanwhile, electric air vehicles are expected to be ubiquitous at major international airports by the end of the decade, operating as an effective auxiliary service and revenue stream for airports and airlines. This year alone, investment in the Urban Air Mobility industry has skyrocketed, with $4.7 billion committed to the development of eVTOL vehicles.

Ilkka Kivelä said: “These trends are shaping SITA’s own innovation agenda. We’re excited to be working across many of these areas and look forward to collaborating with partners to drive positive change across the industry.”

The report was spearheaded by the SITA Lab innovation team and draws upon insights from across the transport industry, SITA’s global research, and the latest cutting-edge proof of concepts to identify the most powerful shifts that will drive the travel industry’s evolution by 2033.

How iGaming Can Boost the Irish Economy

Across the world, gambling is driving revenue, providing jobs and taxes to governments and states. In addition, many companies in the industry give donations to social causes and sponsorship money to smaller organisations. So how could a booming gambling sector benefit the Irish economy?

Related Projects

Part of the industry growth has been down to the booming iGaming industry. This is the sector placed online, through casino games and sports betting. Yet it is not only the websites that provide revenue. As the industry grows, third parties’ businesses and start-ups grow with them.

For example, a quick look at Betfair’s casino online roulette page sheds some light on how many different skills go into keeping the industry afloat. Not only can you see the development work that went into those games, but you can also see which third parties work on auditing them. The Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority and others all play huge roles in the industry, bringing jobs and revenue with them.

When added to the gambling review sites, marketing agencies and start-ups that go alongside it, a sprawling web of related companies evolves. Not only does this bring increased taxes, but many of these companies put money into social causes or sponsorship.

Creation of Jobs

 

All these companies need people to operate them. On the surface, they need high-quality developers and programmers to keep them running. One benefit is that not only does iGaming provide jobs for local talent, but it can also attract the best employees internationally. Bringing them to Ireland is the key to a healthy jobs market. 

In other ways, the sponsorship opportunities for gambling also provide extra income, both to local workers and social groups. Many gambling companies are sponsors of lower league sports teams. This gives them a vital source of revenue and helps keep them afloat. 

Physical casinos should also not be overlooked. When they attach to hotels and restaurants, they boost the hospitality industry. Even when patrons do not choose to use these, a night at the casino is usually accompanied by a meal and drinks elsewhere. This can provide welcome revenue to struggling city centres. 

This can also bring tourists to the area. Even if towns are not the mecca Las Vegas might be, a quality casino in an entertainment complex can attract visitors from quite far away. In some places, such as Macau City, the gambling industry is the biggest employer, providing jobs for thousands of citizens and bringing in tourists. 

Tax

The final product of increased jobs and tourism is tax. All countries and states can employ a levy on gambling. This can be very lucrative. Currently, many US states are in a gold rush of sorts with iGaming and online sports betting more popular than ever with revenues in some states nearly doubling in the last couple of years. It is estimated in the US that gambling companies give $40 billion to the US treasury every year.

However, the US is not the only place this happens. Closer to home, Great Britain makes a huge amount every year from its gambling revenues. While Ireland is already benefiting, with the right support, the gambling industry could seriously benefit the country.