Here is part two of the WIT 2017 Conference digest, where we summarise the key ideas shared on Day Two – dipping our toes in topics spanning the true potential of AI, to the evolution of the corporate travel sector, and how North Asia and Europe plan to cash in on regional growth.
Coffee Chat with Deep Kalra, Chairman and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip
Deep Kalra took the WIT hot seat to piece together how MakeMyTrip intends to make the whole travel planning and buying process in India frictionless, seamless and perhaps even enjoyable for its consumers. The conversation also circled around how India’s largest OTA plans to balance the trade off between profitability and growth in such a complex market.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/245363931
R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Emilie Couton (head of marketing, APAC, AccorHotels) explained how the hotel company continues to expand its suite of brands by maintaining a strong level of respect for each one’s unique identity and value that it brings. She also drives home how respect for their guests is sacred, but how data on these customers can help to deliver even better hospitality.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/245382242
The Home Advantage In A Changing World – or is it?
A panel of three hoteliers and a hotel distribution technology provider put theirs heads together in a panel discussion revolving around how to retain a competitive advantage in their home markets, and how each can embrace changing technology to stand up to bigger players.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/245398644
Peeling Back the Skin on AI
Founder of Tujia Inc., Melissa Yang paints a clearer picture of what the world really means when discussing the potential of ‘artificial intelligence’. Sifting fact from hype, Yang delves into what machine learning technology can meaningfully contribute to businesses but also the broader impact it might have on everything from the working economy to darker political outcomes.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246117481
Coffee Chat with Rob Greyber, President, Egencia
Corporate travel is touted as the next big thing to face disruption. In a one-on-one interview, Rob Greyber hinted at what the fourth largest business travel management company is not necessarily focusing on “the next big bang product” but how enhancing their technology can give the the power to shape travel culture within companies they work with.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246130885
Travel Retail and Next Gen Travel Agents
While mature markets are seeing a shift in hospitality from traditional hotels to alternative accommodations, in younger markets such as Indonesia, there are people whose first trips are already with alternative hotels. How can long-standing travel agents and businesses maintain their relevance in a rapidly changing space?
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246148095
A View from Google
Google’s Ryan Ferguson (sector lead, travel, APAC) broke down the technology giant’s latest survey, revealing how YouTubers are prime travel customers that not only travel more but also spend more. Ferguson explained how the industry would do well to focus on increasing video engagement, particularly through online channels like YouTube, which is considered to be the world’s second largest search engine. 
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246165000
Coffee with Matthew Hulen, Industry Manager – Travel, Facebook Singapore
“All social is not travel, but all travel is social.” From one technology giant to another, Facebook’s Matthew Hulen tackled the topic of how social and mobile continue to transform the travel marketplace. He also described his experiences of leadership, having worked under Expedia’s Dara Khorowshahi and now Mark Zuckerberg.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246175128
Travel 3.0: Mobile Rising in the Asia Pacific Region
Sharing deeper insights into how mobile continues to rise in APAC without any sign of slowing down, Alban Villani (general manager, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Taiwan, Criteo) shared tactics on how travel brands can capitalise on these trends, whilst also offering customers a better retail experience.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246193897
Best of WIT Japan & North Asia: Conquering Mt Fuji
Looking back on highlights from WIT Japan & North Asia 2017, a panel led by Kei Shibata (CEO, Venture Republic) bounced ideas on how Japan can best prepare for rising tourist numbers as it anticipates the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Olympics 2020.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246209364
ANA’s Dream of A Better World: The launching of ANA AVATAR XPRIZE
Illustrating a future world where avatars can let our consciousness roam to places we would have never thought imaginable, the winners of the XPRIZE Visioneers 2016 shared details on how such a vision could be made possible… and what it could mean for making the world a better place.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246214935
Best of WIT Europe
Asia Pacific is very much the region of focus at WIT 2017, as it continues to grow at an ever-quickening pace. Though that’s not to say European and American travel markets are letting themselves fall by the wayside. In a panel moderated by Jacobs Media Groups, Duncan Horton, four European travel brands shared how they plan to ramp up efforts to nab their share of the market.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246245561
Better Stories by Christian Lee, co-founder of BananaMana Films
In an inspiring piece of storytelling, Christian Lee presented what goes into the making of one of his latest works, Jimami Tofu – a film that throws a glowing light on a humble ingredient that has captured the hearts of so many travellers venturing to Okinawa. Through this, Lee demonstrated the sheer power of storytelling and how it can not only inspire travel but send a deeper message to viewers.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246255824
Coffee with Lynette Pang, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launched its new and improved “Passion Made Possible” campaign this year, with the intention of transforming perceptions of its role as a destination marketing organisation. Lynette Pang explained how STB joined forces with the Economic Development Board to promote a shared vision of Singapore, and how this collaboration will shape future tourism and business campaigns.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246265263
Coffee Chat with Parin Mehta, Director – Trips/Experiences, Airbnb Asia Pacific
All eyes have been on Airbnb’s move into the Experiences space, venturing beyond its niche of alternative accommodation. According to Parin Mehta, Airbnb intends to offer 3,000 experiences across 41 cities. But with its focus on selling niche products, how can Airbnb be sure its efforts will be profitable. Mehta says it’s all about transforming its users into entrepreneurs.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246298746
WIT Startup Pitch 2017 Grand Finals, powered by Travelport Labs
After a gruelling semi-finals round at the WIT 2017 Bootcamp, three finalists – Troovo, Ooomra, and Travelsify – took to the WIT stage to pitch their business ideas in an effort to snatch the prize for this year’s WIT 2017 Startup Pitch Competition.
Watch the full video of the finalists’ pitch here: https://vimeo.com/246278307
Watch the full results here: https://vimeo.com/247107588
Closing Conversation with Michael Szücs, Chief Executive Adviser, Cebu Pacific Air
Airline veteran Michael Szücs confesses a love for working in emerging markets. “Emerging markets open more opportunities,” he said. They feed his “pioneering spirit.” In a closing conversation with Yeoh Siew Hoon, Szücs questioned the value brought by traditional airline alliances and how more strategic partnerships like the Value Alliance (a pan-regional LCC alliance) would allow airlines to strengthen their brands and offering.
Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/246314364
