AMID the dark clouds gathering that could dampen travel – recession, inflation, an ongoing war, pandemic still in play – it’s good to focus on the silver linings. So, we asked a selection of travel industry leaders for the silver lining they’re keeping their eye on.
Ross Veitch, CEO & co-founder, Wego
“I think many people when stuck at home came to realise just what a valuable role travel plays in their lives and how valuable it is to spend time with people face to face.”
Omri Morgenshtern, CEO, Agoda
“One silver lining I’m inspired by and excited about how I saw tech grow in 2022 – all from chatGPT, space travel tech, to Crispr tech and energy positive fusion! The amazing passion and positive energies people get from travel, combined with what mankind can do will undoubtedly shape the world and bring plenty of excitement, opportunities, and tons of blue sky.”
Jane Sun, CEO, Trip.com Group
“I am excited that travel and tourism continues to be a bridge between cultures and remains an important channel for people-to-people exchange.”
Eric Gnock Fah, COO & co-founder, Klook
“I’m excited about Asia – finally it is reopened fully.”
Caesar Indra, President, Traveloka
“I am particularly excited about the full reopening of Asia Pacific, and expecting continued pent-up demand for travel as new destinations become available within the region, which will be bolstered further by more affordable flight prices when airlines start to increase their capacities.”
Chan Chee Chong, CEO & Co-founder, GlobalTix
“Despite a recession looming, the travel experience is still considered a necessity by many of us. The silver lining is that belt-tightening will probably mean more shorthaul travel to nearby destinations. Asia is set to benefit from it, hence we are likely to see good growth in intra-Asia travel.”
Michael Dykes, Vice President, Market Management, Asia-Pacific, Expedia Group
“Heading into 2023, I’m optimistic and ambitious for ourselves and our partners. The pandemic taught us that we don’t have to go it alone — there is, in fact, massive opportunity in powering the entire travel ecosystem with our technology. And so, I am confident that despite whatever 2023 throws at us, this ecosystem that we have built with the industry will help Asia-Pacific to come back strong.
“We pioneered the democratisation of travel for consumers. Now, we lead the way on the democratisation of the technology of travel. We empower thousands of partners worldwide across several segments by providing them with technology solutions, and supply inventory for resale and advertising solutions. We offer technology for travel companies to leverage. It’s not just the ability to sell travel inventory, flights, or car rentals on their website. It’s also access to robust, data-driven insights, which help decipher new and rising pockets of demand, interpret trends, compare their data against competitor set performance; and calibrate their offers to match travellers’ needs.
“We believe that these efforts will create a healthier travel ecosystem, a system that provides not only a better experience for travellers but also more convenience. It gives travel businesses — large and small — the tools to raise their digital game, enabling them to better understand their market, to create demand and capture it, ultimately providing an improved guest experience.”
