Posts by WiT
The Wrap: Singapore tourism ends 2016 on a high note
16/02/2017 by WiT
In the news: Singapore Tourism Board 2016 Year-in-Review, Qantas’ to offer inflight WiFi streaming, Travelport’s expanded relationship with hutchgo.com and Avis Budget Group  DESTINATION: SINGAPORE TOURISM ENDS 2016 ON A HIGH NOTE The year 2016 was a good one for Singapore’s tourism s [...]
The Wrap: Hotel Jen reveals cities after dark with interactive Night Light programme
09/02/2017 by WiT
In the news: Hotel Jen’s interactive Night Light programme, Skyscanner revealing the best time to book flights, Global Hotel Alliance’s partnership with Sabre DESTINATIONS: HOTEL JEN REVEALS CITIES AFTER DARK WITH INTERACTIVE NIGHT LIGHT PROGRAMME Hotel Jen, part of the Shangri-La gro [...]
Meet the four new Asian traveller types
09/02/2017 by WiT
Sabre is helping travel industry players better serve their target customers by presenting four new traveller 'types' emerging in Asia Pacific (APAC) . This revelation is part of the study, The Polarisation of Asian Travellers (download report), which also highlights a series of highly contrasti [...]
Home-sharing platforms take a hit as Singapore government bans short-term rentals
09/02/2017 by WiT
Singapore has moved to ban short-term home rentals in the city, directly impacting popular ‘alternative accommodation’ companies like Airbnb and HomeAway Asia. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) introduced new ‘guidelines’ into the Planning (Amendment) Bill that was passed in Parliam [...]
Panorama Tours joins hands with JTB to create Panorama JTB Tours
08/02/2017 by WiT
Panorama Tours has entered into partnership with the world’s largest travel company – Japan Travel Bureau/JTB Corporation. Pending approval of the Conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement (Agreement), the partnership will see a new entity – Panorama JTB Tours – that will “increase [...]
GlobalTix aims to be the ultimate ticketing platform for attractions, tours and activities
13/02/2017 by WiT
Tours, attractions and activities vary so wildly in size and type, the segment has faced more than a fair share of struggles in its attempts to enter the online travel game. An estimated 82% of bookings in the segment are still handled via manual processes, according to Phocuswright. On top of th [...]
AccorHotels strengthens position in luxury private rental market with Travel Keys acquisition
07/02/2017 by WiT
AccorHotels has begun “exclusive negotiations” for the acquisition of 100% of Travel Keys, a leading player in the private vacation rental market founded in 1991. According to a statement from AccorHotels, the rental platform is "an elite travel broker representing a luxury collection of ove [...]
Booking.com Booster launched: Supports startups dedicated to sustainable tourism
06/02/2017 by WiT
Booking.com has launched Booking.com Booster, its new accelerator programme that aims to identify, mentor and fund startups committed to sustainable tourism such as preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism that supports local economies/communities. The new programme is an extension of B [...]
Majority of travellers use search engines when looking for travel inspiration
04/02/2017 by WiT
Travellers are turning to search engines when looking for hotels or information about destinations, with the majority turning to Google as their most common source of travel inspiration. Guest feedback platform TrustYou reveals 77% of travellers search for accommodation and/or locations, while 57 [...]
The Millennial Traveller: The Customer Strikes Back
01/02/2017 by WiT
Donald Trump made another vile move over the last few days. Shocker! Trump’s political moves are so extreme; it’s beginning to almost feel predictable… comical, in the same way some try to laugh through gritted teeth when in agony. Gag rule on abortion? Sounds about right. Weaken Obamaca [...]