Posts by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Gen-AI in travel: Game-changer or hype?
15/02/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Industry leaders weigh in on the real-world potential of GenAI in travel and hospitality Speculation surrounding the potential of generative AI to ‘revolutionise’ the travel industry was rampant in 2023, yet tangible applications weren’t popping up the way GenAI advocates had hoped they would [...]
Majority of aviation leaders expect flight disruption to remain elevated
14/02/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
In a recent study conducted by travel technology company Amadeus, aviation leaders shed light on the persistent challenges faced by airlines and airports amidst heightened levels of flight disruption. As demand for air travel surges and operational hurdles persist, the industry grapples with the nee [...]
How GPT Store fits in the travel, tours and activities market
12/02/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
“The learning curve is so low with many of these GPTs that it really benefits those who are willing to jump in, imagine, and experiment.” Earlier this year, OpenAI's GPT Store opened its doors to its paying subscribers, marking a pretty significant milestone in the evolution of AI-driven conver [...]
Relaxed visas, AI, and B2B loyalty programs bolster promising start to 2024
07/02/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
As the tourism industry sets its course for the year, Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of digital travel platform Agoda, sees 2024 as a promising period for travel enthusiasts worldwide. Speaking at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Laos, Morgenshtern highlighted the industry's positive momentum, building upon [...]
Southeast Asia slows, Pakistan grows as top destination for MENA travellers
06/02/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Online travel marketplace, Wego, recently unveiled its analysis of global travel trends for the fourth quarter of 2023. Through data gathered from millions of flight searches and bookings, Wego has highlighted the preferred destinations for travellers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reg [...]
Hotels leverage dynamic pricing and personalisation as tug of war with OTAs intensifies
06/02/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
The competitive landscape between online travel agents (OTAs) and hotels is heating up as per the latest insights from SHR Group's Hotel Industry Trends Report 2024. This report, based on analysis from over 2,000 international hotels leveraging SHR Group channels, sheds light on emerging trends that [...]
Seeking human advice on travel in the age of AI
05/02/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Globetrotter who visited every country by age 25 joins Skyscanner as a travel ambassador and has some tips for us “The best travel advice I’ve received from someone else would be to always carry a copy of your passport/visa with you during your travel, and to carry some passport sized photos wi [...]
Agoda expands partnership with WWF to support conservation initiatives across Southeast Asia
29/01/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Travel booking platform, Agoda, announced its enhanced collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF). The expansion includes the Eco Deals Program, now supporting eight conservation projects in Southeast Asia. Agoda has also pledged USD $1 million to WWF-Si [...]
Rabbit R1 and its impact on Tours and Activities
26/01/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
The debate continues on its implications in wider tech and travel space Read Part 1 of Travel Pros React to the Rabbit R1 here. Earlier this month, tech startup Rabbit made waves with the launch of its R1, a pocket-sized AI assistant designed to do daily ‘smartphone tasks’ without the use [...]
Millennials and Gen Zs up travel budgets for more shared experiences
24/01/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Social media is a primary source of travel inspiration, with over 80% basing their travel bookings on recommendations from non-celebrity figures Klook's latest Travel Pulse research reveals that 3 in 5 travelers are allocating up to half of their budget to create meaningful connections while explor [...]