Posts by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Sojern expands its travel marketing platform with the acquisition of VenueLytics
11/07/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Travel marketing platform, Sojern, has announced its acquisition of VenueLytics, a guest experience platform for the hospitality industry. The addition of VenueLytics' technology allows Sojern to offer an end-to-end marketing platform that engages travelers throughout their journey. Sojern has es [...]
The story behind MGM Resorts’ ambitious $10b integrated resort in Japan
11/07/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Jiro Kawakami: “Most people think Las Vegas is a big gaming market but it’s only $8b in annual gaming revenues. Japan’s market is huge.” It’s been a long time coming but this April, after years and years of waiting, MGM Resorts International received the green light to develop a resort in [...]
Wanderlust vs economic uncertainty: Over half of APAC travellers stay confident in their travel plans
05/07/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Singaporean travelers demonstrate a strong commitment to spending their money on experiences rather than fleeting pleasures. Booking.com recently unveiled its much-anticipated APAC Travel Confidence Index (TCI) for 2023, offering an analysis of travel mindsets in the region. Despite financial conc [...]
Asia Pacific’s young luxury travellers ditch long-haul for homegrown adventures
04/07/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
The travel industry is undergoing a transformation as a new tribe of young luxury travelers emerges in the Asia Pacific region. Coined as 'Native Explorers' by a recent survey conducted by Marriott International, these affluent millennial and Gen Z travellers are challenging traditional travel norm [...]
Spotnana and United Airlines look to create seamless traveller journeys with NDC integration
29/06/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Direct NDC integration supports bookings, post-ticketing changes, real-time analytics, and servicing through a modern retailing experience Spotnana, a travel infrastructure company, has unveiled its strategic collaboration with United Airlines to introduce direct NDC integration, providing seamless [...]
Rapid surge in chargebacks poses challenges for travel companies, reveals Outpayce study
28/06/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Perceived difficulties in obtaining refunds and increasing traveler awareness of ‘chargebacks’ driving 30% year-over-year growth A recent study conducted by Outpayce has shed light on the significant rise in chargebacks faced by travel companies, signaling a growing concern within t [...]
Letter From Langkawi: Luster Lost, Paradise Found
27/06/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
The last time I was in Langkawi, it was for a year-end trip with fifty friends and (ex) colleagues from a previous company. We wined and dined, soaked in the sun, and celebrated a good financial year for the brand. We partied. The holidays were upon us and the new year seemed pretty exciting. Goo [...]
Klook taps into music tourism as official partner for Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’
22/06/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
The platform will also offer first-of-its-kind bundling to its users to facilitate Swift's highly anticipated return to Singapore. Klook, a key travel activity and experience booking platform, aims to tackle opportunities in the music tourism space by becoming the Official Experience Partner for Ta [...]
Airbnb calls for flexibility as Malaysia teases nationwide control, a first in Southeast Asia
21/06/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Kuala Lumpur was Airbnb’s most visited city in South-East Asia last year, and one of the most searched destinations worldwide. Malaysia is on the verge of becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to impose extensive restrictions on short-stay rentals, such as Airbnb, following the enforcement [...]
Traveloka and South Pole partner to launch pilot climate action checkout for Singapore travellers
20/06/2023 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Revenue generated from this project will be invested in wastewater treatment in Thailand’s Khon Buri district to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Singapore-based users of Traveloka, a key travel platform in Southeast Asia, will now have the opportunity to contribute to global climate action and p [...]