Beyond the new logo, here’s why you must learn from Airbnb
There’s been lots written about the new Airbnb logo. Some have panned it. Some have mocked it, comparing it to bits of the human gentitalia. Some have applauded it.But beyond the logo change, there's something bigger happening, something that we in travel should watch carefully.With its new logo, [...]
Letter from the road: Golden age of the customer is upon us, deal with it
While in Penang this week, the second leg of our WIT Hospitality Roadshow, I downloaded the HotelQuickly app to quickly check what rooms were available and at what price.The company had just raised US$4.5 million in a second round of funding and they were part of our panel of speakers at this roadsh [...]
HotelTonight stays focused on product as same-day competition heats up
From India to Korea, same-day mobile booking apps are appearing across Asia, hoping to make it big in the market that was really pioneered by HotelTonight in December 2010. And last week, news that the leader in the Asia market, HotelQuickly, has raised another US$4.5 million funding, led by Japane [...]
Letter from Bangalore: The India story is just beginning
Each time I return to India, I am reminded anew of the wonderful hospitality of the country’s luxury hotels. There’s really no beating that willingness to be of service that’s the hallmark of Taj hotels.Our event, the first WIT India, co-organised with the Singapore Tourism Board, was held at [...]
HomeAway’s Sharples on future of sharing, AliBaba and specialisation
When I met Brian Sharples, the CEO and co-founder of HomeAway, one rainy morning in Singapore last week, he was due to fly to Bali that afternoon for a week’s vacation with his family.His first time in Bali and indeed, also in Singapore beyond a transit stop. It’s fitting he should choose Bali f [...]
Google+. Huh? You what?
Do you use Google+? I do, or perhaps I should say, I have an account and I’ve added some people to some circles and had myself added to some circles by some some other people ‘friends’? ‘circle-owners’? Apparently the ‘Circles’ bit is critical in as much as it helps differentiate its [...]
Now, it’s much easier to fly with family and friends
I love shopping online at Amazon as it’s such a hassle-free process, from search to the completion of the order. As a regular customer all my personal details, from my address to my credit card, are stored with Amazon. All I have to do is click a few times and my purchases are confirmed with date [...]
Feeling overwhelmed in Rabat in a different kind of way
Just read a survey that one in three of us are overwhelmed by technology. I am surprised it’s not more. Where are the two people in this equation who are not overwhelmed? I’d like to meet them.I think they are either living in Rabat or Ladakh. To be factual – yes, even in today’s world of i [...]
“Little Big 10” things I wished I had known then
This October, we will mark the 10th edition of the WIT conference. Yes, in November 2005, we held our very first event at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront which was to become our home for the next three years.Much water under the Anderson Bridge, as you might say – did you know that this bridge, whi [...]
Letter to Mr UP and a date with Google Glass
Dear Mr UP, I hope you don’t mind me calling you a Mr because somehow I like to think of you as a man wrapped around my little wrist.I am also writing this letter because you’re kinda special to me. You are my first wearable device and although it’s only been a week and counting, I am beginn [...]
