flyiin gets “excited about travel again” building alternative “semi-direct distribution channel” to rival OTAs and meta-search engines
flyiin has built a new distribution model “from scratch”, based on the International Air Transport Association’s latest distribution standard, known as New Distribution Capability (NDC), and is ready to enter a beta phase with Lufthansa Group as its first partner airline.
flyiin claims it [...]
Could technology dehumanise the hotel experience? A thin line between sweetness of efficiency and coolest new thing
Hotel chiefs speaking at the HICAP Update in Singapore this week expressed concern over whether “too much attention to technology” could dehumanise the industry.
In his opening, Robert Hecker, managing director, Pacific Asia, Horwath HTL asked that with all the talk about the Internet of thin [...]
Hack Horizon now taking applications for world’s first travel-tech hackathon on a plane
Hack Horizon – the world’s first travel-tech hackathon in the sky – is now accepting submissions for its competition on May 5 – 8, 2017.
After a three stage selection process, 32 carefully chosen finalists will take part in the 80-hour hackathon, flying from Hong Kong International Airpo [...]
Deep dive into MakeMyTrip’s culture – meet Sid and yes to more women at leadership level
On International Women’s Day, Yeoh Siew Hoon speaks to Deep Kalra, CEO & co-founder of MakeMyTrip, on the people who make his company tick and how the integration with Ibibo Group will affect the culture of this first Indian OTA to go public on the NASDAQ in 2010.
“Come meet my most inspi [...]
e27’s TOP100 plays matchmaker between startups and investors
As part of the run up to Echelon Asia Summit in June 2017, e27 is revamping TOP100 – its annual startup pitch competition and conference exhibition showcase – by playing matchmaker between startups and their ideal investors. All startups need to do is fill out an online profile.
TOP100 will [...]
The Siam gets even more personal with Go Portier
How does a small urban luxury resort of just 28 suites and 11 pool villas, already known for its personal servide and top-notch butlers, get even more personal with its customers?
Well, The Siam Bangkok has deployed an in-room technology called Go Portier which will allow guests to explore the ci [...]
Co-working space Spacemob Ascent to launch at Singapore Science Park
Singapore co-working space, Spacemob is set to open their second location by the end of March 2017 at their new digs in Singapore Science Park.
The launch of the new 14,000 square foot space came to life under Spacemob’s partnership with Ascendas-Singbridge, who specialise in sustainable urban [...]
Letter from Delhi: Inflection is nigh, disruption is here, let the games begin
My first thought on arriving at Delhi airport was how different things are today for a visitor. Firstly, the visa application process was a breeze compared to two years ago when I last visited. Secondly, immigration was smooth with separate counters for those with e-visas.
My impression of the ch [...]
Klook secures US$30 million funding, plans to accelerate global expansion
Klook Travel (Klook), Hong Kong-based tour and activities booking startup, announced on March 2 it has raised US$30 million in Series B funding.
The investment round was led by Sequoia Capital China along with existing investors Matrix Partners and ex-Tencent executive-backed Welight Capital.
[...]
WIT Specials: Airbnb reimagines a new breed of OTA with its venture into Trips
Even as regulations are being placed on alternative accommodation around the world, Airbnb is entering a second travel vertical – tours and activities – with its November 2016 launch of Trips.
And as with the accommodation space, it raises many questions – what kind of impact will it have o [...]
