Beyond the ‘White Lotus’ hype: Can Thailand’s set-jetting fame be turned into lasting growth?
Marketing and understanding traveller demand are key to sustaining surge in visitors
The third season of HBO’s hit show, “The White Lotus”, has cast a spotlight on Thailand, igniting a surge in global interest, particularly for Koh Samui. The hotels featured in the series, like The Four Seaso [...]
OTAs in UAE set for double -digit growth in both air and hotel categories
VIDEC Consultants has released insights from its latest VIDEC’s GCC & Egypt Travel Market Study, 2019-2028.
VIDEC is a boutique research, consulting, and M&A advisory company with a singular domain focus on the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. The company undertook an [...]
Klook goes Gaga. AI regulates STRs. Singapore Airlines bans power banks. Sentosa x Weixin Pay. More.
Joe Tsai: AI, Open Source, and Chinese consumers
Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai highlighted AI’s transformative potential during CNBC CONVERGE LIVE, emphasising its potential to boost productivity and create a $10 trillion market - larger than the entire tech sector. He underscored that the real [...]
Navigating APAC’s rich, fragmented short-term rental market
Hybrid hospitality, shifting regulations and the 'White Lotus effect' are changing the way owners deal with their rental properties
Unlike more uniform markets, APAC’s short-term rental (STR) industry is highly localised, requiring a flexible approach to regulation, distribution, and guest experi [...]
Expedia and Emirates simplify. HotelPORT launches ReputationAI. Travel sites’ accessibility issues. More.
Emirates and Expedia Group 'go simple' with booking experiences
Emirates and Expedia Group have expanded their partnership by fully integrating Emirates’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) API into Expedia Group’s platforms. This direct connection allows travellers to access Emirates’ full ran [...]
Blended travel is the future as more APAC professionals turn business trips into getaways
Latest whitepaper highlights emerging trends in blended travel
Crown Plaza by IHG has released its second white paper, Leading the Charge in Blended Travel. The report unveils a major shift driven by a new breed of companies and individuals seeking far-reaching flexibility that extends beyond trad [...]
A year at the helm | Pan Pacific’s Melvin Lim on going beyond buzzwords in hospitality
Stepping into the role of General Manager at Pan Pacific Singapore a little over a year ago, Melvin Lim has learned a few key lessons - none more important than adaptability. “The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, influenced by shifting guest expectations and global events,” he says. [...]
Travel tech lacks diversity. Cathay Pacific gets speedy. Bed bug business. AI aids Trivago.
SITA and Cathay Pacific boost network speeds across 51 airports
Cathay Pacific has signed an agreement with SITA to enhance network connectivity across 51 global airports, increasing bandwidth by up to five times while maintaining cost efficiency. The airline, an early adopter of SITA’s network s [...]
Trends fuelling the Marriott “rocket ship” in APEC as group hails “record-breaking year”
Record year in deals; Bonvoy app downloads rise; digital direct grows
It was good news all around at the Marriott International media briefing this week as the hotel group announced a record-breaking year in 2024 in the Asia Pacific, excluding China (APEC), region.
The numbers speak for themsel [...]
GHA DISCOVERY revenue up 16% to an all-time high of $2.7 billion
Global Hotel Alliance celebrates 20th anniversary with record-breaking 2024 results
UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024 by delivering its best-ever results. The milestone year saw record-b [...]
