China allows credit cards. New EU visa rules. Cloud-based airports.
SITA’s technology unites India’s airports under the cloud
Travel technology provider SITA has secured a landmark deal with Airports Authority of India to provide technology to 43 of India’s biggest airports.
“The deal will see improvements to over 2,700 passenger touchpoints, paving the [...]
Uncovering future opportunities in red ocean and soft power of Japan
From digital collaboration to new desires of travellers, travel brands seize new growth in Japan
The first thing you notice when you land at Haneda airport is how busy it is – from immigration to customs to the taxi rank – despite it being almost 10pm. I think I waited almost an hour for a tax [...]
Sojern expands its travel marketing platform with the acquisition of VenueLytics
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 [...]
Letter from Tokyo: A date with destiny in a place called Kabukicho
From Godzilla to Indiana Jones, ancient theatres to art-themed hotels, to embracing change and the human imagination, Yeoh Siew Hoon finds it all here.
Outside HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, where I am staying on the 36th floor, is Toho Cinemas where a huge replica of Godzilla looks like it’s trying to [...]
The story behind MGM Resorts’ ambitious $10b integrated resort in Japan
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 [...]
Sabre buys Techsembly. AI helps rhinos. Booking.com’s new Trip Planner is here.
Sabre swoops on gift card leader
Sabre Hospitality has moved closer to its long-term strategy to be the leading global hotel commerce and distribution platform by acquiring UK-based hospitality e-commerce provider Techsembly.
Techsembly provides an automated e-commerce solution enabling hotels t [...]
Why the medium-term is critical to AI disruption
What is more natural than a conversation? This may be the biggest promise of generative or autonomous AI.
Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda, gets to grips with the possibilities of Generative AI in travel in the short to medium term.
It seems there are two distinct camps when it comes to the futur [...]
Wanderlust vs economic uncertainty: Over half of APAC travellers stay confident in their travel plans
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
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 [...]
When in Japan, get out of Tokyo, and stay longer
First inspired by a news story on “Joyful Trains” of Japan, Timothy O’Neil-Dunne takes the opportunity of WiT Japan & North Asia happening July 5-6 to travel two weeks around the country. Here’s an account of his experience around the themes of anime, cinema, tourism and food, as well as [...]
