As JTB returns to profit, Eijiro Yamakita talks about emotion in age of AI and investments in future
It was interesting that when asked which human quality they’d like to improve on as we hurtle into the age of Generative AI, travel leaders at WiT Japan & North Asia cited “emotional intelligence”, “empathy”, “listening” and “patience” among their answers.
Eijiro Yamakita, P [...]
Why Melanie de Souza finds AIUla fulfilling and what’s behind “Forever Revitalising”
First brand campaign to showcase Saudi’s luxury heritage destination to the world
Nearly five years into her role as Executive Director Destination Marketing, at the Royal Commission of AlUla, and Melanie de Souza says “it’s been the most fulfilling chapter in my career”.
De Souza, who s [...]
Seven steps to move destinations away from overtourism
Overtourism is a key issue for sustainable destination management. Dealing with the problem starts in measuring seven key dimensions, that according to Mabrian and Phocuswright, contribute decisively to lay the foundations of a long-lasting sustainable strategy, based on data intelligence.
Addres [...]
Let’s talk proudly about women and LGBTQ+ travellers in Japan
IHG's Motoe Katsushima on gender quota in hospitality, Expedia’s focus on women travellers and Booking launches Travel Proud in Japan
It is astounding that in an industry where it’s the women who are the decision-makers in travel, and who are the ones actually travelling, despite the outbound s [...]
European tourism under fire – new ETC chief steps up to face the challenges
Beyond numbers, destinations need to rethink what they really want from tourism, says Miguel Sanz Castedo
With European tourism at a critical juncture, coming under pressure on several fronts, including environmental and social, the new president of the European Tourism Commission (ETC) says it is [...]
People are the metric in new Perfect Somewheres awards, spotlighting top hotels worldwide
Expedia's Mel Fish on tackling 'choice paralysis' and balancing quality with affordability
Expedia Group's Hotels.com introduced the 'Perfect Somewheres' 2024 at EXPLORE 24, a program that awards the top 1% of hotels available on the Hotels.com app, with hotels like Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo and Hotel [...]
Letter from Tokyo: The human-machine and tradition-innovation dance unfolding in Japan
Inbound rush, outbound slump, new tech and travellers shaping future of travel – how will it play out in Japan? WiT Japan & North Asia 2024 had it all covered.
There is no better place in the world to observe the twin revolutions of human and technology unfolding at this time than in Japan, a [...]
Go City’s Gauthier on cultivating strong partnerships and Asia’s great potential for growth
Sightseeing passes provider, Go City, announced a few weeks ago that it had formed a partnership with Merlin Entertainments, a prominent player in branded entertainment destinations. This collaboration significantly adds to Go City’s popular London Pass, now celebrating its 25th year of operation, [...]
Sentosa signs multi-lateral MoU with key players to develop Sentosa Precinct Partnership
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), DBS Bank (DBS), and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance Sentosa’s guest experience through the development of a Sentosa Precinct Partnership. This multi-lateral partnership aims [...]
Saudi tourism chief Fahd Hamidaddin on lessons from his mother, Hafawah and keeping it authentic
Travel on verge of transformation, driven by AI – STA experiments with unconventional partners
Given how openly most Saudis speak about their family, especially their mothers, I thought it fitting that I should start my interview with Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of Saudi Tourism Authority, with a questi [...]
