Travellers spend more time researching trips than they do running a marathon
Expedia Group's Path to Purchase research unveils travellers' content consumption habits, showcasing the growing impact of social media and advertising on travel decisions.
Expedia Group recently released its Path to Purchase research, providing insights into how travellers plan and book their trip [...]
For Tourism Australia’s Harrison, “real and authentic” storytelling is king
Never mind metaverse or AI, “our focus is telling the Australian story”
The first thing you got to know about Philippa Harrison, managing director of Tourism Australia, is she’s not a big believer in the metaverse.
When I asked her to rate new and upcoming marketing channels on a scale of [...]
Finding the new: Travel pros are shifting marketing strategies and redefining experiences
Insights on the changing landscape of destination marketing and the power of personalized experiences
In the wake of the pandemic, destinations worldwide were forced to pivot their marketing strategies and find innovative ways to attract local customers. As travel resumes and borders reopen, the fo [...]
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 [...]
Almosafer and Klook unveil a digital marketplace for Tours and Experiences in Saudi Arabia
The new platform connects Saudi Arabia travellers to global platforms, starting with Klook
Almosafer, part of the Seera Group, has joined forces with Klook, a key travel and experiences platform in Asia, to launch Almosafer Activities. This joint venture introduces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's fir [...]
Look out for the “Uber of generative AI” in travel
“I hope to be around when the next big thing arrives,” says Chris Hemmeter
Who will be the first travel startup to create the “Uber of generative AI”? That’s the challenge Chris Hemmeter, managing director of Thayer Ventures, issued at the Innovation Roundtable at Phocuswright Europe taki [...]
Letter from Phuket: A destination for all seasons, all tastes, Zombies included
As I boarded my Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Phuket this week, I couldn’t help but reflect on that first flight I took to New York back in November 2021 when travel was still largely restricted in Asia, and I was literally crying over my satay from the emotion of being at 30,000 fee [...]
Tasmania hopes to hook Asian travellers with ecotourism and its latest attraction – winter
Australia’s island state isn’t interested in being a mass tourism spot
During the STO Showcase at the Australian Tourism Exchange 2023 (ATE23), Sherene Somerville (PR Manager, Tourism Tasmania) was quick to point out that contrary to popular belief, Tasmania isn’t a singular island - it’s a [...]
Singapore startup Cinewav brings immersive audio to Vivid Sydney for second year running
Visitors to Vivid Sydney, taking place in Sydney from May 26 to June 17, will be able to immerse themselves in a new kind of audio experience, thanks to the world-first, patented technology of Singapore start-up Cinewav.
The startup, whose technology synchronises audio between mobile phones and a [...]
Theme parks riding high on recovery wave in APAC, says IAAPA
First physical event since pandemic set to convene in Singapore in June
For an industry that plunged 67% in 2020, the global theme and amusement park market is back on top and attractions in Asia Pacific are recording revenues exceeding 2019 levels, according to June Ko, executive director and vic [...]
