The Wrap: AirAsia broadens digital footprint with transfer of non-airline assets to venture arm
In the news: Changes are in the air as a new year approaches with many travel companies and airlines, like AirAsia and Singapore Airlines, setting their sights to be more digital focused, while others seek partnership (Ctrip with Plug and Play) to bring innovations to the travel industy.
A [...]
Reflections of 2018 and Predictions for 2019, Part 2
As we come to the close of 2018, we asked some of our industry peers to give us their take on the year that's passed and to stare into the crystal ball and make predictions about the one ahead. Read on to see what travel trends they find most exciting (and boring), what they predict the biggest gam [...]
The Wrap: Malaysia Airlines rebrands its First Class cabin as Business Suite
In the news: Airlines are continually upgrading their services or using technology solutions to improve efficiency and productivity, as well as “to enhance the traveller experience”, the often used phrase in the travel sector. Latest to introduce such measures are Malaysia Airlines, Singapore A [...]
GuestReady positions itself to drive consolidation in short-term rental market
Short-term rental management service company GuestReady has been in full throttle, growing its portfolio worldwide through acquisitions and taking on the challenge to be a driving force in the consolidation of the supply end of this industry.
“On the supply side, the market is highly fra [...]
Letter from Las Vegas: Travel will soar and new tech will rule but keep love and instinct close
“Want a night out with sluts?” solicited a tout on the strip, as a group of men walked past. Getting no interest, he changed his tack. “We have bible studies too.”
Welcome to Las Vegas, a place for every taste and desire. You want it, you will find it. I wanted Korean food. I got it in C [...]
AirAsia’s low cost carrier JV in Vietnam set to take flight in 2019
AirAsia will soon have “the final piece of the puzzle” to complete its ASEAN connectivity when the AirAsia Vietnam JV starts operations, reportedly in the second half of 2019
Having set up affiliates in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines in addition to its home base of Malaysia, Vietnam [...]
Skyscanner reports growing appetite for new destinations, novel experiences and comfier journeys in APAC
The annual Skyscanner Travel Trends Report APAC 2018, covering eight markets – Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan and Thailand – peels back the layers on customer preferences as travel becomes more accessible to a rapidly growing middle class.
Said Paul [...]
$4b-plus deal puts Travelport back in private hands
Following weeks of market talk and amid cuts made in the company, Travelport is to be acquired by affiliates of Siris Capital Group, LLC and Evergreen Coast Capital Corp. in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4.4 billion.
The transaction, expected to close second quarter [...]
Time for tech giants to grow up as power of platforms coalesces
Never has so much power been in the hands of so few over so many. As such, there’s a need for more governance and for tech giants to take their responsibilities seriously. Yeoh Siew Hoon reports from Explore 18, Las Vegas, where tech giants like Amazon, Uber and Expedia Group were interviewed by [...]
Expedia closing in on $100b as it aims to be world’s largest travel platform
Fifteen years after its first partners' conference, Expedia Group has re-named its annual gathering in Las Vegas to Explore because “it reflects who we have become and aspire to”.
Opening the event yesterday, which is being attended by more than 4,500 delegates, Mark Okerstrom, president and [...]
