Distribution
South Korea rising star for Hostelworld as it embarks on campaign to correct perceptions about hostel stays
15/06/2016 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
Where previously Asia was more of an inbound destination for Hostelworld Group, today it has become a strong source market for travellers and South Korea, in particular, is taking the Dublin-based company by surprise. The global marketplace for hostels now counts South Korea as its seventh la [...]
Oasis Collections expands to Asia on the back of AccorHotels’ investment
13/06/2016 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
Parker Stanberry, co-founder of Oasis Collections, is the first to admit he was a bit surprised when approached by AccorHotels, the French-based hotel group that is aggressively making acquisitions in the technology and private accommodation spaces. “They seemed an unlikely investor. At fir [...]
Kathleen Tan returns to AirAsia: North Asia, here she comes
13/06/2016 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
There’s a Chinese saying, ‘A good rest will enable you to take on a longer journey’. Today, Kathleen Tan returns to AirAsia as CEO North Asia, saying, “I feel fully rested, physically and mentally ready, for this next journey.” In this interview with Yeoh Siew Hoon, she talks about her new [...]
The Millennial Traveller at WIT Bootcamp: Lessons from the road less taken
10/06/2016 by WiT
Hundreds of attendees packed themselves into the venue of this year’s WIT Japan & North Asia Bootcamp. With ears pricked, all attention was tuned into uncovering the ‘secret sauce’ of what it takes to be successful as a travel startup. The opening panel discussion was led by a group of [...]
The Wrap: Star Alliance invests in new technology to enhance operations and services
09/06/2016 by WiT
In the news: Star Alliance's mulit-million dollar investment in technology, Malaysian travel agents' association's  new online portal, Christchurch Airport partners Travelport Star Alliance invests in new technology to enhance operations and services  The Star Alliance, the world's large [...]
Peach, China, minpaku, mobile – welcome to the changing world of North Asia
09/06/2016 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
WIT Japan & North Asia closed on a high note last Friday in Tokyo with its biggest and most diverse gathering yet, with the 555 registered delegates coming from 250 companies and 11 countries, reflecting the evolution of the North Asian travel market. North Asia has become its own centre [...]
Letter from Matsumoto: Post-WIT, the struggles of Japan’s family businesses amid boom in private accommodation and inbound
07/06/2016 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
A three-hour ride on the Super Azusa Limited Express from Shinjuku Station takes you to the historic town of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefrecture. It’s a quiet little place where the air is fresh and the spring water so clear and cool that ice cubes look like crystals. I am staying at Hotel Matsumot [...]
The Wrap: AVIAREPS expands operations in Malaysia with new GSA entity
02/06/2016 by WiT
In the news: AVIAREPS’ new GSA entity in Malaysia, HRS’ analysis on hotel bookings, Sabre’s Bangalore development centre expands AVIAREPS expands operations in Malaysia with new GSA entity Global airline and tourism representation company AVIAREPS has merged its Malaysian arm with Gl [...]
Venture Republic launches global internship programme
01/06/2016 by WiT
Venture Republic aims to boost its growth and market share in the global travel market, as well as help expand Japan’s inbound market with the launch of its global internship programme. Two students, one each from Harvard University and Stanford University in the US, are the first interns for [...]
Letter from Tokyo: Subtle changes speak of a deeper shift
01/06/2016 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
For the last eight years, I’ve been visiting Tokyo pretty regularly – more so after visa restrictions for Malaysians (and the rest of South-east Asia) were lifted a couple of years ago. But it’s only this year that I am noticing discernible changes in the visitor experience for foreigners. [...]