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 [...]
Asian wholesalers form alliance to “reshape the travel landscape”
Four major travel players in Asia have joined forces to form the OPP Alliance in its bid to “reshape the travel landscape” by sharing hotel and travel supply, exchanging technology resources/best practices and improving industry innovation.
The coalition said in a statement it also aims to pe [...]
Singtel Innov8 leads A$22m Series B in Australia’s Data Republic with SIA taking a stake
Sydney-based tech startup Data Republic has raised A$22 million (US$16.1 million) in Series B funding to accelerate its expansion in Asia.
The round was led by Singtel Innov8, the corporate venture arm of Singtel, Singapore’s leading communications technology group. Singapore Airlines came in a [...]
Bear Luxe Japan launches B2B portal to address luxury travel market
In an effort to address Japan’s growing luxury tourism market, Bear Luxe Japan – an online platform and community of luxury travel suppliers and international buyers – has launched a B2B membership portal to better communicate, exchange services and develop partnerships between suppliers and [...]
Klook enters strategic partnership with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Tours and activities aggregator, Klook has entered a strategic partnership with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to boost each guest’s stay by granting them access to its inventory of in-destination experiences. In exchange, Klook will be the tours and activities provider of choice, for the internati [...]
The Wrap: Antarctica – the hottest new destination for Chinese travellers
In the news: Antarctica’s new playground for Chinese tourists, Troovo and Serko team up, Vistara’s renewed distribution deal
Travel: Antarctica – the hottest new destination for Chinese travellers
The breath-taking scenery of a frozen land, travelling to the southernmost continent [...]
From Odisha to Bay Area, how Ritesh Agarwal built OYO Rooms into a unicorn
If you believe that like leaders, entrepreneurs are either born or they are made, then Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, belongs to the former.
Growing up in the second most undeveloped district of India in Rayagada, Odisha, the young Ritesh tried his hand at many businesses including [...]
Letter from Berlin: Brexit woes, hard truths about aviation and hail the good guys of globalisation
Flying across from Cardiff to Berlin via Amsterdam over the weekend of the Brexit negotiations made me mindful of how fragile and uncertain the social, political and economic landscape of Europe is.
As I read the headlines – how the Europeans have agreed to the Brexit deal and now Prime Ministe [...]
The Wrap: China’s airports and airlines are increasing investment in IT with cybersecurity the top priority
In the news: IT investments by China's airports and airlines, report on worldwide airline ancillary revenue in 2018, live chat channel for hotels
Aviation: China’s airports and airlines are increasing investment in IT with cybersecurity the top priority
China’s aviation industry is ex [...]
