Top of the WiT 25: Indie travel returns, new booking trends, and the joys of working with AI
Top Of The WiT is a grab of the trendiest news in travel, tech and Asia - all condensed into a nugget-sized podcast.
In this episode, we're joined by optimists, experimentalists, and innovators Dawn Jeremiah (GoCity), Chan Chee Chong (GlobalTix), and Jason Chan (Cinewav) to discuss the return [...]
Behold the GranWhale – A metaverse globetrotter that aims to be a lifestyle platform
ANA NEO is reaching out to Gen Z consumers first, with big ambitions in the pipeline.
“It’s more to have fun, to enjoy yourself in the metaverse.” That was the response I got when I asked Masaru Watanabe, Board Member & COO of ANA NEO Inc. about the gap in the market ANA NEO’s GranWhale [...]
Qantas picks Spotnana to power Business Rewards programme
The platform is touted as "new architecture for connecting suppliers directly to the travellers that's available off-the-shelf".
Qantas is expanding the travel management capabilities of its Qantas Business Rewards programme, including offering businesses the ability to book flights, hotels and car [...]
Embracing mobile, sustainability, and unique experiences – insights from an indie traveller at heart
What is the value we are bringing travellers, asks Branavan
In a vibrant gathering of travel enthusiasts and industry leaders at WiT Indie 2023 (Penang, Malaysia), Branavan Aruljothi, (Cluster Market Lead, Malaysia, Booking.com), took the stage and shared his journey as an indie traveller while s [...]
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 [...]
Trip.com unveils TripGenie, its next-gen AI travel assistant focusing on personalisation
By interpreting user input and responding with rich text, images, and related pages, TripGenie represents a significant step towards a “super AI assistant” for users.
Travel service provider, Trip.com, has introduced TripGenie, an AI travel assistant incorporated into its mobile app, designed t [...]
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 [...]
Sold out! How Singapore won the music tourism lottery
The city-state went all out and supplied to a surging demand, reaping the rewards of a regional gap in the market.
According to Dictionary.com, the word “flex”, when used as slang, means to boast or brag; show off. Cambridge Dictionary, on the other hand, describes it as “to show that you are [...]
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 [...]
Uncovering future opportunities in red ocean and soft power of Japan
From digital collaboration to new desires of travellers, travel brands seize new growth in Japan
The first thing you notice when you land at Haneda airport is how busy it is – from immigration to customs to the taxi rank – despite it being almost 10pm. I think I waited almost an hour for a tax [...]
