ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 spotlights sustainability and AI as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026
35.6 million and 147.1 billion. Keep these figures in mind as they are pivotal to Malaysia’s tourism industry as it gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026). Simultaneously, the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from January 15 to 20, brought together over 1,000 dele [...]
Did you know 50% of travellers book restaurants before their flight? Surprising trends shaping 2025 travel
Based on Hilton’s latest trends report, The Vacation Maximized, travel preferences are undergoing a transformation. The report sheds light on emerging habits and desires shaping global travel, from adventure-seeking tourists to the rise of sleep-focused vacations; these insights reveal how modern [...]
KKday secures about US$70 million to expand global reach via M&A, strategic partnerships
Travel experience platform accelerates growth across the Asia-Pacific region through AI investments, active M&A strategy, and partnerships in key markets
KKday announced that it has raised about $70 million in funding, marking a significant milestone in the company's global expansion strate [...]
Virtuoso’s Upchurch talks tech enhancement, longevity revolution and diversity of luxury travel
It’s a question he gets all the time, will technology replace the travel agent, and probably more so now with the acceleration of Generative AI and its implications on the full travel value chain. But Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso, the world’s leading global network of agencies specialising [...]
Travel industry urged: “Don’t just take us places, make us feel better”
“We travel to know we’re not alone”, says actor, entrepreneur, traveller, Power Ranger Jason Chan
Editor's note: If you want to be rich, make good memories and there’s no better place than travel to make good memories. Yet, are we in the industry doing enough to create those emotional [...]
Greg Schulze on Global Growth and the Future of Travel Tech: “The Work is Never Done”
Strong Q3 results bolsters his optimism for the opportunity ahead
After 19 years with Expedia Group, Greg Schulze is still as starry-eyed as he was when he first joined the travel industry as a data analyst in American Airlines.
Now, as the Chief Commercial Officer, he’s taken on a new role th [...]
How Ascott thinks about return on technology and innovation
Striking a balance between finance and sustainability, and commerce
In the Eurythmics’ song “Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves”, Annie Lennox croons, “Standin' on their own two feet, And ringin' on their own bells, we say, Sisters are doin' it for themselves”.
[...]
Gen Y and Z travel intent for 2025: Social media a major deciding factor in key demographics
Ibis, a leading economy hotel brand under the Accor umbrella, has unveiled its first global travel trends report focused on Generation Y and Z. In collaboration with the travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender, the report explores the evolving travel preferences and intentions of young traveler [...]
Klook marks 10 years with economic contributions and complimentary tours in Asia Pacific
Klook, a leading platform for travel bookings and experiences in Asia, celebrated its 10th anniversary by announcing new initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities.
At Klook's 'Kreatorverse' event, the company shared that an independent study conducted b [...]
Expedia expands Travel Shops by collaborating with creators and celebrities, speaks to larger industry trend
Expedia Group announced the launch of more than 100 new shoppable Travel Shops curated by social media creators, tastemakers and brands. Travel Shops, described as an industry-first initiative, offer curated storefronts where users can explore and book accommodations based on the experiences shared [...]
