Airbnb calls for flexibility as Malaysia teases nationwide control, a first in Southeast Asia
Kuala Lumpur was Airbnb’s most visited city in South-East Asia last year, and one of the most searched destinations worldwide.
Malaysia is on the verge of becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to impose extensive restrictions on short-stay rentals, such as Airbnb, following the enforcement [...]
Could generative AI make Google Maps a full travel app?
Generative AI has the power to supercharge maps and turn travel planning on its head, according to a report from Lufthansa Innovation Hub (LIH).
In its latest study, LIH says the integration of generative AI with map-based interfaces "not only has the capacity to augment our interactions with t [...]
Shifting traveller trends: Asia and Middle East make waves in Barcelona
I’ve always felt at home in Spain, almost a sense of déjà vu each time I visit, and it thus felt fitting that I should be bringing the flavours of Asia, as well as the emerging markets of Middle East and Africa into the first Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona. Consider the similarities in our foo [...]
Technekai Global Hospitality Tech Fund sets up in Asia
“Y Combinator of Hospitality” plans $100m fund
Technekai, a global hospitality tech fund based out of Silicon Valley, has set up office in Singapore and is looking to raise $100 million of funding to invest in and accelerate hospitality tech startups in Asia Pacific.
Heading the Technekai [...]
Almosafer and Klook unveil a digital marketplace for Tours and Experiences in Saudi Arabia
The new platform connects Saudi Arabia travellers to global platforms, starting with Klook
Almosafer, part of the Seera Group, has joined forces with Klook, a key travel and experiences platform in Asia, to launch Almosafer Activities. This joint venture introduces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's fir [...]
Traveloka and South Pole partner to launch pilot climate action checkout for Singapore travellers
Revenue generated from this project will be invested in wastewater treatment in Thailand’s Khon Buri district to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Singapore-based users of Traveloka, a key travel platform in Southeast Asia, will now have the opportunity to contribute to global climate action and p [...]
Mini-apps, flagship stores, Rapid API: Travel tech brands build windmills for the future
Wego, Expedia, Alibaba Fliggy share product roadmap
There is a Chinese saying, “When the wind of change blows, some build walls while others build windmills.” Well, travel tech brands around the world have certainly been busy building windmills when travel stopped for the time it did.
During [...]
Letter from Barcelona: From Gaudi dreams to Dali metaverse, a whimsical journey through old and new
My first night in Barcelona after having spent a week traipsing around the coast of Costa Brava and rambling through the vineyards and isolated, mountainous villages of Priorat without encountering many tourists, indeed many humans, was a bit of a shock.
Back in this big, busting, beautiful city, [...]
Coldplay, concerts, and chaos: Music tourism is ready to be unlocked
Concerts are expected to drive tens of thousands of visitors to regional cities and inject millions into the state’s economy
Back in 2020, economists from West Virginia University conducted a study called, “Why Go Home? Pearl Jam’s ‘Home Shows’ & Hotel Demand”, to quantify the impa [...]
Bye TikTok, Hello AI. Easier payments. Qatar’s try-before-fly.
AI, it’s the only way to plan travel.
A survey of US travellers has found more than one third — 36% —said they are likely to use AI to research or plan travel within the next 12 months.
The survey was conducted by travel publisher Matador Network, which recently launched the personal AI tr [...]
