News
Rewriting travel: From anti-loyalty to creators’ power
31/07/2025 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
At WiT Indie, where travel’s rebels and rule-breakers come to play, the conversation isn’t just about distribution channels or loyalty metrics – it’s about dismantling the old world of travel and building a new one grounded in community, creativity and traveller-centric thinking. That’s [...]
Frontier’s disruption assistance. AI-powered hotel marketing. AirAsia boosts game developers. More.
31/07/2025 by WiT
Frontier launch first-ever “Any Reason” disruption assistance for travellers, powered by HTS Frontier Airlines has introduced “Disruption Assistance for Any Reason,” an industry-first travel flexibility benefit powered by Hopper’s B2B division, HTS, as part of its “New Frontier” initi [...]
Why the ‘Indie Edge’ matters to the OTA power players
29/07/2025 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
While the major OTAs are largely driven by scale, their travellers are increasingly seeking indie travel experiences, which explains why almost all of them are entering the tours and activities space. With the market inching closer to a projected US$279 billion market size by 2025, and only 30% o [...]
Between rush and reflection: The curse of technology and the promise of indie travel
28/07/2025 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
When WiT Indie opened in Penang, it didn’t begin with bold predictions or shiny tech promises. It began with two voices – one steeped in history and thought, the other in curiosity and courage – inviting the audience to pause, reflect, and rethink what it means to travel in these times. “ [...]
Only 6% travellers fully trust AI, as new study maps excitement amidst anxiety
28/07/2025 by WiT
Latest Booking.com research report reveals excitement, hesitation, and regional contrasts shaping consumer attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) Booking.com has released The Global AI Sentiment Report, drawing on insights from over 37,000 consumers across 33 markets to explore how people a [...]
Kei Shibata on unusual starts, grit and golden era for Asia | Conversations On Turning 20
24/07/2025 by WiT
When you get to the ripe young age of 20, you’re bound to collect lots of stories – not only about the past but lessons for the future. As WiT marks its 20th year in 2025, we turn the spotlight on our community, our tribe pioneers and leaders, to tell their stories and share their views on th [...]
Shorter, cozier tours. DerbySoft’s AI agent. STARFLYER upgrades loyalty. MakeMyTrip’s successful new platform.
24/07/2025 by WiT
Arival report cites shorter tours, smaller groups - travellers prioritize intimacy and convenience Travellers in the U.S. and Europe are increasingly opting for shorter, smaller, and more flexible tour experiences, according to Arival’s 2025 Tour Taker report, with input from 800 U.S. and 1,600 [...]
STB and OpenAI sign first-of-its-kind MOU to prepare tourism sector for AI-driven future
24/07/2025 by WiT
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and OpenAI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Singapore's tourism sector for a future driven by Advanced AI. This marks the first adoption of OpenAI’s technology by a national tourism organisation in Asia, reinforcing Singapore's position a [...]
Global business travel spending to reach $1.57 trillion in 2025 amid trade policies and economic risk
24/07/2025 by WiT
GBTA’s annual Business Travel Index Outlook report reflects moderate near-term growth, regional and sector divergence, and evolving traveller expectations reshaping the next phase of business travel. There are key findings for APAC, showing the region is set to surpass the global average [...]
HeyMax acquires Hong Kong’s krip to accelerate regional expansion in loyalty and rewards market
23/07/2025 by WiT
HeyMax’s first acquisition fast-tracks its regional expansion, bringing over 6,000 credit card deals offered by over 3,000 merchants, and personalized loyalty experiences to consumers in Hong Kong and travelers visiting the city. HeyMax, a loyalty and travel rewards platform based in Singapore, t [...]