Dubai plots its course to 2033 as a next-gen destination for global citizens
Dubai is doubling down on its ambition to become one of the world’s top three cities to live, work, invest and travel in – and tourism lies at the heart of that plan.
At WiT Phocuswright Middle East 2025, Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President of International Operations at Dubai’s Department o [...]
Startups in the spotlight: Grit, growth, and a touch of magic
The Global Startup Pitch Showcase 2024, held at Phocuswright WiT Middle East, revealed not only cutting-edge ideas but the grit, grind, and gut instinct it takes to survive and scale in today’s turbulent funding climate.
If there was a common thread running through the Global Startup Pitch Show [...]
From Ryokans to Ray-Bans: Adrienne Enggist on how AI can enable Omotenashi for the digital age
From Ryokans to Ray-Bans: Booking.com’s Adrienne Enggist on AI breaking barriers and a world without screens
When Adrienne Enggist walks into a room, whether it’s a tech summit in Amsterdam or a ryokan in Arima Onsen, she brings the future with her.
At WiT Japan & North Asia 2025, which [...]
JTB Launches Teal. Lloyds Debuts Travel Portal. Prince Harry Pushes APAC Sustainability. Platinum & Acai Unite on AI. More.
JTB Unveils Teal to Streamline Global Business Travel
JTB Business Travel has launched Teal, a next-generation, cloud-based travel management platform powered by Spotnana, aimed at changing the way companies handle business travel. Teal brings together travel managers, travelers, and JTB advisors o [...]
How AlUla is tackling seasonality and storytelling
“If you had told me a year ago that Banyan Tree and Habitas would be running 70-80% occupancy in April, I’d have laughed.”
That was Melanie de Souza, Executive Director of Destination Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), reflecting on what she now sees as a turni [...]
What it takes to win in social: Be a pinball wizard, storyteller, experimenter
“If you think you know your customers, think again.”
That mic-drop moment came from Eason Zhang, TikTok’s Head of Strategic Apps, South-east Asia, during a spirited panel on how social media is redefining travel discovery, influence and commerce at the Preferred Global Conference 2025 in Sing [...]
From hashtag to hotel room: The evolution of the social food chain
What do a Saudi influencer-turned-travel agent, a Singaporean AI virtual girl named Rae, and a hashtag with 30 billion views have in common?
They are all living proof that the travel funnel is being flattened, and social media is the bulldozer.
In the session I ran on “Next Generation: Aspirat [...]
Fly Fairly acquires Gen Z travel discovery platform LFG in move to drive global growth
Fly Fairly has announced its acquisition of LFG, the Gen Z-focused travel discovery engine known for its "Spotify meets Pinterest" approach to personalized trip inspiration. The deal brings LFG’s tech and core team under the Fly Fairly umbrella as part of its mission to build the most flexible OTA [...]
Tapping into Asia’s Traveller Economy: A growing force shaping consumer spend
When you earn miles by dining out, take a Grab to the airport, or use a rewards card while shopping, you’re already participating in what we call the Traveller Economy, even if you’re not currently traveling.
This shift is redefining how people think about travel around the world. It’s no l [...]
Japan’s strong rebound, Singapore’s softer inbound, and other trends driving tourism in APAC
Mastercard Economics Institute on Travel in 2025: Tokyo and Osaka top the list of summer hot spots while Nha Trang makes its debut, currency fluctuations are a key consideration for travellers
Asia-Pacific is home to eight of the world’s top 15 trending summer travel destinations, according to Tr [...]
