What is a high-value destination? The Bhutan prime minister’s insight
Bhutan prime minister Tshering Tobgay had just returned from a walk in Central Park before meeting me in New York this week. That walk would influence the answer to one of my questions to him.
I began our interview by telling Tobgay that when I had spoken to Palau's president, Surangel Whipps Jr., [...]
How cyber-savvy is Singapore? TEx Down Under. Fighting friction with OCTO. More.
Cyber risk awareness stalls
Singaporeans rank first in the world in terms of cybersecurity and internet privacy knowledge, according to the latest research by the cybersecurity company NordVPN.
Yet, as the cyberspace becomes scarier in the digital age, even Singapore’s cybersecurity competency [...]
Meet the 10 winners of the 2024 Global Startup Pitch
Ten winners have emerged in the Finals of the 2024 Global Startup Pitch, by WiT and Phocuswright, which was held today.
In the four-hour virtual Finals, which started with the Asia Pacific, went onto Emerging Markets, Europe and North America, and ended with two Wildcards, a team of more than 20 ju [...]
Klook at 10: From $1m to $1b by 2018, founders reflect on journey and see bright future for experiences (WiT Podcast)
People will have more free time and space travel, the ultimate experience
They put their own money into the business, one of them selling his house. Together, they scraped together $1m. By 2018, their tours and activities platform was valued at around $1b, and the business continues to grow.
It� [...]
Olympics fueled influx of travel, but also an exodus ahead of the Games
The highest year-on-year boost for international travel to France came from North America and Asia Pacific
With the Summer Games having drawn to a close, Sabre’s insights show that air travel to the main host cities during the Olympic period was up 31% compared to the previous year.
Millions o [...]
Intriq Journey intent on blazing new trails, space travel included
“What could be more exotic and off the beaten path than space?”
Bespoke luxury travel company Intriq Journey, formed by a team of the former Country Holidays, Singapore, is blazing new trails with space as its newest frontier.
Founded in January 2020 and with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong [...]
Taylor Swift’s economic impact competes with Coldplay and Adele
"By examining how different music styles and events influence traveller behavior and demographics, destinations can better understand spending patterns and overall impact."
Earlier this year, we ran a few stories covering Taylor Swift's significant impact on Singapore's economy thanks to the surge [...]
OYO raises $174 million in Series G funding
Budget hotel chain Oyo has raised approximately $174 million in a Series G funding round.
Patient Capital, which is run by Oyo founder Ritesh Agarwal, InCred Wealth and J&A Partners all contributed to the round.
In a meeting held last week, Agarwal thanked investors, shareholders, hotel [...]
Startup stories and lessons from regional entrepreneurs
Up and coming startups, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, paint a picture of a robust region with ample tech-driven opportunities
“Opportunities” was one of the first words that kick-started a panel at WiT Indie a few weeks ago that focused on rising startups in the region - two from Mala [...]
IHG bookings from own channels hit 80%
Hotel groups are continuing to invest in their technology and loyalty programs to drive direct business, with Holiday Inn-parent IHG sharing an update in its recent earnings report.
CEO Elie Maalouf said that alongside the investment in its guest reservation system (GRS), an initiative develo [...]
