News
China outbound surges by almost 400% in 2024
12/06/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
With only about 13% of Chinese citizens holding passports, there is substantial potential for growth, a new report indicates. According to a new report by Sabre, China's outbound travel market is experiencing a resurgence, with a nearly 400% increase in bookings for 2024 compared to the previous ye [...]
New funding for Holibob’s ecommerce engine for experiences
12/06/2024 by WiT
Holibob, a provider of tours & experiences technology for travel brands and tourism boards to sell experiences online, has confirmed the addition of funding to its previously announced Series A raise. Led by Guinness Ventures, the funding marks the first institutional capital raised by Holibob.� [...]
Go City’s expansion into Eastern Europe with Prague Pass “a pleasant surprise”
11/06/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Go City has officially expanded into Eastern Europe with the introduction of the All-Inclusive Prague Pass, offering access to over 30 attractions, tours, and experiences in the Czech capital. The new pass includes exclusive access to four attractions not available on other Prague sightseeing passes [...]
“Don’t build zombie companies,” Thayer’s Hemmeter advises startups
10/06/2024 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
Specialist travel investor sees “bloody battle” ahead as AI plays out in the changing of search and engagement AI or no AI, new tech or old tech, teams still make all the difference between success and failure in a startup, said Chris Hemmeter, c0-founder and managing director of Thayer Venture [...]
Tipsy Unicorn: Sentosa’s party animal wants to redefine the Asian beachfront scene (Sponsored)
07/06/2024 by WiT
Tipsy Collective’s latest cheeky animal-themed venue plans to attract global partygoers with international gigs Rae Ng, Marketing and Communications Director, Tipsy Collective, recently spoke with WiT about the unique aspects and future plans for Tipsy Unicorn, the latest venture under the Collec [...]
Malaysia expands digital nomad programme, opens doors to more professions and partnerships
07/06/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has announced a few significant expansions to its DE Rantau programme, aiming to position Malaysia as a top destination for global digital nomads.  The initiative, which originally catered to IT and digital professionals, now extends its DE Rantau [...]
Meta flies with Lufthansa. PKFARE’s branded fares. Tipping treat for guides. More.
07/06/2024 by Ian Jarrett
Meta flies with Lufthansa Lufthansa is partnering with Meta, Facebook's parent company, to enhance the inflight experience in its newly launched Allegris Business Class. The initiative marks the first time an airline will offer Meta’s Quest 3 headsets in a commercial inflight setting. As pa [...]
Solve air problems with tech and commercial will follow, urges Trip’s Xing Xiong
06/06/2024 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
AI “most powerful tool” – 15% efficiency improvement in engineering, 80% of queries answered by bots, 95% answered within 20 seconds “Use tech to solve the problems and commercial will follow”. That was the central message delivered by Xing Xiong, COO of Trip.com Group, to the more than [...]
Accor partners with Amadeus, focusing on distribution strategies and personalisation
06/06/2024 by Arvindh Yuvaraj
Hospitality group Accor has expanded its strategic partnership with Amadeus by implementing the Amadeus Central Reservation System (ACRS) across its worldwide portfolio of properties. This collaboration aims to enhance Accor's distribution strategies, boost revenues, and create more personalized con [...]
Sustainability reigns in Taiwan amid tourism recovery
04/06/2024 by Yeoh Siew Hoon
From forest parks to Slow Food festivals, emphasis is on biodiversity and local communities Amid the recovery in the Taiwan travel market, with inbound back at 70% of 2019  levels and outbound exceeding 2019 levels to some destinations, Taiwan’s travel players are willing to take it slow and ste [...]