Open Travel Alliance on challenges facing open standards and solutions for long tail
The Open Travel Alliance (OTA), the champion of open standards in the industry, stands ready to support Asia as the region’s online travel industry continues to mature.Executive director Valyn Perini (left) said, “We believe standard XML structures are critical to the growth of any segment or re [...]
Postcard from Sydney: Reflections of a traveller from Asia
I’ve been to Sydney three times in my life, but this past week was my first experience in Australia with a sprinkling of Chilean volcanic ash. The cloud disrupted air travel resulting in the cancellation of ANZPHIC where I was scheduled to speak.However, the weather was absolutely gorgeous and Sie [...]
Snow on the hills, sakura on the trees, travel in Japan unearthed
On my last day in Japan, I visited a forest created by a Welshman and tasted tempura made from shitake which had been freshly plucked from the soil.And even though it was late spring, there was still snow in the mountains, sakura on the trees and spring water running down the hills.I also visite [...]
Getai and ghosts breathe life into the new Asia
Believe it or not, I am not going to write about a certain royal wedding that’s taking place this weekend. Instead, I am going to write about ghosts and “getai”.“Getai” is Chinese street opera performed during the Hungry Ghost Month which usually falls around every August. It’s to keep t [...]
Groupon debate continues: The view from Japan
Let me give you a quick snapshot of this super fast growing coupon business based on what I heard here in the Japanese market.• We currently estimate more than 200 Groupon-like sites/services available in Japan (including Groupon Japan). Yes, Japanese consumers love the deals!• It was told that [...]
Help Japan travel by circulating facts
Kei Shibata, CEO of travel.jp, shares an update on the situation in Japan with WIT and urges industry colleagues to stick to, and circulate, the facts.Q: Personally, how have you and your family been and how have you copedthis past week?This past week, we have been staying in town working pretty muc [...]
Hotels in Asia enjoying strong rate growth
Hotels around the world reported rate growth of 4% in the first half of 2011, which also sees the growth shifting to Asia from Europe, according to the latest hotel survey from the Hogg Robinson Group(HRG). Of the 50 cities surveyed, 33 reported a year-on-year increase in hotel rates with unexpect [...]
Chinese airlines get real about international expansion – it’s the rail thing
It was interesting to note that as keen as the Australians are to reach out to the Chinese traveler, so are the Chinese in growing their share of the Australian pie.The Australians have a clear goal – to make China, now its fourth largest market for visitors, its top source by 2020. To do that, it [...]
Digital key to Singapore’s continued success
Big Numbers, Big ChallengesSingapore has some challenges with regard to its tourist Industry. But they are the kinds of challenges that tourist Industries around the world might relish when set alongside their own.At yesterday’s Tourism Industry Conference in Singapore, Guest of honour, Senior Min [...]
Dispatch from Dubai, Part 1: Hospitality that makes you feel at home
I was typing away on my new Mac Air on the flight when the man sitting across the aisle from me looked at me and asked, “Are you Siew Hoon?”Turned out he’s a hotelier whom I meet every now and then at conferences but never in Singapore where we both live. “I heard you pounding away and then [...]
