Korean alternative payments giant, GLN International out to power intra-regional travel in Asia
GLN International, the South-Korea based global alternative payments network, is setting its sights on the intra-regional travel market to drive the next phase of growth by leveraging on the national, proprietary QR payments and ATM networks established in Asia.
Spun off from Hana Bank in July 20 [...]
Rail vs Air. The failing debate
In recent years, there's been an increasingly popular belief that rail could replace air travel, particularly for short journeys under 500 kilometers (or roughly 300 miles). With growing concerns over environmental sustainability and the push for greener alternatives, rail appears to be the perfect [...]
This Land Is Calling. Well, it called to me.
In my book, destination marketing should challenge perceptions, should reveal what is unexpected and Saudi Arabia’s new global campaign, "This Land is Calling", featuring a solo female traveller on an epic adventure through the kingdom, did it.
Albeit she looked a bit like a female Timothy Chal [...]
Change in search. Is Dumb, Dumber and Dumber in our future?
Will the joys of discovery and even serendipity be further lost with AI-powered search?
The advent of different forms of Generative AI across all our lives is causing changes in our basic online behaviour. Search is a key part of what we do. Most accept it is a basic utility – a necessity. So her [...]
How community creators are shaping sustainable tourism
In an industry where sustainability and authentic experiences are increasingly sought after, some entrepreneurs, operating in niche spaces, have dedicated themselves to creating unique, meaningful experiences rooted in their love for their communities.
These creators— Eric Chong, Li-Chin Kuo, [...]
Agents – the next step in automation and Gen AI
Agents are expected to manage complex tasks like booking multi-layer travel itineraries to streamlining business processes which would previously need human intervention.
McKinsey & Company recently authored a case study on the rise of ‘Agents’ and its implications on workflow, productivity [...]
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., [...]
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� [...]
The secret sauce of “char koay teow”, storytelling and indie travel businesses
AI, it seems, is creeping into everything. In a little eatery called Jiashi Cafe in a local neighbourhood in Penang, far from the madding tourist crowd, the young entrepreneurs running it offer “AI Fried Char Koay Teow”.
For anyone who’s been to Penang, you’ll know that “Char Koay Teow� [...]
Sabah Convention Bureau is carving its niche with conservation, local values and state culture in mind
CEO, Noredah Othman, is focusing on quality over quantity by tapping into the local MICE industry
As the fairly new CEO of the Sabah Convention Bureau, Noredah Othman plans to use her knowledge of the East Malaysian state from a previous career to achieve the company’s goals. Speaking at the rece [...]
