Qantas picks Spotnana to power Business Rewards programme
The platform is touted as "new architecture for connecting suppliers directly to the travellers that's available off-the-shelf".
Qantas is expanding the travel management capabilities of its Qantas Business Rewards programme, including offering businesses the ability to book flights, hotels and car [...]
How Nikoi and Cempedak execute on the 4Cs of sustainability
At WiT Indie, Andrew Dixon, owner of the private islands of Nikoi and Cempedak, off Bintan, Indonesia, shared how he pursues the four Cs – Community, Culture, Conservation, Commerce – prescribed by The Long Run organisation, to which his islands belong.
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. [...]
18 startups to compete in GSP Semi-Finals on August 24
The Semi-Finals of the Global Startup Pitch, organised by WiT and Phocuswright, will be held on August 24 with a total of 18 startups vying for the title of Global Startup of the Year. The virtual event will run from 7:30pm to 10:40pm Singapore time on August 24.
A new “Wildcard 2” category h [...]
YADO, ryokan alliance, ready to increase international mindshare
Having dusted off the aftermath of the pandemic, Nihon Aji no YADO, an alliance of 35 ryokans is ready to step up its efforts to increase their share of international travellers, as well as promote the “real ryokan experience” to foreign guests.
Head of the alliance, Kyohei Yamamoto, thir [...]
Korean colour analysis. Uber eyes tours market. Amadeus pairs with Meituan.
Amadeus and Meituan partner to enhance hotel access for Chinese travellers
Amadeus has forged a partnership with Meituan, a tech-driven retail platform, enabling hoteliers using iHotelier Channel Management to directly connect and share their availability, rates, and inventory. Meituan, favored amo [...]
Travel spending to soar by 28% in the next 12 months, reveals Outpayce research
Research reveals travellers' fintech preferences and Singapore's wanderlust
According to the latest Outpayce research, travelers are projected to increase their spending on international trips by 28% over the next 12 months. Despite economic uncertainty, travel remains the top priority discretionar [...]
What AI can do, and what it can’t do
Indie travel businesses grapple with possibilities in the age of generative AI
On the night before WiT Indie, the edition of Web in Travel dedicated to creatives and independents, opened in Penang, Cinewav, the Singapore startup that offers “Event Audio in your Pocket”, held a first-time immers [...]
From AI to AR/VR, airports on cusp of digital transformation, says Amadeus’ Samuel
Narita’s Face Express a good example of enhanced passenger experience
The single biggest trend that will impact airports in the next few years is the evolution of the passenger experience, said Sarah Samuel, Senior Vice President, Airport & Airline Operations, APAC Amadeus.
Speaking at Wi [...]
Embracing mobile, sustainability, and unique experiences – insights from an indie traveller at heart
What is the value we are bringing travellers, asks Branavan
In a vibrant gathering of travel enthusiasts and industry leaders at WiT Indie 2023 (Penang, Malaysia), Branavan Aruljothi, (Cluster Market Lead, Malaysia, Booking.com), took the stage and shared his journey as an indie traveller while s [...]
Indie travel urged, it’s time to be optimistic, proactive, and bold again
“Healthy cultural progress within a technology-based word depends on the curiosity, imagination and boldness of individuals, of entrepreneurs, of people who dare to see what is not there yet.” - Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
As the executive director of host venue Penang Institute, Dato’ Dr. Ooi K [...]
