Thank you, all those who shared their experience and key takeaways from WiT Singapore 2024. Here are a few more we’ve collected from our tribe.
Stephen Joyce, Global Travel Lead, Protect Group
“After 30 years of online travel and the fundamental shifts in technology that has resulted in the massive growth of the sector, we are seeing a concerted shift away from the commoditization of travel. Many of the sessions at WIT were focused on the ways new technology can, perhaps ironically, insert the human factor back into the discovery and booking process of travel.
“The use of AI to help make selecting new and different destinations easier and the idea of making experiences the centre of the journey rather than an afterthought.
“That shift from the focus on pure economics to the whole ecosystem also requires a shift in leadership. Unlike today’s predominantly male senior leadership suite, I believe that future leadership will be predominantly women-led.
“As presented by Adrienne Enggist from Booking.com and Jacinta Lim of Seek Sophie, we see an empathic approach to product design, one where the customer is the centre of every decision. In leaders like Nadia Omer (AirAsia MOVE), we hear and see more than just what’s good for shareholders, we see what matters to customers and partners, we see a more collaborative approach to leadership, one where the well-being of the entire business takes precedence over ego or self-interest. And with more female leadership we will see a more balanced and inclusive approach to business.”
Lisa Katsouraki, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, eTraveli Group
“The diversity of each panel, the programming, reflected the different parts of the travel eco-system, and how they co-exist with each other. The Face-Off session between Laura Houldsworth of Booking.com and Choe Peng Sum of Pan Pacific Hotels Group exemplified the tension-yet-collaboration that exists in our industry.
“We are competitors, yet friends. This co-existence is essential to the Next Generation of Travel. Each sector needs to get out of their silos and build a connected industry.”
Timothy O’Neil-Dunne, Principal, T2Impact
“Last year, we were experimenting with Generative AI. This year, it’s normalised. Everyone is using Gen AI in their work, and Gen AI is now embedded in processes, products and services. We now have True Assisted Intelligence, what I call AI 1.0. It is causing people to think about what AI 2.0 will look like. For example, meta glasses, could they become the standard?
“There are also far too many people believing AI results are true, and not enough being sceptical about its use which could result in group think and false results.
“This is why it’s healthy to debate such issues at a conference like WiT where travel tech leaders come together with a sincere intent to share and learn.”
Stephan Ekbergh, CEO, Travelstart
“Having just completed the WiT “Next Generation” event, my personal 10th WiT Singapore, I was thrilled with the experience.
About half of the speakers were new, bringing fresh perspectives and energy. I believe a significant portion of the audience was new as well. Everyone presenting brought their A-game, myself included (well, mostly…). The content was incredibly relevant, and the moderators challenged the speakers and panellists in ways I hadn’t seen before.
Certain travel subsegments, like property and payments/fintech, were given the spotlight with new angles.
The execution of the three-day event was flawless.
Though many of these events often focus on networking, this year’s event truly centred around the content. You could feel it in the room, which was packed from start to finish.
Siew Hoon has truly created a tribe that embraces the values I admire:
- A safe place to be unsafe.
- A place where creating is more important than competing.
- Respect.
- Everyone gets to play, as long as you’re not a self-absorbed a-hole.
I feel like I’ve seen TV in colour for the first time, and I don’t ever want to go back to black and white.
WiT is my second home. The tribe is my family.”
Mary Li, CEO & Founder, Atlas
“Every year during budget planning, the WIT series of conferences poses a significant challenge, especially this year’s WIT Singapore, where ticket prices increased substantially.
“After WiT Singapore, I asked several industry friends whether we gained real business value. A European friend gave me an eye-opening insight: attending WiT Singapore shouldn’t be with the expectation of signing deals, but rather should be seen as an excellent opportunity for industry management to share, learn, and inspire each other. He emphasized that business opportunities naturally follow when ideas collide, and thinking is refreshed.
“This year’s WiT left a deep impression on me. Jason Chan’s sharing about the meaning of travel and its relationship with life was truly inspiring. Michael Cawley’s interview was even more invigorating; his determination, firmness and focus made my blood boil with excitement and filled me with confidence in our company’s development.
“Sometimes, money seems to buy everything, and sometimes it buys nothing at all. For me, WiT Singapore is not just a conference; it’s more like a bootcamp, an accelerator, a gathering where you can feel warmth even while running. Its value far exceeds the price of the ticket.”
Kei Shibata, CEO, Trip101 and Travel.jp
“The world of hyper personalisations seems to be finally becoming a reality with AI and enormous set of personalized data available through voice (like Siri) and other digital communication tools. The question is, are travel players able to access such data?
“Video, video, video – Next generation is here to stay and will make every imaginable decision and action on it.”
