As we come to the close of 2018, we asked some of our industry peers to give us their take on the year that’s passed and to stare into the crystal ball and make predictions about the one ahead. Read on to see what travel trends they find most exciting (and boring), what they predict the biggest game changers are going to be, and their favourite travel experience so far!
Timothy Hughes, VP, Corporate Development, Agoda
Let’s remember 2018 for:
Most exciting moment: Exciting in the sense of “hey, you, industry, sit up, make sure you are watching this and are ready to move”, then answer is Google rolling out Book On Google across Europe. There are now 16 origin markets where the whole hotel booking experience can be completed on Google. This makes them an OTA (even if they choke on using the word). Which means that the whole industry needs to adjust itself to this new reality. Personally I was super excited by the first legally recognised same sex wedding ceremonies conducted in Australia!
Most “yawn” moment: NDC. I am not (no longer) an air guy so maybe I am missing the big picture. From where I sit, progress has been so slow. If James Brown was a travel agent, then on NDC he would say “talkin’ loud, sayin’ nuthin”
Game changing moment in travel: Almost $400mm raised in tour, activities and experiences in 2018. Finally the sector is “mainstream” in online. But (and it is a big but) there are very few global online experiences, in-destination or activities company in the world that are making steady profits. Meaning “welcome to the party” tours and activities, but you still need to figure out how to pay your way.
My best holiday: Japan – like most of the world I joined the Japanese inbound wave of tourists. In my case I did a five day trek along the Nakasendo trail. The ancient trade route linking Kyoto to Endo (Tokyo). Which is now a series of magnificent countryside treks. Nine to ten kilometers a day of trekking, ending each day in a hamlet or small village staying at a traditional inn or onsen. A magical combination of culture, activity and the sheer beauty of the Japanese countryside.
Let’s look forward to … in 2019:
The travel trend I am most excited about: The local nature of the competitive landscape. Despite decades of consolidation in online travel, we still see so many local/market specific competitors for us to chase and be chased by in 2019. This is exciting because it forces me to get to know about the local needs and trends in so many different markets across the world.
The trend I am most apprehensive about: Does “trade war” and “global instability” count as a trend? If yes, then these are the areas they leave me sweating and apprehensive. Reading the Economist and the New York Times is now like reading doomsday prediction books. If there is good news to be clung to it is that the travel industry is robust and resilient. Always finding ways to grow in down cycles.
The prediction I’m betting my money on: Messaging. It is not (yet) time for voice in online travel. But it sure is time for messaging
What I expect to be another “yawn” moment: Blockchain in travel
I am most looking forward to: Now that my kid have PADI licenses, continuing to explore with them the underwater playgrounds and “forests” of SEAsia and the Indian Ocean.
Hian Goh, Co-founder & Partner, Open Space Ventures
Let’s remember 2018 for:
Most exciting moment: Closing the $135m fund two in August.
Most “yawn” moment: When Gojek launched in Singapore. With no fanfare but it just works! (Open Space Ventures is an early investor in Gojek.)
Game changing moment in travel: Sweet Escapes. Now you can just book a photographer online on your phone.
My best holiday: By far, Bhutan in August.
Let’s look forward to … in 2019:
The trend I am most excited about: The slowdown in 2019 and 2020. I think there will be some heat taken out of the market, and now we get to see who are the real players who will stay the course.
The trend I am most apprehensive about: The same as above
The prediction I’m betting my money on: That the slowdown is going to create some wonderful investment opportunities to double down on amazing companies.
What I expect to be another “yawn” moment: Cryptocurrencies continue to either tank or rebound. Either way, it’s not something that we invest in but gets an inordinate amount of attention.
I am most looking forward to: Gojek’s international expansion.
Bobby Healy, CTO, CarTrawler
Let’s remember 2018 for:
Most exciting moment: Mark Hamill liking my tweet. Twice.
Most “yawn” moment: Every single GDPR meeting.
Game changing moment in travel: Barry Diller stating that Google should be broken up.
My best holiday: Iceland. Every time. It’s incredible, and convenient. It’s maniacally magic.
Let’s look forward to … in 2019:
The trend I am most excited about: Computer vision
The trend I am most apprehensive about: Google Flights continuing to grow, and trade wars.
The prediction I’m betting my money on: Drone delivery, for food. In three years – earth changing.
What I expect to be another “yawn” moment: The lack of disruption in US travel technology. Another year… same faces.
I am most looking forward to: Trump’s impeachment.
Jennifer Cronin, President & CEO, Wharf Hotels Group
Let’s remember 2018 for:
Most exciting moment: The Murray, a Niccolo Hotel opening to start off our 2018.
Most “yawn” moment: Brexit exit saga, although concerned about the travel impact on their travellers.
Game changing moment in travel: Cathay & Marriott data breaches (not a positive game changer but need to be better prepared).
My best holiday: Machu Picchu and Iguassu Falls last month with a group of great friends.
Let’s look forward to … in 2019:
The trend I am most excited about: High speed rail network extending beyond China’s borders
The trend I am most apprehensive about: GDPR and cybersecurity requirements and expectations
The prediction I’m betting my money on: I don’t bet! I make it happen!
What I expect to be another “yawn” moment: Airline first class suite competition, since I will not be able to enjoy!
I am most looking forward to: Learning from the next generation and having them conceptualise and add value to our business.
Kei Shibata, Co-founder & CEO, LINE TRAVEL jp (ex.Travel.jp) & Trip101
Let’s remember 2018 for:
Most exciting moment: When our LINE TRAVEL jp passed the 20 million monthly user mark in August and our Trip101 grew at 5x YoY in number of users. Moments that proved “content is king!”
Most “yawn” moment: When I received ANOTHER LinkedIn request asking for my investment from one of the MILLION blockchain startups..
Game changing moment in travel: Fundraising news from the unicorn startups who no longer need extra capital. It was yet another “yawn” moment.
My best holiday: New Zealand – Black water rafting in Waitomo was an epic local experience.
Let’s look forward to … in 2019:
The trend I am most excited about: Rise of “Super Apps.” Asia could potentially lead the rest of world driven by them.
The trend I am most apprehensive about: Capital market start drying up for startups.
The prediction I’m betting my money on: Tencent (their stock) will bounce back.
What I expect to be another “yawn” moment: Even more fundraising news from the unicorn startups who no longer need extra capital. It will be yet another “game changing” moment.
I am most looking forward to: Launching some of the most unique travel services in the world through our LINE TRAVEL jp. Seeing continuous “hyper” growth of our Trip101 business.
Lead image: Getty Images
