Web In Travel

24/09/2024

23/09/2024

Enjoyed the sounds of immaculately engineered engines revving through Singapore's F1 circuit last weekend? Well, so did hotels in the area.

Hilton Singapore, for example, is reporting an uptick in guests. Ben George, senior vice president & commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton, reported that “almost 4,000 Hilton Honors members chose to stay in our Singapore hotels during the five days, with travellers from the US, Singapore, China, and Japan leading the charge”.

“More than seven million points have been redeemed for Hilton Honors Experiences ahead of the races, many vying for a chance to join the McLaren Group F1 team in their garage during race weekend.”

“Interestingly, we’ve seen a 9% increase in demand for premium experiences, with more guests opting for suites at Conrad Centennial Singapore and Conrad Singapore Orchard, and others choosing Confirmed Connecting Rooms – suggesting that many are planning to enjoy the races with family or larger groups of friends,” said George.

More data: https://www.webintravel.com/as-f1-roars-into-town-hotel-occupancies-and-rates-in-singapore-soar/

17/09/2024

To re-enter the market & connect with local hotels, OTAs, travel agencies, TMCs, and mid-to-large enterprises with business travel needs, don't miss the upcoming !

This year's event will bring together 120+ industry leaders, 1,800+ mid-to-senior management professionals, and 100+ exhibitor partners for face-to-face networking and learning — an excellent opportunity to efficiently connect supply and demand.

Join now: https://6td.cc/2Qaiq7

09/09/2024

In a move that both companies hope to boost inbound tourism to Korea, Sabre Corporation and InterparkTriple, Korea’s leading travel and entertainment platform, have signed a new strategic partner agreement.

The travel and leisure services company will use Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS) to significantly enhance its geographic reach, using Sabre’s APIs and travel partner network to offer leading airline, hotel and other travel content, including NDC offers.

InterparkTriple is aiming to help South Korea attract 50 million inbound tourists annually by 2028, including by appealing to so-called ‘set-jetters’; visitors who are inspired to travel after seeing a destination on TV shows or movies. The new deal means InterparkTriple will have more content options at its fingertips to create the right itineraries for their travellers.

Full story: https://www.webintravel.com/interparktriple-teams-up-with-sabre-to-boost-inbound-tourism-to-korea/

15/08/2024

Meet the 10 winners of the 2024 Global Startup Pitch: https://www.webintravel.com/meet-the-10-winners-of-the-2024-global-startup-pitch/

These winners have emerged from nearly 200 entries which were received for the global competition, with JetBlue Ventures as the global sponsor for the third year running.

The 10 winners will travel to Singapore for showcase presentations at WiT Singapore, Oct 14-16. The audience at WiT Singapore will vote on their favorite Seedup and Scaleup, and the People’s Choice winners will be showcased at The Phocuswright Conference, November 19-21, in Phoenix and WiT Seoul, November 26-27, in Seoul.

Congratulations to all the winners! 🎉

15/08/2024

It's happening today!

Stream the Global Startup Pitch 2024 Finals LIVE, for free: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_otc72VeKSie_PwWAIQvxcQ #/registration

Whether you’re interested in discovering tech startups in hospitality, transportation, tours & activities, B2B or B2C, AI, data or sustainability, this is your opportunity to witness innovation in action, with a top-class network of judges.

Out of 18 companies pitching, the judges will choose 8 companies to advance to the showcase at WiT Singapore, October 14-16. These startups will also be considered for PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025, unveiled at The Phocuswright Conference 2024.

Get your tickets to WiT Singapore 2024: http://www.witevents.com/witsingapore

At the showcase during WiT Singapore, the audience will then vote on a scaleup winner to present their innovation at The Phocuswright Conference 2024 this November 19-21. The audience will also vote for a seedup winner to present at WiT Seoul on November 26.

Align with groundbreaking innovations on the gleaming edge of travel tech. In its third year, the Global Startup Pitch, sponsored by JetBlue Ventures, leverages the expertise of WiT, Phocuswright, PhocusWire and industry partners to surface the most innovative technologies impacting travel today. We...

13/08/2024

Watch the Global Startup Pitch 2024 Finals LIVE this Thursday, August 15!

REGISTRATION IS FREE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_otc72VeKSie_PwWAIQvxcQ #/registration

Whether you’re interested in discovering tech startups in hospitality, transportation, tours & activities, B2B or B2C, AI, data or sustainability, this is your opportunity to witness innovation in action, with a top-class network of judges.

Out of 18 companies pitching, the judges will choose 8 companies to advance to the showcase at WiT Singapore, October 14-16. These startups will also be considered for PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025, unveiled at The Phocuswright Conference 2024.

Get your tickets to WiT Singapore 2024: http://www.witevents.com/witsingapore

At the showcase during WiT Singapore, the audience will then vote on a scaleup winner to present their innovation at The Phocuswright Conference 2024 this November 19-21. The audience will also vote for a seedup winner to present at WiT Seoul on November 26.

Align with groundbreaking innovations on the gleaming edge of travel tech. In its third year, the Global Startup Pitch, sponsored by JetBlue Ventures, leverages the expertise of WiT, Phocuswright, PhocusWire and industry partners to surface the most innovative technologies impacting travel today. We...

08/08/2024

At WiT Singapore 2024, we usher in the Next Generation of travel-technology, market trailblazers and demographical shifts in Asia Pacific.

The event will gather key voices to debate the future of travel and hospitality, while making sense of upcoming challenges and opportunities in the industry.

Get your tickets now: http://www.witevents.com/witsingapore

08/08/2024

It all started in 2015 when we thought, why don't we have an original song, composed, performed and produced by a local musician, to mark each year’s theme?

Wendi Koh, a well-known Singapore rock artist, answered our call, without missing a beat, “Yeah, let’s do it.”

Since then, Wendi has written and produced every song for us and performed live for us on opening day. You can listen to the whole playlist here: https://soundcloud.com/yeoh-siew-hoon

We all have our personal favourites, we wonder what’s yours?

Well, it could very well be this year’s song, especially after you learn how it all came together. Listen to how Wendi orchestrated this year’s theme song with a singer from Madagascar, a musician from Italy and mix-down in the US.

Truly Next Generation. Just a soundbite of what awaits you.

Come listen to more of the most thought-provoking, mind-opening conversations sure to take place at WiT Singapore, Oct 14-16.

Get your tickets now: http://www.witevents.com/witsingapore

01/08/2024

Watch the GLOBAL STARTUP PITCH FINALS Live!

On Aug 15, we will run a Virtual Live Finals in which 18 shortlisted startups will pitch to our judges, who will help us select the Winners.

Register for the Live Stream here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_otc72VeKSie_PwWAIQvxcQ #/registration

Welcoming both travel and non-travel startups who believe their businesses have application in the travel industry, we aim to uncover gems representing the different sectors of travel, from these regions across the world – Asia/Pacific, Middle East/Africa, Europe and the Americas.

The Winners will be showcased at WiT Singapore, Oct 14-16, and the People’s Choice Winners will win a ticket to the Phocuswright Conference (Nov 19-21), WiT Seoul (Nov 26 & 27), exposure to the audience and entrance into the Startup Program.

30/07/2024

Former journalist and data scientist, Lim Yee Hung, was twiddling his thumbs during the pandemic (like all of us) when he had an idea for a socially-distanced experience.

“I have always been interested in tech, so I taught myself coding, and built a game in the style of a chatbot,” said the Singaporean, who was a reporter for Digital Life, and had worked in the UK as a data scientist.

Together with a school buddy, Loh Jun Wei, Yee Hung launched HIDDEN. “It’s a mix of storytelling and gamification, we make it interesting, so people want to play the game,” he said. “It went viral really quickly.”

Full story here: https://www.webintravel.com/singapore-game-hidden-makes-the-leap-to-new-zealand-to-gamify-maori-stories/

25/07/2024

“Amazing things happen when you’re pushed out of your comfort zone,” said Klook's Sarah Wan at WiT Indie in Penang. In her opening session, Sarah spoke about the trends she's seeing in the industry, the lessons she's learnt as well as tips for indie operators to stay relevant in today's digital world of tours and activities.

Full interview here: https://www.webintravel.com/off-to-africa-to-learn-from-cheetahs-klooks-sarah-wan-on-self-care-high-growth-and-travel-trends/

23/07/2024

19/07/2024

⏳ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰! 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://saceos.org.sg/singaporemiceforum/

The biggest industry gathering of the year takes place on 25-26 July 2024 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Level 4, Roselle Simpor Ballroom. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with industry peers, discover the latest trends, and gain valuable insights!

Here's why you should attend the SMF 2024:

🤝 Network in person with 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 from Singapore and the region at the most important industry gathering of the year

💡 Hear from an 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 on key topics such as #𝗔𝗜, #𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, #𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁, #𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, #𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 & #𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 and more

🌎 Explore the latest innovation in MICE at the SMF Marketplace

👥 Everybody's coming, you should too!

19/07/2024

⏳We are 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰! 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 - https://saceos.org.sg/singaporemiceforum/

Meet our inspiring female speakers who are leading the charge in the dynamic MICE industry! At the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 4, Roselle Simpor Ballroom, they will share their expertise and insights in a wide range of topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Talent & Manpower, Community, Sales & Marketing and more, driving and shaping the future of events.

👩 Speakers:

Adeline Lim, Vice President (Professional Development), SACEOS and Exhibition Director, Messe Muenchen International Asia

Alison Jackson, Group Managing Director, Nineteen Group

Bell Beh, Co-Founder and CEO, BuzzAR

Christine L., Executive Committee Member, SACEOS and Marketing Director- Asia, Terrapinn

Elaine Chia, APAC CEO, Comexposium

Grace Clapham, Director and Founder, Designing Communities

Neeta Lachmandas, Founder, ConsciousService

Sanghamitra Bose, APAC Vice President Traveler Care, American Express Global Business Travel

Sheila Berman, Co-Host, B2B Marketing Asia Podcast

Vivian Lim, Lead Curator, TEDxSingapore and Co-Founder, The Idea Co

Why you should attend the SMF 2024:

🤝Network with industry peers from Singapore and the region at the most important industry gathering of the year

💡 Hear from an expert line-up of over 30 industry leaders on hot topics such as , , & , , & and more

🌎 Explore the latest innovation in MICE at the SMF Marketplace

👥 Everybody's coming, you should too!

11/07/2024

See you next week in Penang!

Someone this week called WiT Indie WiT’s “love note to Penang”. Sounds like a good enough description to us.

Yes, on July 18-19, we will gather the indie forces in travel together to talk about how independent hoteliers, tour operators, activity providers and retail businesses can get creative and imaginative with tech in this age of the “Human Revolution”.

From Taiwan to Thailand, from Sabah to Singapore, our speakers are all set to inspire and elevate all who seek to support the indie movement in travel in Asia. After all, this is what discerning travellers want these days, not mass and instant, but local and meaningful.

And we aim to make it so.

09/07/2024

Travel and hospitality are ever-changing industries. With new tech, shifting consumer behaviours and new solutions constantly influencing regional markets, it's essential for travel professionals to stay ahead of the curve.

This year, two of the biggest travel-tech and hospitality conferences in the region will take place in the same week, in Singapore - gathering travel leaders, experts and trailblazers from the region to share invaluable insights about the industry and its future.

Don't miss out!

Get tickets to WiT Singapore here: http://www.witevents.com/witsingapore

Get tickets to HICAP 2024 here: http://www.burba.com/hicap

20/06/2024

The countdown is on! 10 days before early bird rates end for WiT Singapore 2024.

Secure your spot at this year's event as we gather travel experts and leaders to usher in the Next Generation.

Tickets: http://www.witevents.com/witsingapore

14/06/2024

The “Next Generation” Is Upon Us.

This October 14-16, at WiT Singapore, we invite you to join us as we get onboard the fast train towards the “Next Generation”.

Get ready for the ride of a generation, as we change it up with new ideas, thinking and voices, guided by 19 years of trailblazing spirit and battle scars.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFk_0JrGE3U&feature=youtu.be

Sign up for your early bird rides before June 30, 2024: https://www.witevents.com/witsingapore

The “Sliding Doors” moment is upon us in travel. Either we get on or get off.Generational shifts in demographics in Asia Pacific are happening. There’s a gen...

07/06/2024

Amid the recovery in the Taiwan travel market, with inbound back at 70% of 2019 levels and outbound exceeding 2019 levels to some destinations, Taiwan’s travel players are willing to take it slow and steady when it comes to developing their industry.

Daniel Cheng, founder and president of RTM, a community of travel startups, says, “Leading Taiwanese brands in the hospitality and tourism sectors are actively promoting sustainable practices and initiatives in response to the growing emphasis on ESG compliance,” and this was leading to growing demand for sustainable solutions, creating new business opportunities for companies that can provide eco-friendly services and guidance.

AI is also getting a major push from the government with the first Taiwanese Minister of Digital Affairs, Audrey Tang, leading the charge. “Even though the technology hasn’t been fully implemented in our travel industry, we can still look forward to the benefits AI can bring us, especially in giving travellers more confidence to go to destinations that are off the beaten path and support local communities in more remote places,” said Cheng.

Full story: https://www.webintravel.com/sustainability-reigns-in-taiwan-amid-tourism-recovery/

29/05/2024

The newly rebranded Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is keen to shine more light on data insights for hoteliers in Asia Pacific. Chief Revenue Officer, David Collier, during a recent visit to Singapore, shared that with the business experiencing significant global growth, Lighthouse is keen to expand its footprint in Asia Pacific, committing more “investment and thought” into the region.

“We have observed steady growth in the region. It is a complex market due to its diversity, and we need to be agile to cater to each market’s unique needs,” said Collier, who has been with Lighthouse for nearly six years following a 13-year tenure at Oracle.

Full interview: https://www.webintravel.com/lighthouse-expands-in-apac-brings-its-insights-to-hoteliers-in-the-region/

27/05/2024

Generational shifts in demographics in Asia Pacific are happening.

There’s a generational leap in tech, with Gen AI blazing the trail, whose powers we have yet to fully comprehend. There’s all sorts of machinations, fragmentation and consolidation happening in distribution, marketing and tech throughout the value chain.

The Next Generation is about grasping all of that, as well as honouring this moment in travel’s history, this split in dimension, when we have to move forward, guided by but unfettered by the past, to create an industry for The Next Generation of travellers, talent and leaders.

It’s about a mindset. Are you ready to change yours?

Join us: www.witevents.com/witsingapore