ITB ASIA NEWS 2023 - DAY 1 EDITION

I NEWS

I NEWS I “We are focused on giving our customers more of what they are asking for” Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Booking.com, sheds light on APAC travellers' shifting priorities in the face of challenges and the transformative impact of AI in the travel industry. How is the industry showing that travel is a priority in spite of obstacles such as rising living costs? What are the main priorities of travellers today? Close to three-quarters (73%) of APAC travellers believe they are the best version of themselves while on holiday. Underscoring the profound influence of travel on personal growth and well-being, over twothirds (72%) aspire to incorporate aspects of their vacation personas into their daily lives upon returning home. We are seeing a rising demand for water-centric travel in APAC, with the consensus amongst 72% of travellers that being close proximity to water instantly makes them feel more relaxed. What role is AI playing in the travel industry right now? What are some trends that you’ve observed that you think will continue to develop in the future? The latest innovation Booking.com has been working on is our AI Trip Planner. Leveraging the unique framework utilised by Booking.com’s existing AI and machine learning systems, the AI Trip planner is honed to recommend travel destinations, lodging choices, travel inspiration and itineraries to millions of platform users, at any time of the day. We are focused on giving our customers more of what they are asking for, which includes interactive and in-depth itineraries, and additional conventional search funnel capabilities (e.g. filters, integration with other verticals such as flights and attractions). At Booking. com, we use AI extensively to enhance interactions with both travellers and partners, working towards a single goal, that is enhancing the overall traveller experience CONFERENCE Travel Confidence in The Face of New Realities Today from 1:00-1:30p.m. B2, Knowledge Theatre ONYX unveils the Amari Bangkok at ITB Asia 2023 ONYX Hospitality Group is showcasing the transformation of the iconic Amari Watergate Bangkok into the "Amari Bangkok", a change which signifies more than just a decision to streamline the name. According to the company, the Amari Bangkok is always welcoming and vibrant, just like the city it calls home. With the brand's "Brighten Your World" proposition, the hotel will offer upgraded rooms, various dining options and the exclusive Club Siraa. The "maai spa", which will open in the first quarter of 2024, will further enhance the guest experience STAND C 031 4 ITB ASIA NEWS • WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2023 itb-asia-news.com

I NEWS I Frasers Hospitality celebrates the launch of the Fraser Residence River Promenade at ITB Asia 2023 This year, visitors to ITB Asia have the opportunity to discover Frasers Hospitality's new luxury residence. The Fraser Residence River Promenade, managed by Frasers Hospitality, has officially opened its doors. Nestled by the iconic Singapore River, this residence blends heritage conservation with modern luxury and sustainability. Ms Eu Chin Fen, CEO of Frasers Hospitality, describes it as a blend of "luxury, historical charm, and environmental responsibility." As part of Frasers Property Singapore's integrated precinct, it complements the Rivière residential development and three heritage warehouses filled with lifestyle offerings. Ms Soon Su Lin, CEO of Frasers Property Singapore, highlights their vision, "We’re excited to play a role in enhancing the vibrancy of the Singapore River with our integrated precinct that aims to offer inspiring spaces for the community to live, work, and play." Housing 72 meticulously designed apartments, the residence pays homage to its historical roots on Jiak Kim Street, once home to warehouses and the iconic Zouk nightclub. Today, it promises river and city views, coupled with eco-consciousness. Certified Green Mark GoldPLUS, the residence champions sustainability with features like energy-conserving elevators and smart room technology. Guests can explore the neighbourhood on provided bicycles, reducing their carbon footprint. Amenities include a state-of-theart gym, outdoor pool, and The Living Room, a communal space for residents to relax and connect, offering daily breakfast, snacks and evening cocktails. The residence is also pet-friendly. To celebrate its launch, exclusive perks are available to visitors from 27th September to 1st December 2023 STAND Q 011 “The incentive travel experience will always concern real people, in real places, in real time.” Rebecca Wright, Head of Chapter Engagement at Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), spoke with ITB Asia News in an exclusive interview about the impact of incentive travel on corporations and its place in the industry today. How has the landscape of incentive travel evolved in response to recent challenges, and what strategies have been effective in demonstrating the value of incentive travel programmes to corporations? Incentive travel programs are aligning with these changing circumstances in a variety of ways. Safety concerns are mitigated by opting for destinations that are national, regional and closer to home. Choosing destinations that are closer to home also helps with issues around price since air fare, usually about 25% of the total incentive budget, is less expensive than long haul. While tried and tested destinations bring the comfort of familiarity, we are also seeing a dramatic increase in destinations not previously used. What emerging trends or developments do you foresee in the world of incentive travel, and how can corporations adapt to maximise the benefits of this motivational tool in the future? Rapid ongoing advancements in technology are unlikely to impact the actual incentive travel experience CONFERENCE Two Takes on Incentive Travel: "Leadership" vs. "Participant" inSITEs Today - 1:00-2:00 p.m. B2, MICE Show Asia Theatre which will always concern real people, in real places, in real time. That said, technology will continue to drive many changes within the broader ecosystem of incentive travel. Undoubtedly, technology will automate or speed up many of the processes that today are clunky and labour intensive and, ultimately, it will create more frictionless and affordable channels for the delivery of incentive travel. Workplace realities and relationships are an emerging trend where incentive travel will play an ever-increasing role. With dispersed workforces now de rigeur, incentive travel will “expand” its remit beyond simple reward and recognition and become the means by which company culture, esprit de corps and collegiality are mediated within a corporation CONFERENCE The Incentive Travel Index – A First Look at Results from the 2023 Edition Thursday 26 th Oct. - 1:00-2:00 p.m. B2, MICE Show Asia Theatre ITB ASIA NEWS • WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2023 5