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He highlighted that the best leaders today combine commercial discipline with human-centred technology.
Indonesia is positioning itself as a premium destination in the Asia Pacific, with its rich diversity and authenticity. To succeed, companies must adapt to shifting traveller preferences, strong leadership, and ensure sustainability remains at the core of their strategies.
Offering his invaluable insights is Florian Kittler, Managing Director at HVS Executive Search for Europe and Asia Pacific. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and executive recruitment, he has partnered with hotel owners, operators, and investors to place senior executives who deliver business transformation and long-term value, drawing on a deep network and first-hand knowledge of luxury hospitality.
Before joining HVS, he held senior operational leadership roles with leading global hotel groups such as Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, and Hyatt, where he refined his expertise in service excellence and strategic management.
As a judge at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia, Kittler shares his perspective on Indonesia’s role in Asia Pacific, emerging trends, and the leadership qualities essential to shaping the industry’s future.
Based on your international experience, how do you see Indonesia’s travel and hospitality sector positioning itself in the Asia Pacific region?
Indonesia is moving from chasing visitor numbers to higher visitor spend by focusing on quality, yield, and diversity. Bali is still the anchor, but investment in five Super-Priority Destinations is spreading demand and raising the country’s profile. With RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) growth driven by higher rates and policies like the Bali levy and Golden Visa, Indonesia now positions itself as a premium yet accessible alternative to Thailand or Vietnam.
What trends are currently shaping traveller preferences in Asia Pacific, and in what ways can companies in Indonesia adapt?
Travellers in Asia Pacific want meaningful, higher-value trips—wellness, cultural depth, and “quiet luxury” over flash. China’s return is selective, India is booming, and ASEAN demand is strong. For Indonesia, the key is tailoring products by market, simplifying arrivals with e-VOA (Visa-on-arrival) and levy messaging, and proving sustainability through visible impact. AI will help personalise experiences, but authenticity will seal the deal.
What role does strong leadership play in shaping the future of travel and hospitality businesses, and what qualities do you consider most important today?
Strong leadership is what keeps growth sustainable in such a fast-changing market. The best leaders today combine commercial discipline with human-centred technology. They use AI to optimise, but also coach teams to deliver high-touch service and authentic storytelling, like turning sustainability initiatives like the Bali levy into tangible guest value. They’re destination builders too—collaborating beyond their hotels to strengthen Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem.
Indonesia’s travel offering spans luxury, culture, and adventure. How can companies best leverage this diversity to attract global travellers?
The opportunity is to connect Indonesia’s strengths into holistic journeys rather than selling them in isolation. For example, a trip could begin in Bali for wellness and culinary immersion, continue to Yogyakarta for heritage and crafts, and finish in Labuan Bajo for marine adventure. This circuit approach raises trip value and spreads benefits beyond Bali. For luxury travellers, private villas paired with authentic experiences—craft workshops, reef dives, or chef’s tables—fit the new definition of quiet luxury. Culinary trails and event-led tourism, like MotoGP in Mandalika or arts festivals in Yogyakarta, can further differentiate Indonesia on the global stage.
Looking ahead, how do you see the travel and hospitality industry transforming in the coming years, and what can businesses do to stay ahead?
In the next few years, Asia Pacific demand will surpass pre-pandemic levels, with Indonesia reaching record spend if access stays smooth. AI and automation will become standard, freeing teams for personal service. New hubs like Nusantara will expand Indonesia beyond leisure into MICE. The leaders will be those who cut friction, protect rate, and innovate with wellness, sustainability, and market-specific products.
As a judge at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Indonesia, what key qualities will you look for in the nominees?
I’ll be looking for companies that combine results with innovation and impact. Tech is important, but it must elevate—not replace—the human touch. Transparency in sustainability is critical, as is contributing to destinations beyond Bali. And those who adapt their products for China, India, and ASEAN will stand out as true leaders in Indonesia’s future.
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Source: traveldailymedia