The local government of Bacolod in the Central Philippines welcomed an additional allocation worth US$3.6 million for the expansion of the Bacolod-Silay Airport
The funding was approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) even as the US$798,000 rehabilitation of the airport’s passenger terminal is ongoing.
The rehabilitation seeks to replace a number of outdated components and is set for completion in December of this year.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Bacolod city mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said: “I thank CAAP for approving our request and allocating PHP205 million for the Bacolod-Silay Airport upgrade. This brings us closer to a safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airport for Bacolod and the rest of the province. We are committed to seeing these projects through for the benefit of our people.”
Benitez added that he looks forward to upgrading the Bacolod-Silay Airport with the implementation of the latest development project, along with the current rehabilitation works and the support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
A necessary response
In a letter addressed to Benitez dated 24th April of this year, CAAP director-general Raul Del Rosario said the additional allocation is in response to a request made by the mayor last 25th February for funding for the improvement and renovation of the Bacolod-Silay Airport.
A portion of the approved allocation is specifically for improving and expanding the passenger terminal building to increase the check-in and pre-departure areas to accommodate the growing passenger demand.
The remaining balance will be used to widen the access road for the fire station building.
Online B2B travel booking system RateHawk marks nine years of excellent operations with strong growth in its business results over the past year.
In 2024, RateHawk’s net booking value increased by 1.8 times compared to 2023, while the number of bookings saw a 67 percent growth on a global scale.
Its UAE-based parent company Emerging Travel Group likewise hit a new milestone of $3.7 billion gross transaction value in 2024 with RateHawk as a major growth driver.
Over the past year, RateHawk continued to develop the variety of its inventory.
The company successfully connected with more than 70 new global accommodation suppliers, exceeding 300 wholesalers worldwide, and established direct contracts with over 34,000 accommodations, counting up to 120,000 properties in total.
As a result, the amount of accommodation options reached over 2.6 million.
The demand for RateHawk’s transportation booking services, including flight tickets and transfer bookings, also doubled during 2024.
Today, RateHawk has offices in London, Berlin, Lisbon, Warsaw, Dubai, Limassol, Singapore, and Wilmington.
The company employs over 500 professionals in commercial roles globally.
Welcome additions
It should be noted that the company introduced train travel service across Europe in the past year, and this was welcomed with great enthusiasm by RateHawk partners.
Within three months of its launch, over 25 percent of travel professionals who frequently book hotels on the platform have made use of its railway services.
According to Emerging Travel Group CEO Felix Shipman: “According to the latest UN Tourism report, 1.4 billion people travelled internationally in 2024, almost reaching pre-pandemic levels. At RateHawk, we have been witnessing this trend firsthand through increased demand and significant growth in our company’s and partners’ businesses.”
Shipman added that the company continues to deliver unparalleled support to its partners during this exciting period of travel industry growth, developing both platform services and API integrations.
He said: “In 2024 alone, we doubled the number of API integration contracts, partnering with over 500 new entities including Ctrip. This year, we aim to maintain this momentum, focusing on OTAs and innovative travel tech platforms.”
Greater localisation
In 2024, the service was localised through eight more languages, bringing the total to 32.
RateHawk also launched its new headquarters in Singapore, strengthening its position in the Asian region and its relationships with local partners.
The number of partners likewise increased by 50 percent, now over 93,000 travel professionals strong worldwide.
In Asia, the company tripled the number of travel agents connected to the platform, reaching over 13,000 professionals.
According to RateHawk, the most popular outbound destinations booked by travel agents from Asia in 2024 were the UAE, France, Switzerland, the USA, and Italy.
Additionally, a significant part of bookings remained within Asia, with Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and India being top choices.
APAC regional director Erik Akhmetgaliev said: “We feel very optimistic about the 2025 year, taking into account impressive RateHawk figures we have already achieved in the first quarter and the industry insights on the expected post-pandemic final recovery, thanks to the increased availability of flights and simplification of visa procedures. This year, we are also focusing on API development, particularly in East and South Asia, where the concentration of OTAs is extremely high. We are optimising our technology while also providing support through our internal tech hub and API optimisation team”.
During the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) in İstanbul, Türkiye, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) officially launched a new report, The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC, which sheds light on the pressing challenges and opportunities surrounding workforce development in the region’s tourism sector. Spanning the private and public sector, academia, and youth communities, the report is authored by PATA Member Pear Anderson and presents a comprehensive look at human capital across the tourism industry in Asia Pacific. It also offers actionable recommendations and inspiring case studies aimed at empowering the next generation of tourism professionals. “This timely report comes at a pivotal moment when tourism must re-establish its footing, as a new and younger generation enters the workforce,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
“The insights gathered from diverse stakeholder groups across the region highlight the complexity of our workforce issues, while also providing a roadmap for recovery, resilience, and long-term growth.” He added, “We hope this report will inspire our members and the broader industry to rethink training and development, initiate new collaborations across sectors, and customise strategies to build a stronger, more adaptable workforce. I extend our deepest gratitude to the Pear Anderson team for delivering such a comprehensive and forward-looking analysis.”
Key challenges identified in the report include:
Difficulty attracting new talent to the sector
High staff turnover and retention issues
Skills gaps, especially in digital literacy and sustainability
Misalignment between workforce development and sustainability goals
The report also emphasises a critical need for better collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between academia and industry, particularly in preparing youth to enter the workforce with realistic expectations and future-ready skills.
Notable findings and takeaways include:
Persistent misalignment in expectations and policy development across the public, private, education, and youth sectors
The need for structured public-private dialogue to prevent unintended consequences of human capital development policies
A clear gap between how prepared youth feel and how the industry assesses their readiness, pointing to a disconnect between education and employment
The need to harness the passion and purpose that drive many tourism workers—without exposing them to exploitative conditions
The report was officially launched during a featured session at PAS 2025 titled “Unlocking Potential: Insights from PATA’s Latest Human Capital Report,” led by Pear Anderson Director, Hannah Pearson.
“This report reflects what many in the industry have felt intuitively for some time—we are at a crossroads,” said Pearson. “Our research reveals both sobering realities and bright opportunities. The future of tourism in APAC depends on how we develop, empower and value our people today.” The study was initiated in January 2024 and represents over a year of extensive interviews, surveys, and analysis, making it one of the most in-depth examinations of the Asia Pacific tourism workforce to date.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) unveiled its revamped Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali experience for Suites, First Class, and Business Class customers. Conceptualised and developed in collaboration with the Airline’s International Culinary Panel (ICP) Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, these enhanced offerings will elevate the in-flight dining experience on flights between India and Singapore from 1 May 2025.
Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “India is a key market for Singapore Airlines, and we continuously strive to meet and exceed our customers’ evolving expectations. Our refreshed Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali demonstrate our commitment to elevate the in-flight dining experience and delight our customers.”
Sanjeev Kapoor, SIA’s International Culinary Panel chef, said: “Designing in-flight menus requires a blend of science and creativity, while preserving authentic flavours that align with Singapore Airlines’ commitment to serve fresh, wholesome meals. Since their introduction in 2006 and 2016 respectively, SIA’s Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali have been well-received by customers. The enhanced menus incorporate seasonal ingredients, offering balanced meals with a comforting Indian touch that tastes just as delicious at 35,000 feet as they do on the ground.”
SIA’s updated Shahi Thali, a unique Indian meal that features a spread of traditional delicacies for Suites and First Class customers, will feature eight components in its main course, up from the previous six. It will comprise six vegetable or meat dishes, rice, and a paratha (Indian bread), providing customers with a wider variety of flavours. The main course will be complemented by cold and hot appetisers, dessert, and a refreshing Indian lassi (yoghurt drink). Enhancing the premium dining experience, the meal will be presented on a hammered-finish, copper-coloured steel Thali platter, served with similarly-designed cutlery for an authentic Indian culinary experience.
Business Class customers will enjoy an enhanced Ruchi Thali experience, featuring an expanded main course with six components, up from the previous four. It will include four vegetable or meat dishes, rice, and a paratha (Indian bread). Complementing the main course are a starter, kachumber salad (Indian salad dish), dessert, and an Indian lassi (yoghurt drink). The meal will now be served in traditional silver hammered-finish serviceware.
Leveraging Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s expertise in Indian cuisine, the refreshed Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali will feature dishes prepared using traditional cooking methods such as tandoors (a cylindrical clay pot oven), iron griddles, and slow cooking in clay pots, bringing authentic Indian flavours to the sky. The new menus have been designed to be well-balanced, incorporating protein, starch, and vegetables, with gut-healthy ingredients such as turmeric and ginger to aid digestion.
Showcasing a variety of dishes and flavours from various regions across India, the menus will be available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They will be introduced on all SIA flights between India and Singapore from 1 May 2025. A sample of the menus available can be accessed here.
Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, with Peter Semone, Chair, PATA and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) honoured two distinguished leaders in the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry during the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) in İstanbul, Türkiye.
In recognition of their longstanding service and significant contributions to the Association, the PATA Life Membership Award was bestowed upon Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, and the PATA Award of Merit was presented to SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited.
The awards ceremony took place during the PAS 2025 Welcome Dinner Reception and PATA Awards Presentation on Tuesday, April 22, graciously hosted by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid congratulated the two individuals on this recognition, stating, “These honours reflect not only the remarkable dedication, passion, and leadership of the recipients, but also the profound and lasting impact they have made on the Association and the wider travel and tourism community. PATA is delighted to celebrate Dr Chris Bottrill and Mr SanJeet, two visionary individuals whose contributions have helped shape the future of our industry, on this special and memorable evening.”
Dr Bottrill was presented with the PATA Life Membership Award, the Association’s highest individual honour, which recognises individuals for their outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to PATA.
SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited, with Peter Semone, Chair, PATA and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA.
Since joining the Association in 2011, he has served in several key roles, including Chair of the Human Capital Development Committee, Vice Chair of the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, and Chair of the Executive Board. He has been instrumental in driving initiatives focused on youth engagement, sustainability, and Indigenous tourism, including a recent study on human rights in tourism.
Dr Bottrill now directs the PATA-supported Vietnam Community Tourism project, which works to protect and promote ethnic hill tribe culture through responsible tourism. In his current role as Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, he oversees a wide and complex portfolio of university internationalisation, international projects and partnerships, tourism and hospitality, film, animation and design programming.
The PATA Award of Merit was presented to SanJeet in recognition of his tireless contribution to the Association and his long-standing support of the PATA Chapter network.
A two-term Member of the Executive Board and a dedicated PATA board member for over 18 years, Mr SanJeet has played key roles across various PATA committees and leadership positions, including with the PATA India Chapter. He was an instrumental force in bringing PATA Travel Mart, one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing region-wide travel trade exhibitions, to New Delhi, India, in 2023. As the Director of DDP Publications – a steadfast advocate and long-standing member of PATA for over 25 years, having joined the Association in 1999 – Mr SanJeet oversees the publication of ten travel industry magazines, including two based in Dubai. He has represented major international exhibitions and launched his own series of trade shows in partnership with PLG Group in Bangkok, focusing on luxury, MICE, weddings, and allied industries.
Artyzen Singapore announced the appointment of Marcel NA Holman as its new general manager.
Holman formally took over the post on 16th April, and his appointment is timely as Artyzen Singapore builds on its growing reputation as a design-led hotel offering immersive guest experiences and a modern luxury experience rooted in local culture.
In his new role, Holman will shape the strategic direction of Artyzen Singapore, strengthening its market presence, driving commercial performance, and cultivating a people-first culture anchored in operational excellence.
He will also lead efforts to deepen the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, elevate service standards, and continue curating meaningful guest experience, reinforcing Artyzen Singapore’s position as a forward-thinking icon in Singapore’s luxury lifestyle hospitality landscape.
Holman said of his appointment: “Artyzen Singapore is a standout: its bold design, local character, and unique guest experience have already made an impact. I’m excited to work with a passionate team to build on this momentum, sharpen our focus, and drive meaningful results commercially, operationally, and in how we connect with our guests.”
Well-honed credentials
With over 35 years of global hospitality experience, Holman is a seasoned leader with a strong track record in driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and commercial success.
He has held senior leadership positions with some of the world’s most respected hotel groups, including Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Langham Hospitality Group, and The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts.
He most recently served as managing director of infinitude hospitality Pte Ltd, where he provided strategic counsel and hotel management solutions to luxury hotels and resorts across the region.
Prior to that, Holman was vice-president of operations at Pan Pacific Hotels Group, overseeing properties across Oceania, Japan, China, and Indonesia.
His earlier roles include vice-president of operations in China at Langham Hospitality Group and China vice-president at The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts.
Throughout his career, Holman has led the opening, repositioning, and transformation of numerous iconic properties across Asia, including Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore, The Sukhothai Shanghai, and Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza Taipei.
Asian cruise company StarCruises announced the upcoming debut of the Star Voyager cruise ship in Hong Kong.
Sailing between 27th June and 31st August, this marks the return of the revitalised StarCruises brand to one of its most iconic homeports, which started cruises in Hong Kong more than 30 years ago.
StarDream Cruises president Michael Goh said: “We are proud to return to Hong Kong, a city that holds a special place in StarCruises’ history and heritage. This homecoming is deeply meaningful, as it reconnects us with our roots and long-standing legacy in the region. We’re thrilled to introduce Star Voyager as a symbol of our renewed vision: offering exceptional regional cruises experiences for the domestic market and the growing Fly and Rail cruise segment.”
Boosting cruise tourism in the region
The arrival of Star Voyager is expected to boost cruise tourism in Hong Kong as well as across the region as it offers travellers a fresh wave of voyage options whilst reaffirming StarCruises’ long-standing commitment to Asia’s dynamic cruise market.
During her homeport season in Hong Kong, Star Voyager will offer a series of immersive itineraries, including two-, three-, and five-night cruises to sought-after destinations, including Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Penghu in Taiwan, as well as to Naha and Ishigaki in Okinawa, Japan.
Among the highlights is the return of the popular two-night Weekend High Seas Cruise, which departs every Friday, and is perfectly tailored for guests seeking a short, indulgent escape at sea.
Caption: Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola (first row, second from right) joined Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Goh (third from right) alongside over 250 Chelsea supporters and Ascott Star Rewards members at an exclusive watch party held at Hobs at ICONSIAM, for the live screening of the Chelsea vs.Everton match on Saturday, 26 April.
The power-packed two-day event brought together hundreds of passionate Chelsea fans and Ascott Star Rewards members from across the region, who took part in an exciting line-up of activities and enjoyed exclusive access to club legend Gianfranco Zola
Chelsea Football Club, in collaboration with presenting partner The Ascott Limited (Ascott), brought The Blues to Bangkok, Thailand, this past weekend with the fourth and final stop of The Famous CFC tour for the 2024/25 season. Ascott also hosted the first stop of this season’s global fan experience in Singapore last December. Both events featured special appearances by club legend Gianfranco Zola, bookending the tour with two unforgettable experiences.
As Chelsea’s Official Global Hotels Partner and the presenting partner of The Famous CFC for this visit to Bangkok, Ascott played a key role in bringing this thrilling event to life, underscoring its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for both Chelsea fans and Ascott Star Rewards members. Marking Chelsea’s return to the city for the first time since 2017, the Bangkok edition of The Famous CFC took place over the weekend of 25 and 26 April 2025 at several venues, including Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok, Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok and lyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok – Ascott’s flagship properties in the city. The two-day event featured a watch party for the highly anticipated Chelsea vs. Everton match, along with exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola.
Gianfranco Zola said: “I had an amazing time at The Famous CFC in Bangkok – my second time with Ascott – and it was a true pleasure. The Chelsea fans in Bangkok were incredibly enthusiastic, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with them on such a personal level. The energy they brought was simply unbeatable and the trip was capped off with an important win at Stamford Bridge!’
Casper Stylsvig, Chelsea’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “The second edition of The Famous CFC with Ascott was a resounding success in Bangkok, and we are grateful for Ascott’s support in delivering the many events. Their global network and resources have created new opportunities for us to connect with our fans overseas, particularly in Asia, and the weekend really highlighted the value of this – for us as a club watching our match against Everton with our passionate local supporters, delivering unforgettable experiences for Ascott Star Rewards members and also creating memories with Gianfranco and the local community groups from Childline Thailand.”
Caption: Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola was welcomed by Chelsea fans and Ascott Star Rewards members at an exclusive pre-watch party held at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok on Saturday, 26 April.
Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “The incredible turnout and energy at The Famous CFC in Bangkok is a testament to the strong synergy between the Ascott and Chelsea brands. From the exclusive meet-and-greets with Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola to immersive fan activities, every moment was thoughtfully curated to bring joy and lasting memories to our Ascott Star Rewards members. It was a weekend that showcased the powerful connection between sports, community, and hospitality. The event reflects Ascott’s commitment to redefining hospitality on a global stage, by transforming a hotel stay into a heartfelt experience—one where our guests feel truly rewarded, celebrated, and part of something bigger. We are excited to bring this event and other extraordinary experiences to even more cities worldwide, delivering the same passion, energy, and warmth to our loyalty members and Chelsea fans around the world.”
“We are thrilled to carry this momentum into the upcoming opening of lyf Stamford Bridge London in the second half of this year. With its bold, experience-led and community-driven concept, lyf is the perfect match for the indomitable spirit of Chelsea and the vibrant pulse of Stamford Bridge. More than just a place to stay, the hotel will offer a social living experience that embodies the club’s passion. We cannot wait to welcome guests to a stay that celebrates the heart of London and Chelsea,” she added.
Highlights from The Famous CFC – Bangkok Edition
In line with The Famous CFC’s cornerstone of giving back to local communities, the Bangkok edition kicked off on Friday, 25 April, with Gianfranco Zola’s visit to The Hub Saidek, a drop-in centre for street children operated by ChildLine Thailand Foundation and supported by Safe Child Thailand. Safe Child Thailand, a UK-registered charity, collaborates with a network of local charities and non
profit organisations to support the disadvantaged communities of Thailand. The children and young people who use the Hub Saidek’s facilities enjoyed a fun morning of football and participated in a mini-tournament at an urban pitch in Bangkok, with Zola sharing a few football tricks and offering words of encouragement to the young players.
Later in the day, Zola toured the Thai capital, soaking in its pulsating rhythm, and visited several of Ascott’s properties in Bangkok to film exclusive content for fans. These included Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok, lyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok and Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok, where he stayed during the trip.
Caption: Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola (right) joined The Ascott Limited’s CEO Kevin Goh and Ascott’s mascot, Cubby, for a picture in an immersive experiential zone, set up at a pre-match party at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok on Saturday, 26 April.
On Saturday, 26 April, over 100 Ascott Star Rewards members had the chance to enjoy a breakfast of a lifetime with Zola at Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok as part of a special meet-and-greet event. Fans interacted with Zola, took photos with him and the 2016/17 Premier League trophy, and basked in an unparalleled morning of excitement. The activities continued into the afternoon at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok, where Zola engaged in a fireside chat, sharing personal stories, reflecting on
memorable moments from his football career and answering questions from attendees. Just before the evening’s watch party, Zola also joined Ascott Star Rewards members at an exclusive pre-watch party, which featured an immersive experiential zone for photo opportunities and a suite of fan engagement activities.
The excitement reached its peak with the watch party held at Hobs at ICONSIAM, where over 250 supporters gathered along the scenic Chao Phraya River for the live stream of the Chelsea vs. Everton match. The atmosphere was charged as fans from across the region united in their passion, cheering for their favourite team. Special video messages from Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernández, Christoper Nkunku, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Benoît Badiashile and Omari Kellyman, along with exclusive giveaways drawn by Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez, added to the thrill throughout the evening. The watch party marked the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary two-day celebration and the season’s Famous CFC global tour.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to draw in high-value travellers in keeping with the implementation of Thailand’s national tourism strategy.
TAT recently reported that the number of long-haul international arrivals in the first quarter of this year continues to surge, pushing Thailand closer to its 2025 target of 39 million foreign arrivals, as well as a year-end revenue target of THB 2.23 billion.
As of 21st April, Thailand has already welcomed more than 11.35 million visitors per information from the country’s Immigration Bureau.
This performance has been driven in part by expanded airline seat capacity through TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, which partners with international carriers to increase flight frequencies and launch new routes.
Israel – 131,958 (+97.43%), Italy – 114,808 (+28.6%),
The Netherlands – 94,074 (+17.88%),
Spain – 52,629 (+17.75%), and
Saudi Arabia – 43,356 (+15.26%).
This growth was attributed to the addition of new airlines bringing tourists to Thailand, including Alitalia (Italy–Bangkok), Condor (Frankfurt–Bangkok/Phuket), Evelop Airlines (Madrid–Bangkok), and Air Calédonie International (Paris–Bangkok).
Some airlines have also increased the frequency of their flights to the Thai capital, Iberojet (Madrid–Bangkok) and Norse Atlantic Airways (London Gatwick–Bangkok).
Forward bookings from long-haul markets remain strong for April to June, with continued momentum expected from the UK, Italy, Spain, Israel, and Russia.
However, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool pointed out: “We’re not just chasing numbers, we’re shaping the future of Thai tourism. From wellness and yachting to global festivals and sport, we’re curating experiences that speak to today’s traveller, while building long-term value for the Thai economy and local communities.”
Driving sustainable growth
TAT is sharpening its promotional focus on high-potential, high-spending source markets to drive sustainable growth.
Priority areas include long-haul markets across Europe (the UK, Germany, Italy, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Austria), the Americas (Argentina, Brazil), Oceania (Australia), the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), and Africa (South Africa), as well as key short-haul markets including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Likewise, targeted efforts are being made to attract high-value tourists through health and wellness experiences, including Thai massage, spas, yoga, wellness cuisine, and holistic programmes which are especially popular among travellers from Europe, ASEAN, and the Middle East.
The yacht and superyacht segment is being developed for European, Australian, and Asia-Pacific markets, while sports and entertainment tourism is being actively promoted in Russia, Europe, the US, Australia, China, South Korea, and Japan. Additionally, the digital nomad and workation markets are being targeted in popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Samui, Hua Hin, and Krabi.
Dan Vaughan, Senior Director HR, APAC & EMEA, Agilysys
Dan Vaughan believes that when teams at Agilysys feel supported, connected, and empowered in their work, they are able to go above and beyond for customers. This people-first culture has fostered a committed workforce — with team members who are engaged, consistent, and able to focus on long-term impact and exceptional service. He highlights the importance of aligning people and culture with business goals, investing in talent development, and preparing teams to meet the evolving needs of hospitality clients across APAC and EMEA.
TDM has started a series of interviews under the theme ‘Going Beyond’ that bring to the forefront ‘a behind-the-scenes look’ at the expertise of Agilysys APAC team members across product engineering, services, HR, and sales, highlighting how each function plays a strategic role in delivering value to hospitality clients.
This series of interviews explores how these teams contribute to key business outcomes — enhancing the guest experience, driving RevPAG, enabling seamless, interoperable solutions, etc. — while providing a deeper understanding of the people, processes, and innovation that power Agilysys’ impact across the hospitality sector.
In part 1 of the ‘Going Beyond’ series TDM interviews Dan Vaughan, Senior Director HR, APAC & EMEA, Agilysys. He shares how strategic HR leadership underpins Agilysys’ ability to deliver client value, foster innovation, and support service excellence
Travel Daily Media (TDM): As Senior Director of HR for APAC and EMEA, how do you approach fostering a culture that supports innovation, collaboration, and service excellence at Agilysys?
Dan Vaughan (DV): I’ve been with Agilysys in Singapore for eight years now — which still surprises me, because when I first accepted the role from Australia, I thought it’d be a two-year adventure. But I fell in love with the job, the region, and the people. Even now, I wake up every day genuinely excited about work.
I do not manage a large team — it’s just me across APAC and EMEA — but that’s part of what I enjoy most. It keeps me close to the people. I work directly with teams on the ground in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Australia, the UK, Dubai, India and the USA. We are not big on layers of hierarchy or long chains of command. Culture is built day-by-day — through trust, relationships, and showing up for each other.
We are still growing brand recognition in APAC. Even though Agilysys has more than 60 years of heritage, in this region, it sometimes feels like a startup — and that’s exciting. People wear many hats, stay agile, and support one another to achieve the right outcomes. It is a culture where people consistently go beyond their job descriptions to deliver.
TDM: In a tech-driven hospitality environment, how does HR play a strategic role in ensuring teams are aligned with Agilysys’ mission to deliver seamless, interoperable solutions that drive RevPAG for clients?
DV: At the heart of our brand is Hospitality Technology to Go Beyond — and for me, that’s exactly how HR should work. Our teams cannot go above and beyond for customers unless they feel supported, connected, and empowered in their own work.
We might not operate with a large corporate structure, but we are driven by a strong, shared sense of purpose. My role is to help people understand how what they do truly matters. Whether it is implementing a solution for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, supporting a global rollout from Singapore, or resolving a client query in Melbourne, I want our people to be both equipped and connected to the “why” behind their work.
Our teams are intelligent, motivated, and close to the customer. My job is to clear the path so they can focus on delivering exceptional outcomes.
TDM: With operations across diverse regions, how do you tailor HR strategies to support both employee satisfaction and client success in the APAC hospitality sector?
DV: APAC is incredibly diverse — in culture, economies, and in how hospitality is delivered across markets. We are a global business with offices in six APAC countries, covering 22 countries with product installations and customer service. That variety makes the work deeply interesting — and in HR, it’s essential to stay grounded and flexible.
I focus on listening to local needs and supporting people in ways that make sense for their location. While we may not have rigid career ladders or structured L&D programmes, we create genuine development opportunities. We promote from within wherever possible, but also welcome fresh talent when the team needs it.
Most importantly, people feel known here. They are not just a number. We treat people like adults — giving them autonomy, respect, and room to grow in meaningful ways. That kind of employee satisfaction translates directly into better client outcomes. Our teams are consistent, invested, and thinking long term — and that shows in the service we deliver.
TDM: What role does talent development and continuous learning play in equipping teams to meet the evolving needs of hospitality clients and deliver long-term value?
DV: We don’t have a traditional classroom learning model, but we are constantly learning — in real roles, in real time, solving real problems.
Hospitality tech evolves rapidly, and our people have had to evolve right alongside it. A great example of that was during COVID. While many businesses paused, our teams used the time to reimagine and rebuild our product suite. It was bold and ambitious — and it paid off. That moment truly captured what going beyond means: not just surviving tough times, but using them as a springboard to accelerate forward.
That mindset still guides us. Our people are stretched — but they’re proud of what they’re building. My role is to support them through that growth, whether it’s mentoring a new leader, offering someone a stretch opportunity, or just being available when they need a sounding board – any time, day or night.
TDM: Looking ahead, what workforce trends or challenges do you see shaping the future of hospitality tech, and how is Agilysys preparing its teams to stay ahead?
DV: Customer expectations are rising fast. Operators want integrated, intelligent systems that unlock new revenue and elevate the guest experience. That puts pressure on us — to be faster, more connected, and more agile internally.
One trend I’m watching closely is how people want to work and grow. Flexibility, purpose, and well-being are no longer ‘nice to haves’ — they’re expected. At Agilysys, we’re not chasing trends for the sake of it. We focus on what matters: offering people the chance to speak up, to try something new, and to be part of something meaningful.
We may not offer flashy perks, but we have something deeper — trust, knowledge, and commitment. That’s how we stay ahead: by investing in people who are resilient, who care, and who adapt when things shift.
TDM: What does ‘Going beyond’ mean to you?
DV: To me, Going Beyond isn’t just a brand message — it’s how we show up, every day. It means leaning in when things get tough, saying yes when something seems hard, and showing up with heart.
It’s checking in on a colleague after hours, making sure a new hire in Thailand has everything they need on day one, or staying up late to support teams in the UK or USA. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s real — and it makes a difference.
That’s the culture I’m proud to be part of. Hospitality Technology to Go Beyond isn’t about platforms or products — it’s about people, purpose, and making an impact together.
