The post Accor reaps 3 accolades at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The company took home wins for its Instant Status Offer (ISO) and “For Every You” campaign.

Accor was named the recipient of Loyalty Programme of the Year – Singapore, Advertising Campaign of the Year – Singapore, and Content Marketing of the Year – Singapore at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia for its Instant Status Offer (ISO) that drives member loyalty and for its “For Every You” campaign that celebrates travellers.

Instant Status Offer

As Accor’s global lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL Accor launched ISO to strengthen engagement and retention amongst its mid-tier members. 

Accor annually rewards members with exclusive offers across Meetings & Events, hotel stays, and dining experiences. However, the company identified a 20% annual attrition rate amongst Gold members. This arose after Gold members who were unable to meet the required number of nights by year-end were downgraded to Silver. Given the fewer benefits offered in the Silver tier, members were not motivated to engage.

ISO was then implemented as a targeted campaign to give recently demoted Gold members a second chance to regain their status. Through this, Silver-tier members could reclaim Gold status by completing just five nights within a 90-day period. 

With this approach, member communications achieved open rates above 60% and click-through rates of 36%. Over 33% of members that enrolled for the offer successfully requalified for Gold status within the 90-day window.

The campaign caused the revenue from eligible stays to rise by 83% compared to pre-offer performance. Member nights stayed increased as well by 56%, along with the average daily rate that grew by 13%.

The ISO has proven to be a milestone in Accor’s commitment to understanding and rewarding member behaviour. The campaign turned potential attrition into renewed engagement and profitability.

‘For Every You’ campaign

The “For Every You” campaign was introduced in Asia Pacific to celebrate the diverse passions and personalities that shape the way people travel today. It blended AI-driven storytelling, digital innovation, and an integrated media strategy to connect with travellers as explorers, dreamers, foodies, and thrill-seekers.

Traditional travel campaigns focus on destinations or hotel features, whilst “For Every You” puts people at the centre of the story and recognises that modern travellers don’t fit into a single category, as they are curious and ever-evolving. By aligning this insight with Accor’s diverse hospitality ecosystem, the campaign became a lifestyle companion that celebrates every aspect of travel.

The creative storytelling was built around four key pillars: Perfect Stays for Every You, Bucket List Ideas for Every You, Memories for Every You, and Rewards for Every You. 

After its rollout, the “For Every You” campaign achieved over 1 billion impressions between July and September.

Engagement was equally impressive, with 10.9 million link clicks, alongside 268.5 million video views. Moreover, programmatic display reached a 1.58% CTR, whilst TikTok achieved a 98% video-through rate. Overall results in Asia Pacific delivered a Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) of 7.40, with Quantcast conversions reaching 19.2 ROAS. The campaign converted engagement as well into bookings.

Aside from the numbers, “For Every You” has made ALL.com and Accor brands more relevant as it strengthened emotional bonds with travellers. 

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme presented by Travel Daily Media. It seeks to honour the pinnacle of excellence in Asia’s travel industry, covering the best hotels, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Emirates launches Emirates Signature Series appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Emirates has unveiled Emirates Signature Series, an exclusive collection of signed football jerseys from some of its most storied club partnerships including Real Madrid, AC Milan and Arsenal.

Drawing from over a decade of extraordinary footballing heritage, each jersey in the collection has been authenticated by The Bootroom Collection, providing enthusiasts with the assurance of owning a truly verified piece of sporting history. Each jersey is elegantly presented in a custom-designed box and accompanied by both a certificate of authenticity and security hologram with each jersey.

Emirates Signature Series certified jerseys are adorned with autographs from football greats and current players like Kylian Mbappé, Luka Modrić, Vinícius Júnior, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, among many others, offering collectors the opportunity to own genuine pieces of footballing excellence.

The Emirates Signature Series is exclusively available at the newly refurbished Emirates Official Store at Emirates Group Headquarters and through The Bootroom Collection’s two official stores in Dubai Mall (near Kidzania) and The Avenues at Atlantis, The Palm. Plans are underway to make the jerseys available for sale on the Emirates Official Store and The Bootroom Collection’s websites.

Proceeds from the Emirates Signature Series will benefit the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline’s non-profit charity organisation providing humanitarian, philanthropic aid and essential services for children from around the world. The Foundation currently supports 14 projects in 9 countries. Part of the proceeds will also be channelled to designated philanthropic organisations that each club supports, demonstrating the airline’s collaborative approach to social contribution and community development.

The new Emirates Signature Series collection comes as the airline also reopens its Official Store at its Group Headquarters location. The revamped 126 Square Metre Emirates Official Store offers an elevated shopping experience with a curated and exclusive selection of official merchandise, travel essentials, aircraft models featuring the latest Emirates liveries and clothing items for men, women, and children. To mark the launch of Emirates Signature Series, a dedicated memorabilia showcase will be prominently featured at the new Official Store, introducing customers to the collection’s unique concept.

The airline plans to roll out the Emirates Signature Series collection into other key partnerships, including Sailing, Cricket and Cycling.

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The post Ananya and Kartik Bring Star Power to the Spectacular Saudi Showcase appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Ahead of the launch of their upcoming film Tu Meri Main Tera, Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan made an appearance at the Spectacular Saudi showcase in Mumbai, where the charming duo instantly won hearts.

They were welcomed in true Saudi style at Brewtopia: A Qahwa Experience, with freshly brewed Saudi coffee, dates, and the soft trail of bakhoor setting the tone.

Ananya and Kartik also explored The Essence of Saudi, enjoyed the Epicurean-Culinary Corner, watched the lively Ardah dancers, and even checked out the Arabic calligraphy sessions — getting a vibrant glimpse of Saudi’s culture and warmth.

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The post Top travel leaders and initiatives celebrated at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The awards programme commended standout trailblazers and contributions shaping the region’s travel experience.

As travel across Asia continues to evolve, industry players are accelerating innovation and service delivery to support sustainable, seamless journeys for modern travellers. In recognition of those setting new standards in the sector, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia once again honoured the most distinguished companies driving excellence across the region.

Presented by Travel Daily Media, the event proudly celebrated the achievements of top travel brands at the prestigious Awards Dinner on 25 November 2025 in Singapore.

The awards ceremony shone a spotlight on Asia’s leading hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology providers, recognising their outstanding contributions to the region’s travel, tourism, and hospitality landscape.

The esteemed panel of industry experts that served as this year’s judges included Eric Levy, Managing Director, Tourism Solutions International; John Low, Senior Partner, Managing Partner Southeast Asia, Roland Berger; Pierre Marechal, Vice President, Advisory & Asset Management, Hotels & Hospitality Group, JLL; and Florian Kittler, Managing Director, HVS Executive Search-Europe & Asia Pacific, HVS.

Congratulations to all the winners!

TDM TRAVEL TRADE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2025 – ASIA WINNERS

2GO Travel (2GO Group, Inc)
Community Engagement Programme of the Year – Philippines
Cruise Ship Entertainment of the Year – Philippines

Aabas Pokhara Pvt.Ltd
Budget Hotel of the Year – Nepal

Acai Travel
AI Initiative of the Year – India

ACCOR
Advertising Campaign of the Year – Singapore
Content Marketing of the Year – Singapore

Aerotel Singapore
Airport Hotel of the Year – Singapore

ALL ACCOR
Loyalty Programme of the Year – Singapore

Aqua Expeditions
Expedition Cruise Line of the Year – Cambodia
Luxury Cruise Line of the Year – Cambodia

ARCTIC TRAILS TRAVEL CORPORATION
Travel Management Company of the Year – Philippines

Asia Pay
Technology Innovation of the Year – Singapore

ATPI
Global Travel Management Company of the Year – Singapore

ATPI India Private Limited
Corporate Travel Agency of the Year – India

ATPI Travel Philippines, Inc.
Specialty Travel Agency of the Year – Philippines

Barahi resort PVT.LTD
Villa Resort of the Year – Nepal

BCD
Employer of the Year – Singapore

Bedsonline
Travel Agent Tech Provider of the Year – Singapore

Casobe
Lifestyle Hotel of the Year – Philippines

Century Cruises
Cruise Itinerary of the Year – China
River Cruise Line of the Year – China

Chroma Hospitality Inc.
Hotel & Resort Management of the Year – Philippines

Cocotel International, Inc.
Emerging Technology Initiative of the Year – Philippines

Crowne Plaza Vientiane
MICE Hotel of the Year – Laos
Sustainable Hotel of the Year – Laos

Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore
Extended Stay Hotel of the Year – Singapore
Serviced Apartment of the Year – Singapore

Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore
Dining Concept of the Year – Singapore

EMPYREAN HOTEL
Boutique Hotel of the Year – Bangladesh

Europcar Australia and New Zealand
Advertising Campaign of the Year – Australia
Car Rental of the Year – Australia

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort
Family Resort of the Year – Maldives
Sustainability Initiative of the Year – Maldives

Frasers Hospitality
City Centre Hotel of the Year – Singapore

Fusion Original Saigon Centre
Boutique Hotel of the Year – Vietnam

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
Hotel & Resort Management of the Year – Singapore

Halal Tour Co ltd
Tour Operator of the Year – Vietnam

HBX Group
AI Initiative of the Year – Singapore

Horana Plantations PLC
Employee Wellness Programme of the Year – Sri Lanka

Hotel Barahi Pvt. Ltd
Sustainable Hotel of the Year – Nepal

HotelPlanner
Group Travel Booking Website of the Year – Singapore

HYGEE TRAVEL CONCIERGE
Specialty Travel Agency of the Year – Singapore

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort
Luxury Hotel of the Year – Vietnam
New Hotel of the Year – Vietnam

Island Life – Sri Lanka
Hospitality Group of the Year – Sri Lanka

Japan Ski Experience
Specialty Travel Agency of the Year – Japan

John Keells Information Technology (Pvt) Ltd
Airline Tech Provider of the Year – Sri Lanka

Keyaki at Pan Pacific Singapore
Hotel Restaurant of the Year – Singapore

Lighthouse
Hotel Tech Provider of the Year – Singapore

MACTAN-CEBU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport of the Year – Asia

Mercure Almaty City Center
Themed Hotel of the Year – Kazakhstan

Mountain Lodges of Nepal
Community Engagement Programme of the Year – Nepal
New Hotel of the Year – Nepal

Nepal Airlines Corporation
Full-Service Airline of the Year – Nepal

Nomad Hotel Pvt.Ltd
Bed and Breakfast (B&B) of the Year – Nepal

Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
MICE Hotel of the Year – Singapore
Sustainable Hotel of the Year – Singapore
Themed Hotel of the Year – Singapore

Pan Pacific Singapore
Business Hotel of the Year – Singapore
Marketing Initiative of the Year – Singapore
Meetings & Conferencing Property of the Year – Singapore

Pandaw Cruises
Cruise Itinerary of the Year – Vietnam

Piano Piano Restaurant
Hotel Restaurant of the Year – Nepal

Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort Managed by Accor
Destination Restaurant of the Year – Vietnam
Sustainable Hotel of the Year – Vietnam

Protect Group
AI Initiative of the Year – Australia
Emerging Technology Initiative of the Year – Australia

Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu
Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year – Philippines
MICE Hotel of the Year – Philippines

Regent Phu Quoc
Beach Resort of the Year – Vietnam

Rydges Sydney Airport
Airport Hotel of the Year – Australia

Sailing Club Signature Resort Phu Quoc
Villa Resort of the Year – Vietnam

Sarangkot Mountain Lodge
Honeymoon Resort of the Year – Nepal

Science Centre Singapore
Data Analytics of the Year – Singapore
Destination Product of the Year – Singapore

Shinta Mani Mustang
Luxury Hotel of the Year – Nepal
Sustainability Initiative of the Year – Nepal

Solaire Resort
Casino Hotel of the Year – Philippines
Resort Hotel of the Year – Philippines

Tall Ship Adventures PTE LTD
Cruise Onboard Dining of the Year – Singapore

Thamserku Trekking
Destination Management Company (DMC) of the Year – Nepal
Travel Management Company of the Year – Nepal

The Grand Luang Prabang Affiliated by Melia
Heritage Hotel of the Year – Laos

The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Luxury Hotel of the Year – India

The Royal Sands Koh Rong
Luxury Hotel of the Year – Cambodia
Sustainable Hotel of the Year – Cambodia

Tourism Promotions Board Philippines
Community Initiative of the Year – Philippines
Tourism Board Campaign of the Year – Philippines

Tourism Western Australia
Tourism Board Campaign of the Year – Australia

Trafalgar
Tour Operator of the Year – Singapore

Travel Sense Asia
Inbound Tour Operator of the Year – Vietnam

Trip.Biz
Business Travel Booking App of the Year – Singapore
Business Travel Booking Platform of the Year – Singapore

Uniworld Boutique
River Cruises River Cruise Line of the Year – Singapore

Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel Makati
Business Hotel of the Year – Philippines

VIETPRINCESS CRUISES
Luxury Cruise Line of the Year – Vietnam

WildTaiwan
Tour Operator of the Year – China

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at (+65) 3158 1386 or danica@traveldailymedia.com.

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The post Pan Pacific Hotels Group inks management agreement for PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

UOL Group Limited’s hospitality arm Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) recently signed an agreement to manage PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay.

The signing for the new property further accelerates the Group’s expansion in Southeast Asia’s fast growing long-stay segment.

According to PPHG chief executive Choe Peng Sum: “Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a clear shift towards longer stays driven by traditional corporate travel, relocations, multi-generational trips, extended assignments, and project-based group stays that blur the lines between work and leisure. The Philippines sits at the heart of that trend, with Metro Manila emerging as a hub for enterprise, innovation and conventions. PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay is a strategic step in our long-stay roadmap, building on our recent launch in Hanoi. It reflects our vision for thoughtfully designed, community-oriented residences that give guests the space and flexibility they need, delivered with the warmth and consistency of our brands.”

Located in the heart of the Philippine capital, the property will sit inside a two-tower mixed-use development comprising offices, retail space, and serviced suites. 

Slated to open within the first half of 2027, the project will have 169 suites, across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options for guests. 

Rethinking long-term stay options within Southeast Asia

The signing of PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay marks another step forward in PPHG’s Version 2.0 growth roadmap. 

The strategy is centred around an ambition to strengthen and sharpen the Group’s portfolio in line with how guests are travelling today. 

At the heart of this strategy is the long-stay segment, which continues to expand as business travellers, relocating executives and extended-leisure guests look for flexible living with hotel-level assurance.

Across Asia Pacific, industry forecasts point to a strong multi-year trajectory for serviced apartments, underscoring demand for high-quality, professionally managed residences in gateway cities. 

Building on its proven track record, PPHG has refreshed its PARKROYAL Serviced Suites brand with future-ready concepts that blend residential comfort, thoughtfully curated services and contact-light convenience.

Choe explained” “Our focus is to stay ahead of evolving lifestyles and the choices guests make because of them. We are shaping the long-stay concept around flexible spaces, intuitive technology and a sense of community, delivering the comforts of home with our signature hospitality and a clear commitment to sustainability, so that longer stays feel seamless.”

With Manila joining the Group’s growing long-stay portfolio alongside recent openings in the region, PPHG is setting new benchmarks for extended-stay hospitality, where convenience, lifestyle and sustainability come together in spaces designed for the way people live, work and connect today.

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The post Accessibility upgrades completed at two Philippine airports appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Philippine private airport operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc (AIC) announced the completion of essential upgrades at Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) in the Visayas and Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) in Northern Mindanao.

AIC, which has been managing the Bohol airport since June and the Laguindingan airport since April of this year, made repairs on elevators to ensure easier access for passengers, especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, as well as those travelling with children.

In a statement released on Monday, 24th November, AIC CEO Cosette Canilao declared: “These improvements are important infrastructure upkeep that reflect our shared commitment with the government to make every AIC airport experience safer, more efficient and more enjoyable for our travellers.”

At both airports, AIC also completed the assessments of uninterruptible power supply systems to ensure sustained airport operations during power outages; along with ensured baggage carousel servicing for quicker claiming and shorter waiting time at arrivals.

Additional preventive maintenance for passenger boarding bridges and baggage weighing scales were also completed at the BPIA.

Canilao added: “We are ensuring that BPIA and LIA remain reliable gateways that connect communities, boost local economies, and strengthen our country’s aviation network.”

A collaborative approach to modernisation

AIC officials likewise pointed out that these recent upgrades are outcomes of a public-private partnership strategy for modernising provincial airports.

A statement from the company said: “This initiative demonstrates how strong collaboration between the public and private sectors delivers better facilities and faster services, with direct benefits for travelers, airport staff, and host communities.”

Future upgrades in both airports will include terminal restructuring, expansion, and capacity augmentation.

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The post ikhlas.com invites travellers to discover the jewels of Asia at inaugural travel fair appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Capital A subsidiary Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd recently launched its first-ever ikhlas.com Travel Fair 2025.

Centred on the theme Discover the Jewels of Asia, the fair is a major milestone for the platform as it continues to expand its reach in the Muslim-friendly travel and lifestyle segment.

Opened on Friday, 21st November at the vibrant Sungei Wang Plaza, the event features exclusive travel promotions, family activities, destination showcases, and insightful talks designed to inspire meaningful and value-driven travel for 2026 and beyond.

Throughout the event which concludes on Sunday, 30th November, patrons can enjoy a wide selection of promotions, including a RM2,000 discount when purchasing any four ikhlas.com travel packages, lucky draw umrah packages for two winners, worth RM4,990 each, as well as other seasonal umrah promotions. 

Platform CEO Ikhlas Kamarudin said of the travel fair: “The event represents more than a marketplace — it is a celebration of discovery, connection and faith. We want to make it easier for Muslims to explore Asia’s hidden gems while staying true to halal, convenience and comfort.”

Kamarudin added that the fair brings together a complete Muslim-friendly travel ecosystem, including umrah, domestic getaways and regional escapes to destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and more through AirAsia’s expanding route network.

Joseph Teo, general manager of Sungei Wang Plaza, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with ikhlas.com, a subsidiary of AirAsia, on their very first travel fair – a celebration of travel that is both Muslim-friendly and value-driven across Asia. This partnership reflects our shared vision of promoting meaningful journeys that connect people, respect cultural values and highlight the rich heritage of our region.”

Something for everyone

Visitors to the fair may look forward to meeting ikhlas.com’s travel experts to explore diverse Muslim-friendly journeys that are value for money, hassle free and aligned with halal travel principles across Asia. 

They can also enjoy great savings with participating partners including AirAsia, AirAsia MOVE, AirAsia Rewards, and Tune Protect offering special offers exclusively for travellers.

As part of the launch celebration, ikhlas.com likewise announced a series of limited-time promotions, including discounts on Umrah and Muslim-friendly holiday packages, Buy 1 Free 1 offers for selected regional destinations, and exclusive redemption offers using AirAsia Rewards points.

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The post Indonesia implements the world’s first seamless immigration corridor  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesia is all set to become the world’s first nation to use a biometric corridor to facilitate seamless immigration processing at its airports.

This means arrivals coming into the country may simply walk through without needing to be processed manually or going through automated scanning gates.

The technology is based on an artificial intelligence (AI) solution developed by global travel tech firm Amadeus.

Two of these corridors are being installed at Indonesia’s primary hub Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta; a third has been scheduled for installation at the Surabaya Airport.

The implementation of the technology is part of Indonesia’s All Indonesia programme which seeks to streamline procedures related to immigration for foreign visitors.

How does it work?

Amadeus’ Rudy Daniello explained that the combination of digital identity and biometrics at key airport service points will result in a truly seamless and secure travel experience.

After all, it no longer involves paperwork, reduces or completely does away with time spent waiting in queues, and eradicates physical barriers.

The corridors work using passport data gleaned from travellers through an initial enrollment process to be accomplished before they fly.

In doing so, background checks may be completed well before they head to the airport.

Final authentication takes place when they walk through the biometric corridor.

In the initial phase of implementation, priority will be given to seniors as well as passengers with disabilities; these may pre-register via the All Indonesia app.

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The post Joye: Shorter, more meaningful trips are what today’s travellers are into appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hermione Joye, Google’s head of travel ads in the Asia-Pacific, shared her insights on recent trends regarding traveller behaviour and preference at the TDM Global Summit Singapore 2025 earlier today, 24th November.

Joye pointed out that today’s travellers are looking into shorter trips and more authentic and meaningful experiences in their travels.

She explained: “I think for the brands in the room it’s micro-moments, because travellers are spending a lot longer on travel, but on average they’re spending five hours on a trip [broken into] 4.5-minute segments.”

Joye added that, following the pandemic, there is an ongoing shift in the way travel is perceived the world over.

She said: “When we came out of the pandemic in 2022, it was a luxury. By 2024, it was seen as a reward. Today, in 2025, it’s become a necessity. What we’ve found out is that consumers will prioritise their basic needs, but still try to have enough in order to travel. They see it as core to their value proposition and their ecosystem; they also see it as an option for wellness and a much-needed break.”

An evolving market

Consumers throughout the Asia-Pacific region have notably increased the number of trips they take per year despite challenges in budgeting their disposable income.

Joye explains that, as travel is currently seen as a necessity, people are opting to make a bit of a smart sacrifice in order to put trips high on their list of priorities; hence the need to plan for shorter but more meaningful journeys.

As she explains: “[Trip durations] are being reduced, on average; in APAC we’re down from 14 days to ten. With regard to the average, you can see that beyond APAC it’s a little bit higher; but, within APAC, they’ll travel now for around six days. Outside of APAC, they’ll travel close to nine days.”

Given the current state of the global economy and the escalating cost of living throughout the world, people will still travel, albeit for shorter periods.

At the same time, there has also been a notable shift towards destinations that are off the beaten track or happen to be outside major urban centres.

As Joye explains it: “[Travellers] might choose Chiang Mai versus Bangkok, in order to be able to still travel, still have a unique experience, but do it a little bit more cost-effectively.”

Likewise, a major trend that experts have been seeing of late is the growing number of people travelling to improve their overall wellness.

Some experts have opined that people have felt that they’ve been under more stress since the pandemic years, and the stresses of the average individual have risen by up to 50 percent since COVID initially hit.

As Joye puts it: “When we talk to consumers, we see that they’re definitely looking to escape, to rest, to have a wellness break, and invest in themselves, whether it’s educational, or mental, or physical.”

Content is king when it comes to travel inspiration

Another thing that is spurring people to travel these days is the increasing amount of travel-related content featured on social media.

Younger people, especially those of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are keen on sharing and viewing content – and travel makes for some of the most shareable content currently online.

Also, content sharing in the context of travel also means building and strengthening connections, particularly in the post-pandemic experience.

Joye said: “If you take a good look at all the people who came straight out of the pandemic, their core desire is to connect with friends and connect with family. That remains true as long as the scars of the pandemic still live with us.”

Post-pandemic travel also involves more meaningful, more authentic experiences; it has to be memorable as opposed to being just another item ticked off from a list.

Joye remarked: “I think Glenn D Fogel, the CEO of Booking.com, summed it up best. Travel is one of the few things that you can keep in your memory box outside of funerals and weddings that really locks into your mind. People might have shortened their time [or are travelling out of season], but they’re still traveling because it’s core to their way of life. It’s the thing that gives them purpose in life.”

Off the beaten track

With regard to the current trend of shifting from popular destinations to lesser-known areas, Joye was asked if this was a personal matter for many travellers or backlash against over-tourism.

She replied with: “There’s a definite desire to do something unique and different, and we’ve seen this in the Kantar research we did earlier this month. At the same time, there’s their purse strings. So it’s dual: people want to have a unique experience that no one else has, something they can tell their friends and family about because it’s special and it’s their milestone moment, but price also matters.”

Indeed, the cost of everything in urban centres has grown more expensive for locals and tourists alike.

The latter thus end up looking for other options, often well off the beaten path, and deciding on a final destination takes more time and consideration.

As Joye explains: “On average, a traveler will change their destination, their end destination, at least three times by the time they get to booking. So they might have a view of the Maldives and say, ‘That’s where I’m going.’ But they’ll end up somewhere in the Philippines. It’s still a beach destination; it still ticks the box for wellness, but it’s actually a much more affordable trip.”

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