As we come to the close of 2018, we asked some of our industry peers to give us their take on the year that’s passed and to stare into the crystal ball and make predictions about the one ahead.
Read on to see what travel trends they find most exciting (and boring), what they predict the biggest game changers are going to be, and their favourite travel experience so far!
Timothy Hughes, VP, Corporate Development, Agoda | WiT Singapore 2018
Most exciting moment: Exciting in the sense of “hey, you, industry, sit up, make sure you are watching this and are ready to move”, then answer is Google rolling out Book On Google across Europe. There are now 16 origin markets where the whole hotel booking experience can be completed on Google. This makes them an OTA (even if they choke on using the word). Which means that the whole industry needs to adjust itself to this new reality. Personally I was super excited by the first legally recognised same sex wedding ceremonies conducted in Australia!
Most “yawn” moment: NDC. I am not (no longer) an air guy so maybe I am missing the big picture. From where I sit, progress has been so slow. If James Brown was a travel agent, then on NDC he would say “talkin’ loud, sayin’ nuthin”
Game changing moment in travel: Almost $400mm raised in tour, activities and experiences in 2018. Finally the sector is “mainstream” in online. But (and it is a big but) there are very few global online experiences, in-destination or activities company in the world that are making steady profits. Meaning “welcome to the party” tours and activities, but you still need to figure out how to pay your way.
My best holiday: Japan – like most of the world I joined the Japanese inbound wave of tourists. In my case I did a five day trek along the Nakasendo trail. The ancient trade route linking Kyoto to Endo (Tokyo). Which is now a series of magnificent countryside treks. Nine to ten kilometers a day of trekking, ending each day in a hamlet or small village staying at a traditional inn or onsen. A magical combination of culture, activity and the sheer beauty of the Japanese countryside.
Let’s look forward to … in 2019
The travel trend I am most excited about: The local nature of the competitive landscape. Despite decades of consolidation in online travel, we still see so many local/market specific competitors for us to chase and be chased by in 2019. This is exciting because it forces me to get to know about the local needs and trends in so many different markets across the world.
The trend I am most apprehensive about: Does “trade war” and “global instability” count as a trend? If yes, then these are the areas they leave me sweating and apprehensive. Reading the Economist and the New York Times is now like reading doomsday prediction books. If there is good news to be clung to it is that the travel industry is robust and resilient. Always finding ways to grow in down cycles.
The prediction I’m betting my money on: Messaging. It is not (yet) time for voice in online travel. But it sure is time for messaging
What I expect to be another “yawn” moment: Blockchain in travel
I am most looking forward to: Now that my kid have PADI licenses, continuing to explore with them the underwater playgrounds and “forests” of SEAsia and the Indian Ocean.
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