What are the things we wish AI could solve, and which will it never solve? Plus, what are the trends no one’s talking about yet?.
More answers in this third instalment of our series of Trends and Predictions for 2024 from our community of travel leaders as we ask them to share their reflections of the year and their outlook for the coming one.
Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Booking.com
Looking back – one word to describe 2023.
One word you wish would disappear from the vocabulary
On a scale of 1-10, rate how optimistic (10 being most) do you feel about 2024?
Looking forward – one word to describe 2024
Looking at your data, how would you describe the start of 2024?
What’s the one key thing you’re doing to prepare your business for whatever lies ahead?
- Ensuring team resiliency. Even with the travel industry’s ongoing strength, we know there will always be obstacles to tackle and we need to ensure that our teams are best placed to manage everything coming their way. When teams work as one, they are unstoppable… which in turn makes our business stronger.
What is the biggest opportunity for your business in 2024?
- The further recovery of China’s outbound travel as well as the continued rise of the Indian intrepid traveller.
What part of your job would you like to do more of in 2024?
- I would love to spend more time with our partners around the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region next year. I would like to do ‘slower’ and conscious travel in 2024, to immerse myself deeply in fewer destinations.
What’s the most interesting thing you read or watched in 2023?
- A podcast on Leading with Dignity by Dr Donna Hicks, where she elaborates that unlike respect which is earned, dignity is a right that we sometimes give away too easily. When dignity is damaged, conflict arises and this is bad for business, politics and any type of relationship.
What’s the trip you want to make in 2024 to add to your memory bank?
- I’m eager to revisit South Africa. It’s been a favourite destination of mine for many years and I have not been back since January 2020.
What’s the one thing you wish AI could solve?
- My time management – there are never enough hours in the day.
What’s the one thing you think AI will never solve?
- My Time management – a challenge that seems tough even with AI
One important trend that no one is talking about yet?
- Sleep tourism – traveling to get a good night’s sleep. I can fully relate to this one!
A buzzword that will disappear this time, next year
Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer/Managing Director Japan and Korea – CapitaLand Investment, Lodging/The Ascott Limited
Looking back – one word to describe 2023
One word you wish would disappear from the vocabulary
On a scale of 1-10, rate how optimistic (10 being most) do you feel about 2024?
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