Google’s industry head for strategic partnerships Term Panupong spoke on redefining the Thai hotel experience via AI

Travel Daily Media (TDM) brought a great number of the leading minds in travel, tourism, and hospitality at its first-ever TDM C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Staged at the Rajmontien Grand Ballroom of the Montien Surawong Hotel in Bang Rak on Thursday, 8th May, this initial run covered a wide range of topics relevant to the evolving sectors within the Asia Pacific and beyond.

Organised by TDM and the Charlton Media Group, the Summit was sponsored by Agilysys, HBX Group, Hotelbeds, Shiji, and Booking.com.

The first fireside chat centred on catching the next wave of Thai tourism

Setting the stage for a digital future

Event discussions revolved around the theme The Future of Hospitality: Crafting Seamless Experiences in an AI Digital-Driven World.

The Summit featured four speakers and discussions were divided into eight panels seeded throughout the day and moderated by experts from related fields.

Two fireside chats at the beginning and the end of the Summit likewise offered a look into tourism and hospitality within the Thai purview, and a summary detailing how technological advancements and evolving methodologies stand to change the sector in the future.

TCEB’s Jaruwan Suwannasat poses a question to the audience

Considering returns on experience

Jaruwan Suwannasat, chief information officer of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) jumpstarted the day’s talks with a talk on Tomorrow’s Destinations: Transforming Value Through Innovative Experiences.

Suwannasat posed a question to participants at the beginning of her talk: What is tomorrow’s destination for you?

She framed the question against the recovery of both the domestic and global tourism sector’s following the pandemic, noting that the sector is coming back stronger despite a slow start from 2022 following the widespread use of vaccines and the subsequent reopening of borders.

Suwannasat’s report showed that 67 percent of would-be-travellers are making travel a priority when it comes to their savings, and that tourists in the post-pandemic age have an eye out for experiences that are both enjoyable and memorable as opposed to simply racking up the number of destinations visited.

In which case, tourism and hospitality professionals need to keep in mind that volume isn’t the priority anymore, but value offered to customers makes all the difference.

The key questions that companies in both industries need to answer are how much value can they give to each visitor that comes their way; how can they amplify the worth of each stay in terms of activities, amenities, and adventures; and where can they make relevant improvements to ensure that they are delivering as much value as possible.

Indeed, contemporary tourism and hospitality need to think that it isn’t so much about returns on investment, but more of returns on experience.

Theresa Matheson (far left) takes the lead in the first panel of the day

A diverse range of topics

As stated earlier, the Summit proper was divided into four talks, including the opening presentation delivered by TCEB’s Suwannasat, and eight distinct panels.

Speakers and topics were as follows:

Primary Speakers

• Adtip “Term Panupong, industry head for strategic partnerships at Google, on Thailand Hospitality: Redefining Experiences with AI;
• Agilysys director of sales in Southeast Asia March Suthamwutinan on Making the Personal Profitable: Leveraging Data Accuracy to Drive Revenue; and
• The Thaiger‘s lead content creator Alex Latour.

Themed Panel Discussions

• Digital Disruption in Hospitality: Harnessing AI and Data Analytics, moderated by American Express Global Business Travel vice-president Teresa Matheson;
• Hotel Asset Enhancements: Covering Brand Evolution, Design Considerations, Technology Integration, AI and Customer Journey, and ESG Components, moderated by JLL senior vice-president for hotel asset management in Thailand and Vietnam Jon Cannon;
• AI and Technology: Where Does It Start and Stop, moderated by Amadeus Hospitality’s vice-president in the Asia-Pacific Paul Wilson;
• Overcoming Travel Challenges: Scalable Personalisation to Rebuild Trust and Loyalty, moderated by HBX Group’s vice-president for hotel sourcing in MEAPAC Patrick Torres;
• Welcome to the Social World of Gen Z: You Got to be Where Your Potential Customers Are, moderated by Agoda vice-president for corporate development Timothy Hughes;
• Rethinking the ASEAN and APAC Travel Markets in 2025 and Beyond, moderated by High-Yield Tourism director Gary Bowerman; and
• Future Trends in Travel: Redefining Experiences Through Innovation, moderated by Roland Berger senior partner and managing partner in Southeast Asia John Low.

Aside from these panel discussions, a special roundtable session spearheaded by platinum sponsor Agilysys was held for around 15 representatives from leading hotels and hotel management companies from Thailand and across the Asian region.

The discussion revolved around the theme The Future of Guest Experience: Personalisation Through Technology and was led by Agilysys’ March Suthamwutinan.

 

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) announced the appointment of Devanshi Parikh to represent the destination in India.

Parikh’s appointment is a response to increased growth in the number of Indian corporations enquiring about Sydney for their next incentive destination.

Likewise, her placement demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to supporting clients across the country.

BESydney CEO Amanda Lampe remarked: “India is a Top 3 source market for international incentives choosing Sydney, with the number of business events delegates travelling to Sydney from India growing by more than 50 percent since 2019, proving Sydney’s appeal to the most discerning travellers.”

Lampe added that the growth was fuelled by the quadrupling of direct flight capacity into Sydney since 2019, as well as the streamlined and much improved visa process.”

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones added: “India is one of NSW’s most important visitor markets, with strong cultural and social ties through sport, the arts and Sydney’s large Indian diaspora. NSW is also the nation’s number one state for business events – a sector forecast to contribute more than $192 million to our visitor economy this year – so there’s significant opportunity for further growth from the Indian market. I’m delighted that the strategic partnership between Destination NSW and BESydney has secured an in-market representative to generate new business events opportunities for Sydney, and I congratulate Devanshi on her appointment.”

This strategic move underscores BESydney’s commitment to global engagement and its mission to position Sydney as the pre-eminent Asia-Pacific business visitor destination.

The right person for the job

With regard to Parikh, Lampe said: “Devanshi’s on-the-ground expertise and market knowledge will be instrumental in responding to our growing Indian client base and expanding our reach and impact”. 

Parikh brings over 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the travel and tourism sector, having worked with leading agencies across Mumbai.

A graduate of The International School for Tourism in Zurich, Switzerland, she most recently founded and led her own boutique travel agency, Explorience, from 2016 to 2024.

Based out of the New South Wales Government’s Destination NSW (DNSW) Mumbai office, she will initially work closely with major MICE travel partners highlighting the exciting program of new developments across Sydney to surprise and delight their clients. 

Over time, her role will broaden to support both DNSW’s leisure travel initiatives as well as BESydney’s business events strategy, reflecting the natural synergy between the two sectors and their shared partner networks.

She said of her assignment: “India loves Sydney’s action and adventure, sport, shopping and dining. There is much anticipation for the India Cricket tour later in the year, especially when Australia faces India under lights at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in a potential series-deciding third match of the One Day International series. We have so much more to share, with annual events like the Vivid Sydney festival of lights, food, music and ideas, a new 24-hour international airport opening next year, and exciting event spaces like The Cutaway in Barangaroo and International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney. I look forward to working with the MICE industry to continue to strengthen the bonds between Australia and India.”

In conjunction with the current homeport deployment of the Star  Voyager in Hong Kong, StarCruises has renewed its  collaboration with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. 

Building on their successful 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership, this year’s summer charity cruise welcomes over 20 underprivileged families, comprising more than 60 guests. 

They will set sail from the conveniently located Ocean Terminal for a memorable 3 Day / 2 Night  cruise to Kaohsiung. 

StarDream Cruises president Michael Goh said of the initiative: “As part of our ongoing CSR initiatives in the communities where we homeport and visit, we are pleased to once again collaborate with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals in Hong Kong. This meaningful cruise journey aims  to bring joy and lasting memories to families in need. Cruise travel is more than a leisure  experience – it also helps children broaden their horizons and gain valuable life knowledge.” 

Making summer more meaningful

This special CSR initiative offers children of all ages from the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals a  unique opportunity to learn and have fun aboard the ship. 

The “Summer Voyage” features the  interactive “Little Dreamers” experience, where children discover dining etiquette, shipboard  knowledge and life jacket safety through hands-on activities and guided tours. 

In the “Little  Captain” session, young participants step into the role of ship officers to explore basic nautical  skills and safety procedures. Meanwhile, the “Little Butler” workshop lets children experience  hospitality firsthand by learning dining etiquette and service techniques. 

First time at sea

For many of the underprivileged families, this was their first-ever cruise experience. 

The Star  Voyager sailed to Kaohsiung, where guests explored cultural highlights such as the Pier-2 Art  Center and Cijin Old Street, immersing themselves in the charm of this vibrant port city. 

Back on board, families enjoyed a wealth of entertainment and dining options, creating precious  bonding moments and discovering new experiences from ship to shore. 

The stage is set for the highly anticipated debut of Kimpton in Hong Kong through the brand’s largest global property.

The soon-to-open Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong will redefine lifestyle hospitality with an innovative vision that celebrates individuality. 

As a global collection of design-forward hotels, each Kimpton serves as a vibrant hub that sparks authentic connections within its community. 

True to the ethos that no two properties-or guests-are alike, this one-of-a-kind hotel reflects Hong Kong’s dynamic spirit, blending avant-garde design with local cultural richness. 

A global milestone

Opening this September, this landmark property, the largest in the Kimpton portfolio with 495 rooms, sets a new global milestone for the brand while offering travelers an elevated experience in the vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui district.

Kimpton Hong Kong general manager Mike Robinson said of the upcoming property: “We envisioned Kimpton Hong Kong for the modern tastemaker: a global citizen who moves effortlessly between cultures, appreciates thoughtful design, and values authentic connections.”

Boasting 18 years of experience at Kimpton, Robinson successfully orchestrated the brand’s launches in international markets, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Los Angeles. 

He brings extensive knowledge and a deep passion for hospitality to this launch. 

He added: “The hotel is a canvas for individuals who curate their own lives, blending the best of international sophistication with the creative pulse of the city. Here, every detail is designed to spark inspiration, foster community and offer a truly personal encounter.”

With its bold vision, distinctive design, and deep connections to Hong Kong’s local culture, Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong invites guests to discover a new era of hospitality: one where global sophistication meets the city’s magnetic soul at every turn.

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) formally signed an agreement with the Croatian government, opening doors to the Central European nation for Filipino workers in the hospitality sector.

Per a statement released earlier today, 18th July,  DMW undersecretary Felicitas Bay signed the Implementing Guidelines for the Pilot Project on the Recruitment and Employment of Filipino Hotel Workers in Croatia in a virtual ceremony with Croatian Employment Service director-general Ante Loncar on Thursday, 17th July.

The signing was witnessed by Philippine ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes Bernas and Croatian labour and employment director Luka Čirko.

Bay said of the agreement: “This milestone marks a significant step toward facilitating safe, ethical, and government-to-government job opportunities for Filipinos in Croatia’s hospitality sector.”

What comes next

According to the DMW: “Under the government-to-government arrangement, Croatian employers will shoulder the recruitment-related costs for Filipino workers subject to permissible fees agreed upon by both parties.”

Moving forward, Filipino hotel workers will be deployed through a streamlined process that ensures a safe, ethical, and transparent hiring process, providing strong protective measures for workers.

The agreement also strengthens the bilateral partnership between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to shared prosperity, while establishing a clear dispute resolution mechanism, guided by both Philippine and Croatian labor laws.

Meanwhile, to prepare Filipino workers before deployment, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will conduct pre-departure orientation seminars, while the DMW’s Pre-Employment and Government Placement Bureau will facilitate pre-flight briefings.

This agreement is part of a broader cooperation initiative based on the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Labour Market, signed by the Philippines and Croatia in October 2024 and ratified by Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr earlier this year.

It also reflects the current administration’s commitment to expanding ethical and government-facilitated job pathways for Filipino workers.

Organisers have announced that the next run of ITE Hong Kong will be held from 11th to 14th June 2026 at Hall 1 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event will also include the 40th ITE Leisure, as well as the 21st ITE MICE, welcoming trade and public visitors alike.

As Asia’s leading international travel trade event, ITE Hong Kong covers both traditional travel as well as innovative approaches under one roof, incorporating programmes for both B2B and B2C participants.

An exceptional precedent

ITE 2025 was a resounding success that drew in a significant number of trade professionals, as well as members of the general public.

Staged in five halls of the venue, this year’s event drew in 8.6 percent more professionals and 11.5 percent more in terms of members of the public.

Around 33 percent of professionals in attendance were buyers and tradesmen from Mainland China, with an additional 20.2 percent from other parts of Asia.

In terms of sectoral participation, 45.7 percent of those who came were travel agents and tour operators; MICE and corporate travel professionals made up 15.3 percent.

Organised by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd., again, ITE Hong Kong is strongly supported by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Macao Government Tourism Office and Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong.

Global hospitality group Accor invites the world’s travel professionals to join the HERA Challenge, an initiative recognising the performance and expertise of the best travel advisors. 

Open to members of HERA, Accor’s global loyalty and rewards programme for travel  advisors, the Challenge will see 33 top advisors flown to Colombia to stay at the  luxurious Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena and the Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach  Resort. 

Pascal Visintainer, Accor Luxury & Lifestyle’s global chief sales officer said: “The HERA Challenge is our way of recognizing and rewarding the extraordinary advisors  who bring our brands to life for guests around the world. We believe that it is incredibly important  for us to celebrate the expertise, commitment, and the human connections that are at  the heart of truly memorable travel. With the introduction of HERA last year, we take  great pride in our ability to provide travel advisors with the tools and opportunities to thrive in their profession and, now, a chance to be honoured among the best of the  best.” 

A great new way to get with the programme

The HERA Challenge offers a new way for advisors to engage with the program, with the  top three advisors in each of the 11 categories earning an invitation to an exclusive hosted trip in Cartagena, Colombia from 9th to 12th March 2026.

With this challenge, Accor  poses the question:what if the experts who design journeys for others were invited on  a dream trip of their own? 

Participants may vie for a slot in the following categories:

• Performance Champions: Top 3 HERA members by total revenue on  HERA.Accor.com, and Top 3 by revenue on one reservation;
• Regional Stars: Top 3 HERA bookers in revenue respectively in The Americas; Europe, Africa, and Turkey; and the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific; 
• Brand Experts: Top 3 HERA advisors in revenue respectively for Orient Express, Fairmont, Raffles; Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, and MGallery; and Ennismore lifestyle brands; and
• Destination Diversifiers: Top 3 HERA bookers with the most diverse range of  destination countries booked. 

The trip itinerary for winning agents will feature meaningful local encounters and  community integration, aligning with Accor’s long-standing commitment to sustainable,  culturally sensitive travel. 

All bookings made with the travel advisor’s HERA number from 15th November 2024 to 15th November 2025 will count towards the HERA challenge, with the final winners  notified in December 2025.

Kasada Capital was recently selected by Morocco’s Mohammed VI Investment Fund as fund manager for a new tourism fund.

In a statement released on Thursday, 17th July, Kasada officials pointed out that they identified Morocco as a country with huge potential for investment into sustainable hospitality assets.

As a way of showing commitment to a market with exceptional potential, Kasada Capital opened an office in Casablanca to handle matters in the country.

Per the statement: “We are therefore very proud to have been selected together with 13 other fund management companies by The Mohammed VI Investment Fund as co-investors to manage various thematic and sectoral investment vehicles investing into the Moroccan economy paving the way for greater innovation, resilience and job creation; tourism being one of the key strategic sectors supported by this initiative.”

The company added that it seeks to contribute significantly to the development of the Moroccan hospitality sector.

This will be done through productive investments in order to boost development and create sustainable jobs across the hospitality spectrum from budget and luxury to lifestyle and leisure.

Government authorities and local media in Tunisia report that the country’s tourism sector experienced a significant upturn in activity throughout the first six months of this year.

Per a recent report from Agence de Presse Africaine (APA), several key indicators rose significantly throughout the first half of 2025.

Specifically, these were visitor numbers, overnight stays, and revenues, and their progress is mostly thanks to improved air connectivity, a resurgence in traditional European markets, as well as Tunisia’s more focused tourism strategy.

The Ministry of Tourism reported that visitor numbers from January to June were up 18 percent compared to the first half of 2024. 

Additional figures suggest that foreign currency earnings rose by approximately 25 percent, based on preliminary updates. 

The northern coast of the country, along with the Sahel Region and the Southern Sahara, are the ones primarily reaping the benefits of these developments, as they have helped boost local employment and community economies.

Challenges remain

It should be noted, however, that the sector’s competitiveness remains under pressure due to increasing competition from rival markets.

Indeed, a statement from the Tunisian Hotel Federation (FTH) pointedly declares: “Growth is here, but competition is as fierce as ever.”

Tunisia’s rivals in terms of tourism include Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco, all of whom are investing significantly in high-end tourism, infrastructure development, and attractive tax incentives for investors. 

Likewise, issues like delays in hotel renovation, security management challenges, and the slow adoption of digitalisation are weighing down Tunisia’s tourism strategies. 

With this in mind, tourism and hospitality professionals are calling upon relevant authorities to significantly overhaul the current Tunisian tourism model, seeing a need to shift from an approach that puts too much emphasis on resorts.

As of press time, the Tunisian government is set to present its strategic plan for 2025-2030 by September of this year. 

This plan aims to reposition the country as a premier tourist destination and will include new tax measures, support for modernisation initiatives, and a significant overhaul of sector governance.

SONIFI’s guest engagement technology is all set to change the game for guests at the recently-opened luxury resort Rosewood Mandarina in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.

With SONIFI’s interactive TV platform in each of the 134 suites, guests can not only access thousands of streaming apps via SONIFI’s patented STAYCAST solution, they also get an insider’s look at everything the resort has to offer.

With customized smart on-screen experiences, guests can explore activities like ziplining, surfing, golfing, horseback riding at the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club, and dozens of free fitness and wellness videos. 

They can also get a look at the curated cuisines of the resort’s signature restaurants and luxury offerings of the on-site spa, and easily book reservations throughout their stay.  

An interactive approach to luxury hospitality

Located on the west coast of Mexico in the Riviera Nayarit, Rosewood Mandarina is nestled in a unique landscape of lush mountains, sprawling flatlands and pristine beachfronts. 

It’s the fourth property in Mexico for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts that opened this spring as a sanctuary where nature, culture and adventure converge.

The Rosewood team truly understands the value of an interactive system for guests, and what it can do to elevate experiences at their properties.

With this in mind SONIFI vice-president for Mexico and international Shivan Sihota said: “It’s the entertainment and convenience guests look for, paired seamlessly with the branding and promotions an exquisite getaway like Rosewood Mandarina deserves. We’re proud to partner with Rosewood at this property and as they expand their presence in Mexico, redefining what an extraordinary guest experience can be.”