Technology will take centrestage at ATF 2017

NEXT year’s Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), held alongside the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), will feature a “one-of-a-kind” tech hub that showcases the latest solutions for the travel industry.

The hub is meant to facilitate a fresh exchange of revolutionary ideas to benefit both buyers and sellers while leveraging the strides that Singapore – the host country for ATF 2017 – has taken in the digital landscape, said Margaret Heng, co-chair of the TRAVEX@ATF2017 organising committee.

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ATF 2016

The hub will house at least 15 well-established exhibitors, including local app vendors and distribution technology providers.

Speaking exclusively to TTG Asia, Heng, who is also executive director of the Singapore Hotel Association, said: “We are riding on the digital wave. Everything is driven digitally today and it is becoming more important for our trade to include new avenues such as apps.”

To further drive TRAVEX as a technologically-driven show, Heng added that buyer-seller appointments will be coordinated via QR code scans rather than physical stickers or traditional pen and paper.

As well, buyers can look forward to meeting smaller, independent hotels in Singapore who will be making their ATF debut, she said.

This will be the 36th edition of ATF since it’s inauguration in 1981 and the third time that Singapore is hosting. ATF 2017, held from January 16-20, will also be the launchpad for the ASEAN@50 celebrations.

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