Further East, the annual event where global travel buyers meet distinctive brands in Asia-Pacific, will hold its sixth edition with record attendance and a focus on new regional trends. Scheduled for November 3 to 6 in Seminyak, Bali, Further East 2025 will host more than 600 delegates and introduce programmes aimed at fostering stronger connections.
On day one, the ideas festival Open House will feature Circle Talks, a new freeform space where delegates can initiate group discussions. Serge Dive, founder and CEO of This is Beyond, the show owner, told TTG Asia that to facilitate networking, “we’ll also have a rich array of entertainment, activations and local drinks suppliers at our Sunset Sessions, taking place after our show floor wraps up on Tuesday and Wednesday”.
The Community Project, a regular part of the Further East programme, this year focuses on cooking to combat poverty in collaboration with the Ragam Foundation, while charity partners will host one-off talks and experiences.
To maintain relevance and growth, Further East is seeking to diversify its representation by including more city properties, aiming to challenge the traditional view of crowded Asia-Pacific metropolises.
Dive said: “We’re seeking more city properties to show what Asia-Pacific can do for alternative urban escapes. Many people have a cliché of an Asia-Pacific metropolis in their head: soaring skyscrapers, swathes of neon, crowded streets and dozens of horns at once. But the truth is, there are countless large or hidden boutique hotels and resorts offering serenity on the city bucket list. So, we’re welcoming more of these properties to put cities on the map in a whole new way, especially those from South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and China. We’re keen to spotlight these urban markets.
“Additionally, I think it’s important that we stay on the pulse of regional trends. Not just finding them – demonstrating how our community is serving them with creative itineraries and unmatched service. You can bet that we’re looking at more incisive content across our channels to show the rest of the world what it’s missing.”
Dive also highlighted set-jetting as a major trend, citing the Kimpton Kitalay Samui in Thailand, featured in season three of The White Lotus, as a prime example of an “extra iconic” location. He noted rising demand for multi-generational family trips and resorts offering digital detox.
“Switching your phone off with kids, grandparents or extended family, somewhere gorgeous and mindful, is another kind of luxury,” he said.
Another factor enhancing Asia-Pacific’s appeal is the growing number of domestic flight paths, which allows affluent guests to plan longer, more cohesive trips – a trend also supported by increased eco-awareness.
Since its debut in 2018, Further East has established itself as the key platform uniting innovative and transformative stays across the region, maintaining its focus on quality, convenience, and opportunities for properties to stand out while preserving their unique, intimate atmospheres.
