Expert Opinions

In the midst of the pandemic, some destinations have swiftly seized new business opportunities to keep the tourism dollars flowing, shared Jameson Wong, director of APAC for tourism & hospitality at ForwardKeys.

As the pandemic accelerates the adoption of alternative payment methods, ensuring a payment system that is not only seamless and secure, but tailored to local preferences is crucial to drive aviation's recovery, says Roc Harry, head of global enterprise eCommerce, APAC, Worldpay from FIS.

Tim Hentschel, CEO and co-founder of HotelPlanner, sets out key actions tourism and hospitality stakeholders can undertake for a united front against Covid-19.

Beyond robust vaccination drives, travel health credentials and verified information channels play a crucial role to revive cross-border travel, says Vinay Malhotra, regional group COO – South Asia, Middle East & North Africa and Americas for VFS Global.

As travel readies for rebound, tourism stakeholders should assess how to build back better, in ways that boost economies, while promoting more sustainable and inclusive growth, opines Mike Orgill, Airbnb’s director of policy for Asia Pacific.

India's latest Covid-19 infection surge has been disruptive to her people and the destination brand, but Rajeev and Rohit Kohli, the joint managing directors of Creative Travel, believe that the country will bring that under control soon with her continued vaccination drive, stern lockdowns, and resilience of her people.

The airline industry may be bruised and battered but it continues to perform a crucial role in salvation efforts throughout the pandemic. It needs to now heal itself, and a host of conditions must be in place for recovery to happen. Subhas Menon, director general, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, reviews what's needed.

Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group's president Asia Pacific, Sumir Bhatia, shares his thoughts on how data will pave the way for smart travel in the post-pandemic world.

Singapore Institute of Technology's associate professor of hospitality business, Detlev Remy, discusses the importance of upskilling today's hospitality workforce and how that can benefit them and the hospitality industry of the future.

Ruben Toral, principal with Intermedika Consulting and a specialist in branding, business strategy and medical tourism for hospitals, health resorts, governments and investors worldwide, says Thailand has all she needs to be the Retirement Capital of Asia but a smart strategy is needed.