The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has signed an agreement with Malaysia-based analytics and big data company Fusionex to develop ASEANTA Travel Exchange (ATEX), a comprehensive virtual exhibition and engagement platform, to help facilitate an inclusive business environment and provide greater access to new markets.
By leveraging ATEX to pivot from physical to virtual during this pandemic, ASEANTA will be able to seamlessly improve accessibility, connection and engagement while removing the restrictions of time and space through virtual exhibitions, webinars, digital marketing campaigns, and more.
Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, president of ASEANTA, said that the collaboration between ASEANTA and Fusionex will help “take tourism in the region to new levels and to firmly establish (South-east Asia) as one of the most viable and attractive tourism destinations in the world”.
Powered by Fusionex technologies, the platform is expected to go live in 4Q2021, offering a suite of innovative solutions to empower ASEANTA in organising virtual events while driving meaningful and measurable online interactions.
The platform offers an intelligent B2B matchmaking feature that connects local enterprises with global businesses, thereby expanding market reach.
Travel and tourism players can also leverage the platform’s global distribution system to conduct secure and uninterrupted business transactions.
In addition, the platform enables businesses to showcase their offerings via virtual booths, facilitate pitching sessions through livestreaming, provide real-time reporting capabilities as well as performance monitoring and measurement features. It will also allow enterprises to capitalise on AI-powered digital marketing tools to tailor personalised campaigns.
ATEX enables ASEANTA to not only create engaging online events but also generate vital business prospects and develop networking opportunities in a data-driven way.
Nigel Wong, secretary-general at ASEANTA, shared that the association will leverage the platform to organise virtual talks and seminars for its members, with attendees being able to interact with speakers. As well, there will be static travel-related content curated by ASEANTA in a variety of formats.
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2022 and its B2B Travex will be hosted by the Cambodian government in Sihanoukville from January 16-22.
Thong Rathasak, chairman of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations and director general for tourism development and international cooperation at Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, shared that the ATF 2022 might take on a hybrid format, but nothing is set in stone yet.
Wong shared that the ATEX would complement the B2B travel exchange component by providing industry players with an extended opportunity to continue leveraging the awareness generated about the ASEAN member countries through the ATF and other similar regional events online.
Hilton India, in partnership with Wakao Foods, has put up a sustainable food showcase in the form of a food festival dubbed The Wakao Fest, featuring an exquisite menu with jackfruit as the core ingredient.
The innovative food menu, available across F&B outlets at Hilton properties in the country, is inspired by the growing appetite among consumers for sustainable and naturally available alternatives to animal-based meat.
With the joint vision of placing jackfruit as a sustainably sourced plant-based meat substitute, the collaboration between Hilton and Wakao Foods aims at supporting local producers and products, as well as bringing plant-based alternatives prominently to the F&B scene in India.
Prashant Kulkarni, director F&B, India-Hilton, said: “The shift towards plant-based alternatives is the most dominant trend of 2021 triggered by the growing consciousness about mindful and healthy eating. The Wakao Fest explores unique dishes that are sustainable to serve and bring guests delight.”
Sairaj Dhond, founder & CEO Wakao Foods, added: “As the world looks at more plant-based alternatives, which are healthier and more sustainable options, there is a growing interest in meatless meals off late. The versatile and indigenously grown jackfruit is bursting onto the scene and finding itself being used more often. The pop-up therefore explores the versatility of the humble jackfruit, which is considered a superfood but needs to be more relevant across the cuisine culture of the country.”
The jackfruit-based artisanal menu at The Wakao Fest has been curated by the culinary experts at Hilton to offer multiple cuisines and gourmet delights comprising starters, main course and desserts.
During the festival held from August to November 2021, guests can sample dishes like Faux Pao, The Wakao Krapow, Parmesan Polenta, and “Bar of Bliss” across the F&B outlets at Hilton properties in India, including @SAIPE at Hilton Goa, Coriander Kitchen at Conrad Pune, The Amber Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer, and Terazzo at Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa.