Singapore, 21 October 2024 – The annual TravMedia Summit Asia brought together some of the brightest minds in tourism to explore industry insights, share best practices and foster discussions that will shape the future of travel in Asia Pacific. Hosted for the first time on Sentosa, the conference featured experts on responsible tourism, the latest social media and travel trends and the impact of generative AI on the industry.

Nick Wayland, Founder and CEO of TravMedia, said, “The TravMedia Summit provides a platform for learning from industry leaders, gaining expert commentary on critical travel topics and discussing innovative approaches to tourism. We aim to inspire, equip and connect industry professionals to navigate the ever-evolving travel landscape.”

The TravMedia Summit is presented as part of TravMedia's IMM (International Media Marketplace) Asia. Now in its twelfth year, IMM is the leading global networking event connecting the travel industry with editors, journalists, broadcasters and influencers.

The TravMedia Summit brings together a stellar collection of industry experts who share actionable insights to help delegates stay ahead of emerging trends.

The Program:

• Responsible Tourism – Travel as a Force for Good

Moderated by Kevin Phun, Director of The Centre for Responsible Tourism Singapore, this panel covered how the travel industry can be a driver for positive change. Speakers included Dr Nisha Abu Bakar, Co-Founder of World Women Tourism; Paul Christie, CEO of Walk Japan; John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability and Conservation at Minor Hotels; and Lasse Vangstein, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer Havila Voyages, who shared insights on sustainability, conservation and the social impact of travel.

• Unlocking the Modern Social Media Landscape

In this session, Melissa Laurie, Managing Director of Oysterly, expertly moderated a panel of social media experts, including Edwina Hart, Social Editor of Escape; Reene Ho-Phang, Founder and Managing Director of BrandStory Asia; Content Creator Tina Pik of Hangry by Nature; and Danny Osman from TikTok. The panel explored the dynamic changes in social media and how brands can leverage these platforms to better connect with their audiences.

• Keynote: Harnessing our Superpowers in the Era of Generative AI

Strategist Graham Lovelace delivered a powerful keynote address on the revolutionary impact of generative AI on the travel industry. Attendees discovered how AI can enhance efficiency, personalise guest experiences and transform travel marketing while gaining insight into how to future-proof their roles in the age of AI.

• Luncheon Sponsor Fireside Chat: Travel + Leisure Co. on the Rise of Fractional Ownership

Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of International Operations for Travel + Leisure Co., the world's largest membership and leisure travel company and owner of the famous media title by the same name, spoke about how vacation ownership is revolutionising the travel habits of a new generation of travellers in Asia.

• Travel Trends

Led by Aditi Sawhney of Mastercard, this panel delved into the latest travel trends shaping the industry. Experts included Edmund Ong, General Manager of Trip.com Singapore; Ching Yee Wong, Vice President, Communications for Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China; and Divika Jethmal of CARMA. Each esteemed industry expert provided advice on how consumer behaviour is changing and how delegates can use these trends to improve engagement and guest experiences.

• Editor's Panel

Nick Wayland moderated a heavy-hitting discussion with some of the region's best travel editors, including Peden Bhutia, Asia Editor, Skift; Mark Footer, Travel Editor, Post Magazine, South China Morning Post; James Pham, Destination Editor Southeast Asia, Lonely Planet; and Shawn Ong, Editor-in-Chief, Condé Nast Traveler China. They covered the evolving role of journalism in travel and how storytelling continues to drive destination marketing.

• Writing Masterclass

Acclaimed freelance journalist Rob McFarland led a masterclass on travel writing, offering tips on how to craft compelling narratives that engage and inspire readers.

The day concluded with networking drinks hosted by Resorts World Sentosa. They introduced their latest attraction, Harry Potter Visions of Magic, and provided an opportunity for attendees to connect, share ideas, and develop lasting industry relationships.

IMM Asia and The TravMedia Summit attract A-list media from across Southeast Asia, Greater China, India, Japan, South Korea and Australia, alongside global tourism brands including hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and destinations. 

The TravMedia Summit's sponsors included Host City, Sentosa Development Corporation, Networking Drinks Host, Resorts World Sentosa, Luncheon Sponsor, Travel + Leisure Co., Coffee Cart Sponsor, The Leading Hotels of the World, and Lanyard Sponsor, Havila Voyages.

Hotel Partners hosted over 100 international media at Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, Amara Singapore, Capella Singapore, Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Oasia Resort Sentosa, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, QT Singapore, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Siloso Beach Resort, The Outpost Hotel Sentosa and The Westin Singapore.

For more information about IMM Asia and The TravMedia Summit and speakers, visit travmedia.com/immasia.

Contacts for The TravMedia Summit:

Gaynor Reid
Director of Communications Asia
gaynor.reid@travmedia.com

Lauren Moelk
Chief Communications Officer
lauren.moelk@travmedia.com 

Julie Ott
Chief Marketing Officer
julie.ott@travmedia.com

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About IMM

TravMedia's IMM is the world's leading travel industry event for travel brands and destinations to connect with the media. The TravMedia Summit, held on day one of IMM, is the forum for the travel industry to connect and learn from our most influential leaders. The one-day conference brings together travel PR professionals, editors, and travel writers to inspire ideas, share insights, and discuss the trends, opportunities, and challenges affecting our industry.

In its twelfth year, IMM hosts over 2,500 media and international travel brands annually in seven countries worldwide. Upcoming International Media Marketplace events include IMM North America in NYC on 22-23 January 2025; IMM Australia in Sydney on 13-14 February 2025; IMM UK in London on 17-18 February 2025; IMM Germany in Berlin on 3 March 2025; IMM France in Paris on 12 March 2025; IMM Brazil in São Paulo on 11 April 2025; IMM Asia in October 2025; and soon to be announced, IMM Middle East.

For more information, visit  travmedia.com/imm.

About TravMedia

TravMedia is the travel industry's only global media network. Founded in 1999 by Nick Wayland, a former travel editor seeking an easier way to research and report travel news, TravMedia is the one-stop solution trusted by travel PRs and media to network and share press releases, stories and ideas. The platform hosts thriving online communities and is an essential daily tool for collaborating and developing long-lasting professional relationships. 

TravMedia provides global travel newsfeeds and connects more than 25,000 travel media and more than 20,000 travel brand PRs worldwide via an online newsroom, press release distribution, events, Journalist Alerts and daily industry updates. To learn more and register for TravMedia, visit travmedia.com.