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Articles by Chris Head
A guide to Iberostar resorts in Mexico
With its endless coastline and postcard-perfect beaches, Mexico easily stands out for those dreaming of a luxury all-inclusive break. The crashing surf and bustling beach towns lure visitors back year after year. If you're hoping for a holiday where everything from mouth-watering dinners to stunning, eco-friendly settings is easily at hand, sorting through Iberostar’s impressive number of options isn’t always straightforward.
Qatar Travel Mart 2026
ABOUT QATAR TRAVEL MART 2026 07-09 December 2026 Doha, Qatar Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) is poised to become the definitive platform for the global travel and tourism industry, where the world’s leading destinations converge to showcase the latest trends in Sports, MICE, Business, culture, Leisure, Luxury, Medical, and Halal Tourism.
HoSkar Night Manila 2026: The Region’s Vibrant Real Estate and Hospitality Community Returns
HoSkar Night returns to Manila on October 29, 2026, bringing together leading developers, investors, hotel owners, operators, and industry experts for an evening of market insights and high-value networking.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Thailand 2027
Celebrating the pinnacle of achievement in Thailand’s travel trade. Join us at the gala ceremony in Bangkok on October 2027. Recognition for top-tier hospitality, aviation, and tech innovators. Enter your nomination today! Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry.
Visit Malta! 3 Days of Golden-Stone Magic, Fine Dining, and Luxury in Malta
There is a distinct moment when a destination snaps into focus, shedding its guidebook stereotypes to reveal its living soul. For me, that moment happened aboard a traditional wooden dgħajsa, skimming across the deep azure waters of the Grand Harbour as the fortified bastions of Valletta towered above in the late afternoon sun.
Grandeur by the Gates: Checking Into The Phoenicia Malta
As part of TDM's coverage of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Summit and hosted by Visit Malta, our General Manager and Managing Editor checked into The Phoenicia Malta to experience it firsthand. Arriving at Valletta’s entrance, guests approach through centuries of dramatic, honey-hued limestone fortifications.
Why WTTC 2027 in Delhi marks a turning point for the global travel trade
As the curtain comes down on the 2026 World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Valletta, the global travel trade is already recalibrating its compass toward South Asia. In its closing session today at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, the WTTC announced New Delhi as the host city for its 2027 Global Summit, selecting India’s capital over 21 competing destination bids.
Happiness Over Politics: Nick Adams on the $100M Quest for America’s Next Travel Era
When U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism Nick Adams took the stage at the 2026 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Malta, he wasn't just there to collect his Global Leadership Pioneer award. He was there to field uncomfortable questions from the assembled 30 Journalists including TDM's very own GM & Managing Editor, Christopher Head. Trade friction. Tariff arguments. Bottlenecks at passport control. A noticeable chill in Canadian border crossings.
FUTU[RE]SET: What We Learned on Day 1 of the WTTC Global Summit 2026 in Malta
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit 2026 opened at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta with a strong focus on how the travel industry needs to respond to a rapidly changing operating environment. The summit's theme, FUTU[RE]SET, reflects a broader change in the way destinations and travel companies are thinking about growth.
Tourism chief executives gather in Malta as global travel outpaces economic estimates
Against the historic backdrop of Valletta’s Saluting Battery, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) convened its 26th Global Summit, assembling over 200 global chief executives, 60 government leaders, and 1,000 delegates. Often dubbed the “Davos of Tourism,” the high-level gathering signals a pivotal moment for global travel leadership as the industry charts its next phase of sustainable growth.
More Than a Layover — How Taoyuan International Airport Is Redefining the Travel Experience
In recent years, airports around the world have been moving beyond their traditional role as transit hubs, becoming a city's first impression—and even destinations worth exploring in their own right. As Taiwan's largest international gateway, Taoyuan International Airport is embracing this shift, using culture, cuisine, and smart services to let travelers experience Taiwan's charm from the moment they enter the terminals.
Island Escape by Burasari – A Thoughtful Retreat Where Hospitality Feels Personal
Phuket’s Island Escape by Burasari Redefines Luxury Hospitality with Intentional, Slow-Travel Philosophy As global luxury travel shifts from opulent grandeur toward mindful, high-touch experiences, Island Escape by Burasari is setting a new benchmark for slow travel in Thailand.
Thailand MICE X-Change 2027 (TMX)
Connect with your clients by working with our in-house brand studio, using our expertise and media reach to help you create and craft your message in video and podcast, native content and whitepapers, webinars and event formats.
AI shifts APAC corporate travel toward better trip outcomes
Artificial intelligence is reducing reporting and administrative work in Asia-Pacific corporate travel, but its value will depend on whether it improves traveller experience without weakening programme control. Ali Hussain, Managing Director, APAC, Direct Travel, said early gains include faster data analysis, less manual reporting and stronger compliance and duty-of-care processes.
TDM Dubai Summit - 2027
The TDM Dubai Summit is not just another industry event—it is a GENUINE high-level, invitation-only gathering of over 200+ of the Globe’s most Senior travel & hospitality executives.
PHIST 2026 – Phuket Hotels for Island Sustaining Tourism
Get ready for PHIST 2026 - Beyond Green: Turning Sustainability into Measurable Value in Tourism and Hotels Where in the world is an amazingly engaging sustainable tourism event? Buckle up as Southeast Asia’s green ‘in person’ learning event and exhibition PHIST 2026 is set to take place in Phuket, Thailand on7th September 2026. Expect the unexpected as PHIST will roll out with maximum25 interactive workshops and over 30 exhibitors.
‘AI can’t understand personal narratives,’ says Scott Dunn Asia manager
Scott Dunn says travellers now want trips that help them switch off and reconnect rather than showcase where they stayed. Luxury travel is moving away from traditional markers of status as high-end travellers look for trips built around meaning, access and emotional value. Alison Zacher, Global Managing Director of Scott Dunn, said the shift is shaping the company’s 2026 travel outlook as it marks its 40th year.
Carrier aims to leverage unique private airport ecosystem, says Bangkok Airways president
Bangkok Airways is building a broader aviation services model as it seeks more stable revenue and stronger regional tourism connectivity in Thailand. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways, said the company is no longer positioning itself only as a carrier. Its business also covers airport management, catering, ground services, cargo warehousing and travel-related operations.
NoVacancy Asia Conference 2026
Where Hospitality's Biggest Challenges Meet Game-Changing Answers You’re not just sitting in sessions - you’re unlocking solutions. NoVacancy Asia’s Conference is where the hospitality industry comes to confront its toughest challenges head-on, with actionable insight, real-world case studies, and straight-talk strategy that works. Two days. EIGHT content tracks. FOUR powerhouse theatres of strategy, innovation, and execution. Struggling with guest retention?
Digital Travel Europe Summit 2026
The Premier Gathering for Digital Innovators from Europe's Top Travel Brands Optimise the customer journey and drive growth in an AI-driven world Travel brands are racing to adapt to rapid digital disruption, shifting customer expectations and the rise of AI. Discover how to unlock growth, streamline the customer journey and remain competitive as AI shakes up the travel industry.
TravelDaily China Conference 2026
With 18 years of industry influence and accumulation, the TravelDaily Conference has become one of the most influential premier gatherings in the global travel industry. As in previous years, TravelDaily Conference 2026 will welcome 1,800+ attendees from hotels, airlines, destinations, tourism boards, online travel, travel technology, corporate travel, TMCs, payments, and more.
‘Stop working in silos’: BCD CEO says 80% of travel buyers have overhauled risk systems
Corporate travel managers are facing mounting pressure to protect employees from a widening range of global disruptions as geopolitical instability, cyber threats, extreme weather, and supply chain breakdowns intensify travel risks in 2026. Stephan Baars, CEO of BCD, said travel buyers are increasingly being judged not only on cost control, but also on how effectively they protect travellers during crises and operational disruptions.
‘We do the expert work’: CEO says travel agents can bypass fragmented global rail rules
Rail tourism is gaining momentum in 2026 as travellers increasingly seek premium multi-country journeys and slower travel experiences beyond traditional air-based tourism. The trend is creating opportunities for specialist operators as travel agents struggle to manage fragmented international rail systems with different ticketing rules, booking timelines, seating formats, and overnight services.
‘Get in early’: Tech executive warns hotels to master AI search optimization or lose guests
Artificial intelligence platforms are changing how travellers discover hotels, forcing operators to rethink distribution as demand moves earlier in the booking journey, according to Juanjo Rodriguez, Head of Direct Booking and Innovation at Lighthouse. Platforms such as ChatGPT are scaling quickly, with “around 900 million users” and “50 million users search for travel every month,” creating a new source of demand alongside Google and online travel agencies.
‘Asia is not one market’: Agoda CEO says local partnerships critical to battle fragmentation
Agoda is expanding its partnership-led strategy across Asia as secondary destinations account for 34% of accommodation search demand and travel platforms compete to localise pricing inventory and payment options across fragmented regional markets. Omri Morgenshtern, Chief Executive Officer of Agoda, said the company’s strategy relies heavily on technology pricing competitiveness and local partnerships to remain relevant across sharply different Asian travel markets.
‘Treat your points like perishable inventory’: Executive warns of $1T travel rewards trap
Unused travel credit card loyalty points are becoming a consumer finance issue as airlines and hotel groups retain control over balances that can lose value through expiry, redemption changes and limited transfer rights, according to Ingrid Picard, Founder and Managing Director at Tribuescape. Globally, nearly US$1t in unused credit card loyalty points is sitting across airline and hotel programmes.
‘It’s all about partnerships’: Smiling Albino CEO reflects on a quarter-century in luxury tourism
Luxury travel demand across Southeast Asia is shifting away from status-driven tourism towards cultural access, longer stays, and flexible itineraries as operators rethink how premium experiences are marketed and sold in 2026. Daniel Fraser, CEO and Founder of Smiling Albino, said travellers increasingly value local connection over expensive amenities and globally standardised luxury products.
‘Think global, act local’: LHC International managing director shares blueprint for hospitality hiring
Hospitality groups expanding aggressively across Asia Pacific are facing rising management gaps as hotel development pipelines outpace the industry’s ability to prepare executives for more commercially demanding operating models.
‘Who are we?’: How clear positioning pushed DTH Travel past $100 million
DTH Travel says its rebrand and operational overhaul helped push revenue beyond $100m as the 69-year-old destination management company repositioned itself for younger travellers, digital operations, and a more volatile global tourism market. Stephan Roemer, CEO of DTH Travel, said the transition from Diethelm Travel to DTH Travel in 2023 reflected more than a name change following new ownership in 2022.
‘Hotels lost control’: Roibos CEO vows to democratize travel distribution landscape
Hotels are losing control over room pricing and inventory as fragmented B2B distribution systems weaken revenue management, reduce pricing consistency, and slow responses to market demand. Patricia Rosselló, CEO of Roibos, said hotels lose oversight once rates move through multiple intermediaries and disconnected reseller networks. “Distribution today is super fragmented in the B2B space,” Rosselló said.
Asia remains the ‘engine of global travel’ despite economic headwinds, analyst says
Asia’s travel and tourism sector has regained momentum four years after borders reopened, but rising geopolitical tensions, fuel costs, and structural industry changes are forcing operators to rethink long-term growth strategies. Gary Bowerman, Founder and Director of Check-in Asia, said Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia have staged a strong rebound since most countries lifted quarantine restrictions in 2022, although the sector now faces mounting operational and economic pressure.
PATA chief warns destinations against relying on ‘volume risk’ as travel rebounds
Asia-Pacific tourism is expected to surpass pre-pandemic arrival levels in 2026, but industry leaders warn destinations remain vulnerable to geopolitical instability, climate disruption, and overreliance on visitor growth metrics. Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), said shocks affecting the tourism sector are no longer isolated disruptions but increasingly permanent structural risks.
A World for Travel Paris Forum 2026
New Tourism Realities: From Global Disruption to Collective Action Paris, 29 & 30 October 2026 The 1st international forum which works to transform and push adoption in travel and tourism activities sustainably. SAVE THE DATE 29 & 30 Oct. 2026 Paris, France Turning Uncertainty into Impact The tourism landscape is being reshaped by a new era of global disruption — from geopolitical shifts and climate pressures to changing economic realities.
ITE HCMC 2026
What to expect at ITE HCMC 2026 ITE HCMC 2026 returns from 27–29 August 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), marking the 20th edition of Vietnam’s leading international travel trade event.
‘Guests remember how they felt, not what it looked like’: YAANA Ventures CEO on the future of hospitality
Small ships force luxury travel into low-volume growth with Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro More than 80% of travellers want “unexpected, local discoveries,” but tourism remains concentrated in established hotspots due to infrastructure and distribution constraints. Willem Niemeijer, CEO & Founder of YAANA Ventures, said the imbalance is driven by access, not demand.
‘AI changes the interface, not the platform’: Travel strategist urges brands to embrace digital shift
Small ships force luxury travel into low-volume growth with Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro Hotels, cruise lines, and tourism destinations risk losing bookings as AI-powered travel discovery reshapes how travellers search for experiences online, increasing pressure on hospitality brands to produce content that both consumers and machines can understand.
‘I will not sacrifice our core values’: Aqua Expeditions CEO on Ponant partnership
Small ships force luxury travel into low-volume growth with Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions Small ships force luxury travel into low-volume growth Protected destinations can limit vessel size landings and visitor numbers keeping capacity tightly controlled. Luxury travel operators are shifting towards small-ship expeditions to capture premium demand whilst managing access limits in protected destinations.
Travel and Tech Asia 2026
Step into a world where the future of travel technology comes alive. At Travel & Tech Asia, you’ll immerse yourself in groundbreaking innovations and industry-leading solutions that are reshaping the travel and tourism landscape. Connect with key players, explore cutting-edge technologies, and gain insights into emerging trends that will drive your business forward. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the dialogue that’s shaping the next wave of travel experiences.
HWONFEX 2026
HWONFEX is the Philippines’ premier holistic healing and well-being expo, and the pioneering B2B2C trade fair of its kind in the country. More than an event, HWONFEX serves as the centerpiece of a multimedia campaign promoting a healthier and more purposeful way of life among Filipinos, while showcasing the country’s natural beauty and positioning the Philippines as the Heart of ASEAN Wellness.
WTE Miami 2026
WTE Miami is an international travel and tourism expo that offers your company a platform to generate new business opportunities. WTE provides exhibitors and attendees the ability to meet and connect with travel industry professionals and discover unique destinations. WTE Miami: The U.S. & International Travel Market is a premier travel and tourism expo that provides companies with a powerful platform to generate new business opportunities.
HoSkar Night Bangkok 2026
HoSkar Night Bangkok 2026: Asia’s Premier Real Estate & Hospitality Networking & Seminar Event Returns on 21 May As Southeast Asia’s real estate and hospitality sectors face increasing pressure, despite the tremendous growth in recent years, the current environment is beginning to challenge hotel and resort occupancy levels and room rates. In response, property owners and operators are required to adapt, refining their strategies and evolving their business models.
Asian IR Expo & Summit 2026
The Leading Platform for Integrated Resorts and Hospitality Industry in Asia Asian IR Expo and Summit is your one-stop business platform that connects you with key industry players, allowing you to explore and foster valuable partnerships, while keeping you up-to-date on emerging trends, innovations, and opportunities in the rapidly evolving integrated resorts (IR), hotel and travel sectors in Asia.
TDM Global Summit Bangkok 2026 speaker photos
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TDM Global Summit Bangkok 2026 photos
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Hotels shift booking models to exact-room sales
Personalisation tools close expectation gaps and unlock higher room-level pricing. Hotels shift booking models to exact-room sales Fermín Carmona Fernández, Co-Founder & CEO, Hotelverse Rafael Bover, Co-Founder & COO / Executive Chairman, Hotelverse Europe’s hotel sector is shifting towards exact-room booking as inbound travel rises 6%, forcing operators to address revenue leakage caused by outdated sales models, according to Fermín Carmona Fernández and Rafael Bover, CEO and COO of Hotelverse.
Premium travel brands surge as Thailand abandons mass-market volume goals
Established value-focused players benefit as Thailand pivots from mass tourism Premium operators gain edge in Thailand tourism shift Khun Chananya Phataraprasit, Chairwoman (Anne), Asian Oasis Co Thailand’s push to generate 2.8 trillion baht in tourism revenue by 2026 is accelerating a structural shift towards higher-value travel, but entrenched reliance on mass tourism is complicating execution.
Bali Villa Connect 2026
Bali Villa Connect 2026, organized by the Bali Villa Rental and Management Association (BVRMA), is the annual flagship event for Indonesia’s villa and short-term rental industry. Bali Villa Connect is the annual flagship event organized by the Bali Villa Rental and Management Association, bringing together key players in Bali’s fast-growing villa and short-term rental industry.
‘SEO is no longer enough’: Cvent Hospitality leaders pivot to AI-first visibility
Hotels across Asia-Pacific are adopting Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) to remain visible as event planners increasingly rely on artificial intelligence tools rather than traditional search engines to find venues. More than 70% of event planners now source venues online, but the discovery process is shifting toward conversational AI searches and large language models (LLMs).
GSTC2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference
The GSTC2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference will bring together sustainability leaders, tourism professionals, and industry stakeholders from around the world. This year’s conference will take place in Phuket, from 21st to 24th April. This conference will serve as a platform for insightful discussions, hands-on training, and networking opportunities aimed at advancing sustainability practices in tourism worldwide.
THAIFEX - HOREC Asia 2026
THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2025 shaped the hospitality industry. 2026 is where leaders take the next leap. More breakthroughs. Bigger deals. A stronger, sharper focus on what’s next in the next decade. Will you be part of it? This all-inclusive event boasts a complete overview of the sector’s most sales-generating and future-forward products and services across 9 HORECA segments: Bakery and Ice Cream, Café and Bar, Cleaning and Laundry, Dining, Furnishing, Kitchen, Services, Tech and Wellness.
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