The South East Asia Travel Show

Cambodia counts the second-lowest total of COVID-19 cases in South East Asia. This week, Gary and Hannah discuss whether this rising tourism star can leverage its COVID-safe status once it fully reopens. In 2019, China was its largest inbound market, followed by Vietnam. Three other South East Asian countries ranked in the Top 10. The show discusses key factors that will influence future travel to Cambodia from China and South East Asian markets, suggests creative sales & marketing tactics for travel companies and tour operators, and analyses consumer sentiment and booking trends in the region. 

This week, Gary and Hannah discuss all things Vietnam. The country's success in containing the coronavirus has made it the most talked about destination in Asia. But Vietnam also counts thriving domestic and outbound travel sectors, and its airlines are expanding aggressively. Sustained GDP growth, a young population and expanding middle class make Vietnam a South East Asian all-star economy. Tourism benefited from this surging economic momentum, but what are the opportunities and challenges in a post-COVID world? And when will Vietnam reopen its borders for international travel?

This week, Gary and Hannah take on one of the most polarising topics in travel: the role of the media. The 24/7 online and TV coverage of COVID-19 has resulted in accusations of media sensationalism, and featured a heavy concentration of statistics and information from government sources. As the travel sector looks to a brighter second half of the year, what role will the media play in the next phase of the recovery? How will travel brands, NTOs and intermediaries seek to leverage different media platforms, and how will consumers respond as they prepare for unprecedented shifts in the travel landscape?

The return of Chinese travellers is global travel’s hottest topic. This week, Gary and Hannah discuss whether South East Asia might serve as a benchmark for the recovery. All destinations are desperate for the return of Chinese spending power, but several overlapping factors need addressing before China opens its airspace for outbound flights. So, we break the subject down into 5 key areas: Developments in Chinese Domestic Travel; China’s Government; Airlines; Chinese Consumers and South East Asian NTOs.

This week, Gary and Hannah discuss 8 travel and tourism developments in 2020 that flew under the COVID-19 radar. South East Asia entered the pandemic as the world's most dynamic tourism region. Although the entire infrastructure of travel has been shutdown by the pandemic, many intriguing developments still occurred. Topics discussed range from proposed high-speed rail networks to UNESCO World Heritage applications, and unearthed ancient treasures to new airports and, perhaps an 11th member of ASEAN.

In this episode, Gary interviews Mac Patel, JAPAC Regional Sales Director for OAG, a global leader in flight information and intelligence. The broad-ranging discussion covers the impact of COVID-19 on airlines and airports, and the "strategic decision-making" needed across the travel sector in Asia Pacific. We address several key issues, including LCCs, Long-Haul, Airline Restructuring, Hub Airports, Major Air Markets, Travel Bubbles, Intra-Asia Travel, Health Screening and the infamous "Middle Seat". 

This week, Gary and Hannah look back on the 4 months that savaged the entire travel chain. With some countries starting to phase out lockdown restrictions, attention is turning to where tourism goes next. Domestic travel and regional pacts will be the first steps, but mighty challenges exist for international travel. We assess the critical issues ahead for travel brands and travellers themselves, and discuss the devastating impact on small communities in South East Asia that rely upon the tourism economy.

COVID-19 has raised crucial questions about the future of cruising worldwide. In this week's pod, Gary and Hannah discuss the challenges ahead for cruise lines, port operators and passengers in South East Asia, China, Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Cruise travel in Asia Pacific has expanded rapidly in recent years, but with widespread lockdowns, travel bans and fears about onboard health and safety, can cruising redefine itself for the post-pandemic tourism landscape?