The Asian continent is always referred to and recognised as being big but when it comes to business it is more than just big. I was in the thick of all the action and articulation at ITB Asia in Singapore, where the power of the Asian giant was felt rather strongly in the travel and tourism space. The event witnessed some high power debates and discussions ranging from topics that were intense to inspiring. From the tech touch v/s human touch debate to the online-offline story questioning the survival of brick and mortar set-ups to refreshing pointers on brand positioning, some of the sessions were thought provoking. Sensitive issues of survival and profits, inspiring success stories to emulate, best practices and formulas to be applied in business, using technology to one’s advantage, there was a lot to both learn and unlearn. Knowledge seminars on technology and trade, human resource and responsible tourism ran parallel across the three days with some sessions going off track, however giving the audience an opportunity to both filter and factor in the best practices and solutions that can be applied to businesses for better efficiency and ROI.

A dedicated full day seminar on hotel technology proved to be an interesting learning ground. From Qooco based language training software to that of using technology in art and architecture, (the case study of Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing for example) to that of wearable technology in tourism and hospitality there is enough and more that India can adapt and adopt.

While there was action in the hospitality and tourism space in the Asia Pacific region, back home in India, Maharashtra welcomed a new Chief Minister who from the word go, has been speaking the language of progress and positive growth for the state and its adjoining regions. At the recently held Idea Exchange initiative by the Indian Express Group, the CM answered rather candidly to the question of granting special recognition to the hospitality industry and giving it industry status. He was forthcoming in this approach and said that the tourism and hospitality sector is on the priority list of the BJP government and it was working toward providing the industry a business friendly environment. The adjoining state of MP too has opened doors for the hospitality sector by providing land banks for hospitality development. After the lull of the recent years, we hope that this revival is both responsive and resilient and rather long term.

Reema Lokesh
Editor