Web in Travel (WiT) Singapore 2025 will turn its focus to the next two decades of change in the travel industry. Marking its 20th anniversary, the event will be held from 6–8 October at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre under the theme “The Next 20 Years.”
In the lead-up, WiT spoke to three industry veterans about what lies ahead.
Rod Cuthbert, Founder of Viator, expects experiences to take centre stage. “People aren’t collecting stuff anymore; they’re collecting memories,” he said. He warned of the risks of tech monopolies, adding, “Google’s dominance has been bad for tours, activities and the industry at large. No monopolies are good.” Looking ahead, he called for “more choice, more platforms, and above all, more authenticity.”
Timothy Hughes, vice president of corporate development at Agoda, highlighted the disruptive role of generative AI. “Content will be rewritten, pushed, displayed and generated in ways we haven’t even figured out yet,” he said. By 2045, he foresees “dramatically more immersive” destination experiences blending “human, technology and location.”
Christine Tan, former managing director APAC at D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions, pointed to shifting distribution strategies. “Hotels are investing more and more to strengthen the direct connection with travellers. The rise of direct booking strategies is real.” She also predicted the end of long-standing practices. “The 3pm check-in and 10am checkout rules should be gone.”
WiT co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief Siew Hoon Yeoh added: “If the past 20 years were about surviving digital disruption, the next 20 will be about defining what travel means for a new generation.”