The Age of Traveller Power
In a world where connectivity is royal, travelers hold more control than ever before. From rebooking flights in a heartbeat to switching destinations with a few taps, the power dynamics of travel have shifted. The story from a five-person, cross-generational cohort in Phuket – instead of Vietnam – is a microcosm of this larger shift. Visas, timing, and hidden plan changes all become negotiable through instant access, real-time information, and a willingness to adapt on the fly.
We stand at the intersection of convenience and capability. The arrival of artificial intelligence, though, is turning this empowerment into a toolkit that can predict needs, propose itineraries, and, soon, execute bookings on our behalf. As industry voices from WiT Singapore underscored, AI can outperform unaided humans in spotting patterns and bypassing old tricks. In short, knowledge is moving faster than power and, for the first time, knowledge almost equals influence.
With these capabilities, the travel ecosystem must pivot toward guiding travelers toward meaningful choices rather than merely selling products. The aim is not extraction but creation: crafting experiences so compelling that travelers visit more places, spend more, and genuinely support local communities.
From Extraction to Creation: A Mindset Shift
Behind every digitized itinerary is a human experience waiting to be enriched. The shift begins with breaking down silos: data should be shared, learnings should be collaborative, and brands should work together to build value for travelers and hosts alike. This is especially crucial in destinations like Phuket, where luxury hospitality is not just about opulence but about harmonizing guests, locals, and the environment.
The argument is simple: traveller-first thinking isn’t charity; it’s smart business. When travelers feel seen and supported, they become ambassadors who drive sustainable demand—benefiting communities long after a vacation ends.
WiT Singapore: A Defining Moment for Travel’s Future
At WiT Singapore, the conversation circled back to a common theme: disrupt yourself before others disrupt you. Industry leaders stressed investing in new approaches, even if they push against traditional comfort zones. Agoda’s Omri Morgenshtern spoke of a future where disruption is a constant, yet aligned with long-term value. Trip.com Group’s Xing Xiong acknowledged the uncertainties ahead but urged a prudent focus on what endures beyond the latest trend.
Whether you operate an OTA or a boutique hotel, the challenge remains the same: innovate at the edges while preserving core strengths. The shared takeaway is clear—success belongs to those who actively create value for travelers and communities, not those who merely extract value from them.
Harmony in Hospitality: Phuket as a Case Study
Phuket’s Trisara, a beacon of luxury since 2004, embodies this balance. As it marked over two decades of operation, leadership emphasized harmony—threefold: harmony with guests, with the local community, and with the planet. A seasoned staff, including locals who have served since opening, demonstrates that great experiences are built on human continuity and warmth. The subtle integration of technology means fewer visible frictions for guests, while digital channels attract new travelers who seek effortless planning and personalized care.
The island’s resort culture reveals a broader truth: AI should illuminate choices, not replace human connection. Frontline staff remain the heart of hospitality—using technology as a quiet enabler to deliver memorable, meaningful moments.
A New Beginning for Travel
As the industry navigates an era of AI-enabled convenience, the guiding question is how to stay true to core values while embracing change. The next phase of travel, several industry voices suggest, will belong to those who create value—both for travelers and for the destinations they visit. In Phuket, that means experiences that feel exclusive yet accessible, sustainable yet luxurious, and deeply respectful of local communities.
For travelers, the message is empowering and pragmatic: plan with intention, adapt with ease, and choose partners who put your interests first. The result is a travel landscape where empowerment and hospitality coexist—where travelers thrive and the world they explore thrives with them. Here’s to a new beginning, and to a future in which every journey is shaped by thoughtful, collaborative travel choices.
