TravMedia Summit Asia 2025 Unites 300+ Media and PR Professionals in Singapore
(Singapore October 29, 2025) Shortly before The TravMedia Summit Asia 2025 was held in Suntec, Singapore, I relocated from Kallang, a short distance from the venue, to Tampines East, on the northeast side of Singapore and a long journey by bus and MRT. In those first few days it seemed like a journey to me, but in reality, I was simply commuting.
I always look forward to the Summit, and I had the day’s agenda loosely in my head. The first day was a series of speakers while Day 2 was filled with meetings - networking. Media, PR and Marketing professionals connecting with the commercial side of the travel industry – hoteliers, national and state tourism organizations, those in the airline industry, and travel agents. Each year it becomes more of a reunion as I reconnect with people I’d met at the previous events.
I boarded the East – West line in Tampines, the second stop from the beginning of the line. Pasir Ris being the first stop. It is usually easy to get a seat. Not today. Not in rush-hour. Normally I would cocoon, but I was curious to have a look at my now fellow ‘East Coasters’. Not much different than those I see elsewhere in Singapore – a tapestry of race and religion. The old and the young. Very young students confidently taking the train to school. The dozing seniors having taken this trip all too many times. Sleepy teenagers who would be rambunctious on the return trip. Short-skirted office workers and Muslim ladies with only the face uncovered. Indian ladies in colourful saris.
I began reading ‘TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH, THE SELECTED TRAVELS OF PAUL THEROUX’. “When something human is recorded, good travel writing happens.” I mused over this. Perhaps this is why I’d never become a travel writer in Mr Theroux’ s league. All around me something human was happening, but I found little to write about. “Travel had to do with movement and truth, with trying everything, offering yourself to experience and then reporting it.” (p. xiv The Ends of the Earth). Perhaps more than any other travel writer Paul Theroux has offered himself to experiences, to unusual people, strange circumstances and sometimes dangerous situations.
This was still playing in my mind when I arrived at Suntec where Richard Quest, News Anchor, CNN International was the Keynote Speaker. I was looking forward to his presentation, and I was hoping to speak to him as he was always speaking to me – via my TV. I had no idea what I would say to him.
From around Asia Pacific the attendees arrived, and some were enjoying coffee, standing at tall round tables. I passed David Bowden a bag with four of Theroux’s books. I was still declutte
ring. “I really recommend ‘Dark Star Safari’. I said hello to Chad Merchant and Michael Cullen.
Opening The Summit TravMedia CEO Nick Wayland welcomed delegates to explore strategies shaping travel journalism and communications. "Today is about more than networking – it's about arming travel media professionals and PR practitioners with the practical skills and knowledge they need to stay ahead," said Wayland. "From navigating crisis communications to harnessing AI, our sessions are built around real-world applications that delegates can implement immediately in their newsrooms and agencies."
Every year I had many takeaways from the Summit, and this year would be particularly fruitful.
A professional presentation from James Marshall and Lavinia Rajaram of Expedia Group gave their 2026 Travel Outlook, exploring emerging travel trends, consumer behaviour, and the technologies shaping how travellers discover and book experiences. They talked about slowing down and travelling smarter. Travelling smarter is always a challenge for me but I like the idea of slow travel. Taking a bus and stopping at small towns rather than jet setting or set jetting from one place to another. Set Jetting is a new term for those who like to visit places where movies and TV shows have been shot. The locations of the White Lotus have become popular travel destinations.
The respected and admired Gaynor Reid of Catalyst Communications and the insightful Monica Pitrelli of CNBC Travel provided an engaging session, Crisis Response & Responsible Reporting, addressing best practices for confidently navigating travel crises. They discussed strategies for balancing speed with accuracy, maintaining credibility during challenging situations, and protecting brand reputation and journalistic integrity when news breaks. Gaynor showed two clips of two top executives from different airlines responding to horrific crashes at two different places and times. Their words were almost identical, and they were seen as being cold and unsympathetic to the victims.
When I began writing I was so focused on getting everything right that I was neither quick nor engaging.
Decoding the New Indian Traveler was moderated by Senior Journalist Amin Ali, with Aindrila Mitra, Robb Report India, Candice D'Cruz, Hilton Asia Pacific and Sheema Vohra, Sartha Global Marketing, exploring the rapidly evolving preferences of Indian travelers, who represent one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in the world. It was stated that the Indian is somewhat complex. Understated perhaps. For many Indians, when they return home after a trip abroad, they want to have experiences with ‘brag value’. “They want to say, we did it first, we did it better.” A new fad is to hold ‘Fake Weddings’ where there are a bride and a groom and guests all dressed up for a wedding – in a posh destination – but no one is getting married. A theme event.
Then it was time for Richard’s Keynote Address. Richard has extensive travel experience. He offers inspiration and perspective from one of travel journalism's most recognisable voices. I’ve listened to that distinctive voice for decades, often as I move about my home where my office is. Some time
s in my underwear.
Richard’s been on the move for 30 – 40 years and is a member of the Century Club – having visited more than 100 countries. A recent trip to Oman was his 100th country. He has been to Singapore a number of times. Wandering through the audience, he told us as travel professionals we were difficult to address as ‘you’ve been there. You’ve seen it all.” He talked directly to people. Asking them questions about their travels and to share their experience. He talked of global travel, the rise of AI tools reshaping travel bookings, and the enduring power of stories that shape how we experience the world. In a trip to Europe he had AI make the itinerary which he followed with only a few exceptions.
His talk made it clear we haven’t seen it all. He spoke about flying first class where he could even take a shower. As he spoke, he removed his jacket and then his tie. He unbuttoned his shirt. For a moment I thought I was going to see him in his underwear. But there he stopped. “I didn’t feel comfortable being naked on a plane,” he admitted. What if something happened while his hair was lathered up?
Now I knew what to ask, but the moderator ignored my frantic waving and took questions from others. My question would have to wait. Later we had a chat at the InterContinental Hotel Bugis where the evening cocktail was held. Richard asked me more questions than I asked him. He wanted insights into Singapore.
After lunch, Redefining Wellness Tourism was moderated by Paul Foster (Foster the Love). Dr Tsin Uin Foong (Osler Group), Heather Thomas (Flex Studio), Mark Sands (Six Senses) and Peter Draminsky (Four Seasons), were the panel that explored wellness tourism's evolution from traditional spa treatments to a more comprehensive approach embracing mental health, breathwork and holistic experiences. PR professionals learned practical strategies for weaving authentic wellness practices into their travel and tourism offerings.
The session on the Best AI Tools for PR and Media was led by Chatrine Siswoyo (Vero) and Will Tan (AI Singapore), was a highly practical, hands-on session that showcased cutting-edge AI tools that are revolutionising how travel communicators research, write and distribute content. Attendees left with actionable strategies to enhance their workflows, increase productivity and stay competitive in an AI-driven landscape — essential knowledge for futureproofing their careers. And they talked about Tilly Norwood the highly controversial artificial intelligence generated character created in 2025 by Xicoia. She is a star.
Nick Wayland always looks forward to the Slam with Travel Editors that this year included Adam White, Cathay magazine, Melody L. Goh, The Star Malaysia, Scott Campbell, Condè Nast Traveller Middle East and Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, Travel Weekly Asia & M&C Asia. In this candid, no-holds-barred session, they revealed exactly what makes a pitch stand out, what stories resonate with today's travel media and how storytelling continues to evolve across the region—invaluable intelligence for PR professionals seeking to break through the noise. This was a topic Richard Quest had touched on: “If you want to get on CNN, don’t tell me who your new General Manager is – it won’t make the cut.” The standards are high. Unique cultural takes make the grade. Panellists agreed that print is not dead as there are people who crave print because it is more tangible than digital.
Gaynor Reid was back on stage to moderate Rewriting the Rules of Freelancing: Futureproofing for PRs, Content Creators and Writers. Dotz Soh, Content Creator & Photographer, Karen Tee, Freelance Journalist, and Lilit Marcus, CNN Travel, who participated in this inspiring and practical session explored how independent professionals are adapting to industry changes, building sustainable careers, leveraging new revenue streams and thriving amid disruption. They shared real strategies for diversifying income, building personal brands and creating resilient careers in an evolving media landscape.
The winners of the TravMedia Awards Asia 2025 were announced during a luncheon as part of IMM Asia on 14 October 2025 in Singapore. The celebration honoured 8 of this year’s best in travel storytelling, including Travel Writer of the Year, PR Professional of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards in media and PR. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists! Read more here
While I enjoyed every session and couldn’t criticize a single speaker the one I enjoyed most was Collinson’s Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer & President Asia Pacific. Todd spoke briefly before the lunch where IMM presented awards to leading writers, editors and PR Professionals. His message was simple. Travel should be fun. Regardless of where you are going, why you are going, it should be fun. In my opinion spending time in Collinson’s airport lounges around the world would add to the fun.
Networking is central to any TravMedia Summit, with breaks throughout Day 1 & 2 for attendees to forge meaningful connections and exchange ideas while Meliā Hotels International kept us all caffeinated. The first day concluded with networking drinks sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts — a fitting finale to an event that celebrated collaboration, community and excellence in communications and travel storytelling. On the second and final night Raffles Hotel Singapore hosted dinner and drinks. I returned to Tampines East late in the evening wondering where my next journey would take me. Probably to Pasir Ris.
