Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com | 15 DESTINATION: SINGAPORE Singapore became the second city in the world to play host to the Millennial 20/20 Summit, which aims to provide a platform for discussions on the future of next- generation commerce. After premiering in London, this marks the first time it is held in Asia Pacific, a region with a fast growing start-up scene, according to Rupa Ganatra, founding partner of Millennial 20/20. "Singapore, in particular, has embraced the [start-up] movement, along with pioneers who are fronting the various fields. With its robust THIS WAY TO THE AIRPORT OF THE FUTURE over 1,500 attendees – businesses, retailers, and start-ups – from more than 30 countries, hosted more than 170 speakers across panel sessions and presentations that were categorised into four verticals: Travel & Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Fitness & Sport, as well as Fashion & Beauty. From the Travel & Hospitality track, one of the standout sessions was a panel discussion on personalisation moving into a new era, by speakers from Mashable, Shangri-La Hotels, Marina Bay Sands, Skyscanner and Trip Advisor, with technology becoming a catalyst in the Asia travel experience. "Travel brands now have to cope with the millennial 'real-time traveller' by providing…customised content, services, experiences and attaining access to travellers in new ways," shared Ganatra. For instance, via airport travel apps that provide turn-by-turn indoor navigational directions, and smart hotel apps that can estimate the ETA of guests, and have room service orders (based on historical preferences) ready. At the Accenture Connected Travel Showcase – a first for Millennial 20/20 – delegates were also able to see first hand, how travel companies are digital optimising physical travel spaces like the airport and hotel, with the Internet of Things. Said Yap Boon Lim, managing director, travel industry in ASEAN at Accenture, "These types of interactions will become the norm and can be easily available on more and more apps and wearables. The digital disruption will remove steps from the process which will make the door-to-door journey seamless, efficient and more enjoyable." Technology is key to creating new travel experiences, as revealed at the Millennial 20/20 APAC Summit in Singapore. Yap Boon Lim, managing director, travel industry in ASEAN, Accenture. By Lee Xin Hui infrastructure, communities and innovation capabilities, it is a natural choice for the launch of Millennial 20/20 Summit here," he said. The two-day event, which drew DIGITAL INSIGHTS BY ACCENTURE • Millennials represent over 45% of APAC's population. • 60% of the world's millennials is expected to live in Asia by 2020. • Asia accounts for the largest smartphone users globally at over 50%. • Singapore and Australia have the highest smartphone penetration globally at over 80%. Accenture's Connected Travel Showcase brings visitors from their "homes" to the "airport.

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