Travel News Asia - Podcasts from the Travel Industry, Hospitality and Aviation

Not everybody has the time to watch a 15 or 20-minute in-depth interview in video format.

Not only does video drain your mobile's battery a lot faster than just audio, a lot of the time you cannot just put it down and listen to what's being said without the phone turning the audio off when the screen goes dark.

That's why in 2016 we started making podcasts of all the interviews that we do, and they have proved very popular.

Links to the corresponding video interviews can be found in each podcast's description below.

We also publish a RSS Feed of all our podcasts, and you can read how to use that here. If you already know how to use RSS Feeds you can copy the url of the feed by clicking on the button below:

If you have any suggestions, ideas, or would like to sponsor our podcasts please do let us know. Thank you.

El Nido Resorts in Philippines to Close for Major Renovations - Exclusive Video Interview with Joey Bernardino, GDOSM

El Nido Resorts, a company that operates three luxury resorts on Miniloc, Pangulasian and Lagen Islands in El Nido, Philippines, as well another on Apulit Island in Taytay, has been promoting the area for over three decades and has won awards from every type of publication, all over the globe. To learn more about El Nido Resorts, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Joey Bernardino, Group Director of Sales & Marketing, at the World Travel Market in London (WTMLDN) earlier this month. (video)

Tourism Pahang, Malaysia - Interview with Uzaidi Bin Udanis at World Travel Market 2023 in London

The state of Pahang in Malaysia is home to an abundance of delightful and very different tourist attractions, including one of the largest casinos in the world, tea plantations, terraced farms, rolling hills and mountains full of exotic wildlife and natural wonders, some of the country's nicest beaches and the beautiful island, Tioman. To learn more about how Pahang is working to develop its tourism industry and how the state is recovering from the challenges caused by Covid, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Uzaidi Bin Udanis, Member Board of Directors, during the World Travel Market in London (WTMLDN) last week. (video)

Travel Trade Show to Take Over Major Football Stadium in Brazil - Exclusive Video Interview with ABAV

Organised annually by the Association of Brazilian Travel Agents (ABAV), the Expo Internacional de Turismo (Brazil Tourism & ABAV Expo), is one of the most important yearly travel industry events in South America. To learn more about this year's event, why NTOs and others from South East Asia should attend, what very creative and disruptive plans ABAV has for the travel trade expo in 2024, and how tourism in Brazil is recovering post-Covid, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Sheila Nassar at the World Travel Market in London last week. (video)

Sabre Hospitality Solutions - Interview with Frank Trampert, SVP and Global MD - Commercial

With the hotel retailing landscape constantly evolving, hoteliers are now able to tap into new revenue streams that just a few years ago would have been unthinkable. How then does a hospitality solutions provider like Sabre help hotels to generate the maximum possible profit from not only room revenue, but also previously unthought-of ancillary revenue? To ask that question and many more, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Frank Trampert, SVP and Global MD - Commercial, Sabre Hospitality Solutions, whilst he was at the World Travel Market 2023 (WTMLDN) in London, England. (video)

Diethelm Travel Uses WTM London to Rebrand as DTH Travel - HD Video Interview with Stephan Roemer, Partner and Group CEO

Established over 60 years ago, Diethelm Travel overcame countless obstacles and challenges to build itself up into one of the most recognisable and respected destination marketing companies (DMC) and travel service providers in Asia. So why did the company use the recent World Travel Market 2023 in London (WTMLDN) to rebrand as DTH Travel? Exclusive interview with Stephan Roemer, Partner and Group CEO. (video)

Sabre Travel Solutions - Lodging, Ground & Sea - Interview with Chinmai Sharma, Global Head, at WTMLDN 2023

Chinmai Sharma has only been with Sabre for just over two months, but with more that two decades of travel industry experience under his belt was more than ready to help promote the company's solutions at the recent World Travel Market in London (WTMLDN). During the annual B2B travel trade show at ExCel, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Chinmai to learn more about his role as Global Head of Lodging, Ground & Sea at Sabre Travel Solutions. (video)

Goa Tourism (India) - Interview with Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism at WTMLDN 2023

Goa is one of the most famous tourists hotspots in India. Popular for its beautiful beaches, culture and vibrant nightlife, Goa attracted just under 1 million international visitors and approximately 7 million domestic tourists in 2019. To learn more about Goa's post-Covid recovery in visitor arrivals, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa, India, during the recent World Travel Market (WTM) in London. (video)

Browns Hotels & Resorts in Sri Lanka - HD Video Interview with Eksath Wijeratne, CEO, at WTMLDN 2023

Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts in Sri Lanka, was at the World Travel Market in London (WTMLDN) earlier this month and Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with him during the busy B2B travel trade show to ask him a few questions and learn more about the company. In this interview, filmed on 8 November 2023, Steven asks where the hotels are in terms of post-Covid recovery, what changes the hotel company is seeing since recovery began, what development plans Browns has for existing and future hotels, and much, much more. (video)

Uttar Pradesh (India) Tourism - Interview with Prateek Hira, President & CEO of Tornos, at WTMLDN 2023

To learn more about Uttar Pradesh's tourism sector and how the Indian state is recovering from the challenges posed by Covid, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Prateek Hira, President & CEO of Tornos, during the annual World Travel Market (WTM) travel trade show at ExCel in London, England. Filmed on 8 November 2023, Prateek shares the latest visitor arrival numbers and targets for 2024, talks about air connectivity, and gives us an insight into how the state plans to market itself moving forward. That and much, much more in the podcast. (video)

Rajasthan Tourism (India) - Interview with Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Director - Department of Tourism, at WTMLDN 2023

To learn more about Rajasthan's tourism industry, post-Covid recovery and targets for 2024 and beyond, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Dr. Rashmi Sharma, I.A.S., Director - Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, India, whilst she was at the World Travel Market in London (WTMLDN) 2023. Filmed on 7 November, Dr. Sharma shares insights into the work being done to promote tourism to Rajasthan, airports and air connectivity within the state, which markets they are targeting, hotel pipelines, and what new tourism products or ideas they are trying to promote and develop. All that and much, much more in the podcast. (video)

Madhya Pradesh Tourism (India) - Interview with Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Culture & Tourism, at WTMLDN 2023

To learn more about Rajasthan's tourism industry, post-Covid recovery and targets for 2024 and beyond, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Dr. Rashmi Sharma, I.A.S., Director - Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, India, whilst she was at the World Travel Market in London (WTMLDN) 2023. Filmed on 7 November, Dr. Sharma shares insights into the work being done to promote tourism to Rajasthan, airports and air connectivity within the state, which markets they are targeting, hotel pipelines, and what new tourism products or ideas they are trying to promote and develop. All that and much, much more in the podcast. (video)

Karnataka Tourism - Interview with H.T. Ratnakar, Adviser - Tourism and Hospitality, Government of Karnataka, India, at WTMLDN 2023

To learn more about Karnataka's tourism industry, visitor arrivals for 2023, targets for 2024, and upcoming tourism developments and projects, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with H.T. Ratnakar, Adviser - Tourism and Hospitality, Government of Karnataka, India, during the recent World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Filmed on 7 November 2023, Steven asks about Karnataka's post-Covid tourism recovery, airports and air connectivity, visa facilitation, what the state was hoping to get out of attending the WTM, which markets Karnataka is concentrating its marketing efforts, and how the government is planning to enhance and grow its tourism offering moving forward. All that and much, much more in the podcast below. (video)

Arabian Camp, Saudi Arabia - HD Video Interview with Khalid Khafagy, Founder, at World Travel Market 2023

Arabian Camp, founded by Khalid Khafagy in 1997, offers luxurious, customised tours of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Whether it be for a few nights in luxurious tents away from the noise and light pollution so many of us are sadly accustomed to, or with the help of helicopters to experience the beauty of Saudi Arabia's many different natural wonders from a different angle, Arabian Camp believes it is the right company to make your dreams come true. (video)

Urban Air Mobility, eVTOL and ATC - HD Video Interview with Yannick Assouad PhD, EVP Avionics, Thales, at APG World Connect 2023

To learn more about the role Thales is playing in the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and to discuss the topic in more detail, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Yannick Assouad PhD, Executive Vice President, Avionics at Thales, during the APG World Connect airline conference in Monaco, France. In this interview, Yannick shares her thoughts on how UAM is going to develop, what two types of UAM will exist, how ATC needs to change, what role AI will play, which regions of the world will be at the forefront of UAM development, how the systems will be developed, what challenges are in the way of UAM, and what timeframe we are looking at. All that and much, much more in the podcast below. (video)

Sandrine de Saint Sauveur, President and CEO of APG - Interview at APG World Connect 2023

At the annual APG World Connect airline conference in Monaco, France earlier this month, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia interviewed APG's President and CEO, Sandrine de Saint Sauveur. In this interview, filmed on 2 November, Steven asks how APG has managed to make the extremely glamorous event such a success, how the company is able to keep it so intimate whilst also ensuring that there is the right balance of delegates from airlines and other industry stakeholders as well as APG offices from all around the world, and so much more. (video)

Air Tahiti Nui - Interview with Michel Monvoisin, Chairman and CEO, at APG World Connect 2023

Exclusive interview with Michel Monvoisin, Chairman and CEO, Air Tahiti Nui. In this interview, filmed at APG World Connect 2023 in Monaco on 2 November 2023, Michel shares insights into Air Tahiti Nui's post-Covid passenger numbers, recovery and targets for 2024. We discuss the carrier's current fleet and route network, tourism to the country, and what challenges Tahiti faces in terms of hotel development, tourism and air connectivity. (video)

TAAG Angola Airlines - Interview with Nowell Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer, at APG World Connect 2023

Exclusive interview with the Chief Commercial Officer of TAAG Angola Airlines, Nowell Ngala. In this interview, filmed at APG World Connect 2023 in Monaco on 2 November 2023, Nowell gives us an insight into TAAG Angola Airline's post-Covid passenger numbers, recovery and targets for 2024. We discuss the carrier's current fleet and route network - passenger and air cargo, what plans TAAG has to expand operations and which routes it would like to cultivate the most. (video)

APG World Connect 2023 in Monaco, France - Interview with Jean-Louis Baroux, President

Whilst the final preparations for the 14th annual APG World Connect conference were underway at the Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel in Monaco, France on Wednesday, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with the event's Founder and President, Jean-Louis Baroux to ask him what delegates attending can expect. (video)

Love The Philippines - Interview with Warner M. Andrada, OIC-Assistant Secretary of Tourism Development, Philippines DOT

Exclusive interview with Warner M. Andrada, OIC-Assistant Secretary of Tourism Development, DOT Philippines, in which we discuss this year's passenger numbers, how they compare to pre-Covid, what targets Philippines has set for 2024, which markets have recovered the fastest, and what surprises the DOT has seen. We also talk about what challenges Philippines faces in terms of air connectivity and tourism development, and which emerging markets within Philippines the Department of Tourism is trying to develop and promote the most. All that and much, much more in the interview - HD video and podcast formats (video)

Saudi Arabia's Air Connectivity Program - Interview with Sultan Otaify, VP Strategy & Communication

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set itself some extremely ambitious goals, aiming to welcome 100 million visitor arrivals by 2030, supported by an aviation strategy that includes US$100 billion in investment from the government and private sector. To learn what role the Kingdom's Air Connectivity Program (ACP) plays in those targets, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com interviewed Sultan Otaify, ACP's Vice President Strategy & Communication, at Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye. (video)

Malaysia Airports Interview with Megat, Senior General Manager - Strategy, at Routes World 2023

To learn how Malaysia is managing its post-Covid recovery from a travel and tourism perspective, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, Senior General Manager - Strategy, Airports Malaysia, during the Routes World 2023 airport services and airline route development conference and exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye in October. In this exclusive interview, Megat tells us exactly how many airports the company currently owns and manages, where they are, what domestic and international passenger numbers they are currently seeing, what targets they have set for 2024, and what plans Airports Malaysia has to expand and refurbish its assets. All that and much, much more in the interview. (video)

Skyscanner Interview with Michael Docherty, Commercial Director, at Routes World 2023

To learn more about Skyscanner, Steven Howard interviewed Michael Docherty, Skyscanner's Commercial Director, at the Routes World 2023 airport services and airline route development conference and exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye. We discuss how the company is trying to monetise the enormous amounts of data they process every day, what data is available, what roles machine learning and AI play in analysing said data, how airlines and airports could use the data to potentially improve and even launch services, and much, much more. (video)

Singapore Changi Airport - Interview with Peh Ke-Wei, Vice President of Passenger and Air Hub Development, Changi Airport Group

To learn more about Changi Airport Group's plans for what is widely regarded as one of the best airports not only in the region, but the world, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Peh Ke-Wei, Vice President of Passenger and Air Hub Development, whilst he was attending the Routes World airport services and airline route development forum and exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye. (video)

Airports in Scotland - Interview with Gary Cox, Director of Aviation at Transport Scotland

What is Scotland doing to attract more direct flights to the country from around the world, and which markets is Transport Scotland concentrating their efforts on? What do Scotland's post-Covid passenger numbers look like and what targets does Scotland have for 2024? Those questions and many, many more in this exclusive video interview with Gary Cox, Director of Aviation at Transport Scotland during Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye. (video)

JFK T6 - Interview with Steve Thody, Chief Operating Officer of JFK Millennium Partners, at Routes World 2023

Vantage Airport Group - an airport investment, development and management company - was at Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye to advance air service discussions and showcase its latest airport transformation projects, including the new $4.9 billion international Terminal 6 (T6) now under construction at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). To learn more about the exciting JFK T6 project, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Steve Thody, Chief Operating Officer of JFK Millennium Partners, at Routes World 2023, to ask him a few questions. (video)

Tourism Malaysia Interview with Datuk Musa Bin Yusof, Deputy Director General (Promotion) of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), at Routes World 2023

Tourism Malaysia attends many travel trade shows around the world each year and was present at the all-important Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye in October to help Malaysia Airports and other Team Malaysia delegates to promote the country and improve air connectivity with other parts of the world. To learn more about how tourism to Malaysia is recovering from the COVID-related challenges of the past two to three years, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com interviewed Datuk Musa Bin Yusof, Deputy Director General (Promotion), Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), at Routes World 2023. (video)

Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Philippines - Video Interview with CEO, Julius Neri Jr.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIAA) is not only attending the Routes World 2023 conference and exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye, the company even decided to create a larger impact by having its own stand rather than share a booth with Team Philippines. To learn more about the company, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia sat down with Julius Neri Jr., General Manager and CEO. (video)

Airports in Sweden - Interview with Elizabeth Axtelius, Director Aviation Business, Swedavia

Airports in Sweden are widely regarded as some of the most sustainable in the world. To learn more about the initiatives currently in place and in the pipeline to make operations and air travel at airports in Sweden more sustainable, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Elizabeth Axtelius, Swedavia's Director Aviation Business, at Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye. (video)

Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Interview with Ulla Lettijeff, SVP and Director, at Routes World 2023

When it comes to sustainable airports in Europe, few can rival the impressive initiatives implemented at Helsinki Airport (HEL) in Finland. To learn more about those initiatives and how the airport plans to move from being already carbon neutral to net zero, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Ulla Lettijeff, Senior Vice President and Director, at the Routes World 2023 airport services and airline route development forum and exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye. (video)

Suvarnabhumi Airport's (BKK) New Satellite Terminal - Interview with Paweena Jariyathitipong, Airports of Thailand (AOT), at Routes World 2023

Thailand's main international gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Samut Prakan near Bangkok, opened a brand new satellite terminal just a few days before the Routes World 2023 airport services and airline route development conference and exhibition took place in Istanbul, Türkiye. To learn more about the new satellite terminal, how BKK's passenger numbers are recovering post-COVID, targets for 2024 and what other new developments are taking place at the airport, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Khun Paweena Jariyathitipong, Senior Executive Vice President (Engineering and Construction), Airports of Thailand on 15 October 2023. (video)

Korea Airports Corporation - Interview with Soowan Seo at Routes World 2023

Korea Airports Corporation - Interview with Soowan Seo, Assistant Manager, Route Development & Passenger Promotion Department, by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com on 16 October 2023 at Routes World 2023 in Istanbul, Türkiye. (video)

Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) - Interview with Deputy GM Aviation Business at Routes World 2023

To learn more about Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Qiang Wang, Deputy General Manager - Aviation Business Department, whilst he was attending the Routes World 2023 conference and exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye. (video)

Finavia Lapland - Interview with Jani Jolkkonen, SVP Airport Network, at Routes World 2023

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is not only the third busiest airport in Finland, it is also the official airport of Santa Claus and the main gateway with those wanting to visit Santa Claus village as well as other parts of Lapland. To learn more about that airport and others, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Jani Jolkkonen, Senior Vice President Airport Network at Finavia, during the Routes World 2023 airport services and airline route development conference and exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye in October. (video)

Electric Airport Taxis at Almaty Airport (ALA) in Kazakhstan - Exclusive Interview with Co-Founder, Auez Tulegenov

The official airport taxi provider at Almaty Airport (ALA) in Kazakhstan not only operates a transparent, fixed-price system for trips between the airport and your hotel and back to the airport, but in a nod to sustainable development and a greener future also operates an all-electric fleet of cars that includes Nissan Leafs, Tesla Model 3s and Volkswagen ID4s, with more to be added in the near future. All the electric taxis can be booked in advance via WhatsApp so that the car is waiting for you when you arrive, removing a lot of the stress associated with arriving at ALA. To learn more about the company and its plans for the future, Steven Howard spoke to Auez Tulegenov, Co-Founder of Blue Sky Energy on 20 August 2023. (video)

Novotel Living and Ibis Almaty Jetisu Hotels in Kazakhstan - Interview with GM, Arseniy Tagaev

If you are visiting the beautiful city of Almaty in Kazakhstan then it is very hard to beat the location and value that the Novotel Living and ibis Almaty Jetisu offer. In terms of location, the two hotels, which are housed in the same building, are amongst the newest in the city and are surrounded by beautiful parks and plenty of cheap and fancy restaurants, bars, cultural attractions and shopping that will keep you happily occupied no matter how long you are planning to stay in the city. To learn more about the dual-branded property, part of Accor, Steven Howard spoke to Arseniy Tagaev, General Manager, on 21 August 2023. (video)

Almaty Marathon 2023 - Interview with CEO, Saltanat Kazybayeva

The Almaty Marathon 2023 will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 1 October 2023. To learn more about the event, the largest marathon in Central Asia, how it differs from previous years, what new tech is being deployed at the marathon, how many participants are expected to take part this year, and what challenges the organisers face, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com speaks with Saltanat Kazybayeva, CEO of the Almaty Marathon. (video)

Will MYAirline Become Your Airline? Exclusive Interview with Rayner Teo, CEO

To learn more about MYAirline, why the carrier chose to launch its very first two international flights to two airports that predominantly serve the same capital city, instead of a different city in Thailand or even a different country in the region, Steven Howard sat down with Rayner Teo, the airline's CEO, in Bangkok on 5 July. In this interview, you will learn why MYAirline chose to launch almost simultaneous services from klia2 to BKK and DMK rather than operate just one service to Bangkok and another to a different airport such as U-Tapao (UTP) which better serves the cities of Pattaya and Si Racha as well as the many other areas along the eastern seaboard. Rayner also tells us about the airline's expansion, recruitment, cargo and other plans. All that and much, much more in this exclusive interview. (video)

Somerset Pattaya - Exclusive Interview with Natthadol Patthamadilok, Senior General Manager

Ascott recently opened a 324-unit Somerset property in the Thai resort city of Pattaya. To learn more about the Somserset Pattaya, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Khun Natthadol Patthamadilok, Somerset Pattaya's Senior General Manager, on Monday, 3 July 2023. (video)

Air Connectivity, Travel and Tourism - Interview with Dagnal Dereveke, Acting CEO, Tourism Solomons

Whilst successful destination marketing has many key components, if you do not have the necessary connectivity - be it by air, sea or land - you are always going to be fighting an uphill battle. Those living in Australia and New Zealand have long known about the warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty that awaits them in Solomon Islands, an archipelago of almost 1,000 islands in the South Pacific, but ask people further afield to point to the country on a map, or enquire how they would get there, and many would struggle. To find out more about the country and its tourism business, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com spoke with Dagnal Dereveke, Acting CEO of Tourism Solomons, over a Zoom call on Monday, 3 July 2023. All that and much, much more in this exclusive interview. (video)

Miss International Queen 2023 - Interview with Alisa Phanthusak, MD of Tiffany's Show Pattaya

Khun Alisa Phanthusak, Managing Director of Tiffany's Show Pattaya, tells us what contestants and viewers can expect from the Grand Finals of Miss International Queen 2023, which new countries are represented in the finals, what impact winning last year's crown has had on Fuschia Anne Ravena of Philippines, and what the company expects of those crowned as Miss International Queen. All that and much, much more in this exclusive interview. (video)

Tourism Seychelles - Exclusive Interview with Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary

As of 7 May 2023, Seychelles had already attracted 129,050 visitor arrivals, making its target of 348,000 visitor arrivals for the whole year seem almost conservative. So how hard is it to market a destination that many regard as paradise on Earth? How does a country like Seychelles compare to the other well known island destinations in the Indian Ocean? How much harder is to promote travel to a destination when the troubled national carrier is going through a major transformation? And is Seychelles really as expensive as many believe, or are there more affordable places to stay than the 5-star hospitality brands we all know and love? To answer those questions and many more, Steven Howard speaks to Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary of Tourism Seychelles. Please note that as this interview was filmed over the internet, the audio quality is not of our normal high standard. Sorry for that. (video)

India's Aviation Market - Exclusive Interview with Roshan Mendis, EVP and CCO of Sabre Travel Solutions

To learn more about India's aviation market and what the recent deal Sabre signed with Air India means to the company, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com visited Sabre's office in Richmond, England to speak with Roshan Mendis, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Sabre Travel Solutions.

In this exclusive interview we discuss the aviation sector's development, how an airline decides which routes to launch when it makes such massive aircraft orders, where India is in the use and development of NDC as a retail tool, the state of travel agencies in the country and whether enough is being done to ensure that there are sufficient qualified personnel to power the aviation sector's very ambitious growth targets.

We also talk about the Air India deal, what percentage of Sabre's business comes from India and how Roshan foresees that growing, whether the company has any plans to expand further in the country and why there has been such a rapid recovery in air travel despite the high air fares. All that and much, much more in the exclusive podcast interview below. (video)

Living With One Eye - Six Years On by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

On 23 May 2017 Steven Howard, Founder and Editor of TravelNewsAsia.com, had an accident in Roi-Et, Thailand that ultimately led to him losing his right eye. Six years on, Steven shares what he has learned from living with just one eye and encourages others in the same position to get in touch to share their thoughts and stories. (video)

Running Lights - Lumefit Premium 360° Reflective Vest Review

Weighing just 125 grams, the Lumefit Premium 360° Reflective Vest is not only perfect for those who love to run and cycle when it is dark, but it is also extremely easy to pack and makes so little difference to the weight of one's luggage that it is insignificant. Made of two plastic tubes connected to a central battery which can be recharged with a micro-USB cable, the vest, which also has reflective elements on the back and front, is easy to put on and will fit most people, even if you wear extra clothes such as a winter coat, as the front closure can slide up and down the tubes. (video)

Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs for a Perfect Night's Sleep

It does not matter whether you are travelling for business, leisure or in your own bed at home, a good night's sleep helps us all to lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. That's where Supceat's ear plugs come in. Made of soft silicone, the ear plugs fit snugly into the ear without protruding at all, enabling users to sleep on their side without any discomfort. (video)

Steven Howard Outlines Travel News Asia's Video and Podcast Plans for 2023

Steven Howard of Travel News Asia outlines the video and podcast interviews that he will be conducting with travel industry VIPs, including airlines, airports, hotels, GDS, NTOs, TMCs and others in 2023. (video)

Amari Watergate Bangkok - Interview with Sukamal Mondal, Area GM

Opened in 1984, the Amari Watergate Bangkok has proven itself over the years to be a popular and constant provider of quality accommodation in a vibrant and central district of Thailand's colourful capital city. The hotel, part of the rapidly expanding Onyx Hospitality Group, recently completed a major renovation of its rooms, MICE facilities, lobby and F&B outlets. To learn more about the changes, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Sukamal Mondal, the hotel's GM and Area General Manager in charge of six hotels for Onyx Hospitality. In this exclusive interview, filmed on 9 November 2022, Khun Sukamal tells us more about the property, the renovation and neighbourhood. (video)

Bangkok Riverside Fest 2023 - Interview with Frederic Kolde

After a three-year hiatus, Minor Hotels has confirmed that the Bangkok Riverside Fest will next take place in 2023. To learn more about the fun filled three-day event scheduled for 3 to 5 February 2023, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com speaks with Frederic Kolde the new Resort Manager at the much-loved Anantara Riverside Resort Bangkok. (video)

Latest Business Travel Trends in Asia Pacific - Interview with Brett Thorstad, Sabre

As COVID19-related travel restrictions and requirements ease around the world, international air travel is gradually beginning to recover. However, with so many of us now used to making online video calls with business colleagues, customers, family and friends, how have business trips - which involve a lot of planning, costs and time - been affected, and what trends is one of the world's most important travel industry engines, Sabre, currently seeing? Please note that Steven's audio in this podcast had to be added after the event due to a technical glitch with the video. (video)

Airports, Biometrics and Travel - Interview with Sumesh Patel, SITA President - Asia Pacific

Exclusive interview with Sumesh Patel, SITA President - Asia Pacific, about Thailand's plans to improve the travel experience at a number of airports in the country, how biometrics are changing the travel experience in the region and how the company is embracing new technology to make air travel as seamless as possible. (video)

Papai Cici, Miss Malaysia @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand

Originally from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, Papai Cici has travelled to Pattaya, Thailand to take part in Miss International Queen 2022 as Miss Malaysia. (video)

Javiera Arnillas Cartagena, Miss Peru @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand

I do not envy the very difficult decisions that the judges of Miss International Queen 2022 are going to have to make in the Grand Finals on Saturday, 25 June. For example, I defy anyone to not be extremely impressed with Javiera Arnillas Cartagena, Miss Peru. Extremely well spoken, highly educated and with a very obvious and determined passion to achieve her goals, no matter the challenges she will face along the way. Oh, and as if that were not enough already, she's gorgeous too! (video)

Fuschia Anne Ravena, Miss Philippines @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand

Not many people have left me uncertain of what to say during an interview, but Fuschia Anne Ravena, taking part in Miss International Queen as Miss Philippines, certainly succeeded! Originally from Cebu, one of my favourite beach destinations in the world, Fuschia Anne tells us not only about why she is taking part in MIQ 2022 in Pattaya, but also about the gender reassignment surgery, commonly known as SRS, that she will have after the Grand Finals take place on Saturday, 25 June. In this interview, she tells us more about that decision, how it makes her feel and why she has chosen Thailand as the place to have the surgery done. (video)

Fabu Olmedo, Miss Paraguay @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand

Having travelled all the way to Pattaya, Thailand from Asuncion in Paraguay, Fabu Olmedo is taking part in Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) as Miss Paraguay, the first contestant from the country since the event's inauguration over 16 years ago. (video)

Minladar Engmany, Miss Laos @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand

Minladar Engmany, Miss Laos at Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) has travelled from the beautiful city of Vientiane to take part in the beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand. (video)

Sofía Salomón, Miss Venezuela @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand

Sofía Salomón, Miss Venezuela, has so much positive energy that it is hard not to be pleasantly intoxicated with her very obvious joy for life. She has travelled a very, very long way with friends and family to take part in Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand. (video)

Patricia Jane Bustillo, Miss Canada @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand

Air Canada will soon launch its first direct, non-stop flights between Canada and South East Asia, with flights from Vancouver to Bangkok, certainly making the journey for future contestants of Miss International Queen so much easier. Sadly for Patricia Jane Bustillo taking part in the Miss International Queen transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand as Miss Canada, she had to travel the long way to get here. (video)

Aëla Chanel, Miss France @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand

Aëla Chanel is not only representing France at Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya as Miss France, but she is also the only contestant from the whole of Europe this year. (video)

Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya - Interview with Clive Nagington, Hotel Manager

The Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya is one of those quirky, trendy hotels that aims to break away from the cookie-cutter design mould of a lot of branded hotels to deliver something refreshingly different. To learn more about the property, how forward bookings have been affected by Thailand's gradual reopening to tourists and what plans the hotel has for the future, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Clive Nagington, Hotel Manager, on 22 June 2022. (video)

How Winning Miss International Queen 2020 Changed My Life - Interview with Valentina Fluchaire

Exclusive video interview with Valentina Fluchaire, the winner of Miss International Queen 2020. In this interview, filmed on 22 June ahead of the MIQ 2022 Grand Finals in Pattaya, Valentina tells us how her life has changed since winning Miss International Queen in 2020 and what advice should would give to anyone thinking of taking part in future. (video)

Miss International Queen 2022 - Interview with Alisa Phanthusak, MD of Tiffany's Show Pattaya

Miss International Queen has become the largest and most well known international transgender beauty pageant in the world. Held annually at Tiffany's Show Pattaya, the event attracts contestants from all over the world - including even South America, which is not a quick, nor easy journey to make. Khun Alisa Phanthusak, MD of Tiffany's Show Pattaya, tells us more about what she has planned for Miss International Queen 2022 in this exclusive video interview conducted on 16 June 2022. (video)

Family Fun in Jomtien, Pattaya - Interview with Dmitry Chernyshev, GM of Mövenpick Siam Hotel

The Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya is one resort that has certainly succeeded in creating a fantastically fun and safe environment for children, and their parents, to enjoy. To learn more about the hotel, how it has been impacted by COVID19 and what plans are in store for the future, Dmitry Chernyshev, General Manager of Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya speaks to Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsa.com in this exclusive video interview on 11 June 2022. (video)

Is Siam Seaplane Ready for Take Off? Interview with Dennis Keller, Chief Business Officer

Siam Seaplane was hoping to have taken off by now, flying tourists and business people around the Kingdom of Thailand with routes and services that other airlines do not offer. Dennis Keller, Siam Seaplane's Chief Business Officer, was at the Thailand Yacht Show in Jomtien, Pattaya from 9-12 June 2022 to showcase the company and services it plans to offer once it has received all the necessary regulatory licenses and approvals. (video)

New CEO at Pattana Sports Resort in Chonburi, Thailand - Interview with Bodintorn Juangroongruangkit

Khun Bodintorn 'Birdy' Juangroongruangkit recently took over Pattana Sports Resort as CEO and a new Managing Director - Supakit Uasamphanchai - has been appointed to lead the property. To learn more about these changes, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Khun Birdy on 9 June to ask him about his vision and plans for the future. (video)

Motor Field Thailand - Interview with Khun Sutiwas Chaisrivichiean, Group Managing Director

Khun Sutiwas Chaisrivichiean, Group Managing Director of Motor Field Group (Thailand) was exhibiting at the Thailand Yacht Show 2022 at Ocean Marina in Jomtien, Pattaya. To learn more about his company, products and how sailing is changing in Thailand, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com interviewed Khun Sutiwas on 9 June. (video)

Jetboard Thailand Interview with Marilin Poonsiri at Thailand Yacht Show 2022 in Jomtien, Pattaya

Marilin Poonsiri was a busy lady at the Thailand Yacht Show 2022 at Ocean Marina in Jomtien, Pattaya. Not only was she demonstrating the Jetboard out on the water but she was also one of the exhibitors. To learn more about the company, the electronic surfboard and boats they sell in Thailand, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com interviewed Marilin on 10 June. (video)

iAqua Adventures Interview with Nick Murphy at Thailand Yacht Show 2022 in Jomtien, Pattaya

iAqua Adventures is a family run business which was exhibiting at the Thailand Yacht Show 2022 at Ocean Marina in Jomtien, Pattaya. To learn more about the company and the exciting sea scooters they distribute in the country, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com interviewed Nick Murphy on 10 June. (video)

Sport and Fitness Training at Pattana Sports Resort in Chonburi, Thailand - Interview with Craig Wood

With more and more people trying to lead healthier, more active lifestyles, the concept of a sports resort where you can stay and not only enjoy the fresh air and scenery, but also improve your favourite activity's techniques is certainly one that is likely to grow in popularity. In this exclusive interview, filmed on 8 June 2022, Craig Wood, Director of Sports at Pattana Sports Resort in Chonburi, Thailand, explains what sports training the property offers, how it works, what facilities it has and how it plans to expand its sport training-related business. (video)

What Does Simpson Marine Have Planned for the Thailand Yacht Show 2022 in Pattaya?

With the Thailand Yacht Show 2022 taking place in Pattaya for the first time from 9-12 June, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Howard Prime, Country Manager - Thailand at Simpson Marine, to ask him what plans the company has for the yacht show. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

Thailand Yacht Show Pattaya 2022 - Interview with Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia

While the Pattaya Boat Show, organised by Ocean Marina, is no more, the attractive venue in Jomtien will host the Thailand Yacht Show from 9-12 June 2022. Being organised by Verventia, Steven Howard sat down with Andy Treadwell, Verventia's CEO, to ask him about the event which will comprise of two components with Pattaya taking place next week, and the second part scheduled for Phuket later in the year. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

Google Cloud, AI, NDC and More - Airline Retailing Interview with Darren Rickey, Sabre

Exclusive video interview with Darren Rickey, Senior Vice President of Airline Global Sales and Accounts at Sabre. In this interview, filmed over the internet on 18 May 2022, Darren tells us more about how Sabre is using Google Cloud to improve its airline solutions, why the company chose to work with Google Cloud rather than another provider, at what stage the migration is at and when Sabre expects its migration to the Cloud to be complete. We also discuss, NDC, LCCs, machine learning, AI and the future of airline distribution. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

Travel Industry Interview with Kurt Ekert, President of Sabre

As many countries gradually begin to scrap or reduce travel restrictions and testing requirements put in place to curb the spread of the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the travel industry is becoming more and more optimistic that recovery is finally within reach. To learn more about what is currently happening within the travel industry, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia speaks with Sabre's President, Kurt Ekert, who officially joined the company from CWT on 3 January 2022. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

Austrian Wine in Thailand 2022 - Interview with Günther Sucher, Commercial Counsellor

Austria holds an annual wine tasting event in Bangkok to promote the different varieties available to hotels, importers, restaurants and others in the hospitality industry. In 2022, that event will take place at the SO/ Bangkok hotel on 22 February. To learn more about this year's Austrian Wine Tasting event, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia speaks to Günther Sucher, the Austrian Commercial Counsellor for Thailand. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

Travel Risk, COVID19 and Gopass Global - Interview with Mark Radford, Founder and CEO

Travel risk analysis is not a new concept, there are many well established and successful companies around the world that evaluate the different risks associated with travel, especially within the corporate world. So how does Gopass Global differ, why was it established, what plans for growth does it have for the future, and in which markets is the company concentrating its efforts? Listen to this exclusive interview with Mark Radford, Gopass Global's Founder and CEO, to learn more. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

The Langham, Jakarta - Exclusive Interview with Gaylord Lamy, GM

The Langham, Jakarta - Indonesia's newest 5-star luxury hotel and Langham's first in South East Asia. Exclusive interview with Gaylord Lamy, Hotel General Manager. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

How's Business in Cambodia? Exclusive Interview with Richard Dusome, MD of Dara Hotels

How has COVID19 impacted the hotel and tourism industry in Cambodia? Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com interviews Richard Dusome, Managing Director of Dara Hotels, to ask him about some of the important tourism-related infrastructure projects in Cambodia, how Dara Hotels has been impacted by the pandemic, whether the company has used the downtime to invest in properties, what the development pipeline is like now, and and what plans the company has for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022 which is currently scheduled to take place in Sihanoukville in January. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

How's Business in Koh Samui, Thailand? Exclusive Interview with Adrian Pulido, GM of the Hyatt Regency

How's business in Koh Samui, Thailand? Exclusive interview with Adrian Pulido, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Koh Samui. Note: This interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

Airline Network Planning in 2021 and Beyond - Interview with Cem Tanyel, Sabre

Exclusive interview with Cem Tanyel, Chief Services Officer at Sabre Travel Solutions, to discuss Sabre's latest whitepaper - The Art & Science of Airline Network Planning to Ramp up for Recovery - as the airline industry gradually turns its attention to longer term planning once more, and away from the short-term operational focus that was necessary earlier in the pandemic. Note: This interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

How's Business in Laos? Interview with Hotelier, Duangmala Phommavong

In this interview, filmed via Skype on 1 July, Duangmala Phommavong, hotelier and MD of EXO Travel Laos, gives us an insight into what is happening in the beautiful landlocked country of Laos, what she has done with the two hotels - Villa Maly and Parasol Blanc - that she owns in Luang Prabang, and what role the growing middle class in the country have played in helping to build domestic tourism. All that and much, much more in the video and podcast. Note: This interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

Promoting Hua Hin Airport and Prachuap Khiri Khan to Regional Markets

Exclusive interview with John Laroche, CEO of Phoenix Aviation, the company chosen to market Hua Hin International Airport (HHQ), Hua Hin (หัวหิน), Prachuap Khiri Khan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ์), Cha-Am (ชะอำ) and Petchaburi (เพชรบุรี), to those living in Thailand as well as regional travellers and businesses. Note: This interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

NDC and Sabre Travel Solutions Interview with Kathy Morgan, VP Offer Sourcing

NDC (New Distribution Capability) has been described as 'an important enabler of Sabre’s vision for personalized travel'. But what exactly is NDC, and what role does Sabre play in its development and future growth? Those are just two of the questions that Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com asks Kathy Morgan, Vice President - Offer Sourcing at Sabre Travel Solutions. Note: This interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

Elephant (ช้าง) Conservation and Tourism in Thailand - Interview with John Roberts

During the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group's (MeTAG) inaugural Experts Call on 10 March 2021, John Roberts, Director of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation in Thailand, said he was concerned that in the rush to restart tourism, the hospitality industry may forget lessons learned from when nature was given a chance to rejuvenate away from mass tourism. In this interview we discuss that, jungle bubbles, how COVID19 has affected GTAEF's work and much more. Note: This interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

IATA Travel Pass - Interview with Vinoop Goel

The IATA Travel Pass will help to reduce the risk of fake COVID19 test / vaccine certificates being used to travel, and eventually lead to a contactless travel experience. But where does the IATA Travel Pass app begin and end? That's just one of the many questions Steven Howard asks Vinoop Goel, IATA's Regional Director Airports and External Relations - Asia Pacific, in this exclusive interview. Note: This interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)

All of the HD videos of the above interviews can be watched, here.