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.

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 4K Video 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.