Mr Patrick Imbardelli, President and CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, would like to hear less of the phrase ‘cautiously optimistic’ this year, if you don’t mind.

If there are three words that will characterise the year ahead, it will be ‘Asia’, ‘low-cost’ and ‘online’. In this year-end issue, P@SSPORT looks at these three drivers of growth.

As the only comprehensive regional platform of its kind, TravelRave 2011 was truly a celebration of the best in Asia’s travel and tourism industry. The mega travel and tourism festival comprised 10 world-class events that featured a number of prominent speakers and attracted more than 9,500 attendees, a 15 per cent growth over 2010.

On 17 October 2011, the Singapore Experience Awards (SEA) ceremony was held to recognize the best in Singapore ’ s tourism industry.

TravelRave returns to Singapore this month with new partners including leading organisations like the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Questex Media Group. Confident of the strategic role that TravelRave plays in the Asian tourism industry, industry partners and event organizers worldwide are launching inaugural travel business events and...

The World Orchid Conference is returning to Singapore, after 48 years away. The 20th World Orchid Conference (20WOC), with the theme, “Where Old World and New World Orchids Meet”, will be held from November 13 to 20 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. P@SSPORT catches up with Dr Kiat W Tan, Chairman of 20WOC, to find out what this means to Singapore.

In 1911, a British Bristol Boxkite biplane took off from Singapore, setting in motion a journey that has led to aviation playing a significant role in transforming the island into a global city. This year, Singapore celebrates 100 years of aviation, marking a centenary of aviation achievements that has helped place Singapore on the world map. A year-long calendar of events and activities has been...

Most entrepreneurs dream of selling their companies at a handsome profit, and retiring on a high note to enjoy the fruits of their labour, preferably before they turn 40.

Business travel in the US is recovering and given its importance to global trade and national economies, it was hardly surprising to note the upbeat atmosphere at the 11th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Las Vegas.

The luxury market is back and, like most trends, it is moving online. When it comes to travel, high net worth customers are looking for enriching experiences and holidays that produce unforgettable memories.

The 2011 Tourism Industry Conference (TIC) kicked off on a high note with Senior Minister of State and Industry, Mr S Iswaran, highlighting some record-breaking numbers achieved last year – an all-time high of 11.6 million visitors, which is an increase of 20 per cent over 2009, and tourism expenditure reaching over S$18 billion or a growth of 49 per cent.

Mr Chew Choon Seng, former CEO of Singapore Airlines and now Chairman of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), shares with P@SSPORT his love for travel and his views on customer service and branding.

Mr Simon Israel stepped down as chairman of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) after seven years in the seat. Based in Singapore for 20 of the last 30 years he has spent in Asia, the executive shares with P@SSPORT his views on the transformation of Singapore.

P@SSPORT asks some industry members for their reflections of the year that was and their predictions for the year ahead.

Singapore stands on the threshold of something remarkably different, and travel and tourism suppliers have to re-design the Singapore experience for the next decade.

Even as more than 8,000 travel and tourism leaders and professionals converge into Singapore during TravelRave week (Oct 18-28), a report is tipping that by 2020, Asia will account for a third of global travel spend, sealing its position as a force for change in the industry.

Mr Benson Puah, CEO of Esplanade – Theatres On The Bay, believes Singapore is on the tipping point of a whole new realm and that “what lies ahead will be unrecognisable”.

Beyond skills, these are the attributes employers are looking for

“Ain’t no mountain high enough”, sang Diana Ross as she graced the opening celebration of the Marina Bay Sands on June 23 – and for the team behind this Integrated Resort, it must have felt like they had climbed several mountains to get to the opening.

Social media, specialization and personalization – those are the three big areas to invest in over the next few years if you want to be an entrepreneur in the travel industry.

There is no one more convinced about the power of digital media as a marketing platform than AirAsia’s Regional Head of Commercial, Ms Kathleen Tan. “If you aren’t in digital yet, then you will be left behind,” is how she sees it.

It’s the classic story. European tour operators, still struggling from a weak economy, want hotels in Singapore to maintain rates. But hoteliers, doing well from regional markets, do not feel they need to. P@SSPORT captures the sentiment of the Singapore stand at ITB Berlin.

Last year’s CISCO virtual conference for 20,000 employees caught the attention of the global MICE industry. How can the industry defend its turf? P@SSPORT tracks the trends and shares insights.

There will be no return to pre-crisis conditions, says a global report. The customer has changed and with it, suppliers will have to as well.

The opening of the two Integrated Resorts, an economy on the mend and pent-up corporate and leisure demand augur well for tourism in Singapore and its ASEAN neighbours.

You could call it the apex of major international events held in Singapore in 2009.

Experience providers share their strategies for showing aspects of Singapore they feel visitors should not miss while here

One word perhaps best sums up Singapore’s tourism industry – evolution.

The Singapore Experience continues to evolve, thanks to partnerships and new attractions such as the Marina Barrage and the Peranakan Museum.

Beyond the racing stars, this year’s FORMULA ONE is packed to the brim with activities to ensure an experience for all. From spectator stands to rock acts, to FORMULA ONE - related displays and activities along Orchard Road, Singapore gets ready to host its second FORMULA ONE.

In recognition of Singapore’s growing status as a global business city, major hotel players have made Singapore their base. P@SSPORT features two companies that are driving change not only in Singapore but also the region, and talks to its leaders on the opportunities they see for Singapore in this increasingly competitive tourism landscape.

Scott Blume, who’s stepped down as CEO of ZUJI/Travelocity Asia Pacific, shares with P@SSPORT his take on the online travel scene and how traditional travel agents need to grab opportunities.

Several sectors of the industry say we may be seeing "green shoots" of recovery. Are we clutching at straws or are we seeing real signs of recovery? Or should we stop guessing and just focus on areas we can influence - sentiment and confidence? P@SSPORT reports.

With the "2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore" campaign in full swing, industry partners who have taken part in the programme so far have hailed it a success.

Companies are taking the opportunity in the downturn to review their strategies, and making painful but necessary changes.

A panel discussion at the Singapore Tourism Industry Conference (TIC) stayed focused on the opportunities while bearing in mind the realities of competing in today's marketplace.

The question that's probably on everyone's lips is when will recovery begin? Both of the economy and specifically, demand for travel?

Held against the most challenging backdrop ever, this year's ASEAN Tourism Forum will be of even more significance. P@SSPORT analyses the state of the region's tourism industry and looks at where the opportunities could lie.

Companies that do so will emerge winners in the long run

Let's get through this together, say travel leaders at WIT & ITB Asia

Times may have changed and hotel branding may have become more sophisticated, while customers may have evolved. But when it comes to corporate clients choosing their hotel, location, location, location remains as true today as it did when the hospitality industry was first invented.

As the racing world's eyes turn to Singapore, one man is busy making sure everything works like clockwork. P@SSPORT catches up with Colin Syn, General Manager of Singapore GP.

Since time immemorial, men and women have been on the open road to explore new shores and experience new sensations. There is no greater motivation than the need to learn about the different cultures and heritage of the different places in the world.

"New dynamics will drive rates and change regional hotel landscape"

A note of "cautious optimism" was sounded during the recent Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Hotels Investment Conference held in Singapore, with hotel chiefs hedging their bets on the fallout on business from the rise in fuel prices and its consequent effects on the airline business.

Despite rising living costs and the growing economic concerns globally, this year's Tourism Awards winner for the Best Shopping Experience - Shopping Mall category, VivoCity, is confident of strong retail sales over the seven weeks of the Great Singapore Sale (23 May - 20 July 2008).

In the earlier days, the hotel industry was defined by "location, location, location". He who has the best location wins. Today, with the hospitality industry facing surging manpower needs globally, "people" has become the new "location". He who has the best people wins.

Other than making new contacts, renewing old relationships and negotiating new contracts, trade shows are a great place to "trend watch". Some might call it catching up on industry gossip - who's left, who's moving where, who's doing what - but the truth is, it's a good microcosm of what's happening in the industry at any particular time. P@SSPORT takes a look at the trends and issues which surfaced at ITB Berlin and how they will impact Singapore.

Singapore Tourism Board's Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive, Mr Lim Neo Chian, salutes the stars and says all must work together to uplift service standards to ensure Singapore remains competitive as it transforms.

ITB Berlin kicks off on 5 March 2008 amid strong promise from the ever-intrepid German outbound market. At the same time, the groundwork is being laid for the debut of ITB Asia this October, with strong demand already being shown by exhibitors. P@SSPORT looks at the ties between the two events and what they mean to Asian tourism.

The ambition is big, the timeline is short and the project is the talk of the town. Michael Graves Associates is the main architect for Resorts World at Sentosa. P@ssport catches up with MGA’s project studio head, Patrick Burke, to talk about the development.

As we kick off a new year, P@SSPORT looks ahead and asks industry leaders across different industry segments to share their top three things to watch for 2008.

As we enter the last stretch of 2007, it is timely to reflect on key events that transformed the Asian travel landscape. P@SSPORT takes a look at the year through the eyes of leading industry watchers, who shared with us what they think were the events of the year.

Resorts World at Sentosa's (RWS) Human Resources Director, Ms Seah Ee Boon, has a job much like Donald Trump's in the ruthless reality TV series, The Apprentice. The only exception: She does not fire, she hires. P@ssport catches up with her.

The cranes line the skyline, construction is happening at a frenzied pace – how is progress going and how is the Sands team preparing for the 2009 opening? P@ssport gets the story from Mr George Tanasijevich, Vice President, Singapore Development, Marina Bay Sands™ Pte Ltd.

It's one year to go before the rubber hits the tracks on 28 September 2008, and already, hoteliers in Singapore are buzzing about what hosting the world's first Formula 1 night race will do their city and, more importantly, room rates.

What do you do when you are hired to build a world famous resort in a break-neck construction timetable of three years? P@SSPORT catches up with RWS' man-in-the-action, Michael Chin.

Just last month, one week after site workers celebrated the finish of their latest project with a barbeque, Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) moved into its...

The Marina Bay Sands™ resort, a new hand that says, "Welcome" at Marina Bay

Practically every tourist, convention delegate or casino high roller will be awed by the cupped, open-palm structure of a new icon that will figure in Singapore's skyline in 2009.

As travel and tourism enters its third phase, the period when masses of Asians, led by India and China, will begin to travel, are we prepared for the massive growth ahead? And what will the Asian legacy be? Banyan Tree's chairman, Mr KP Ho, gives food for thought.

She walked into the room with a little bounce in her step. And no wonder; her company has just been recognised as the third top employer in Singapore and ranked among the top 20 in Asia among 700 companies by a global management consulting firm. Ms Diana Ee Tan, Managing Director, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, is on top of the world.

Inside, frantic preparations were going on to ensure the tourism event of the year would go without any hitches. It was after all Tourism Oscars night, time for the stars of the industry to shine and a time for everything to run perfectly.

Outside, the foyer was packed with people as they chatted and mingled. Some had champagne glasses in their hands. "Do you know something I don't?" asked one...

It's been called the new old. Or the new young. Whatever you call it or whichever way you look at it, today's senior citizens are no longer content to ride into the sunset quietly.

Epitomised by personalities such as Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones who is still rocking world tours or former US President Bill Clinton, the older generation...

The time is ripe in Asia for an event that will focus the spotlight on not only wildlife film making, but on the critical issue of wildlife conservation in the region.

Which is why freelance wildlife film producer, Mr Chris Dickinson, came up with the idea of staging Wildlife Asia in Singapore.

P@SSPORT speaks to five of the STB's newly-chosen Conference Ambassadors to ask their views on what Singapore's strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to bidding for major international events.

The new year will see continued growth of online travel across Asia/Pacific. P@SSPORT talks to ZUJI's Chief Executive Officer, Scott Blume, on what's driving the growth in the online travel landscape in the region.

Mr Huang Cheng Eng, Executive Vice-President Marketing and the Regions, Singapore Airlines, speaks to P@SSPORT about the highlights and disappointments of the past year, and the challenges that lie ahead for the airline as it fights to stay ahead of the competition.

Super luxury, uber luxury, premium, six star - call it what you will but it is clear that when it comes to customer segmentation, there is no way to go but up. This month's P@SSPORT takes a look at global trends, shares a new study that will help you understand this market better and looks at what Singapore is doing to capture a slice of the luxury dollar.

Tourism 2015 has elevated the importance of tourism. It sets clear goalposts. Get behind it and transform, urges the chief of STB.

"Times flies, doesn't it," says Lim Neo Chian, deputy chairman and chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) as he walks into the meeting room.