Speaker

Nigel Wong

Secretary General at ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA)

A trained software engineer specializing in business systems development, software development methodologies and network security. An entrpreneur in the travel space and an importer of fine wines.

Entered the travel industry while working in Australia developing one of the most popular and active online adventure travel sites promoting self-drive and outback excursions.

Returned to Kuala Lumpur in 2009 and formed an agency to promote eco-tourism and adventure travel in the digital space.

Became a Member of the Executive Council of MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) in 2013 serving initially as the VP for Research & Technology and, in the last six years, as the association’s Honorary Secretary General. Elected as the ASEAN Tourism Association’s (ASEANTA) Secretary General in 2019.

In 2018 co-founded Strine Wines Sdn Bhd to import and distribute craft wines in Malaysia.

AllSessions

Day 1
October 20, 2021
11:30 am

Concurrent Session A : “Tourism & Hospitality: A Long Journey of Recovery”

20 October
Time:  11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: 

One of the worst hit sectors of the pandemic has been the travel and hospitality industry. Since March 2020, the tourism and hotel industry lost over 80% of its business, while the hotel industry alone recorded a loss of over RM6.53 billion in 2020*. While there is light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccination rollout and National Recovery Plan, the sector has a long journey ahead and many players may not survive the recovery period.
This session explores the issues and needs of the industry, as well as the path ahead, including innovations and concepts that can refresh the sector and offer new opportunities for growth.

*No Total Lockdown, What’s Next?”, Malaysian Association of Hotels, 22 May 2021