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Here's 10 things that happened most recently:
Here's the 10 most recent posts:
Thanks to all our [Saigon Travel Massive](www.travelmassive.com/posts/ho-chi-minh-city-travel-massive-719984002) members for joining our final event of the year at [The Palm Restaurant & Bar](www.thebachsuites.com/thepalm/) which recently opened on the top floor of the luxury French-inspired [Bach Suites Saigon](www.thebachsuites.com).
The exclusive networking event welcomed a diverse mix of industry experts from across the Vietnamese and South East Asian tourism industry — including representative from DMCs, hotels, tour operators, tavel agents, content creators, consulting and travel tech. Notable brands included: [Abercrombie & Kent](www.travelmassive.com/@rob-rankin-4628239411), [Exo Travel](www.travelmassive.com/@louane-daigremont-casado-8776973686), [Khiri Travel](www.travelmassive.com/@nicola-scaramuzzino-2323595488), [Aurora Travel](www.travelmassive.com/@jina-bao-anh-6116925984), [Hyatt Regency](www.travelmassive.com/@thu-nguyen-9677334115), [Six Senses](www.travelmassive.com/@tran-van-anh-1946458444), [Azerai](www.travelmassive.com/@kieu-linh-8663610704), [Furama Resort](www.travelmassive.com/@duyen-nguyen-1151218726), [Lacaph Coffee Experiences](www.travelmassive.com/@michael-huynh-1883211450), [VN Bike Tour](www.travelmassive.com/@quynh-tran-7957491167), [The Learning Adventure](www.travelmassive.com/@quynhanhpt), [Agape Travel](www.travelmassive.com/@khanh-han-nguyen-4916144170), [Travel With Viv](www.travelmassive.com/@vivian-vo-1009190508), [The CAKE Collective](www.travelmassive.com/@kevin-lee-1038497414), [Heads on Pillows](www.travelmassive.com/@ngan-pham-1165982972), and [Visit APAC](www.travelmassive.com/@san-luong-4476548288).
We also hosted a lucky draw with amazing prizes from sponsors [Livannah Restaurant](www.facebook.com/livannah.sipsnbites/), [P’ti Restaurant](www.instagram.com/p.ti_sai.gon/), [The Palm Restaurant & Bar](www.thebachsuites.com/thepalm/), [Bạch Place Dalat](www.bachplacedalat.vn), [Fred Wissink Photography](www.fredwissink.com) and [Heads on Pillows](headsonpillows.com). We also announced Travel Massive Asia Conference 2026 will take place on August 21-22 in Da Nang, and gave away a free full-access ticket. More details will be released on Travel Massive in the coming weeks.
A huge thank you to The Palm Restaurant & Bar for hosting the Travel Massive community, and to all raffle sponsors for the generous prizes and support.
— See you at our next event and happy new year!
📸 Photos by [Fred Wissink](www.travelmassive.com/@fredwissink). You can also view the album on the [Travel Massive Saigon Facebook page](www.facebook.com/travelmassivevietnam).
Would like to host, sponsor or speak at a [Saigon Travel Massive](www.travelmassive.com/posts/ho-chi-minh-city-travel-massive-719984002) event and connect with Vietnam’s travel and hospitality industry? Get in contact with our community leaders [Natalya](www.travelmassive.com/@natalya) or [Megan](www.travelmassive.com/@meg-ly).
I've always thought that it is. I'm always grateful that someone is recording what we are doing and keeping it safe... and out of the control of governments.
For that reason, I've been a regular contributor for years and I've just renewed my tiny monthly subscription. I was reminded to renew by this article in PCgamer. The figures are amazing!
It's too easy to just forget about organisations like this. I also donate to Wikipedia because I use it daily (so does AI!) and I'd hate to lose it.
What do you think?
It sure is!
A few years ago I used Wayback Machine to find the earliest version of hostels.com when it was created by @darren-overby at his hostel the Pacific Tradewinds Hostel in San Francisco.
At the dawn of the web in the mid 1990s, Darren registered the domain name and asked hostel guests to type in hostel information from their guide books / lists into a database on a Macintosh Classic computer, which he then scripted to write the HTML pages of hostel listings on the website.
It's probably one of the first examples of an online accommodation listing website, guides, and advertising (they had a few banner ads).
To honour Darren's work I host the earliest version of the website at h0stels.com (hostels with a zero) for people to explore and enjoy. Incredibly, the original HTML code that is decades old still works on modern browsers!
Darren sold his website to Hostelworld in the early 2000s and the rest is history!
Wow! H0stels is so deliciously retro! Glad you feel the same way about the importance of archiving, Ian. I'm so impressed that I can visit the first iterations of the British Guild of Travel Writers website (I was webmaster) and even drill down a couple of layers!
Here's a few gems of the earliest versions of some well known travel websites:
Expedia (1996)
web.archive.org/web/19961221145824/http://expedia.com
Lonely Planet (1996)
web.archive.org/web/19961109172129/http://www.lonelyplanet.com
Skyscanner (2003)
web.archive.org/web/20030619234734/http://www.skyscanner.net
G Adventures (2011)
web.archive.org/web/20111015062243/http://www.gadventures.com
Priceline (1999)
web.archive.org/web/19990208005856/http://priceline.com
AirBnB (2009)
web.archive.org/web/20090305093538/http://www.airbnb.com
Travel Massive (2011)
web.archive.org/web/20120502034819/http://www.travelmassive.com
Skift (2012)
web.archive.org/web/20121222170630/http://skift.com
Travelfish (2004)
web.archive.org/web/20040611045136/http://www.travelfish.org
Tripadvisor (2002)
web.archive.org/web/20021112154657/http://www.tripadvisor.com
After months of preparation, mentoring, and global collaboration, the 2025 edition of the [Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism (SET) Competition](socialtourismcompetition.com) has officially come to a close with our pitch and awards ceremony.
From a record-breaking [196 applications across 66 countries](socialtourismcompetition.com/blog/a-record-year-for-set-competition-2025-196-applications-from-66-countries), four initiatives have been named winners in this year’s Launch and Growth Tracks. These winners represent innovative, impact-driven solutions aimed at building a more inclusive and sustainable tourism industry.
Congratulations to all participants for sharing their innovations, and let's meet the winners!
Zerotrail Climate Action Vehicle (India) — Launch Track 1st Place
Article image #square-1
[Zerotrail Climate Action Vehicle](socialtourismcompetition.com/blog/tariq-wani-zerotrail) is a mobile, AI-powered waste management and sustainability hub that tackles tourism-related waste in ecologically fragile regions like Ladakh, while promoting circular economy practices, local livelihoods, and eco-conscious travel. Founded by Tariq Wani.
The Portal (Botswana) — Growth Track 1st Place
Article image #square-2
[The Portal](socialtourismcompetition.com/finalists-2025) is an indigenous-led tourism experience at Botswana’s Tsodilo Hills that blends heritage preservation with immersive drone light shows and storytelling, with plans to scale this community-based model to other cultural sites across the region. Founded by [Mmoloki Pitse](www.travelmassive.com/@mmoloki-pitse-2288347206).
Legends in the Landscape (Nepal) — Launch Track 2nd Place
Article image #square-3
[Legends in the Landscape](socialtourismcompetition.com/blog/bimochan-pathak-and-bidhata-pathak-legends-in-the-landscape-nepal) offers gamified, open-air cultural experiences in rural Nepal, led by trained local youth who bring heritage sites to life through storytelling, interactive quests, and community-based tourism. Co-founded by Bimochan Pathak and Bidhata Pathak.
CarbonTrace (India) — Growth Track 2nd Place
Article image #square-4
[CarbonTrace](socialtourismcompetition.com/blog/ratan-kumar-carbontrace.in-india) is a platform that empowers individuals and communities to take climate-positive action by tracking, reducing, and offsetting carbon footprints—supporting grassroots projects across India while rewarding eco-conscious behavior and connecting users to sustainable choices. Founded by Ratan Kumar Ghimire.
About the 2025 Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism (SET) Competition Competition
This year marks a milestone for SET: the highest number of applications since the competition began. With 196 submissions – up 40% from last year – the interest in using tourism as a force for good continues to grow.
Entrants were evaluated across two tracks:
- Launch Track for early-stage ventures and new ideas
- Growth Track for established enterprises delivering measurable impact
10 Finalists were selected after a rigorous jury process and took part in a one-month mentorship program with international experts – meet the [Jury](socialtourismcompetition.com/jury) and [Mentors](socialtourismcompetition.com/mentors) who support the SET Competition.
The final [Pitch Contest and Award Ceremony](www.travelmassive.com/events/2025-pitch-contest-awards-social-entrepreneurs-in-tourism-competition-2232027941) took place online on 17 November 2025 moderated by [Kevin O'Shaughnessy](www.travelmassive.com/@okev), founder of CityHook, and produced my [Maria Stoyanova](www.travelmassive.com/@maria-stoyanova), Program Manager of the 2025 SET Competition.
Watch the Pitch Contest and Award Ceremony Replay
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVAszd1hQcY
Thanks to our Partners
Founded by [Prof. Dr. Claudia Brözel](www.travelmassive.com/@claudia-brozel) six years ago, the SET Competition is the world’s first international initiative dedicated exclusively to social innovation in tourism. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners whose ongoing support makes the Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism Competition possible.
Special appreciation goes to [Amadeus](amadeus.com/en), Travel Massive, Wiif, SINA (Social Innovation Academy), Lufthansa City Center, Stiftung Entrepreneurship, Neusta Destination.One, and ITB Berlin.
We are also grateful to our supporting partners: Social Impact Award, Tourism Cares, Fachhochschule Eberswalde, Social Enterprise Thailand, FutureTravel. Your collaboration helps empower changemakers and strengthen the global movement for impact-driven tourism.
👉 Want to stay updated with news from the SET community? Subscribe to the [SET Competition newsletter](socialtourismcompetition.com/subscribe).
Congratulations to all winners! And great thanks to our partners and the whole who made this Competition possible.
Join our next Webinar is on 9 January:
• How to prepare for ITB Berlin 2026?
• Speaker: Ryan Fuller – ITB Berlin
👉 Register: www.travelmassive.com/events/webinar-how-to-prepare-for-itb-berlin-2026-3924136205
So many amazing projects, congratulations to the winners!
My company Wander Woofs Tourist Dog Sitting was among the 25 shortlisted companies of the SET Competition, and even though we didn`t win, it was an honor to be featured among so many incredible, life-changing projects!
Thanks for the feedback, Vick! Keep following the newsletter as we're sharing more opportunities for social entrepreneurs all the time.
I`ll sure do!
Usually we post a "share your travel predictions" thread at the end of the year to capture everyone's imaginations about the future of travel and where it's headed. I thought we'd try something different this year and ask — what are your travel intentions for 2026?
👉 What destinations are you setting your sights on to visit (or live, or do business in) and why? Share your places, motivations and intentions below with the community.
📍 In addition to commenting below, you can also add places to your wishlist on Travel Massive Places at travelmassive.com/places and share on your travel map!
— Happy travels!
but what about you Ian ... what are your travel intentions?
I'm heading to:
• Kyrgizstan for the winter season & snowboarding in Karakol (Jan-March 2026)
• Montreal, Canada in summer for a work visit to Stay22 headquarters
Planning on South America on second half of 2026 for a 2-3 months – either Brazil, Peru or Argentina. Any tips to help me choose are welcome.
If you decide for Brazil, I can definitely help you out, Maria. Just give me a shout.
Argentina is also amazing and I've been setting eyes on Peru for a long time now.
I might go there with wife & kiddo next July.
Aiming to visit several new states on our cross-country road trip for World Cup and America's 250th celebration, including Ohio, Kentucky, Utah, Indiana and DC
I've been using the last few months to upskill myself in multiple industries to transition to a digital nomad in 2026. Looking at teaching abroad in Japan and South Korea, maybe hostel work for room and board in Europe while freelance writing. Really open to a lot of different possibilities.
These days, I find my personal travel is lead by my daughter's desires. I am grateful she wants to visit Paris and Mexico. I would love to attend an F1 race in a new city. Also, I'd love to visit Africa for the first time. Air Canada just added direct flights to Ghana (first direct flights between the countries!) and now I'm inspired!
I will definitely be returning to Qatar for the F1. Also very likely visiting Morocco. Apart from that, the options I am currently looking at include Mexico, Türkiye and maybe Bhutan and/or India.
from 2nd of january, my plan is to finish the 60 missing countries and reach 193! I took a 1 year unpaid holiday and hope to do the maximum while enjoying as well, it will be 2 months in africa, 1 in asia, 2 in carribean and latin america, 1 in pacific, 1 in middle east etc!
After a LONG TIME of fantasizing LOL I finally bought the Frontier GoWild Pass so I'm hoping to utilize it AT LEAST once a month in 2026... have my sights on Guatemala, Aruba, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and many US destinations - even created a new account to document my solo mom travel : @ProjectMomcation!! Also planning to go to CES for the first time (January in Vegas)
South Africa - 1st Qtr of 2026
Norway & Denmark - August 2026
Talking work travel, then I have so far been signed up to lead 2 groups around the Lake District in England and 16 groups to various parts of Portugal (Including Madeira and The Azores). A few more work trips will be added in the coming months. When talking fun travels that are not work related, then I am right now solo tour cycling around Bangladesh. I will be heading to India after this and spend most of January cycling down the east coast of India, from Kolkata to Hyderabad. I do not plan fun trips many months in advance, because I work as a freelancer. So the rest of my fun trips are not planned yet. But there will be several other trips, including another long cycling tour of some exotic destination. Plus all the other little short trips that I take where i traverse the globe to have dinner and drinks with good friends.
The year will start with Loreto, Mexico for New Years, then whale watching in Baja California, going to Paris, Lisbon and Tilburg Netherlands during the summer, Christmas 2026 in Africa, with a side visit to Egypt. Oh also Florida and other places in the USA and Canada throughout the year. Hoping to do the trans Canadian train ride during the summer also.
I love this question: what are my travel intentions? For Columbia in Feb/March (my big splurge for 2026 with a few days in Mexico City beforehand) it's to discover a new part of the world; South America. In the Fall, when I'll head back to England as I typically do, my intention will be to spend time with family and friends. From there, I plan to pop over to some off the beaten track location in Europe (yes, they still exist) perhaps in Poland or Slovakia, so that I can explore places where few tourists go and learn about their history, their food, and their customs. To do this I'd love to find a way to stay with a local woman for family.
I'm hoping to go to Central America at the end of January (Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) and spend the summer in Western Europe (Portugal, Spain, France and Italy most likely). Then I have a tour booked to Sri Lanka and Maldives for November!
Hey now! Planning on visiting 4 new countries in the Caribbean and the Pacific in Jan/Feb.
Then my focus will be on organizing the Extraordinary Travel Festival in October of 2026 in Bangkok.
Traveling to Antarctica in 2026. Then to Salt Lake City. Then to Greenland/Northwest Passage.
When I think of travel intentions I also consider the Why of travel, ie, what do plan to put into travel; what do I intend to take away from my travel experience? Anyone want to elaborate? Example: I intend to travel to the French Alps in the summer, I will take advantage of the wooded environment to just bathe in nature, be present, and allow the unexpected to bring insights; I intend to come back altered in some way and be more in tune with my home environment.
This coming year, I will take another trip to Malta. It will be my 3rd time. First was for 2 weeks, then 6 weeks. Tn February I will be exploring more of this country over 10 weeks. Can't wait! I will take a 7-day break and head to Budapest. I have many assigned stories and am sure I will find more while there.
I'm considering Vietnam, Croatia, Sri Lanka, Romania and a new area of Spain that I haven't visited before. I travel solo alot so these are places I have been told are solo travel friendly, also some based on potential press trips and sponsored trips I have been offered. I'm also very keen to explore slow travel, ecotourism and community tourism initiatives for more authentic and sustainable travel experiences.
In January, I'm launching a two-month, continent-shaped adventure.
I'm Karin Jones — host of the Safari ChangeMakers Podcast and Founder/CEO of Artisans of Safari — and this January through March, I'll be zipping across Africa, chasing stories (and sunsets) from Kenya to Zimbabwe, then all the way down to South Africa.
Think: lodge hopping, field notes, and big conversations. I'll be revisiting old favorites, scouting new gems, and sitting down with the people who make safari matter: guides, conservationists, community leaders, chefs, artists, and the behind-the-scenes changemakers. Along the way: restaurants, art galleries, wild places, and the kind of eyebrow-raising, hope-restoring moments that remind you why safari tourism can be a genuine force for good.
Come with me.
Follow along as I travel — and as I drop short, fresh podcast episodes with the brilliant humans I meet on the road.
• Subscribe to SAFARI Briefings for stories from the road: [www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-safari-briefings-7333253534911500288]
• Listen / follow Safari ChangeMakers Podcast: [ youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjfpZvMZtFKi99DwBu46lxl_9OcgOsfcN&si=_3rMcA2t57f_BhiJ]
• WhatsApp Channel: whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBaTPmFy7240oHrWk20 (and yes — it'll be the easiest way to catch quick updates in real time).
See you on the road. 🐾🎙️✨
I love this prompt because even though we aren’t done with 2025 travel yet, we’re already planning for next year! I’m headed to Mexico for the holidays, then NYC in the beginning of the year. We’ll have some New England time this year as well as North Carolina. The discussions also have included a trip to the Netherlands and/or Central Europe. Happy New Year everyone!
The global network of Filipino World Travelers (FWT) made big waves at the 2025 NomadMania Travel Awards — widely dubbed the “Oscars for world travel”. The virtual ceremony, which took place on 22–23 November 2025, convened a distinguished group of renowned explorers. FWT concluded the event having received more than just recognition.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3l61E3hzyQ
A milestone win for 81-year-old explorer Luisa Yu
FWT Co-leader Luisa Yu earned the coveted Most Intrepid Traveler award — an accolade reserved for those whose recent journeys displayed exceptional courage, risk-taking, and a fearless sense of adventure. At 81, Yu’s win is more than a personal triumph: it’s a powerful message that age is no barrier to bold, globe-spanning travel.
With this honor, she joins an elite club as one of only two people worldwide to have received two distinct NomadMania Travel Awards — the other being seasoned explorer Thor Pedersen, who previously won the Biggest Traveler Award (2022) and Best Travel Book (2025) for his epic work The Impossible Journey: An Incredible Voyage Through Every Country in the World Without Flying.
More FWT faces on the global stage
Luisa’s victory wasn’t the only reason to celebrate: FWT members also had a strong showing among this year’s Finalists. The community was represented in three additional award categories:
• Kach Umandap — Finalist, Most Purposeful Traveler
• Odette Ricasa — Finalist, Best Travel Book for “It’s All in the State of Mind”
• Wyatt Maktrav & Kaila de los Reyes — Finalists, Biggest Low Passport Index Traveler
This continues a legacy of strong representation for Filipino travelers: in previous years, Kach Umandap (2022), Pia Dina Montemayor (2023), and Gean Tayone (2024) stood out in the Low Passport Index category, while Ricasa previously won Best NomadMania Friend (2023).
A historic gathering of global travelers
This year’s Awards were historic in scope: 128 “UN Masters” — travelers who have visited every UN-recognized country — participated in panels over the two-day event, with 67 joining the final ceremony. Among them were four people who’ve completed the world circuit twice, and one explorer who achieved the extraordinary “Grand Slam,” visiting all countries, both Poles, and even space.
The scale of this gathering underlines why NomadMania is widely seen as the world’s leading authority on verified global travel and country-visit documentation with over 50,000 members across the globe. That stature matters for a community like FWT — not just for recognition, but for credibility and global standing.
2025: A milestone year for Filipino world travelers
Yu’s win comes on the heels of a deeply meaningful moment earlier in 2025: during a courtesy call at the presidential palace in Manila, she was recognized by the Philippine President as the oldest Filipino to visit all UN countries — a moment shared with Odette Ricasa (first Filipino to complete all countries) and Kach Umandap (youngest Filipino to do it using solely a Philippine passport).
But that’s not all. In July 2025, 12-year-old Wyatt Maktrav became the youngest person ever to visit every UN-recognized European country, accompanied by his mother Kaila de los Reyes. And in September 2025, Glen Dalisay made history as the first Filipino man to visit all countries in the world.
To commemorate these achievements, FWT recently launched its official anthem, “We Are Filipino World Travelers”, now available on major streaming platforms — and rolled out a 2026 Commemorative Calendar via Lulu, honoring the newest generation of Filipino explorers.
The strong presence of Filipino World Travelers at NomadMania 2025 is more than an awards success — it’s a bold statement. It proves that with passion, perseverance, and a supportive global community, Filipinos continue to define what world travel looks like, on their own terms.
Thanks to all our members who attended our [Sydney Travel Industry Networking Evening](www.travelmassive.com/events/sydney-travel-industry-networking-caption-by-hyatt-5390765111) to experience the brand new [Caption by Hyatt](www.hyatt.com/caption-by-hyatt/sydcp-caption-by-hyatt-central-sydney) which opened just a few weeks ago in Sydney's Haymarket district.
Tucked around the corner from the Capitol Theatre, cabaret lights beckoned our attendees into the entryway of Caption by Hyatt's entrance on Parker Street, nestled between Sydney's Chinatown and Central Station.
Our group was warmly welcomed by Director of Sales and Marketing [Peter Roach](www.linkedin.com/in/peroa/) and General Manager [Temara Exton](www.linkedin.com/in/temaraexton/) who treated us to a welcome drink and a showing of the [Talk Shop](www.instagram.com/talkshopsydney/) — a communal meeting space open to both guests and the community to meet, work, eat or relax. We enjoyed some social time in this warm and inviting area before small groups were given the chance to take a peek at the hotel rooms and gym.
The unique vibrant colours of Caption by Hyatt decor and design is complimented by commissioned artwork from several [local Australian artists](www.hotelmanagement.com.au/2025/10/13/in-pictures-caption-by-hyatt-central-sydney-makes-an-entrance/) who designed in-room wall art and hand-painted room numbers.
A big thanks to the team at Caption by Hyatt for hosting and all our members who attended!
👋 Stay connected with travel professionals in Sydney. Join our [Sydney Travel Massive](www.travelmassive.com/posts/sydney-travel-massive-137260029) to be notified of upcoming events and connect with other members. See you at our next event!
Fantastic to catch up with everyone and meet a few new people too - big thanks to Christine for the group photo! :)
Everyone was excited to get a behind the scenes look at this brand new property in Chinatown, Sydney. The event was thoughtful, well attended and a lot of fun!
Thank you to all community members for a fantastic year - this group is really something special. See you all in 2026!
Thanks to everyone who joined our [Bangkok Travel Industry Social](www.travelmassive.com/events/bangkok-travel-massive-social-2386536556) at [The Smokin' Pug](www.instagram.com/smokinpug.bbq/) last week to network and mingle with fellow hospitality professionals, creators and digital nomads. The event was hosted on the opening evening of the inaugural [NoVacancy Hotel and Accommodation Industry Expo](www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/novacancy-asia/index.stm) in Bangkok.
As such, the event brought together numerous members of the local [Bangkok Travel Massive](www.travelmassive.com/posts/bangkok-travel-massive-309854891) community, and many international friends for an evening of good food, discussions and socialising.
The gathering was hosted at The Smokin' Pug — a cozy [American inspired bar and restaurant](www.smokinpugbbq.com/our-story) created by expat husband and wife team Danny and Dana, located on Langsuan Road near Bangkok's iconic [Lumphini Park](www.travelfish.org/sight_profile/thailand/bangkok_and_surrounds/bangkok/bangkok/8).
The evening brought together an exceptionally diverse mix of travel industry leaders, innovators, and creators.
Attendees ranged from [Ian Cumming](www.travelmassive.com/@ian), the founder of Travel Massive, to major booking and mobility platforms such as [12Go Asia](www.travelmassive.com/@faida-wajidee) and [Agoda](www.travelmassive.com/@hughestim), and niche platforms like [Techie Stays](www.travelmassive.com/@rohan-watt-3381332034), to hospitality brands like [LB Aresia](www.travelmassive.com/@lespurque-bruno-2852672358) and tech and revenue management firms like [Heads On Pillows](www.travelmassive.com/@samuel-walter) and [GAIN Advisors](www.travelmassive.com/@michael-cohen-4076394350).
Content creators and media were also strongly represented, with [Sung Studio](www.travelmassive.com/@vincentsung), [Global Gaz](/@global_gaz) (186 UN Countries), [Voyajen
](www.travelmassive.com/@jenna-pava-2412667738) (188 UN Countries), [Minority Nomad](/@erick-prince), [MrScottEddy](/@mrscotteddy), [Planet Hoppers](www.travelmassive.com/@amy-tan-5576997381), [Memories of Morocco](www.travelmassive.com/@taoufiq-r-3467612090), [BudgetTraveller](/@budgettraveller) (Kash and [Sabrina](/@sabrina-wulf)) and [Travel Dudes](www.travelmassive.com/@melvin-bocher-6849035974) joining the conversation, alongside [TTG Asia Media](www.travelmassive.com/@anne-somanas) and veteran travel journalist [Joe Cummings](www.travelmassive.com/@joecummings) — one of Lonely Planet's first authors who wrote the first ever Lonely Planet guide to Thailand.
The community welcomed a wide array of travel operators and niche experts — from [Very Local Trip](www.travelmassive.com/@maxime-besnier-5996209375), [Amazing Voyages Thailand](www.travelmassive.com/@nitin-7846009677), [SiamRise Travel](www.travelmassive.com/@thanawut-good-supangkaratana-4858981051) to sustainability advocates and consultants like [Plastic Free Southeast Asia](www.travelmassive.com/@sarah-rhodes).
Other international brands and emerging ventures were also present, including the founders of [Bansko Nomad Fest](www.travelmassive.com/@holgstravels) and [GigSky](www.travelmassive.com/@alex-dufort-4438596647) who also added to the rich cross-section of voices and conversations at the event.
A big thanks to the team at The Smokin' Pug for their fantastic and friendly hospitality, and to [Bangkok Travel Massive](www.travelmassive.com/posts/bangkok-travel-massive-309854891) co-leader [Anne Somanas](www.travelmassive.com/@anne-somanas) for organizing the event. And of course, thanks to our amazing global community who turned up from around the world to create new friends and connections.
Photos by [Anne Somanas](www.travelmassive.com/@anne-somanas) (Thailand Correspondent, TTG Asia Media) and [Ric Gazarian](www.travelmassive.com/@global_gaz) (Extraordinary Travel Festival). Give them a follow and connect if you'd like to sponsor a meetup with our community in Bangkok.
👋 Stay connected with travel professionals in Bangkok. Join our [Bangkok Travel Massive](www.travelmassive.com/posts/bangkok-travel-massive-309854891) to be notified of upcoming events and connect with other members. See you at our next event!
great to see so many people getting together from so many different slices of life
Will there be any more of similar event in December 2025 to New Years Eve?
We’ve been exploring a few AI agents and automations recently, and I’m really curious to hear how others are actually using them in practice — not just in marketing examples where everything looks magically easy.
Right now, we’re looking at:
Sintra – mainly for breaking down parts of workflows and small task automations so take away the burden
Fixiar.ai – for handling and drafting emails (this seems popular, but the other "agents" seem to have this feature too)
Holo – currently looking to trial this for social posts and content generation
We also use ChatGPT (paid) and have a Perplexity (paid) account, but those are more “resources” for research and planning etc rather than true agents running tasks autonomously.
The challenge we keep running into is that every platform claims you can “automate everything in minutes,” but in reality there are so many choices and a lot of setup, tuning, and trial-and-error involved. - also many of these companies dont really have much history
So I’d love to know: Is anyone here using AI agents effectively in their day-to-day work? What platforms or tools have actually delivered results for you?
What’s been hype vs. genuinely helpful?
I got a Sinstra subscription, more for the AI Brain, but NotebookLM came out shortly after that and that better fit the functions I was looking for. I haven't used it lately, but they have some new integrations, that I want to try out before I cancel my subscription.
I mostly use Gemini because it it's convenient to access documents thru drive and they're constantly dropping new tools. Gems work well, but they can be a little to get just right. The problem with Google is that they don't market new features well, so you kind of have to keep a look out.
But the big thing to remember, the output is only as good as the input. The more information you can give the AI, the better and more specific results it can give you.
Yea its a funny thing isn't it, if you believe the marketing and everyone online at the moment, its made out to sound like we wont have to do any work at all ha ha, but like you say its a play off between what we put in to what we get out
Little Update for everyone - I've been testing tryholo . AI - so far there is a lot of work that needs to be done in the background - but you can create a UGC type of person to chat, but the lip syncing isnt great, and the posts are a bit bland - will keep testing and let you know if things get better, I'm just doing the 2 week free trial at the moment
We use ChatGPT, Perplexity and Manus - it's useful. But we believe that without a travel philosophy as a base, AI leads to nowhere. So it is about balance. We are still looking for AU supported travel platforms, who are not just spreading superficial travel tips.
yea we use Chatgpt & Perplexity mainly, but are testing Gemini, Grok and all the others, i was looking more at the agents to do some of those minor tasks to speed up processes, but yet to find something i would use in the business without worrying about it..
Cimigo’s Vietnamese travel habits 2025 study paints a detailed portrait of how Vietnamese travellers are choosing, experiencing, and planning travel, and why destinations must now localise, personalise, and differentiate to stay relevant.
Amid Vietnam’s growing appetite for travel, Cimigo’s “Vietnamese travel habits” report offers a comprehensive understanding of how consumers prefer, book, and experience their trips.
Here's a quick highlight — International demand is resurging, especially among urban and ABC economic class travellers. Thailand, Japan, and Korea remain top-of-mind:
🇹🇭 Thailand (10%).
🇯🇵 Japan (10%).
🇰🇷 Korea (7%).
These destinations present immediate opportunities for simple, bundled, visa-supported international packages for Vietnamese travelers.
Highlights from the report include:
• What motivates the Vietnamese traveller?
• Vietnam destinations: Beaches still rule, but culture and adventure are rising
• Vietnam travel habits: Short getaways vs. premium breaks
• Vietnam travel trends: Unlocking traveller segmentation
• Vietnam domestic tourism: Transport matters, and is highly regional
• Vietnam travel expenditure: Budget vs. premium segments
• Vietnam domestic tourism decision drivers
• Vietnam travel trends: Coastal shifts and an international reawakening
• Vietnam International travel trends
• Vietnam travel trends: What’s next for tourism?
• Recommendations for Vietnam destination marketers
👉 Read more highlights at www.cimigo.com/en/trends/vietnamese-travel-habits/ and the full report is available for download with a free trial.
This is so good
Insightful. Reflecting my understanding and observation
Very interesting information!
Travel Massive London brought the global travel community together in force during this year’s World Travel Market (WTM), hosting two packed events that drew a combined 500 registrations from industry professionals, innovators, and creators from around the world.
The week kicked off with Travel Massive’s flagship WTM eve event, presented in partnership with headline sponsor Stripe and held at Stripe’s London headquarters. As one of Travel Massive’s most anticipated annual events, the innovation themed night, once again proved why it’s the community’s must-attend gathering, celebrating cross-border collaboration, forward-thinking ideas, and the global spirit of travel.
Bringing together leading travel brands, investors, disruptive startups, and influential creators, the evening offered a dynamic mix of lively networking, great food and drinks, and two high-impact panel discussions. Attendees explored the future of travel through conversations including:
“Funding the Future: New Business Models Reshaping Travel” featuring: Ethan Radtke, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Operations, Lonely Planet, Simeon Klein, Chief Business Officer, Seat Unique and Christian Watts, Founder & CEO, Magpie Travel.
“The Independent Path: Building a Sustainable Career in Travel” featuring: Rebecca Maffeis, Independent Consultant, Catherine Warrilow, Freelancer & PR Specialist, Jutta Moore, Independent Travel Industry Strategist.
The event also provided an opportunity for guests to connect with Stripe’s Travel, Transport and Leisure Lead, James Lemon and meet Travel Massive's Chapter Leaders from around the globe.
Photography coverage was provided thanks to Kzara Visual’s Chantelle Flores.
Following the success of the Monday night, Travel Massive teamed up with Travel Trends for the WTM London Social, an informal networking evening on the Tuesday that also saw exceptional interest prompting a last-minute venue upgrade to Sinners Social Club in Covent Garden to accommodate the crowd. Attendees from more than 185 travel companies came together for a relaxed night of conversations, reconnections, and collaboration spanning tours & activities, travel tech, media, and tourism.
The event also marked the official launch of iWander, an AI-powered travel companion redefining self-guided exploration, as well as opportunities to meet Travel Trends and Acceleration Team founder Dan Christian, host of the top-ranked Travel Trends podcast.
With both events reaching capacity and drawing a combined 500 sign-ups, Travel Massive once again demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of its global community and its continued commitment to bringing together the people shaping the future of travel.
This was a great evening, followed by a great social the following day, well done matt & the travel massive crew :-)
Very insightful panel and a wonderful way to kickstart WTM - thank you for hosting Matthew!
Love the energy!
I love this
HERE'S THE NEXT 5 UPCOMING EVENTS:
Hello Toronto Travel Massive community,
Please join us on December 10, 2025 for an exciting FlixBus event, an affordable intercity transit option that will allow you to see more of Canada (and the world) without a car.
About FlixBus
Looking to explore North America without breaking the bank? FlixBus makes it easy with affordable, comfortable, and convenient rides to top destinations across the continent. Whether you're heading to Niagara-on-the-Lake to relax, Barrie to ski, Wasaga Beach to sunbathe, traveling across BC or beyond, our buses offer free Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and a more sustainable way to travel. Sit back, relax, and let us get you there – without the stress of driving or the high cost of flying. Learn more on www.flixbus.com.
This event is for: Active travel media and creators (journalists, reporters, bloggers, creators, influencers, YouTubers, podcasters)
⏰ Schedule of activities:
6:00 PM: Arrival and networking
7:30 PM: Presentation
8:15 PM: Giveaway winners announced
8:30 PM: Event ends
🎁 FlixBus giveaway details, get ready to travel 🥳
The giveaway will be a raffle at the end of the event on December 10, 2025. Participants can have multiple entries in the raffle, here is how you can earn entry points 🎲
Ways to win 🎁
1️⃣ Tell us where you’d like to go with FlixBus by sharing an Instagram story OR an IG feed post by 8 PM on December 10, 2025. Make sure to tag and follow @travelmassiveTO and @FlixBus + use hashtags #FlixBus #TravelMassiveToronto [One point]
2️⃣ By participating in the in-person activities at the event.
Prizes:
🥇FlixBus roundtrip ticket valid for use in North America + Day & Night lift tickets for Horseshoe Valley Resort (Barrie, ON) AND a $200 dining gift card at Revé Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake 🚌 🥂🏂❄️.
🥈FlixBus roundtrip ticket valid for use in North America + Day & Night lift tickets for Horseshoe Valley Resort (Barrie, ON) 🚌 ⛷️❄️.
🥉Miscellaneous participation prizes throughout the evening 🥳.
T&C: The travel voucher must be using within 12 months of event date. The winner must be physically present at the event on December 10, 2025 to receive the reward.
💬 Join the conversation:
Travel Massive:
Instagram: @travelmassiveTO #TravelMassiveToronto for Travel Massive
Flixbus:
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Linkedin: @FlixBus #FlixBus
X: @FlixBus_NA @FlixBus #FlixBus
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/EinfachBusfahren
www.flixbus.com
Horseshoe Valley Resort giveaway partner (Barrie, ON)
@horseshoeresort | horseshoeresort.com
Revé Restaurant giveaway partner (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON)
Instagram: @experiencereve | byreve.com
🎟️ Event registration: there is a maximum capacity, so make sure to register. If there is a waitlist still sign up in case someone is no longer able to come we will add people from the waitlist. In the meantime, please have a look at your Travel Massive profile and take a moment to make sure it is up to date.
And remember to always join the waitlist, cancelations happen, capacity can change.
👉 Please note:
* All guests must be registered to attend.
* No +1s please.
* Must be an active member of the travel industry to attend with an approved and updated profile on TravelMassive.com, please make sure to describe what your role is in the travel industry and add associated social media and website links.
👉 Cancellations: If you are no longer able to attend, please try to release your ticket 48 hrs (2 days) before the event so others can attend. Thank you for understanding.
🚨As these events are limited capacity we have a 3-strike no show policy.
📸 This event will be photographed by a member of a Travel Massive team or/and our event partner. If you do not wish to be photographed please let us know upon arrival.
Land acknowledgment
We wish to acknowledge the Ancestral Traditional Territories of the Ojibway, the Anishnabe and, in particular, the Mississauga’s of the New Credit whose territories we gather on. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties.
Get in the holiday spirit with a festive evening of mingling at PDX Travel Massive’s December Holiday Mixer. This evening we will be hosted by three fantastic local businesses that embody what the holiday season is all about: fostering community and being a positive force for Good. Cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and a holiday treat and get to know your fellow community members during the most wonderful time of the year.
Our venue, Place to B, is a locally-owned coworking space on a mission to cultivate meaningful collaboration and a strong sense of community while creating an environment where small businesses can thrive.
Bites this evening will be provided by Wanderwell, a mission-driven travel insurance provider that is committed to environmental conservation and responsible business practices. As a Certified B Corporation, they approach insurance coverage through the lens of social impact, environmental stewardship, and regenerative travel, and these values are at the core of their business from start to finish.
Last but not least, what better way to celebrate the holiday season with a steaming cup of hot chocolate?! Since 2021, the team at Chocolat-e has been creating ethical, single origin chocolates with purpose. In addition to being a Certified B Corporation, they were certified by Benefit Corporations for Good in 2023, are verified with People and Planet First and have a strong commitment to philanthropic organizations such as Ukandu, Rose Haven and Janus Youth Programs.
We can’t wait to celebrate this joyous time of year with you and look forward to seeing you soon!
Event details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, December 17th
⏰ Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Place to B (1661 SE 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97212)
🗺️ Map link: maps.app.goo.gl/7dXKPwXPKFhKPGTW8
👉 RSVP is essential. Register on this event page.
Our hosts:
www.placetob.co
www.gowanderwell.com
chocolat-e.com
Hello Toronto Travel Massive community,
Please join us on January 8, 2026 for a post-holiday mix and mingle.
This will be a casual gathering where you can re-connect with old friends, acquaintances and meet new people from Toronto’s vibrant travel industry scene. Talk about your best travel photo in 2025, your new favourite destination and your goals for 2026!
The venue has games and a photobooth, so plenty of fun will be had.
⏰ Schedule of activities:
6:00 PM: Event starts
8:30 PM: Event raffle
9:00 PM: Event ends, but you are welcome to hang back and continue your conversations
⏰ Event raffle:
We will be doing a few giveaways* at the event 🥳. Prizes include:
• Travel Massive swag
• Henry's Camera vouchers. (Must be used by March 31st, 2026)
• Plaza Premium lounge passes
*The winner must be present at the time of the raffle to claim the prize.
💬 Join the conversation:
Travel Massive:
@travelmassiveTO #TravelMassiveToronto
Giveaway partners:
Henry's Camera
www.henrys.com/stores/toronto
@henryscamera #weareallcreators #henryscamera
Plaza Premium Group (PPG)
www.plazapremiumlounge.com
@plazapremiumlounge
🎟️ Event registration: there is a maximum capacity, so make sure to register. If there is a waitlist, we would encourage you to still sign-up in case someone is no longer able to come. If there are any cancellations, we will add people from the waitlist. In the meantime, please have a look at your Travel Massive profile and take a moment to make sure it is up to date as that helps us verify attendees.
Always join the waitlist, cancelations happen, capacity can change.
👉 Please note:
* All guests must be registered to attend.
* No +1s please.
* Must be an active member of the travel industry to attend with an approved and updated profile on www.travelmassive.com. Please make sure to describe what your role is in the travel industry and add associated social media and website links.
👉 Cancellations: If you are no longer able to attend, please try to release your ticket 48 hrs (2 days) before the event so others can attend. Thank you for understanding.
🚨As these events are limited capacity, we have a 3-strike no show policy.
📸 This event might be photographed by a member of a Travel Massive team or/and our event partner. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know upon arrival.
Land acknowledgment
We wish to acknowledge the Ancestral Traditional Territories of the Ojibway, the Anishnabe and, in particular, the Mississauga’s of the New Credit whose territories we gather on. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties.
Join us for a practical and informative webinar with Ryan Fuller from ITB Berlin, designed for social entrepreneurs and tourism changemakers planning to attend ITB Berlin 2026.
👉 Webinar: How to Prepare for ITB Berlin 2026?
📆 Date: 9 January 2026
⏰ Time: 14:00 CET
🎤 Speaker: Ryan Fuller – ITB Berlin
🌱 Organized by: Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism Competition, in partnership with ITB Berlin
Participants will receive insights into how to prepare effectively for ITB Berlin, including tips on setting clear goals, engaging with the right networks, and making a lasting impression at the event. Ryan will also answer audience questions, offering tailored advice on exhibition readiness, pitch preparation, and navigating the ITB environment.
This webinar is hosted by the Social Entrepreneurs in Tourism (SET) Competition, the only global competition dedicated to social innovation in tourism. It is part of our mission to empower tourism entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and global collaboration.
Register today to join live or receive the recording afterwards.
Link to event pageJoin digital nomads, global travelers and locals interested in the lifestyle in Cape Town, South Africa for a full week of inspiring keynotes, workshops, outdoor activities & social evenings.
Nomad Week Cape Town brings digital nomads, entrepreneurs, remote workers & travelers together for a week of connection, collaboration, and fun while exploring the best of Cape Town and South Africa. Along with networking and personal growth, the event focuses on immersing in the local culture, supporting local businesses, and learning about sustainable travel. It’s a chance to build lasting friendships, share knowledge, and enjoy unforgettable experiences while bridging the gap between the nomad and local communities.
Cape Town Travel Massive — we're working on a collab with Nomad Week! In the meantime, please contact @matt-gray or @fuadpeters if you'd like to get your local business involved.
Why attend?
Be inspired & learn – Listen to digital nomads from various industries share insights on topics we need to know more about like AI, Business & Sustainable Travel.
Find community – Join digital nomads and solo travelers together from all over the world to connect in one jam-packed week filled with a ton of activities.
Experience Africa – Explore Cape Town, its beautiful Winelands, the Garden Route or even go on a safari in Botswana. Don’t just sit behind a laptop – experience Africa & support local business
Empower & Integrate – Connect with the local community through empowerment initiatives such as the Digital Skills Day, Africa Pitch Competition, SA Food Market & Student Sponsorship Program.
Africa Expo — Local Connect
As a South African-founded event, we’re committed to creating lasting impact for the local community, not just hosting an event. Thursday is the Africa Expo, dedicated to empowering and uplifting South Africans
• Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: 100 aspiring entrepreneurs will gain free training in digital skills and online business, plus the chance to pitch for prizes that help grow their ventures.
• Celebrating Local Culture: Experience authentic South African cuisine and handcrafted works, giving local vendors and artisans a platform to reach a global audience.
• Investing in the Next Generation: Throughout the week, we’ll promote the Nomad Africa Fund, where attendees can sponsor a local high school student’s education for an entire year, helping create pathways to a brighter future.
👉 Full program, including how to apply to be a speaker over at nomadweek.co
— See you in Cape Town this January!
Link to event pageWelcome to the 33rd ENTER eTourism conference
The International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT) is delighted to announce Breda as the host city for the ENTER26 eTourism Conference. Nestled in the south of the Netherlands, Breda is a picturesque mid-sized city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional connectivity. Located at the crossroads of major European cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Brussels, Breda offers an easily accessible and inspiring venue for this landmark event from 27th to 30th January 2026.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJEe91wFnc
Breda University of Applied Sciences: Our Esteemed Partner
ENTER26 will be organized by Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS), a premier higher education institution celebrated for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. With approximately 7,500 students hailing from over 60 countries, BUAS offers 17 bachelor’s and 12 master’s programs across a diverse array of disciplines, including Tourism, Hospitality, Leisure, Gaming, Media, and Logistics.
Since its founding in 1966, BUAS has earned numerous accolades, establishing itself as a leader in applied sciences education. Its unique teaching and learning approach seamlessly integrates academic theory with practical industry experience, creating an exceptional environment for student success. More information about BUAS’s innovative programs can be found at: www.buas.nl/en
A Hub for Innovation in eTourism
As a long-standing member of the IFITT community, BUAS boasts expertise in areas such as digital experience design, digital skills development, online communication, and AI & data science in tourism. Recently, the university launched the Hospitality, Tourism, Innovation & Technology (HTIT) knowledge platform to enhance academia-industry collaboration, establish a national research agenda, and foster innovation through hubs and best practices.
Global Connections and National Leadership
BUAS is also one of the founding members of CELTH, the Dutch National Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism, and Hospitality. Furthermore, it serves as the home of ATLAS (the Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research), a global network of 150 universities committed to advancing tourism and leisure studies.
Join Us in Breda for ENTER26
IFITT and BUAS are thrilled to invite you to Breda for the ENTER26 eTourism Conference. This event promises to be an extraordinary opportunity to explore cutting-edge developments in IT and tourism, network with global experts, and immerse yourself in the inspiring atmosphere of Breda.
Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the future of eTourism in one of Europe’s most dynamic and welcoming cities. We look forward to seeing you in Breda in 2026!
For all questions regarding the conference, you can contact us at enter2026@buas.nl
👉 Learn more at ifitt.net/enter-conference/enter26/
Link to event pageHere's the 10 latest classified ads:
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