Join Asia’s Top Travel Leaders in Bangkok
Southeast Asia’s travel rebound is accelerating - and all eyes are on Bangkok.
After a sold-out debut in Singapore, Skift Forum Asia returns with the region’s top travel leaders tackling what’s next for airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and tech.
Inbound and outbound travel. Shifting behaviors. Innovation in motion. If you’re doing business in Asia - or planning to - this is where the industry moves forward.
"If there’s one go-to source I rely on to stay updated with the latest trends in travel, tourism, and aviation, it’s Skift."
- Skift India Forum 2025 attendee
Speakers
From top CEOs of the largest travel brands from across sectors to new entrepreneurs driving innovation, the leaders and voices on stage at Skift Asia Forum are a reflection of the best the travel industry has to offer.
Why Attend?
Skift Asia Forum isn’t just a conference - it’s where the travel industry’s top decision-makers shape the future. Join CEOs and executives as they explore the biggest trends, share exclusive insights, and examine Southeast Asia’s growing impact on global travel.
Agenda
Under the theme Asia’s New Priorities, we will explore how Asia’s transformation and the strategic shifts happening across the region — economically, politically, and culturally. Join us as we unpack what matters now, and what comes next.
- Asia’s Reset: The people, platforms, and policies that will evolve the region’s future.
- The Power of Experiences: Connecting travelers to culture, live events, and communities.
- Luxury Meets Localization: Asia’s setting new expectations across luxury, wellness, and service.
- A New Chapter for Airlines: A focus on growth for both leisure and business-related travel.
- Emerging Technology: From digital payments to social commerce, how travel should keep up.
- Travel's Economic Impact: The collision of big traveler targets, visa hurdles, and China's future.
- Sustainability and Implementation: Balancing economic recovery with long-term impact.
- A Global View: Spotlights on emerging regional innovations and the opportunities for global brands to invest in Southeast Asia’s evolving travel market.
All Times are in Indochina Time (ICT)
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
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8:30 am
Breakfast
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9:25 am
Welcome
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9:35 am
Reimagining Hospitality at Scale
Moderator
Sean O'Neill - Senior Hospitality Editor, Skift -
9:55 am
How Experiences Are Shaping Travel’s Next Chapter
Moderator
Sarah Kopit - Editor-in-Chief, Skift -
10:15 am
Accelerating Inbound Travel Across the Region
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Nithee SeepraeTourism Authority of ThailandDeputy Governor for Marketing Communications -
Laura HouldsworthBooking.comManaging Director and Vice President, Asia Pacific
Moderator
Monica Pitrelli - Editor, CNBC Travel -
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10:45 am
Culture vs. Growth: Striking the Right Tourism Balance
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11:00 am
Networking Refresh
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11:30 am
The Next Wave of Talent
Moderator
Rafat Ali - CEO/Founder, Skift -
11:40 am
Putting Consumers First
Moderator
Peden Bhutia - Asia Editor, Skift -
11:55 am
Moderator
Carolyn Kremins - President, Skift -
12:10 pm
Redefining Transit for the Modern Traveler
Moderator
Sarah Kopit - Editor-in-Chief, Skift -
12:30 pm
Moderator
Carolyn Kremins - President, Skift -
12:45 pm
Lunch and Expert-Guided Roundtables
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1:45 pm
Skift Research: Asia at the Frontline of Change
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1:55 pm
Diversifying Asia’s Tourism Future
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Fazal BahardeenCrescentRating and HalalTripCEO -
Gary BowermanAsia-based Travel Economist -
Hannah PearsonPear AndersonDirector
Moderator
Peden Bhutia - Asia Editor, Skift -
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2:25 pm
Moderator
Carolyn Kremins - President, Skift -
2:35 pm
Pushing Boundaries in Asia’s Dynamic Hospitality Ecosystem
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Wong Kar LingThe Ascott LimitedChief Strategy Officer and Managing Director Southeast Asia -
Deepak OhriLuxury Atelier Maison Happiness (LAMH)CEO and Founder
Moderator
Sean O’Neill - Senior Hospitality Editor, Skift -
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3:00 pm
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3:10 pm
Reshaping Tourism Around a Deeper Travel Experience
Moderator
Peden Bhutia - Asia Editor, Skift -
3:30 pm
Networking Break
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4:00 pm
The Next Chapter for Air Travel in Asia
Moderator
Sarah Kopit - Editor-in-Chief, Skift -
4:20 pm
Why Experiences Are the Future
Moderator
Sean O’Neill - Senior Hospitality Editor, Skift -
4:35 pm
How the Asian Traveler is Prototyping the Future
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Boon Sian ChaiTrip.com GroupManaging Director and Vice President, International Markets -
George CaoDragon Trail InternationalCEO and Co-Founder
Moderator
Peden Bhutia - Asia Editor, Skift -
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5:10 pm
Live Skift Podcast: How I Travel
Moderator
Rafat Ali - CEO/Founder, Skift -
5:30 pm
Closing Reception

Expert-Guided Roundtables
During lunch on May 15, don't miss out on our curated roundtable discussions designed for travel leaders to connect with leaders from across the industry – fostering sharper insights and meaningful exchange. Topics include AI innovation, luxury’s evolution, sustainability, hospitality investment, inbound strategy, social commerce, and more.
Once registered for the Forum, you’ll be able to reserve your seat at the table of your choice. Spots are limited, so get your pass and reserve your spot. Conversation tables are reserved on a first-come basis.
"Attending this event has given me deeper insights into regional trends and allowed me to form meaningful connections - both professional and personal."
- Skift Global Forum East 2024 attendee
Subscribers get exclusive discounts on Skift Live events.
Venue

Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
Address: 257 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Samre, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
May 14 – Opening Reception
SEEN Restaurant & Bar Bangkok (Avani+ Riverside)
May 15 – Main Event
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
Skift is delighted to partner with Minor Hotels for Skift Asia Forum.
Exclusive Hotel Discounts for Attendees
Enjoy special rates at our partner hotels, including daily breakfast.
Book Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort →
Book Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel →
Discounted rates are available only for Skift Asia Forum attendees. You must present your event ticket at check-in.

"One of the finest travel meetup I have witnessed."
- Skift India Forum 2025 attendee
Supported By
OFFICIAL VENUE PARTNER
INDUSTRY SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
ASSOCIATION PARTNER
Translation & Transcription Partner
Sponsor Opportunities
Want to be part of the next event? Sponsor opportunities include main stage talks, networking, workshops, and more. Reach out to [email protected] to learn more.