Spread the love

Post Views: 45

ILTM Asia Pacific, the leading luxury travel event, has officially announced the highly anticipated keynote speakers for its Opening Forum on Monday, June 19. Aaron Lau, Founder and CEO of the Gusto Collective, and Sumana Rajarethnam, south-east Asia Director of the Economist Intelligence Corporate, will take the stage to share their expertise and insights with industry professionals from around the globe.

Aaron Lau, a renowned figure in the luxury travel industry, will deliver a captivating talk titled “From Jetset to Webset: How Web 3.0 Will Transform Luxury Travel.” Lau will delve into “phygital marketing,” a strategic approach combining the best physical and digital experiences. By embracing this innovative marketing strategy, luxury travel brands can effectively engage with Gen-Z customers and create immersive experiences that bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds. Additionally, Lau will explore how Web3 marketing can revolutionize transaction-focused customer loyalty programs, ushering in a new era of enriching and experiential approaches.

Aaron Lau

With an illustrious career spanning multiple continents, Aaron Lau brings a wealth of experience to the table. Before establishing the Gusto Collective, Asia’s first brand technology group, in 2020, Lau held esteemed positions in prominent branding and advertising firms. As North America’s International President and CEO at Cheil Worldwide, Lau led the company’s global business across 43 countries for over a decade. He played a pivotal role in Samsung’s digital expansion into Web 2.0. Before this, Lau served as the Chairman and CEO of DDB Asia for more than 17 years, making significant contributions to the industry. Lau’s expertise has earned him prestigious advisory board positions, including the Shanghai Xu Hui District Mayor’s International Advisory Board and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

“I am thrilled to shed light on the future of immersive customer experiences at the ILTM Asia Pacific Opening Forum,” expressed Aaron Lau. “I will focus on high-impact communication strategies for key customer demographics and how luxury travel brands can incorporate them into their marketing efforts.”

Joining Lau on the stage is Sumana Rajarethnam, a seasoned business advisor with over 17 years of experience. Rajarethnam, currently based in Singapore, will present a comprehensive macroeconomic global and regional outlook. With his extensive background in senior policy positions, Rajarethnam will provide valuable insights into current economic trends and future expectations.

Having returned to The Economist Group in 2022, Rajarethnam most recently served as a Trust and Safety policy expert at Kuaishou Technology and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. In addition, he played a vital role as the Executive Director of the Asian Dialogue Society, collaborating with influential policymakers to develop an alternative ASEAN Charter. Rajarethnam also organized the highly acclaimed “Building a Better Asia” series, a program aimed at empowering young leaders across Asia.

“I am excited to encourage ILTM Asia Pacific delegates to challenge conventional thinking, explore new possibilities, and embrace a fresh mindset,” stated Sumana Rajarethnam.

The ILTM Asia Pacific Opening Forum will occur at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore. The event will also feature ILTM’s latest research, “Decoding the Luxury Traveller’s Mindset; Spotlight China.” This groundbreaking research offers in-depth insights into the travel behaviour of high-net-worth Chinese travellers, providing actionable business intelligence for industry professionals.

Following the Opening Forum, the three-day event will continue with one-to-one pre-scheduled meetings, networking events, and media engagements. These activities provide a platform for luxury travel brands to establish meaningful business relationships with industry suppliers.

For more information about ILTM Asia Pacific and to register for the event, please visit their official website: www.iltm.com/asia-pacific/en-gb.html.