The future of travel is no longer bound by the Earth’s atmosphere, and the Asia-Pacific region is poised to become a key player in this burgeoning industry. As highlighted at the recent Web in Travel (WiT) Singapore conference, industry leaders agree that space tourism, once the domain of science fiction, is rapidly becoming a reality—one that may soon be within reach for a wider audience.
At the heart of this discussion was the panel titled “New Frontiers in Travel: Out Of This World,” moderated by Fritz Demopoulos, CEO of Queens Road Capital. The session brought together key industry figures, including Jess Yap, founder of Intriq Journeys Singapore, and Seng Lim, founder and Managing Director of In.Genius to explore the possibilities and challenges of space tourism.
The Space Tourism Revolution is Here
For decades, the notion of space tourism has captured the imagination of adventurers and entrepreneurs alike. Companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and Space Perspective are turning this dream into a tangible experience. Virgin Galactic’s successful launches, including those of civilians such as Dennis Tito and Jared Isaacman, have marked the beginning of a new era for travel. Yap, whose agency is a preferred partner with Virgin Galactic, painted an exclusive picture of space tourism today.
“Space tourism may seem like a distant concept,” said Siew Hoon Yeoh, founder of Web in Travel, “but the rapid developments in this industry suggest it’s closer than many think, particularly for the Asia-Pacific region.”
The transformative “overview effect” experienced by astronauts—an emotional shift when viewing Earth from space—is often cited as a profound outcome of these journeys. The panellists echoed this sentiment, explaining that space travel offers more than just an adrenaline rush; it offers a life-changing perspective on our planet and place in the universe.
Asia’s Untapped Potential
While space tourism has gained traction in the U.S. and Europe, Asia has slowly embraced this new frontier. Yap revealed that less than 10% of Virgin Galactic’s tickets had been sold to Asian travellers. Yet, the potential for growth in this market is immense.
As prices begin to fall and accessibility improves, APAC will likely see a surge in interest. Siew Hoon Yeoh emphasized this, noting that travel businesses in the region should seize the opportunity to innovate and cater to this new breed of explorers. “As costs decrease, Asia could become a dominant player in space tourism,” she added.
Seng Lim, meanwhile, presented a more accessible version of space travel. His company, In.Genius offers gentler balloon flights to the edge of space, providing a breathtaking view without the physical demands of rocket-powered launches.“Our balloon flights cost around $100,000—significantly less than traditional space missions,” said Lim. “This opens up the experience to a broader audience, especially in Asian markets.”
Competition and Innovation Driving Growth
The rise of multiple players in space tourism, including Blue Origin and Space Perspective, is fueling innovation and competition, leading to various experiences at various price points.
Demopoulos highlighted that the emergence of these competitors validates the industry. “The more companies entering the space tourism market, the more affordable and diverse the offerings will become,” he stated.
One of the more speculative but exciting developments discussed at the panel was the concept of space hotels. Although still in the realm of imagination, space hotels represent the ambitious trajectory of the industry, where long-duration stays in orbit could become a reality within the next few decades.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the rapid advancements, space tourism still faces significant challenges—particularly around cost, safety, and public perception. Virgin Galactic’s current price tag of $600,000 for a five-day space experience, which includes training and a brief moment of weightlessness, remains out of reach for most travellers. However, as with any nascent industry, prices are expected to drop as technology improves and more competitors enter the market.
The session also discussed alternative experiences for those not ready for space travel. Parabolic flights, which simulate the sensation of weightlessness without leaving the atmosphere, offer a more affordable option for thrill-seekers.
“It’s about offering different layers of the space experience,” said Yap. “Not everyone will go to space, but many want to get a taste of what it’s like.”
Space Tourism: The Next Frontier for APAC
The key takeaway from the WiT Singapore panel was clear: space tourism is not a distant dream—it’s the next frontier, and the Asia-Pacific market stands at the threshold of a new era in travel. The combination of technological advancements, increasing consumer demand, and innovative approaches to accessibility means that space tourism is set to grow exponentially over the next decade.
This presents an unprecedented opportunity for travel businesses in the region to carve out a niche in an industry that promises to redefine adventure and luxury travel. As more companies compete to offer unique experiences, the future of space tourism will be shaped by the aspirations of travellers eager to venture beyond Earth.
In the words of Siew Hoon Yeoh, “Space tourism is not just about reaching the stars; it’s about expanding our horizons here on Earth.”
For more information on this emerging industry, visit Web in Travel Singapore.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
