All eyes are on Asia’s online travel ecosystem as startups continue to gain investor attention while platforms and super apps widen their appeal inside and outside the region.
The “Through the Lens of Investors” session at the Phocuswright Europe 2019 Conference threw a spotlight on many of the recent big deals as well as some of the areas investors are drawn to currently.
Significant developments include OYO’s acquisition of Netherlands-based @Leisure, huge funding rounds for Traveloka and Klook and, smaller rounds for travel companies in South Korea as they bid to fight the march of global online travel agencies.
The ongoing development of mobile channels including super apps was also discussed, with panelists pointing out the lower cost of user acquisition as a huge advantage of the model.
The panel hosted by Siew Hoon Yeoh of WebInTravel featured:
Through the Lens of Investors - WiT at Phocuswright Europe 2019
PhocusWire caught up with all the panelists in two separate interviews in its studio, with discussions on lessons these players have learned from other industries, trends in investments, an apparent "winter" around financial backing and where the money goes next.
Here, first, is Bao Bean and Traversone:
PhocusWire @ Phocuswright Europe 2019 - The Investor Point Of View
Then, Xu:
PhocusWire @ Phocuswright Europe 2019 - Travel Investors in China