So-called super apps have developed rapidly to become important channels for consumers to communicate and transact in many parts of Asia.
WeChat is a prime example of such a channel that offers users chat tools, services such as travel through its mini programs and mobile payments.
The payment element of these platforms is seen as a key driver of growth, with a lack of mechanisms in many Asian countries holding back e-commerce until relatively recently.
The rise of these super apps, how consumer behavior differs when using them and how travel companies should approach them were discussed during an executive panel at The Phocuswright Conference in Florida last month.
The lineup for the "Made in Asia- The Mobile Future" panel, which was hosted by Chetan Kapoor, research analyst for Asia Pacific at Phocuswright, was:
- Mieke de Schepper executive vice president online travel and managing director APAC, Amadeus
- Jay Shen, vice president of Trip.com Group and head of investment, Ctrip.com
- Kei Shibata, co-founder and CEO, Venture Republic Group
Watch the full discussion here:
Executive Roundtable - Made in Asia - The Mobile Future - The Phocuswright Conference