
Scaling Growth and Reinvention
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel | April 28-29, 2026
As Asia reinforces its position as travel’s growth engine and its most influential first mover, Skift Asia Forum returns to Bangkok on April 28–29, 2026, convening the leaders defining the region’s next chapter through our theme: Scaling Growth and Reinvention.
This curated gathering brings together senior executives and innovators reshaping aviation, hospitality, destinations, and travel technology for two days of discussion centered on real business strategy and decision-making, not abstractions.
Through candid conversations, sharp analysis, and peer-level exchange, the Forum cuts through the noise to examine how Asia is scaling demand, navigating disruption, and setting models the global industry is now watching.
‘Met tons of great people dedicated to the travel industry and its betterment. It was a not-to-be-missed event with so many insights, amazing speakers and panelists led by very skilled moderators; I was privileged to be part of it.’
‘This was my first time attending a Skift event, and the entire forum was fantastic. I really enjoyed the discussions across all sessions and connecting with both old and new friends.’
‘The forum was more than just a conference; it was a much-needed moment of reflection, challenge, and inspiration as we explore how to reset our industry for the better.
Truth be told, I walked away having learned far more than I shared - thanks to the diverse voices and brilliant minds on stage and behind the scenes.’
Skift Asia Forum 2025 By The Numbers
Who Attends Skift Asia Forum
Top travel and hospitality leaders will be joining us in 2026.





Speakers
From global travel CEOs and platform leaders to tourism ministers, economists, and experience-driven innovators, the voices on stage at Skift Asia Forum represented the decision-makers shaping travel across Asia and beyond.
More speakers will be announced soon.
Agenda
On April 29 in Bangkok, Skift Asia Forum moves through the questions defining Asia's travel moment: where growth is durable, who controls demand, and what operating models will win. Peer-level sessions, Skift Research, startup pitches, and an investor panel - all in one day.
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel - SEEN Rooftop Bar
-
5:00 pm
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
-
9:30 am
Welcome and Opening Remarks
-
9:40 am
AMA: What Must Travel Do Today To Be AI Ready?
Moderator
Rafat Ali - CEO & Founder, Skift -
10:05 am
Building a Competitive Edge for the Premium Traveler
Moderator
Rafat Ali - CEO & Founder, Skift -
10:25 am
Can Asia Take Its Travel Playbook Global?
-
Boon Sian ChaiTrip.com GroupManaging Director and Vice President, International Markets -
Jihong HeH World InternationalChief Strategy Officer and H World Group Executive Chair
Moderator
Peden Bhutia - Asia Editor, Skift -
-
10:50 am
The Forces Shaping Demand That Leaders Can’t Ignore
-
11:00 am
Networking Break
-
11:30 am
What the Room Said: Notes from the Morning Roundtables
Moderator
Dan Marcec - Research Editor, SkiftX -
11:35 am
Moderator
Peden Bhutia - Asia Editor, Skift -
11:55 am
Builders and Backers: The Tech Innovations Asia Needs Next
Moderator
Sarah Kopit - Editor-in-Chief, Skift -
12:25 pm
Moderator
Dan Marcec - Research Editor, SkiftX -
12:40 pm
The Superapp Reality — What Works, What Doesn't, and What's Next
Moderator
Sarah Kopit - Editor-in-Chief, Skift -
1:00 pm
LUNCH
-
2:00 pm
Asia Growth Mythbusters: What’s Real and What’s Not
-
2:10 pm
Navigating the Loyalty Reset: Pricing, Value, and Consumer Trust
Moderator
Peden Bhutia - Asia Editor, Skift -
2:35 pm
Travel Leadership Session
-
2:50 pm
How Asia’s Airlines Are Finding Growth Under Pressure
-
3:10 pm
Networking Break
-
3:40 pm
Scorecard: Asia Hotels — Where the Sector Is Leading, and Where It's Lagging
-
Alex SchellenbergerMandarin OrientalChief Brand & Marketing Officer -
Rajeev MenonMarriott InternationalPresident, Asia Pacific excluding China
Moderator
Sarah Kopit - Editor-in-Chief, Skift -
-
4:05 pm
What the Next Generation of Travelers Want (and Will Pay For)
Moderator
Robin Gilbert-Jones - Senior Research Analyst, Skift -
4:25 pm
Moderator
Dan Marcec - Research Editor, SkiftX -
4:40 pm
High Tech, High Touch: Finding the Right Balance in Asia
Moderator
Peden Bhutia - Asia Editor, Skift -
5:05 pm
Closing
Register for Skift Asia Forum 2026
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for senior decision-makers from travel, hospitality, aviation, destinations, and travel technology companies with direct responsibility for partnerships, procurement, or strategic decisions. Startups can apply to attend here.
All other attendees are welcome to attend by purchasing a standard ticket.
Subscribers get exclusive discounts on Skift Live events.
Asia Global Leadership Exchange
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel | April 28, 2026
The inaugural WLT Asia Global Leadership Exchange is an invitation-only forum for senior women leading at scale across travel and hospitality.
Designed for executives navigating growth, talent and transformation, the Exchange centers on real-world leadership challenges, from building high-performing teams to strengthening influence at the top.
Through curated discussion and peer-level exchange, it offers practical insight, strategic perspective and meaningful connection for women shaping what comes next in the industry.
Venue

Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
Address: 257 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Samre, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
April 28 – WLT Asia Global Leadership Exchange
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
April 28 – Opening Reception
SEEN Restaurant & Bar Bangkok (Avani+ Riverside)
April 29 – Main Event
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
Skift is delighted to partner with Minor Hotels for Skift Asia Forum.
Supported By
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.
Past Asia Forum Highlights
Watch past conversations from previous years.
