Skift Asia Forum is back â and heading to Bangkok. In this conversation, Skiftâs founder Rafat Ali and president Brian Quinn share why now is the moment to return to Asia, and what makes this yearâs event unmissable.
After a five-year break, Skift Asia Forum returns with renewed purpose and a new home on the Chao Phraya River. Rafat and Brian reflect on the evolution of the region â from the rise of tech-savvy travelers to the slow but steady comeback of Chinese outbound tourism â and why Bangkokâs creative, entrepreneurial energy sets the stage for the next chapter in Asian travel.
Rafat Ali: And⦠weâre back. After a five-year break â yeah, itâs been that long â Skift Asia Forum is finally making a return.
We first kicked this off in Singapore in 2019. It was a hit. Then the world hit pause. But now weâre thrilled to bring it back â this time in Bangkok. And honestly, there couldnât be a better moment.
Brian Quinn: Yes and what weâre seeing across the region isnât just growth, itâs a complete redefinition of what the future of travel can hold. Thanks to HBO’s White Lotus, Southeast Asia is once again in the broader consciousness when it comes to high-value luxury and wellness-driven travel. From a tech angle, Asian travelers are at the forefront of tech adoption and social commerce, which also makes the region an incredible source of innovation.
Rafat Ali: Of course the big news out of the West is a looming economic slowdown, which might stunt Asiaâs planned recovery for 2025, in addition to the slow return of Chinese travelers. But as we reported recently, with around 72% of Chinese travelers planning international outbound trips â driven partly by younger, first-timer travelers fueled by social media â we still might see a full Asia recovery this year.
Brian Quinn: Itâs going to be exciting to hear leaders from across travel dive in on these topics and more May 14â15 in Bangkok. Weâre working hard to bring together the people who are actually shaping the future of travel across Asia to share their strategies on how businesses are adapting to these trends, innovating new products, and leading their brands forward.
Rafat Ali: Yes – these are the conversations that need to happen, and thatâs exactly what Skift Asia Forum is about. Bangkok will bring creative, fast-moving, and entrepreneurial energy too. Weâre excited to team up with Minor Hotels as our hosts for the Forum at the Avani+ Riverside overlooking the Chao Phraya River.
Brian Quinn: And beyond the stage, weâre excited to bring attendees together through our new Forum app and also topic-driven conversation tables during the event. We want to make this event as participatory and engaging as possible. Skift events often feature as many leaders in the audience as on stage, and this event will be no different.
Rafat Ali: Yeah, the app helped unlock a whole new level of connection, and these events are not just about sitting in sessions. Itâs about being in the right conversations, with the right people, at the right time.
Brian Quinn: That said, here are just a few of the great speakers already confirmed to join us:
- Chai Eamsiri, CEO, Thai Airways
- Dave Stephenson, Chief Business Officer, Airbnb
- Laura Houldsworth, Booking.com
- Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels
- Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director, Trip.com GroupÂ
- Nadia Omer, CEO AirAsia MOVE
Rafat Ali: Yes and many more to be announced. If you have been to a Skift Forum in the past, you know the energy we bring to the room in addition to covering the big topics facing the industry. You wonât want to miss it.
Brian Quinn: Early bird pricing runs through April 17 â save 100$ for a solo ticket or up to $180 if you bring a colleague. Hotel discounts, a rooftop kickoff party, and a broad crowd from across sectors.Â
Brian Quinn: We canât wait. Go to Live.Skift.com to view our Bangkok event, happening May 14â15. Weâre thrilled to be back in Asia and unpack whatâs next in this highly influential region.
The travel industry’s top event comes to Bangkok.
May 14-15, 2025 – BANGKOK