Web in Travel (WiT) is marking its 21st anniversary by looking back at the people and ideas that helped shape Asia’s online travel industry — and asking what they would tell their younger selves if they could start again.

The reflections feature in Online Travel in Asia: The Unwritten Story, a new documentary released this month and set to premiere at WiT Singapore on 1 October.

Rather than focusing on technology, the film explores the personal lessons, risks, relationships and uncertainties that shaped the industry over the past two decades.

Siew Hoon Yeoh, founder of WiT and narrator of the documentary, said the industry’s early pioneers were navigating an uncertain landscape much as today’s leaders are doing now.

"Turning 21 is supposed to be the moment you become an adult," says Siew Hoon Yeoh, founder of WiT, who narrates the film. "Truth is, most of us had no idea what we were doing. I certainly didn't. Neither did this industry 21 years ago."

The advice from travel leaders spans career development, entrepreneurship, resilience and personal fulfilment.

Kerry Healy, chief commercial officer, MEA, Turkey and APAC, midscale and economy, Accor, urged young professionals to embrace uncertainty and difficult experiences.

"Things rarely unfold as you plan, and that's not failure, that's just part of the journey. Stay curious, build real relationships, and don't be afraid of the uncomfortable moments. They usually turn out to be the most valuable in the end."

For Laura Houldsworth, managing director APAC at Booking.com, the advice is to pursue education, travel and personal discovery.

"Go back and do your studies, travel the world, and keep looking for that forever home (which I haven't found yet)"

Darrell Chan, deputy general counsel at Airbnb, highlighted the importance of confronting uncertainty, particularly as technology and geopolitics reshape the travel sector.

"Don't be scared of the unknown and the uncertainty, especially where we're facing these unknowns right now with technology shifts and geopolitics. Be bold and courageous, because the future is still bright and hopeful."

Rod Cuthbert, founder of Viator, focused on the rewards of working in travel and finding enjoyment in a career.

"Get into the travel industry earlier, because it is absolutely the best place to work, to make incredible friends who will be with you for your whole career, to see the world, and to enjoy a life in business doing something you enjoy."

HeyMax co-founder and CEO Joe Lu took a longer-term view, encouraging younger professionals not to rush into a career at the expense of experiences outside work.

"Longevity drugs will be out there when you're older, so don't worry about getting into work mode so early in your career. You'll have a hundred years of work life ahead of you. Take breaks, travel the world, go to as many places as possible and get to know as many fun people as possible."

For Klook vice president, global marketing, Marcus Yong, experimentation and failure are essential parts of learning.

"That age is the best time to try different things. Don't be afraid to fail. Fail fast, fail cheap, but give everything a shot. Don't overthink things, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. That's the beauty of life."

Spotnana founder, co-chairman and chief product officer Sarosh Waghmar emphasised patience and the personal sacrifices that can accompany entrepreneurship.

"Good things take time to happen. Sometimes you have to be relentless in your pursuit, especially if you're trying to build something generational. Entrepreneurship is not about an idea, and it's not about the money. It's about what you are willing to give up. Stay grounded. Sometimes not doing something is okay. Sometimes you have to wait for things to come to you."

Almosafer chief digital and technology officer Qais Amori said businesses should remain focused on customers rather than becoming overly attached to particular technologies or solutions.

"Stay curious. Technology will always be evolving. There is an AI model every five minutes. That's okay. Stay focused on the customer. Be obsessed with the problem, not the solution. Everything we are doing is about people. Focus on the team and coach them. That is the core of every business you'll be doing in the future."

Timothy O'Neil-Dunne, principal at T2Impact, offered advice centred on risk, ambition and self-belief.

"Don't worry, it will all work itself out. Pursue your own dreams, not other people's. Start early on something that has to become your north star. Risk should be embraced. Reduce the fear, but never suppress the paranoia. Everyone has value, and they like to be acknowledged."

Tim Hughes, vice president, corporate development at Agoda, offered a more playful take, while also highlighting the importance of resilience.

"Obviously I'd say buy Apple, buy Booking Holdings, buy Bitcoin. But seriously, I'd say buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride, and the first thing you have to be is your own best friend."

The documentary draws a parallel between WiT’s 21-year journey and the current transformation of the travel industry. As generative AI rapidly changes how travellers search, discover and book, the sector is once again confronting an uncertain future.

"Generative AI has existed for only a few years, yet the pace of change feels less like four years and more like 40," says Yeoh in the film. "AI is becoming the interface. Search is starting to disappear. Discovery is a 15-second video. The industry isn't evolving. It's resetting. Again."

Rather than attempting to predict the next stage of online travel, the documentary asks industry leaders what should remain intact as technology and business models are rebuilt.

Among the recurring themes are trust, people and the traveller experience. The film argues that while technology may transform the way the industry operates, the fundamentals of travel remain centred on human connections and the desire to experience something enjoyable.

The message from the industry’s pioneers is therefore less about predicting the next technological breakthrough and more about preserving the qualities that have helped travel evolve: curiosity, resilience, relationships, experimentation and a focus on people. -TradeArabia News Service