Insights from Patrick Torres on Trends in Travel and Tourism
Key Discussion Points HBX Group recently hosted the MarketHub 2025 summit in Macau, acting as a pivotal platform to explore trends in travel and hospitality.
We had a chance to interview Patrick Torres, the VP for sourcing in the Middle East and Asia Pacific, who shared insights on growth opportunities in these regions.
1. Role Overview
PT: My role focuses on developing hotel sourcing strategies across the Middle East, India, and the Asia Pacific regions, while enhancing customer segmentation to drive engagement with our partners.
2. Market Growth Focus
Torres highlighted Japan and India as critical growth areas within the Asia Pacific.
- Japan is currently the top destination for intra-regional travel and is poised for significant growth following recovery from COVID-19.
- The depreciation of the Japanese yen has made it an attractive spot for inbound tourism.
3. Market Strategies for 2025
Key Markets:
- Japan: Now among the top spots for regional travel, expecting rapid growth.
- Thailand: Continues to be a strong market with sustainability initiatives gaining traction.
- Bali: Known for its diverse tourism offerings, remains a popular choice.
In summary, Torres believes there is considerable potential for strategic growth in Japan, particularly due to its economic recovery and favorable currency rates. Focus on localization in business practices will be crucial in maximizing opportunities.
MarketHub 2025 Summit
About Patrick Torres: Currently based in Hong Kong, he was appointed in November last year to further expand HBX’s sourcing capabilities.
