China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam, and US Join Forces in Dida’s New Travel Event Series
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Dida has launched a fresh series of travel events that bring together top hotel brands from China, Southeast Asia, South Korea, Vietnam, and the US. These events combine innovative AI tools with face-to-face networking in key Chinese cities, aiming to enhance travel distribution, increase brand visibility, and open new growth avenues in major tourism markets.
Connecting Leading Hotel Brands Across Asia and Beyond
The first ‘Engage’ events took place in Chengdu and Shenzhen from May 13 to 15, 2025. Over fifty prominent hotel brands participated, representing sought-after destinations popular with Chinese travelers including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Major global hotel groups like Marriott International, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands Corporation joined regional leaders such as S Hotels & Resorts, ONYX Hospitality Group, Anantara Group, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, and Ormond Hotels. This diverse mix addressed various travel segments—from FIT (Free Independent Travelers) and group tours to MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and family vacations.
Strong Attendance from Key Travel Agencies
More than 400 top travel agency partners attended the events in Chengdu and Shenzhen. The gatherings fostered collaboration and networking aligned with Dida’s refreshed brand focus: blending advanced technology with human service to improve connections between travel supply and demand worldwide.
Attendees valued the chance to engage directly with hotel representatives and gain practical insights into emerging travel trends and booking strategies tailored to Chinese travelers.
AI Innovations Streamline Travel Booking
True to its motto, "Driven by Technology, Powered by People," Dida showcased advanced AI features integrated into its proprietary booking system. These tools simplify the booking process, boosting conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
- Smart recommendation engines that tailor hotel suggestions based on traveler profiles
- Automated customer service options for quicker query resolution
- Generative AI marketing tools for hotels to amplify brand presence and drive direct sales via key Chinese social media platforms like WeChat, Douyin (TikTok China), and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)
By combining AI capabilities with local market knowledge, Dida equips both travel agents and hoteliers to respond effectively to changing consumer demands.
Expanding the Event Series Across Asia and Beyond
Following the success of the initial events, Dida plans to replicate this format in other Asian cities and eventually global markets. This approach aims to increase hotel partners’ market reach and create a highly efficient platform connecting supply and demand.
These initiatives position Dida as a key player in the international travel ecosystem, facilitating easier access to vital markets while encouraging industry collaboration.
Dida’s Vision: Balancing Technology and Personal Connection
The ‘Engage’ series reflects Dida’s strategy to move beyond traditional travel distribution by embracing digital tools without losing the personal contact critical to business success. Investments in AI and platform improvements provide travel professionals with advanced yet user-friendly tools suited to modern traveler expectations.
At the same time, direct interactions between agents and hotel brands during live events reinforce trust, transparency, and knowledge sharing — essential elements for lasting partnerships.
Why Chengdu and Shenzhen?
Choosing these tier-two Chinese cities for the debut events was intentional. Both cities have growing middle-class populations with rising incomes and strong interest in outbound travel. Targeting these urban centers allows Dida and its partners to tap into emerging travel demand beyond China’s tier-one cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
This focus aligns with industry recognition that Chinese travelers are increasingly diversifying across regions, requiring more localized marketing and distribution strategies.
Positive Feedback from Event Participants
Travel agents appreciated how the AI booking tools simplify their workflows and improve their service offerings. Hotel partners valued face-to-face access to influential Chinese distribution channels and gained immediate market feedback.
This positive response confirms that Dida’s combination of technology and personal engagement resonates well with industry stakeholders looking to grow their businesses.
Looking Ahead: Sustained Growth and Industry Leadership
As the travel industry continues to recover and shift post-pandemic, Dida’s ‘Engage’ events demonstrate an effective approach to staying competitive. By blending technology with meaningful human connections, Dida is setting a model for steady B2B travel sector growth.
With plans to extend the series to more cities and markets, these initiatives are likely to influence how travel products are marketed and sold across Asia and beyond.
For hospitality and events professionals interested in AI applications and travel technology, exploring courses on AI in travel and hospitality could offer valuable insights.
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