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THE GLOBAL tourism industry is moving toward the concept of connected travel, which refers to trips that are seamlessly planned and experienced from start to finish.
According to Mark Antipof, Chief Growth Officer of HBX Group, stated during MarketHub Asia 2026 in Bali on Wednesday (02/04), 2026 this change is no longer just a trend; it is a new standard that is being shaped by consumer needs and technological developments.
“Connected travel also means a shift from selling individual products to selling complete experiences. Tourists are no longer purchasing theme park admission tickets or hotels separately; rather, they are opting for comprehensive travel packages that include accommodation, transportation, and activities, all within a unified travel ecosystem,” he stated.
Mark explained that experiences will shift from being pieces to becoming a complete, connected journey. In essence, travelers are seeking experiences, not merely transactions. Furthermore, the concept of connected travel will become increasingly relevant for both business and leisure travel.
“In the context of business travel, efficiency and convenience are paramount. Conversely, when it comes to leisure travel, a personalized and comprehensive experience is paramount. Antipof expressed optimism about the future of connected travel, stating, With the support of AI and technology integration, we believe that connected travel will become the main foundation of the global tourism industry,” he affirmed.
Mark also revealed that travelers can now book various travel components, from flights and hotels to activities. However, the most significant challenge continues to be the fragmented nature of the system.
From the user’s perspective, the process appears seamless. However, behind the scenes, there are still many different systems that need to be managed separately,” he underlined.
Mark stated that HBX Group, a global travel technology company, is developing a single, integrated platform to streamline this complexity, enabling more efficient management of travel from start to finish.
“The company is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, including creating an AI dashboard for employees to automate various administrative processes,” he concluded. [antaranews/photo special]
