Hotelier Maldives has announced that Etienne Ng, Regional Director of South East Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), will be the keynote speaker at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in the Maldives, will be held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 19 September.
Etienne Ng leads Weixin Pay’s operations in Southeast Asia, where the platform has seen significant growth. His session at the forum will primarily focus on Chinese travel trends and their spending behavior, as well as the role of digital payments in improving guest experience and operational efficiency in the hospitality industry.
Commenting on the announcement, Ali Nafees, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said: “Etienne Ng’s participation in the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will provide attendees with valuable insight into the growing impact of digital payments in the tourism and hospitality sector. His experience managing the expansion of Weixin Pay in Southeast Asia will make him an important voice in the discussion about the future of payment solutions in the industry.”
Now in its eighth year, the GM Forum will focus on the “evolving luxury landscape” in the Maldives. Industry leaders will discuss the future of luxury travel, including the new luxury traveler psychology, digital marketing and sustainable practices. Topics will include private islands, underwater experiences and the opportunities and challenges facing hoteliers in the country. The forum will feature a range of panels and interactive sessions, with a focus on the integration of personalized guest experiences and local culture. It aims to encourage active participation and share innovative case studies in the luxury travel industry.
GM Forum 2024 sponsors and partners include:
- Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
- Best Buy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
- Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
- Fuel Surprise Maldives: Silver Sponsor
- Manta Air: Airline Partner
- Marais Sparkling Water Company: Your Beverage Partner
- Atmosphere Wellness: Your Wellness Partner
- Souvenir Marine: Your Shipping Partner
- Printlab: Your printing partner
- CROSSROADS MALDIVES: VENUE PARTNER
- Lights Out: Coverage Partners
- Associated Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited, Spa Ceylon Maldives
Etienne Ng will be joining the speakers at Hoteliers Maldives GM Forum 2024, which will provide participants with insights into the latest trends in digital payment technology and its application in the Maldives hospitality industry.
John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group Keynote Speakers The event will see Hotelier Maldives announce additional speakers, presenters and panel discussions shortly to further shape the forum’s agenda.
