The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Triip.me with the support of FWD Hong Kong, Gobi Partners and the Seychelles Tourism Board, are pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 Global Travel Entrepreneurship Challenge (GTEC 2016).
PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “GTEC gave us the perfect opportunity to engage and empower today’s young tourism professionals. The winning entries embodied one of the fundamental advocacy themes of our Association in showcasing authentic trips in lesser-known aspects of a destination. Congratulations to the winners as well as all the participants for their enthusiasm and hard work.”
Hai Ho, CEO of Triip.me, added, "GTEC 2016 was an incredible success. We had over 7,000 people from around the world enter the challenge, and so many interesting and authentic local experiences given to travellers as a result. I just want to take a moment and recognise our grand prize winner Emre Kanik in Seoul, and also our FWD Best Local Expert in Hong Kong SAR, Bella Wong. These two truly embody the spirit of millennial travel and innovation at the heart of GTEC. Many congratulations to all challenge participants and to our winners.”
David Wong, CEO of FWD Hong Kong & Macau, said, “As a brand that embraces innovation and celebrates living, FWD is amazed by the ground breaking Triip.me, where global travellers and young entrepreneurs can meet and create new travel experiences, and even turn their passion for travelling into a career. Congratulations to all the GTEC 2016 global participants and to Bella Wong who won the FWD Best Local Expert in Hong Kong SAR with her ‘Taste the Weirdness of Hong Kong’ trip! We look forward to meeting Bella and exploring new possibilities for the next generation of travel insurance together.”
The grand prize was awarded to Emre Kanik from Seoul, Korea (ROK) for his tour of the lesser-known parts of the city where visitors can travel back in time to 20th century Seoul.
“I have been photographing Seoul for over four years and know every nook and cranny of this amazing place. I realised I had something valuable that I wanted to share,” said Mr Kanik. “That’s why I decided to join Triip and participate in the GTEC 2016. I’m am very glad I made that decision, because I met some amazing people and could provide them with a unique experience on their trip to Seoul.”
As the winner of the grand prize, Emre Kanik was given complimentary round trip air ticket and accommodation for two nights in the Seychelles to attend the Seychelles Ocean Festival (December 3-10). He also received US$5,000 and will benefit in the coming months from mentoring support provided by Gobi Partners Venture, PATA, FWD Hong Kong and Triip.me. Triip.me’s elite team will also be providing support to Emre Kanik in technology, best practices and marketing.
In addition to the grand prize, four first place awards were also given. A team consisting of Wan-Hsiang "Tina" Liu, Hung-sheng "Duke" Chen, and Yu-xuan "Shelly" Liao from Chinese Taipei was awarded Most Creative Triip for their TAYAL – Heros triip, where travellers can explore a local Atayal aboriginal community. Yuk Fan "Bella" Wong from Hong Kong SAR was awarded the FWD Best Local Expert Hong Kong Award where visitors could experience her unique “Taste the Weirdness of Hong Kong” triip. Kieu Anh Nguyen from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam was awarded the Customer Happiness Award for her well-loved “Discover Saigon the Way You Like” triip. Finally, Chen Yi "Evelyn" Wu from Chinese Taipei was given the Best Video Award for her “Hidden Treasures of Taipei” triip.