135 leading Asia-Pacific travel media and 160 international brand representatives shared two productive days at Suntec Singapore.
TravMedia closed IMM Asia 2026 at Suntec Singapore. Over two days, 135 journalists, editors and content creators from 14 Asia-Pacific countries met 160 global brand representatives. Their diaries held more than 2,500 pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings, alongside professional development and networking sessions.
Where Stories Find Their Partners
Media from Greater China, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, India and Australia sat down with destinations, hotel groups, cruise lines, airlines and tour operators. Press trips took shape. Fresh story angles emerged. Partnerships for the year ahead began to form.
The guest list read like a newsstand of the region’s finest titles: BBC Travel, South China Morning Post, Nikkei Asia, Travel + Leisure Asia, Tatler Asia, CNN Travel, Condé Nast Traveller, National Geographic, Robb Report, DestinAsian, The Straits Times, Lonely Planet, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Time Out Asia and SilverKris.
Nick Wayland, CEO and Founder of TravMedia, credits the calibre of attendees for the momentum. “IMM Asia continues to grow in scale and significance,” he said. “Events like this help our industry work smarter, not harder.”
Honouring All of Asia’s Travel Storytellers
At a luncheon at Suntec Singapore, TravMedia revealed the winners of the TravMedia Awards Asia 2026. They are the first awards of their kind to span the entire continent. Together, they set the benchmark for travel journalists, content creators and PR professionals who champion destinations, hotels, cruise lines and airlines. TravMedia, the only global network linking travel media with travel PRs, presents them during IMM Asia, the region’s leading gathering for travel communicators. To safeguard integrity, diversity and excellence, an independent panel of leading editors, journalists and communications experts chose every winner.
The Media Honourees
Mark Footer, Travel Editor of PostMag at South China Morning Post, claimed Media Lifetime Achievement. Judges celebrated his lasting influence on how Asian readers discover their region and the world. They also admired his steadfast commitment to quality.
Kissa Castañeda is Travel Writer of the Year. This freelance writer and contributing editor has filed for Tatler, Elle, Going Places and Forbes Lifestyle. Her elegant, evocative prose and gift for finding the people behind a place won the panel over.
Xiaoya Qi, known as Annie_uu, is Content Creator of the Year. Her visually striking work inspires wanderlust. Jurors praised her distinctive voice and vision.
Bangkok Post took Travel Section of the Year for its depth, reliability and devotion to the stories behind destinations.
Condé Nast Traveler China won Travel Magazine of the Year. Hailed as a benchmark for premium publishing, it pairs world class photography with insightful storytelling.
The PR Honourees
Jesmine Hall, Director of Commercial Marketing at Raffles Hotel Singapore, received PR Lifetime Achievement. As brand custodian of the city’s most recognisable hotel, she has become a trusted partner to media and a mentor to many.
Daphne Tan, Hilton’s Director of Consumer Communications for Asia Pacific, is PR Professional of the Year. Her strategic insight and lasting media relationships stood out. So did her knack for finding fresh angles in a hotel stay.
Tourism Fiji’s Greater China team won PR Team of the Year, sponsored by Travel Lifestyle Network. Their campaigns brought Fiji to life with warmth and imagination. The panel applauded their collaborative spirit, consistency and strong media relations.
An Evening of French Elegance
After a full day of meetings, delegates gathered at Sofitel Singapore City Centre for the closing cocktail reception. Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, shared news from the brands. The evening paired French flair with Singapore’s vibrant culture. Guests previewed the new Vestiaire collection, then toasted Sofitel’s next chapter with Pommery Champagne.
Nick closed the night with heartfelt thanks. YOTEL stood as Summit Headline Sponsor, and Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore hosted the opening cocktail. Meliá Hotels International supported the coffee cart, while Travel Lifestyle Network sponsored the lanyards and the Awards. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore and Centara Reserve served as activation partners. “Their support ensures IMM Asia remains the region’s premier media networking event,” he said.
Save the Date
IMM Asia returns to Suntec Singapore on 18-19 October 2027. For more information, visit travmedia.com/imm or follow @TravMedia on social media.
