11: Full conversation: Samson Tan - CEO GTMC Travel & Chairman, Inbound Commitee - NATAS

In this conversation with Manoj Aravindakshan, Samson Tan, CEO, GTMC Travel & Chairman, Inbound Committee, National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), shares his insights on the travel industry, especially in Singapore. How the internet boom changed the dynamics across key aspects within the industry. Tan mentions the emergence of an interesting O-to-O trend wherein increasingly for a product promoted online, the transaction takes place offline, displaying a global rise in offline transactions reflecting an increasing preference towards the service component offered.      Tan also takes us through his love for traveling and discovering new places, his inclination towards adapting to various cultures in Asia. With regards to his association with NATAS, he also shares his insights on measures being taken to increase the number of tourists to Singapore some regions around that have untapped tourism potential.   Samson is an avid water polo player since he was 9 years old and plays in the Chinese Swimming Club, Singapore. He had in his prime years, represented the national team and had played in the South East Asian Games & the Asian championships. Tan was also the vice president for water polo Singapore from 2016-18. When Samson isn’t traveling or isn’t enjoying a good meal, he can be found at a golf course! Tan loves to play golf and is doing so for nearly twenty years now. He has won several amateur golf tournaments and holds close to his heart his two wins in the NATAS yearly challenge. Tan believes golf has helped him in honing his decision-making skills. Towards the conclusion, Samson shares his thoughts on work-life balance and on how his family is the most important bit for keeping his enthusiasm alive.   Happy listening!